Smart bets: Ian Ridenhour

Posted on by Kat McReynolds

Before graduating from high school at age 14, Ian Ridenhour released his crowdfunded debut full-length album, Quietly Making Noise, alongside collaborators like NPR composer BJ Leiderman, musical peace purveyor David LaMotte and other “talented adults.” Now the young keyboardist, drummer, singer and composer is pursuing music full time, though he did recently put his drum sticks down to win $50,000 during Whiz Kids Week on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” Those funds are earmarked for a new album, Cry About It, which Ridenhour is recording at Asheville’s Nomatic Studio, plus two music videos led by local youth filmmaker Kira Bursky. Her crew will capture additional live footage of Ridenhour during his 16th birthday party performance with Leiderman, LaMotte and other special guests. The show is at White Horse Black Mountain on Sunday, June 19, at 7 p.m. $10/$12. whitehorseblackmountain.com. Photo courtesy of the artist

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About Kat McReynolds
Kat studied entrepreneurship and music business at the University of Miami and earned her MBA at Appalachian State University. Follow me @katmAVL
View all posts by Kat McReynolds →

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