Topeka Blues Society
Monday, July 22, 2013
6:30pm @ Uncle Bo’s
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER at 6:35pm
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Suki Willison, Brad Hern, Rod Peterson, Bill Beasley, Gib Ramirez, Luan Betts, Gerry Schmanke, Stacy Jeffress, Brian Gabel and Karen Osborn
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Tony Gaines
TBS MEMBER PRESENT: Mike Betts, Paul & Barb Schwartz
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 06/22/13 MEETING: Gerry noted Call to Order should read “6:40pm” instead of “7:40pm”. Luan noted that “merchandise” was mispelled on the last page. After those corrections made, Gib made motion that with corrections minutes be approved, Gerry second; approved.
SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORT: Karen had handout showing expenses (Summertime Blues and SOKBF) and deposits (SOKBF donations/merchandise sales/new memberships; Summertime Blues sales & donations from June & July). Handout is attached to paper copy of minutes. So far we’ve raised $650 for the Guitar Giveaway. We now have 82 members – we had 67 members last year (this number includes Individuals, Families and Bands as one each). Bank balance is $2,535.57 with additional $50 in petty cash. Brad made motion that report be approved, Gib second; approved.
OLD BUSINESS
Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival (SOKBF) – Wrapup
All agreed we had a great festival with high turnout (estimates between 4,000-5,000). Lots of good comments from attendees. Karen had handouts for Budget and Donations. 2013 Festival Cost was $19,666. Festival Donations and Income was $13,773, with a loss of $5,893.
Fund Raising/Sponsorships: Money needs to be raised throughout the year. Gerry offered to get advice from the Paxico Blues Festival fundraiser. Stacy had 25 responses to her Economic Impact Survey at the festival. All said they would return and all spent money locally. Several mentioned needing more Port-A-Potties.
Band & Music/Stage & Sound/Security: There’s always a concern with creating more shade for the afternoon bands, but this will cost more. Suki would like Side Stage higher off ground. Stage crew did a great job. There were requests for dancers to be a little closer to the stage, and for the tent area to be moved a little closer, also. One attendee sent msg on Facebook asking for non-smoking area for tents.
Food and Beverage: We had right amount of food in Reynolds Lodge and in the volunteer tent. We had 6 cases of water, and 15 bags of ice leftover. All agreed we should talk to Optimist Club about getting our own food vendors closer to the festival. A concern was raised about grills in the tent area – concerns with fire and too much smoke. We may ban them in the future.
Promotions & Media: We were well publicized. WIBW and Stacy conducted interviews.
Volunteers: More volunteers are needed for gate area, and to control parking lot throughout the day.
Merchandise/Event income: Not many 2013 Festival shirts leftover. The Board agreed we will not order more. We had good sales, $2030. Board agreed we need a TBS shirt design and have these shirts available for all events. Rod will look into new design.
Miscellaneous: Suki suggested we print “Thank You” certificates to frame and give to all our donors and sponsors. Luan will design and print, for distribution at the annual membership meeting. Donors should be invited to the IBC – Karen will send an email.
TBS Summertime Blues Concerts
July 17 with Back Porch Blues Band well attended, with again over 200. We sold $132 in merchandise, had $6.00 in the donation jar, one new Family membership @ $45.00 and sold $170 in Guitar Giveaway tickets. Last Summertime Blues concert will be August 21st with That Damn Blues Band. Table will again be setup around 6pm for merchandise (shirts, hats, Blues fans) and membership applications and donation jar.
IBC
IBC will be Sunday, August 18th at Uncle Bo’s. Door will open at noon, $5 cover, challenge to start at 1pm. Annual TBS general membership meeting will begin at 11:30am that same day. We will have the Joel Edison handmade guitar drawing and silent auction. We still have one Band entry and one Solo entry, but are expecting several more before the August 1 deadline. TBS board members should arrive around 10am for setup. Suki will get backline. We need silent auction sheets, ballots, auction items and gift certificates for the judges. Judges are LaDonna/radio, Merle/Knuckleheads and Jim Lansrath/President of Wichita Blues Society.
Stacy asked to revisit the IBC rule that “one member of entry be a Kansas resident”. After some discussion, it was agreed by majority to leave this rule as is.
Information for the Best Self-Produced CD needs to be on our website. Karen will send information to Steve Montgomery, Webmaster.
Other Festivals
Friday Summer Concert Series, July 26th, 8th & Kansas St, 7;30 – 1-pm: Brandon Santini and the Back Porch Blues Band will play. No involvement by TBS.
Blues, Brews & BBQ, Sept. 6th & 7th: TBS will be involved on the 7th, concert from noon – 10pm. We will have our tent by the stage near 8th & Jackson. Uncle Bo’s will have kickoff party on the 6th.
1st International Blues Music Day, August 3rd
TBS will promote via Facebook and website. Stacy offered to talk about it at Uncle Bo’s that evening.
NEW BUSINESS
KBA Awards: Blues.org has information regarding KBA awards. Stacy will gather information to nominate Uncles Bo’s for Blues Venue (testimonials from Artists,etc). Suki will nominate Stacy for Blues Journalist.
TBS Banner: Suki would like a new banner/flag for TBS. Gib will look into cost. Banner should have our web address.
Blues Fans: Suki suggested we give some of our Blues Fans to Visit Topeka for their packets. Luan moved, Stacy second; approved.
Recording Stage & Studio: the old Hillmer’s Leather store is being turned into a recording studio and stage. TBS would like more information – cost and restrictions of use.
NEXT MEETING DATE: Annual Membership Meeting, 11:30 am, Sunday, August 18th
Gib moved that the meeting be adjourned, Rod second; adjourned at 7:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted 08/05/2013
Karen Osborn, TBS Sec’y/Treasurer
Approved 08/19/2013
