Topeka Blues Society
Monday, April 7, 2014
6:30pm @ Uncle Bo’s
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER at 6:35pm
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Suki Willison, Bill Beasley, Gerry Schmanke, Paul Schwartz, Chardy Hern, Brian Gabel, Stacy Jeffress, Gib Ramirez and Karen Osborn
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Luan Betts, Rod Peterson
TBS MEMBERS PRESENT: Patti Beasley
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 03/10/2014 MEETING: Gerry made motion that minutes be approved, Bill second; approved.
SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORT: Karen had handout of expenses and income for past month. Income: SOKBF donations; Expenses: RBA Festival Guide ad. Bank balance is $4,745.08 with additional $50 in petty cash. Karen announced we now have 89 listed memberships. She also mentioned that TBS’s email server, Bluehost, had made upgrades that caused the Address Book to be unavailable when sending new emails to our membership. Karen spent several hours in the Bluehost tech Chat Room, and was told to wait a few days for more upgrades. After checking again a week later, the issue has been resolved. Paul made motion that Secretary/Treasurer’s report be approved, Stacy second; approved.
OLD BUSINESS
SOK Blues Festival
Fundraising: Prairie Band is awarding TBS $5,000 for the festival! Suki, Gib, Bill and Patti will attend the awards ceremony on April 17th in Mayetta. Paul said he is developing a relationship with VisitTopeka, and is hoping to develop a strategy for itemizing “Heads & Beds” for their purposes. Bill submitted a Sponsorship Packet to Mars, and will stay in contact with his connection at the Topeka location. Suki asked how we might develop a relationship with different community groups. Stacy suggested making bookmarks to advertise the Summertime Blues concerts. Paul suggested we ask the Downtown Association how we may help promote Downtown Topeka, once the renovation work is completed. Suki spoke with Optimists and informed them TBS will have own food tent and sell food for festival attendees. Mike Betts will run tent and concessions – 60% his take, 40% TBS. We will give tickets to our volunteers so they may eat there, too (no need for separate volunteer tent).
Committee Chairs: Band/Staging – Suki/Gerry
Food/Drink – Luan/Mike/Paul
Media/Promotions – Stacy/Rod
Security – Gib/Brian
Volunteers – Chardy/Karen
Merchandise – Suki/Dana/Chardy (Barb/Patti)
Festival Info – Tara/Patti
TBS logo
Much discussion of acoustic guitar shape logos Bill submitted. The Board requested a new drawing using a ticket stub or harmonica as the background shape.
Summertime Blues/Gage Park
May 21st is Connie Hawkins & The Blues Wreckers, June 18th is Slow Ya Roll, July 16th is Knock Kneed Sally, and August 20th is Hector Anchondo. Suki spoke to Speck’s Tavern jam coordinator, and he will suggest youth artist(s) for S.B. pre-shows. He invited anyone on the Board to come by anytime Sunday evenings to hear jams. Youths play early, starting at 5pm.
NEW BUSINESS
Middle Match
Greater Topeka Chamber and Go Topeka sent a letter to TBS, asking if we would consider adopting an area middle schooler to participate in volunteer and fundraising activities. Chardy volunteered to mail the postcard, and call and get more information.
Sumner Elementary School
Suki was approached and asked about TBS helping with a BBQ & music on May 18th to raise awareness of the plight of Sumner School, 330 Western. Several on the Board agreed we would need more information, especially regarding water and electricity availability. After more discussion, it was agreed we would not be interested in this.
BMA’s
Chardy and Brad are attending the BMA’s in Memphis. She asked if TBS is able to make another donation for the Blues Hall of Fame. After discussion, it was agreed TBS could not make a donation right now.
Blue Star Connection
Suki will contact BSC and set up a Blue Star Connection event, whenever works for them.
NEXT MEETING DATE: 6:30, Monday, May 12th at Uncle Bo’s
Gerry moved that meeting be adjourned, Chardy second; meeting adjourned at 7:40pm.
Respectfully submitted 04/13/2014
Karen Osborn, TBS Sec’y/Treasurer
