Topeka Blues Society
Board Meeting
Monday, Feb. 5, 2018
6:30pm @ Uncle Bo’s
MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER, 6:33pm
PRESENT: Suki Willison, Gerry Schmanke, Katie Willison, Pat Nichols, Rod Peterson, Gib Ramirez, Luan Betts, Bill Beasley, and Karen Osborn
ABSENT: Joe Kurtz and Kenny Jones
TBS MEMBER PRESENT: Mike Betts
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Bill moved that the minutes of January 8th be approved, Gib second; approved.
SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORT – Karen reported we now have 114 memberships. Karen had handout showing Profit and Loss from Sept. 1 – Feb. 5. Rod moved that the Secretary/Treasurer’s report be approved, Bill second; approved.
OLD BUSINESS
IBC & Galaxy Showcase, Wrap Up
Suki said Koolaide and The Exact Change Band made it to the Finals (8 bands in the finals), Connie and BluesWreckers made it to Semi-Finals. Karen thanked Katie for texting updates, so she could keep membership informed via emails. Matthew J and Jimbo Mack had a great time and made good contacts. Showcase went well, we have been asked to Showcase Thursday and Friday at BB Kings next year, with one day possibly being a drummer showcase. Karen will update Blues Challenge app and get it on our website. Gerry said he and Tara attended the Blues Affiliates roundtable in Memphis. He said many Societies have 5-7 board members, have 30-40 memberships, and are 2-5 years old. Blues Foundation requires a membership of 30 members to be an affiliate. Discussion on getting younger membership, and how millennials like something in return, and are into video, then photos, then texting, in that order. Some things the Blues Foundation wants to do in the future: host Webinars; offer templates for newsletters, etc., and grants for Blues in Schools.
Jam4Dan
Bill said they raised $4,444 for scholarships, after expenses. The Jam4Dan board is looking at making changes. They might want to come in as part of the TBS Board, but have many issues to look at before making that decision. TBS Board will wait for them to contact us, if this is a serious consideration. TBS basket brought in more in auction than it was worth.
Sound System Training
Rod will run sound for Top Tank, Gib and Bill and anyone else interested can watch and learn.
Top Tank Topeka @ TPAC, Saturday, Feb. 17th, 2018
Suki had notes for the night. We will set up on Friday, time to be determined. We are to wear TBS lanyards both days. Jim might be available to help with sound on Friday. Saturday arrive by 4:00 pm to help load Karp’s equipment. Contact is Jannett Weins. Stage is 12×18 located in lobby. Schedule for Saturday night:
4:00pm – help Peter Karp with equipment
6:00 – 7:00 pm – Cocktail hour with Peter Karp Band
7:00 – 8:00 pm – Top Tank announcements
8:00 – 10:00 – Peter Karp band with cocktails and dancing.
Load out after 10pm. Southern Avenue at Bo’s. TPAC is asking for 10% of merch sales, so Peter Karp may not sell merch. TBS will have membership flyers and other giveaways. So far eight Board Members will be attending Saturday night: Gerry & Tara, Bill & Patti, Gib, Rod, Karen & Katie. Suki will get list to Jannett Weins.
SOKBF
Suki had a list of likely artists, will finalize in the next few weeks. Karen said she applied for donation from Prairie Band, should hear something this month. She will follow up if no contact. When lineup is set, she will mail donation letters to previous donors. Suki will attend a planning meeting on the 21st. She is working on festival t-shirt design. Katie has started hearing from vendors, she wants to work with Karen on updating applications. She asked if she could raise the rate for food vendors, board agreed that would be okay. She would like less food vendors and more arts & crafts vendors.
Tulips @ Twilight, Old Prairie Town, April 7th
Rod signed and mailed contract – Suki is looking for an artist with “wow” factor.
Summertime Blues
May 16th, June 20th, July 18th, Aug. 15th, Heather Newman will play in July. Suki reminded board this is TBS’ 10th anniversary. After some discussion, it was decided we should celebrate at the June Summertime Blues concert, with a bigger band and cake.
Topeka Gives 2018, Tuesday, June 5th
Karen attended the meeting on Jan. 18th. She shared a flyer with Grant information. Suki has a contact that will help find and fill out grants. ArtsConnect would like to share a table with us again at Topeka Gives.
Mulvane Art Fair, June 2nd & 3rd
Suki has Hadden Sayer, looking for two other bands.
Fiesta Mexicana, July 10th-14th
Suki is looking at The 44’s for the Thursday event.
Midwest Blues Retreat, Aug. 18th
Question asked, do we want to have another retreat this year? If so, what format? Suki wants to see if Joe Whitmer will come again, and she said Sarah Carkhuff is definitely interested again. Suki would like to ask societies to each sponsor a band to play, so we can create a blues Midwest tour. She also mentioned wanting to host a Women in Blues Showcase, and after some discussion all agreed this would best be done separate from the retreat weekend.
Blues Challenge/Annual Membership meeting
Sunday, Aug. 19th
Committee Reports:
Blues in Schools – Bill and Pat have an event scheduled for March 2nd at Wamego School, Pat would like to have a post card or bookmark to give to students who might be interested in more contact with the blues. For now he and Bill will create a flyer to handout to students with dates of our events, and our contact information. Gib suggested we pay gas mileage to Bill & Pat for these events, Suki agreed. Pat appreciated suggestion, will wait and see what costs are.
Arts Organizations – Suki and Karen will make contact with Sarah Carkhuff, ArtsConnect.
Membership Survey – Luan would like to meet with the Executive Board to formulate questions for the survey. Suki, Karen, Gerry & Luan will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 20th, 6pm at Classic Bean in Fairlawn Plaza.
Corporate Relationships – Karen and Suki will discuss a plan at the Executive meeting on the 20th.
NEW BUSINESS
Blues Camp
No new information.
Grants
This was discussed under the Topeka Gives agenda item under Old Business.
Gift card for Carolyn Lang
Suki asked if we have given Carolyn anything for her past and current work. Karen said we have in the past, but nothing this past year. Suki moved that we give $50 cash in a thank you card; Katie second; approved. Karen will get card with cash and give to Rod at March meeting to deliver to Carolyn.
NEXT MEETING DATE, Monday, March 5th, 6:30pm at Uncle Bo’s.
Bill moved meeting be adjourned, Katie second; meeting adjourned at 8:23pm.
Respectfully submitted 02/06/2018
Karen Osborn, TBS Secretary/Treasurer
Approved March 5, 2018
