Having the opportunity to paint stage backdrops for some of the greatest bands in rock and roll has been an extraordinary experience, one I'm deeply grateful for. That gratitude has given me something even more meaningful: a reason to pay it forward. Through Crayons Across Cities, I'm putting colors into young hands, providing opportunities for kids to turn their own ideas into something real, explore how things work, and discover possibilities along the way.
Westminster, CO.
Westminster, CO.
Westminster, CO.
Westminster, CO.
Arvada CO.
Arvada, CO.
Arvada, CO.
Arvada, CO.
Westminster, CO.
Westminster, CO.
It Starts With a Box Of Crayons
Crayons Across Cities puts free boxes of crayons into young hands, accompanied by an Invitation to Color (ITC) card. The invitation connects kids and their families to the My Backdrop Rocks! coloring page and real concert backdrop projects, giving them an opportunity to create their own designs, share their artwork, and potentially see their ideas transformed into a hand-painted mini-backdrop.
Getting the Colors Into Young Hands
Crayons and invitations reach kids through participating local businesses, where families can pick them up at no cost. I also personally hand them out at select events and through spontaneous, everyday encounters in the community. Each handout creates a direct connection between kids, creativity, and the world of real concert backdrops.
My Backdrop Rocks! —
The Creative Invitation
The Invitation to Color card opens the door to My Backdrop Rocks!, where kids can download a free concert backdrop coloring page and create designs of their own. Families can submit their finished artwork to an online gallery, and selected creations may even become real hand-painted mini-backdrops. It's an opportunity for young minds to experiment with colors, express their ideas, and experience a connection to the world of rock and roll.
The experience extends beyond the coloring page into the world of real rock-and-roll concert backdrops. Through my ongoing projects with legendary bands, kids and families can follow the creative process, discover how designs become massive hand-painted stage productions, and see the craftsmanship, problem-solving, and behind-the-scenes work that bring these projects to life.
Blue Öyster Cult is one of classic rock's most recognizable bands, emerging from Long Island, New York, in the late 1960s. With legendary songs including "(Don't Fear) The Reaper," "Burnin' for You," and "Godzilla," the band has spent more than five decades building a lasting presence in rock and roll.
Beginning November 2, 2026, I'll be creating a new hand-painted concert backdrop for Blue Öyster Cult. Visitors can follow along as the project develops, getting a glimpse into the creative process and the work that goes into bringing a concert backdrop to life.It's another opportunity to connect the world of rock and roll with the curiosity, creativity, and discovery at the heart of Crayons Across Cities.
Twisted Sister became one of the most recognizable bands in 1980s rock and roll, rising from the New York club scene to international fame with their unmistakable image, rebellious attitude, and explosive performances. Their multi-platinum 1984 album Stay Hungry delivered the legendary anthems "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock," songs that remain staples of classic rock today.
My Twisted Sister backdrop project offers a look into the world of large-scale concert artwork and the creative work behind the stage. Visitors can explore the completed project, discover some of what goes into producing a hand-painted concert backdrop, and see another example of the rock-and-roll experiences that inspired Crayons Across Cities.
It's a connection between the opportunities I've been fortunate to experience and the curiosity and discovery I hope to encourage in young minds.
Become a Crayons Across Cities sponsor and help support the next opportunities for kids to create, explore, and discover.