Topeka Blues Society
Monday, October 20, 2014
6:30pm @ Uncle Bo’s
MEETING AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER at 6:30pm
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Suki Willison, Chardy Hern, Gerry Schmanke, Bill Beasley, Brian Gabel, Jeff Martin, Gib Ramirez and Karen Osborn
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Rod Peterson, Marni Schleuning and Paul Schwartz
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Gib moved that the minutes of September 8th be approved, Chardy second; approved.
SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORT: Karen had handout of expenses and income for past month. Income: SOKBF donation, memberships and merchandise sales; Expenses: SOKBF security payment (half paid by Optimists). Bank balance is $7,585.54 with additional $50 in petty cash. Topeka Blues Society membership listing is 57. Karen stated she sent an email to all members whose membership expired, asking for renewals. Jeff suggested a phone tree be used before the end of the year to motivate any unpaid members. Suki mentioned having a Lifetime membership category, with one payment for life. No decision made. Karen will remind members that Uncle Bo’s now offers a $2 discount at the door for all members. Chardy moved that Secretary/Treasurer’s report be approved, Jeff second; approved.
OLD BUSINESS
IBC
Bios and photos: Chardy will work with Luan to write bios and acquire photos for our Blues Challenge artist bands, to be used in the IBC program.
Best Self-Produced CD: – Gerry moved that TBS not submit a CD this year. Jeff seconded the motion. After some discussion, motion approved.
Advertising in IBC program: Gerry moved that TBS once again place a “bookmark” ad in the 2015 IBC program. Suki seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding cost of ad and budget for IBC. Motion approved.
Kick-off party: Uncle Bo’s will have Kick-off party two nights, Jan. 16 & 17. We will sell merchandise at this event. Jam4Dan is same weekend, with blues on Sunday. All TBS members are encouraged to attend Sunday afternoon.
Music on the Couch: Suki moved that we again pay to have promotions and artist interviews by Music on the Couch, a radio/webcast done live during the IBC. Gib seconded motion. Discussion followed regarding cost-effectiveness (usually $175). Karen will have Blues Challenge budget prepared for next meeting. Motion approved.
Gerry will begin seeking bands and promoting our 2015 Blues Challenge.
YOUTH PROGRAM/BLUES IN SCHOOLS
Uncle Bo’s has scheduled Thursday, Nov. 6th for a Blues Early Show for Students. Brandon Santini, Nick Hern and Slow Ya Roll will perform. Stacy Neumann, with Ross Elementary, would like to bring 25 middle school students and any parents that would like to join them. Each student will need to bring $7 to cover dinner and drink. TBS approved, at Sept. 8th Board Meeting, $370 to help with door costs for these students. Suki suggested Karen email all TBS members inviting them and their children. $5 cover at the door for all attendees. Karen will promote via email (ask Stacy for video from last year’s Blues in Schools). Gerry said Tara would help promote on Facebook.
The Blues in Schools program at Ross Elementary will start in January and run for six weeks. RJ from Supersonic, Justin Shelton, Justin Fowler and Elvin Graves will instruct. Rod will order the harmonicas, in the Key of C, for the students.
DESIGNATE MISSOURI COUNTIES IN KC METRO AREA FOR BLUES CHALLENGE APPLICATION
Karen brought a Missouri county map for Board review. After some discussion, Bill moved that the “Kansas City Metro Area” include Missouri counties Cass, Clay, Jackson and Platte. Gerry seconded the motion. Approved. Karen will make the changes to the Topeka Blues Society Blues Challenge application and have updated version submitted for the website. .
GUITAR GIVEAWAY
Bill advised that he had contacted Rick Roberts, with Kansas Guitar Exchange, about a small amplifier to go with the Edison guitar won by Mark Freel. Rick donated an amplifier, cable and strap, and offered to make another donation for next year. Bill moved that the amplifier be given to Mark Freel, and that a complimentary one year membership be given to Rick Roberts. Chardy seconded the motion. Approved.
TBS MEMBERSHIP BROCHURE
Karen mentioned she, Rod and Suki are working on a new membership brochure. Suki handed out The Blues Foundation’s membership brochure and suggested we use it as a guide. Karen suggested we contact our printer to see if there are any restrictions. Karen has submitted information to Rod and hopes to have a draft soon. The Board should then address what we want in the membership brochure.
NEW BUSINESS
AMERICAN ROYAL BBQ COMPETITION
Suki said that Mike Betts and his BBQ will be competing at the American Royal next October. She suggested TBS assist with entertainment in his tent. The Board agreed this would be a good idea.
SOKBF
Suki suggested fundraising should begin now for the Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival (SOKBF), especially for possible corporate sponsors. Karen will send list of corporations we’ve acquired throughout the years, and will send a past donation letter to Chardy. Contacts should be made in November.
NEXT MEETING DATE: 6:30, Monday, November 10th, at Uncle Bo’s
Bill moved that meeting be adjourned, Brian second; adjourned at 8:00pm.
Respectfully submitted 10/22/2014
Approved 11/10/2014
Karen Osborn, Secretary/Treasurer
Topeka Blues Society
