Topeka Blues Society
Board Meeting
Monday, March 5, 2018
6:30pm @ Uncle Bo’s
MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER, 6:34pm
PRESENT: Suki Willison, Gerry Schmanke, Katie Willison, Pat Nichols, Joe Kurtz, Luan Betts, Bill Beasley, and Karen Osborn
ABSENT: Rod Peterson, Gib Ramirez and Kenny Jones
TBS MEMBER PRESENT: Mike Betts and Tara Schmanke
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Bill moved that the minutes of February 5th be approved, Katie second; approved.
SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORT – Karen reported we now have 117 memberships. Karen had handout showing Profit and Loss from Sept. 1 – March 5: Karen had a thank you card for the board to sign, and present to Carolyn Lang. Karen will mail to Carolyn. Bill moved that the Secretary/Treasurer’s report be approved, Katie second; approved.
OLD BUSINESS
Top Tank Topeka @ TPAC, wrapup
Event went very well, TPAC officials were happy with Peter Karp and TBS help.
SOKBF, Wednesday, July 4th
Suki handed out list of band lineup with payment amount for each. She attended first meeting with new Shawnee County executive, William Pope. Discussed handicapped parking, outhouses, bee tree, hand washing stations, toilet paper, and car show. We will place a couple of vendors near the car show. Katie asked to raise Food vendor fee to $400, approved. Lodge is reserved for TBS use Tuesday – Thursday. Gerry will be in contact with Bandy Sound to get started on stage contract. Karen will contact Prairie Band for donation status, and will mail letters to prior donors.
Lineup: Ric Barron/National Anthem; Matthew J and Jimbo Mack; Koolaide and The Exact Change Band; Jason Ricci; Nikki Hill/Laura Chavez; Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal; Wayne Baker Brooks; Keeshea Pratt Band; Josh Garrett Band, Super All-Star Jam
Tulips @ Twilight, Old Prairie Town, April 7th
Suki is asking Grand Marquis to play.
Summertime Blues
May 16th – Ric Barron Band, youth act Rachel Taylor
June 20th – Ghost Town Blues Band, with Kara Grainger, youth act Morgan and the Freeman
TBS 10th Anniversary celebration
July 18th – Heather Newman Band, youth act Shawna Wilson
Aug. 15th – TBD, youth act Karli Swedlund
Topeka Gives 2018, Tuesday, June 5th
Check-in will begin at 8:00 am Monday, June 4th. After checking in, we may pick table (tables will be set up on Sunday). We will share a table with ArtsConnect. Karen will have a sign-up schedule at May meeting.
Mulvane Art Fair, June 2nd & 3rd
Suki signed Nick Moss & Dennis Gruenling, Gruenling will teach harmonica basics to youth. We have enough harmonicas in stock.
Fiesta Mexicana, July 12th
Act to be determined.
Midwest Blues Retreat, Aug. 18th
Gina Hughes is interested in being a part of our retreat. Suki said acts often ask, “how do I get an agent?” Suki suggested the retreat focus on helping create a “Midwest Circuit” for acts to play. She said Scott Raminger is interested in leading a Songwriting Class, if enough interest is shown.
Blues Challenge/Annual Membership meeting, Sunday, Aug. 19th
Karen and Gerry have updated the TBS Blues Challenge application, and Karen will submit to webmaster.
Committee Reports:
Blues in Schools – Bill and Pat went to Wamego on March 2nd, said it was a Fine Arts Fair. They both thought it went very well, and will be asked back next year.
Organizations – Suki and Karen will make contact with Sarah Carkhuff, ArtsConnect, during Topeka Gives.
Membership Survey – Luan met Feb. 20th with the Executive Board to formulate questions for the survey. She will organize and present to board in the next few weeks.
Corporate Relationships – Karen and Suki are meeting March 20th at 6:00pm, Classic Bean, to discuss meeting with Mars and others. Also meeting with Russell Burton, Grant expert.
NEW BUSINESS
TBS 10th Anniversary
To be celebrated in conjunction with June 20th Summertime Blues. Suggestions were made to have a TBS 10th anniversary t-shirt, and some sort of promotional giveaway. Joe suggested a water bottle with our logo, or a water bottle/tall beer zip-up koozie. We might serve small cupcakes or donuts.
Blues Camp
No new information.
Grants
Suki and Karen are meeting with Russell Burton, who has offered his expertise in applying for grants.
Gage Park upgrade
Suki said Parks & Recreation are planning an upgrade to the Amphitheater area.
Jam4Dan
Bill advised Jam4Dan board would like to visit with TBS about merging. Much discussion followed regarding pros and cons of merger. After discussion, TBS Board agreed Jam4Dan board must resolve unpaid tax issue before this could be considered, and that it might be best for them to make the effort to apply for their own nonprofit, 501(c)3, status. Merger opposed.
NEXT MEETING DATE, Monday, April 2nd, 6:30pm at Uncle Bo’s.
Gerry moved meeting be adjourned, Joe second; meeting adjourned at 8:23pm.
Respectfully submitted 03/11/2018
Approved 04/02/2018
Karen Osborn, TBS Secretary/Treasurer
