Topeka Blues Society
Monday, September 23, 2013
6:30pm @ Uncle Bo’s
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER at 6:35pm
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Suki Willison, Bill Beasley, Gerry Schmanke, Paul Schwartz, Luan Betts, Brian Gabel, Chardy Hern and Karen Osborn
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Rod Peterson, Gib Ramirez, and Stacy Jeffress
TBS MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Betts and Patty Beasley
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 08/19/13 MEETING: Gerry made motion that minutes be approved; Paul second; approved.
SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORT: Karen had handout showing expenses (three “Blues Fan” payments to The Blues Foundation; cash to John Catt, Blue Star Connection) and deposits (Paypal memberships/donations, merch & memberships from Blue Star, Summertime Blues, BB&B & Paxico; 4 new memberships). Bank balance is $5,448.52 with additional $50 in petty cash. Paul made motion that report be approved, Gerry second; approved. Handout attached to paper copy.
OLD BUSINESS
Blue Star Connection wrap-up
TBS hosted a Blue Star Connection event on Saturday, August 31st, at Uncle Bo’s. TBS received the following donated instruments:
Tony Gaines – drum set, saxophone, trumpet, electric and acoustic guitars
Stacy Jeffress – dulcimer
Paul & Barb Schwartz – acoustic 12-string guitar
Joel Edison and Todd Manning – acoustic guitar
Kevin Fowler – electric Guitar
Jim McComb – 2 sets drumsticks
Gerry Schmanke shared the following: Lisa Mann, from Portland, Oregon, posted on Facebook about a guy named Adrian Martin who does an afterschool music class for kids who have nowhere ‘good’ to go. He was needing guitars for the kids. I got him connected with John Catt at Blue Star Connection. Catt sent four guitars and fifteen tuners. You never know how important the connections you make might prove to be down the road. So glad that TBS could help make this happen.
We also received donations for the raffle tickets ($600 worth for BSC!) for the drawing for the electric guitar signed by Samantha Fish. All of the above was shared with our members on our website and by membership email.
Blues, Brews & BBQ, Sept. 6th & 7th
Attendance was slow during the day. Friday night crowd was better than Saturday night crowd. The event was not organized well. Board agreed not to be involved if they do this again next year, unless we set up our merch/information tent only.
JAM4DAN at Celtic Fox
This will be the week before IBC in Memphis. If they have a meeting, we will have a TBS representative attend to see how we may help. Sunday, Jan. 19th will be “Blues Day” – TBS could offer to do introduction of bands. The Old No. 5s are playing. Noted that the night before is our IBC Kick-off party.
IBC
The Hern’s are visiting with the family of Jackson & The Johnsons on Oct. 3rd to explain IBC in Memphis, specifically the Youth competition. The family has said they will fundraise to fund trip. Suki will ask them for bios and pics before the registration deadline. Saturday, Jan. 18th is the IBC Kick-off party.
SOKBF fundraising
Cindy Olsen has offered to make appointments for fundraising meetings. Chardy has agreed to coordinate this effort with Cindy. Karen will bring packet we have been using to the next meeting. Some brainstorming followed with ideas for a big sponsor, such as Hy-Vee, Dillons or Mars.
NEW BUSINESS
KSNT Sunflower Heroes entry
Our Blues Society was nominated for the Sunflower Heroes contest on KSNT. All nominees will compete for $100, winning by votes. When the page is up on KSNT’s website, Karen will notify membership and ask for votes.
Best Self-Produced CD entries
We have several artists interested in having their CD entered. Gerry had copies of the Old No. 5s and Connie Hawkins. Grand Marquis and Rachelle Coba may also be interested. We need to make decision by next meeting – deadline to be IN THE BLUES FOUNDATION’S OFFICE is Nov 1.
Keeping Blues Alive (KBA) nomination
Suki suggested we enter TBS in the “organization” category of the KBA awards. We should mention SOKBF, Blues in School with Loomis, BSC, IBC, youth programs, Summertime Blues, NOTO concert, Paxico, BB&B, $1000 donation to Blues Hall of Fame, recording for bands, including video, etc. Karen volunteered to compose nomination letter and gather supporting documents, with Suki’s assistance. All information has to be mailed, and must be in Memphis office by this Friday, Sept. 27th. Luan offered to proof nomination letter.
New TBS membership brochure
Karen suggested we design a new TBS membership brochure. She suggested a trifold, having the last 1/3 a cutaway that includes all information for new membership. It could be removed, and the remaining brochure kept by the member. We could approach Southwest Publishing about printing. Board agreed this would be a good idea. Karen will work with Rod about the design, and design will be approved by the Board before printing.
SOKBF food tent
Suki suggested TBS set up a large tent along the south side of Reynolds Lodge lawn area for a BBQ area, run by us (Luan & Mike). We would rent tables and chairs. Luan will check into cost of large tents. Suki will inform Optimist that this is a part of our festival and therefore not a “vendor”. Karen reminded Board that we don’t have a lot of funds leftover – depending on cost of tent/chairs/tables rental, and unless we raise more money, this might not be possible.
Artist Showcase
Suki would like us to consider hosting a Showcase for Midwestern bands, giving artists an opportunity to play for club owners and festival organizers. She would like vendors present to show their wares – they would pay for their space. Could possibly get Gibson trailer. Could add workshops in the future. She will check with Ramada to see when is an “off weekend” for hotel capacity and events. Midwest tour is a draw for artists, because of Omaha, K.C. Topeka, Springfield, etc.
Jayhawk Theater, downtown Topeka
Fundraisers for renovation of this theater would like our involvement. They can currently seat 100. Good location for Solo/Duo acts – Dave Bostwick might play there again. Suki will follow-up.
KTWU – Public TV
Paul talked to Lee Wright about TBS members staffing phones during a music-related fundraiser. Wright said they don’t do this as much as they used to, but will keep us in mind. Paul stressed fundraiser must be related to Blues music.
Youth event
Suki talked to Stacy Neumann, with Signature Music School, and she is interested in her students experiencing a music event. Suki suggested students might attend Wed., Oct. 2nd when Davina and the Vagabonds will play. This might be too late notice for Neumann – if so, we will keep this in mind. Board suggested an earlier time of day might be more appropriate for these students.
TBS members work IBC/Memphis
Chardy asked how many Board members were attending the IBC in January. The Hern’s, Beasley’s, Schmanke’s, Osborn’s and Suki’s group will all be there. Chardy asked if we would be interested in staffing a venue at the IBC. After some discussion, all agreed we would like to staff for one day. Chardy will look into this.
Purchase of drum set and bass amp
Suki asked if the Board would be interested in purchasing a backline (drum kit and bass amp) to be used for our festivals. She could store and sometimes use at Bo’s. Bill will look into costs of a quality set.
NEXT MEETING DATE: 6:30, Monday, Oct. 14, Uncle Bo’s
Paul moved that the meeting be adjourned, Luan second; adjourned at 8:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted 10/01/2013
Karen Osborn, TBS Sec’y/Treasurer
