A drastic change on Instagram, a new passion, and a fresh mission: Kurt McHenry, a former NCAA wrestling champion, is making waves in State College’s nightlife scene. Kurt McHenry, the Penn State wrestler, once had hundreds of promotional posts on his Instagram account, showcasing his wrestling prowess. However, in January, he made a drastic change, replacing all of the highlight reels with eccentric art. Months later, we finally know what Kurt is up to.
Healthy Transformation Energy (HTE)
McHenry is the founder of Healthy Transformation Energy (HTE), an entertainment company that aims to create spaces for people to dance, laugh, and have a good time. As a three-time Maryland State Champion, three-time Beast of the East, and two-time Cadet World Champion, McHenry had a storied wrestling career, but he has found a new passion in music. “I love wrestling, but I also love music,” McHenry said. “The unity that music has the ability to create is just so awesome to me.”
McHenry’s dream is to create spaces that allow people to transform their lives through music and dance. “Some of the places where I’ve felt safest have been dance floors,” he said. “I’ve always had so much appreciation for an awesome dance floor because it can be a powerful tool to transform lives for the better.”
Dance Floor Experiences
The Spring Wub Session, held at Manny’s Live Performance Space on April 3, was Kurt’s first event with HTE. The event featured five DJs and other entertainers, and it marked a significant departure from the typical nightlife scene. “I’m super excited for the show,” said Otterson, one of the featured DJs. “I’ve played a decent amount of shows around campus but very few downtown, so I think it’s a great opportunity. I have a mad set full of twists and turns, and I’m ready to keep it over the top.”
McHenry’s goal with HTE is to create a healthier nightlife experience. “How can I do this in the healthiest way possible and still make it fun as hell?” he asked. “I want people to leave my events feeling like they’ve gained something.”
The Music Scene
For McHenry, music is a niche interest. He wants to play the music that people don’t know they need yet. “When I leave the show with eight new songs I’ve never heard before, it’s like unlocking new perspectives,” he said. His dream lineup? Tool, Willow Smith, Tipper, and Subtronics all sharing a stage. “That would go crazy,” he said. McHenry is also passionate about supporting local artists. “We’ve got so many dope artists right here in State College,” he said. “Otterson, Ken G, the Sunday Love Club, Jayee, Mellow Honey, The Fifth Wall — they all rip, and I want to help give them the spotlight they deserve.”
Creating a New Normal
McHenry’s approach to nightlife is different from what you might expect. While other companies focus on packing people in, pushing pricey drinks, and chasing clout with big-name acts, McHenry is asking bigger questions. He wants to create spaces that are fun, healthy, and sustainable. “I’ve been to so many shows that changed my life,” McHenry said. “I want to give people that same kind of moment. The goal is to create a space where folks can dance, laugh, and maybe even heal a little. I’m thinking about how to pull out the best parts of the music scene and leave behind the mess.”
As McHenry navigates this new chapter in his life, he is committed to making a positive impact. With Healthy Transformation Energy, he is creating a new normal in State College’s nightlife scene, one that is centered around fun, health, and sustainability.
