TOPEKA BLUES SOCIETY
Monday, March 18, 2013
6:30pm @ Uncle Bo’s
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 6:35pm.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Suki Willison, Brad Hern, Luan Betts, Rod Peterson, Gib Ramirez, Bill Beasley, Stacy Jeffress, Gerry Schmanke, Brian Gabel and Karen Osborn
BOARD MEMBER ABSENT: Tony Gaines
TBS MEMBER PRESENT: Mike Betts
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Gib made motion that minutes of February 18, 2013 be approved, Bill second; approved.
SECRETARY REPORT: Karen reported we had four membership renewals, bringing us to 49 on our membership listing (this number includes “individual”, “family”, and “Band” memberships). She handed out a printout of Cash Flow for past month (attached to paper copy of minutes). Bill made motion that report be approved, Stacy second; approved.
OLD BUSINESS
Website help: Karen advised that TBS member Steve Montgomery was interested in helping with our website. With Suki’s approval, Steve was given passwords to give him an opportunity to familiarize himself with WordPress and see if he wanted to work with it. If Board approves, he is ready to make some additions and changes to make our website current. Approved by unanimous vote.
Blue Star Connection: No date set – Suki is waiting to hear from them for date and artist. When date is set, we will contact those wanting to donate instruments for collection.
“TBS Summertime Blues”: Suki reported this will feature local Blues bands at Gage Amphitheater, Wednesdays, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, from 7:00 – 9:30 pm, plus setup/tear down. Rod said they do have lights. TBS may set up a membership table and sell merchandise, but may not sell concessions. We will promote this all summer – will be good community involvement. Will use Rod’s P.A. system and monitors, and Rod/Brad will take care of sound.
Brad mentioned this might be a good opportunity to train high school age youth as Sound Technician. Brad suggested we put mention on website and Facebook, asking if any bands want to play and if anyone high school age would like to learn Sound.
Suki has JVB booked for June 19th. Other bands mentioned: Monk Wine, That Damn Blues Band, Slow You Roll, Old No. 5, Red,White and Blues. Rod offered Back Porch Blues Band as last-minute substitute,if needed. Suki thought this Summertime concert might be a good opportunity for a youth band to play, also.
SOKBF: Karen passed out “Expenses & Income” from 2012 SOK Blues Festival, and she also passed out list of pledges and donations made to-date (copies attached to paper minutes). Gib, Suki, Gerry and Rod will seek donations from those giving last year. All members of the Board should be seeking donations. Stacy has made a presentation to BC/BS about being a major sponsor.
Stacy said Buddy Flett is interested in playing again this year. Rod suggested he play with the Back Porch Blues Band, and maybe play Side Stage from 11:15-11:45am. Bill made motion that Buddy play with BPBB and Side Stage for 1/2 hour, Rod second; approved. (Stacy abstained for personal reasons).
Luan mentioned that Randy Roach would like to be the official photographer for TBS events. Suki has asked him to take photos for Uncle Bo’s and will report later.
Suki would like a better way to protect the stage and surrounding area. Some suggested a “cattle fence”. Mike Betts thought White Star might have something. Luan will check with Expocentre.
Suki has sent SOKBF info to American Profile, an insert in the Topeka Cap-Journal.
Gerry, Rod & Brad will work on stage, sound, lights and electric for side stage. Gerry will write up contract for Sound Tech for Main Stage. Jim Beilman (sound tech) wants to hire maybe four guys for set-up/break down. We will need to budget for increase in costs for that. Also need to have electrical person – John Olsen may not be available. 1099 must be filled out for any workers. Stacy offered to help with contracts, Brad has them from last year.
Rod passed around the 2013 ad for placement in the 2013 Blues Festival Guide. He will add the words “Free Admission” to the ad.
NOTO Blues & BBQ Festival, Sept. 29: Gerry will write up contract for Sound Tech, similar to contract for SOKBF.
NEW BUSINESS
Harmonica Workshop, April 10 & 11: Suki handed out flyers for this Hamilton Loomis workshop. Encouraged us to display in town.
Harmonica Workshop in School, April 12: As part of Signature Music School (Ross Elementary and Eisenhower Middle School), Stacy Neumann will have 25 students for workshop from 1pm -2:45pm at her school. We will ask her to help promote on TV and other press. Hamilton Lommis is donating his time for this workshop, TBS will cover hotel expenses and will buy the harmonicas for the students. Suki suggested Board Members attend and observe.
It was suggested we have video tape of students in workshop for future promos.
“Tear Down the Wall”: Stacy Neumann mentioned to Suki wanting to redesign their music room and having a benefit or event. More on this at a later date.
CD Recording for TBS promo: Suki has set aside the evenings of March 25 – 29 for live recording of a few local bands to make a Local Blues sampling. It will have 12 songs, with bands recording Monday – Thursday, and then live recording Friday night (Topeka Blues Revue). Bands are Back Porch Blues Band, Ellie, Rachelle Coba, JVB, Two Blue and Blues Devils. TBS would pay for mastering, artwork for cover and CD’s. We would sell for $10 each. We need to think of a name for the CD. Stacy has prepared a release contract that each artist would need to sign to give us full rights to the recordings.
Stacy moved for CD production, Bill second; approved unanimously.
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
Luan suggested TBS books be audited, at least annually. Brad suggested the treasurer bring bank statements to each meeting. Karen suggested audit prior to or at General Membership meeting. Having a past treasurer as auditor suggested, as well as someone currently on the Board.
NEXT MEETING: 6:30pm, Monday, April 22nd at Uncle Bo’s
Gerry moved that meeting be adjourned, Bill second, adjourned at 8:20pm.
Respectfully submitted 03/22/2013
Karen Osborn, TBS Sec’y/Treasurer
