Topeka Blues Society
Board Meeting
Monday, October 23, 2017
6:30pm @ Uncle Bo’s
MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER, 6:38 pm, by Gerry
PRESENT: Suki Willison, Katie Willison, Gerry Schmanke, Rod Peterson, Gib Ramirez, Pat Nichols, and Karen Osborn
ABSENT: Luan Betts, Bill Beasley, Joe Kurtz and Kenny Jones
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Katie moved that the minutes of September 18th be approved, Rod second; approved.
SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORT – Karen said we now have 95 memberships. She is using Quickbooks and getting more familiar with it. Karen had handout showing Income and Expenses from Sept. 1 – Oct. 20. Katie moved that the Secretary/Treasurer’s report be approved, Gib second; approved.
OLD BUSINESS
Midwest Blues Retreat, continuation and completion
Karen advised Brad suggested Saturday, Dec. 2nd, start time around 1pm. Discussion regarding time constraint if we meet at Uncle Bo’s and sound check begins around 4:30pm. Pat suggested we meet on a Sunday afternoon, instead. Karen will check with Brad to see if Sunday, the 3rd is available for him.
Blues in Schools
Suki said Stacy Neumann contacted her about Blues in Schools. Suki asked if Stacy would gather names of music teachers/contacts for area schools and give to Suki. Pat said he would reach out to those names and would try to set up a monthly Blues in School event. Pat said he would also contact all schools next August to best work with their schedules.
IBC/Kick-Off Party, Friday Jan. 12th.
Gerry said Koolaide will be in town this weekend to give his bio/photo info to Suki for the IBC program. Karen reminded Board we want to discuss travel money for bands. Gerry suggested tabling until we have more Board members to discuss, tabled. Suki said Josh Hoyer would be TBS act at Galaxy Showcase.
Pat said he might be able to get a Telecaster donated for Silent Auction item, suggested getting it autographed by some artists playing at Bo’s. Discussion followed that guitar would bring in more money by doing an online auction or raffle. Pat will proceed.
Best Self-Produced CD
No submissions as of this date. Pat will ask Jason Vivone if he knows of anyone releasing a CD this past year.
Sound System Purchase
Suki suggested we use profits from Top Tank Topeka (see New Business) to purchase sound system. Gib moved TBS proceed with purchase, Katie second; approved. Rod will begin research and present at next meeting.
Mayoral candidate meeting
Karen replied to Mayoral candidate Spencer Duncan’s request to meet with TBS, no response from him. Karen will attempt again after election.
Blues Festival Guide ad
Karen had forwarded email from Blues Festival Guide with early bird special rates, $672 half page, additional $319 for color, total would be $991. Board approved ½ page B&W ad. Karen will reserve.
SOKBF Fundraising
Near beginning of year, Karen will send out request letters to repeat donors, and will submit application to Prairie Band. Suki asked for suggestions for acts. Pat and Rod suggested getting a corporate sponsor to cover costs of one “big” act.
NEW BUSINESS
Top Tank Topeka @ TPAC, Saturday, Feb. 17th, 2018
From Top Tank Topeka website: “Topeka business leaders have joined forces with The Topeka Capital-Journal to create Top Tank, a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that founded Topeka. The city’s core in Downtown Topeka is the perfect place for entrepreneurs to thrive. Top Tank Topeka will connect the competition winner with resources to succeed, and with a $100,000 investment to make their business dreams a reality. A Top Tank special event in downtown Topeka will bring finalists together with the Topeka community for networking opportunities. One Top Tank winner will walk away with $100,000.”
Top Tank has asked Suki/TBS to supply entertainment for this event on Saturday, Feb. 17th, 2018. Suki has contracted with Peter Karp Band, he will play in the front entrance to TPAC.
Membership enhancement – Lawrence/Manhattan
Suki asked Pat how we might reach Lawrence for involvement with TBS. Pat listed several venues with live bands playing blues: Five Bar & Tables, The Replay, JazzHaus, Frank’s North Side, SlowRide Warehouse. Pat will reach out to owners and see about setting up something to promote TBS and attract members. Also mentioned Manhattan.
NEXT MEETING DATE, Monday, Nov. 20th, 6:30pm at Uncle Bo’s.
Pat moved meeting be adjourned, Katie second; meeting adjourned at 7:58 pm.
Respectfully submitted 10/24/2017
Approved 11/20/2017
Karen Osborn, TBS Secretary
