Inductee

Adam Ellsworth is the founder of Molten Audio and has spent much of his career working to make live music sound better.

His path into audio wasn't a straight line. He started DJing school dances at 12, and by 16 was a part-time radio DJ at KJAM in Madison. After graduating from Dakota State University with a degree in Computer Science, he spent more than a decade as a software engineer while running sound on nights and weekends for local shows before eventually leaving software to run Molten Audio full-time.

Since then, Adam has worked more than 1,000 events across the region, from small club stages to outdoor festivals and large public events. His favorite credits include the Sioux River Folk Festival, the 605 Summer Classic, more than a decade of Downtown Block Parties, and over 100 shows with the Dustin Evans Band and Goodroad. He was also part of the short but influential run of Nutty's North, a venue that helped shape a generation of independent music in the area.

Molten Audio has served as the house audio and lighting provider at The District since it opened in 2013, supporting both touring acts and local artists. Beyond music, Adam's work has included the World Archery Cup, the Crazy Horse 75th Anniversary, and dozens of events for national presidential campaigns representing both major political parties.

Adam lives in Sioux Falls with his wife, whose support has been a major part of building the business, and their two children.

Awards

2026Production Crew