Topeka Blues Society
Board Meeting
Monday, December 7, 2015
6:30pm @ Uncle Bo’s
MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER at 6:34pm by Gerry Schmanke
PRESENT: Suki Willison, Katie Willison, Gerry Schmanke, Jeff Martin, Bill Beasley, Brad Hern, Joe Kurtz, Gib Ramirez, Rod Peterson, Brian Gabel and Karen Osborn
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Gib moved that minutes of November 2nd be approved, Bill second; approved.
SECRETARY’S REPORT – Karen reported we now have 98 members listed. We didn’t have this many until June of last year. No other Secretary business to report. Bill moved that report be accepted, Gerry second, approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Brad had handouts showing revenue and expenses. Revenue included memberships, donations, instrument drive, and CD sales. Expenses were PayPal, Blues Fan membership payments, and the CD investment. Accruals are IBC band payments, Music on the Couch promotions, and IBC half-page ad.
OLD BUSINESS
IBC Kick-off Party – Kickoff Party will be two nights, Jan. 22 & 23rd at Uncle Bo’s. Koolaide and the Exact Change do not have a drummer for the Challenge. After some discussion, it was decided they needed to give us a drummer’s name by 5pm, Dec. 8th, so we can have it in the promotional material. Rod said artwork is needed by Wednesday afternoon, the 16th, for the IBC program ad. Cost is $400, Gerry moved that we place the ad, Bill second, approved. Music on the Couch promotion cost is $135.00, Bill moved that we pay that, Suki second; approved. Suki has invited all Kansas and area Challenge winners to perform and jam. Tas Cru will host the jam on both nights. Tas Cru will also play/instruct at Ross Elementary on Jan. 21st. Silent auction items will be discussed at next Board meeting.
Blues in Schools – Bill has made contact with Ryan Simpson, Seaman H.S. Jazz instructor, and will invite him to attend our next meeting. He has also been in contact with SHHS and Highland Park instructors, and the Director of Jazz Studies at WU. Brad suggested the Executive Staff meet with the WU Director – Bill will set a meeting in January. Bill said the sax player for the Santiago Bros is also interested in helping with Blues in Schools. Rod will ask the Topeka High music director if his jazz band could do a short set, and then back Rod at a Summertime Blues, would have to be first one in May while school is in session.
Fundraisers – Jeff has looked into the Topeka Community Foundation and noted they gave over $400,000 last year, and granted $2 million. He suggested if anyone on our Board knows someone on the Performing Arts Fund Board, we should make contact and promote the Blues Society. He will put together a prospective list of major employers as possible donors, so we have a proactive plan. He mentioned that we will be a part of Topeka Gives 2016.
Permanent Building Site – Suki visited with the Potwin Presbyterian Church, and they will offer their space to us for a $100 a month donation. We may use the chapel Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. We may record in the chapel and have concerts. There is room for storage. Joe asked about insurance, if we are to store items there. Suki will look into that. It was suggested our next meeting be at the church, so we may all see what’s available for our use.
NEW BUSINESS
Jam4Dan – Bill is on the Jam4Dan board, and he said they asked if TBS would put together a package for their fundraiser in January. After some discussion, Gib made a motion that we donate a package to include a TBS membership/shirts/any other TBS items, and maybe a Ramada room package, Gerry second; approved. This needs to be put together by our next meeting in January.
Other promotions – Suki, Gib and Katie went to the VA and visited with the Musical Therapist Director about TBS putting on a workshop for the VA residents. Would start in March, and we would supply harmonicas. They have a patio that could be used. No merch sales would be done at this type of event. Jeff asked if we might coordinate with Wounded Warriors or Disabled Veterans. More discussion at next meeting.
Mulvane Art Fair – Suki said we were invited back to participate in the Mulvane Art Fair, June 4th & 5th, we will be located in the same area, and we will again hold a harmonica workshop.
NEXT MEETING DATE – Monday, 6:30, Jan. 11th at Potwin Presbyterian Church, 400 SW Washburn Ave.
Bill moved that meeting be adjourned, Gerry second; meeting adjourned at 7:57 pm.
Respectfully submitted 12/30/2015
Approved 01/11/2016
Karen Osborn, TBS Secretary
