TOPEKA BLUES SOCIETY
Sunday, April 21, 2013
3:30pm @ Specks Bar & Grill
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 3:45pm.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Suki Willison, Brad Hern, Luan Betts, Tony Gaines, Bill Beasley, Stacy Jeffress, Gerry Schmanke, and Karen Osborn
BOARD MEMBER ABSENT: Rod Peterson, Gib Ramirez, and Brian Gabel
TBS MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Betts, Walt Revell, Tara Schmanke, Patty Beasley, Chardy Hern, Scott, Jeri and Zach Carpenter.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Brad made motion that minutes of March 18, 2013 be approved, Tony second; approved.
SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT: Karen reported income from new memberships/renewals, shirt sales, and SOKBF donations totaled $5141.15. SOKBF band deposits were paid, as well as Hamilton Loomis lodging and harmonicas for Signature Music School. Bank balance is $9456.75. TBS now has 56 paid memberships. Karen brought bank statements and check book for audit by Luan. Luan made motion that report be approved, Tony second; approved.
OLD BUSINESS
SOKBF: Brad asked that Blues Festival be moved up in agenda. Karen had handout showing an estimated $15,500 needed for festival. $5050 collected so far, with an additional $2825 pledged. Brad asked each Board member to send to Karen the names of five possible donor names they will contact. Karen will check for overlap and then email list to Board for action.
Suki had no update regarding Budweiser sponsorship. Suki suggested we get a car dealership as exclusive sponsor – Bill will ask Lewis Toyota. Karen will ask Cindy Olsen if she will contact PT’s and Dr. Lenahan for donations.
Gerry handed out draft of Stage/Sound/Lighting contract. He advised Jim Beilman he will need to give us a bid, that he needs to have insurance, and that TBS will issue a 1099.
Board agreed Randy Roach did a nice job photographing the live CD recording event, and we will ask him to take photos of SOKBF. Suki is working on fencing around stage area.
Brad asked that SOKBF committee chairs be selected. Committees and Chairs follow:
Bands – Suki
Stage – Gerry
Sponsorships – all Board Members
Promotions – Rod
Media and Press Releases – Stacy
Security – Brad/Gerry
Food – Luan/Mike
Volunteers – Bill/Tony
Merch – Suki
Website: Karen mentioned that Steve Montgomery, Webmaster, had sent an email to the Board advising TBS website hosting service is up for annual renewal. The Board needs to approve payment of $125. Also, Board needs to decide if we want to keep “kansasbluesconnection.org” (KBC.org) name and site – a stagnant website. If we vote to retain, another $15 a year to be paid, and Board needs to decide what to do with content. Steve can maintain “topekabluessociety.org” (TBS.org), but does not have time for KBC.org. He advised the Board authorize him to ‘redirect’ anyone visiting KBC.org to TBS.org. Bill made motion that the Board approve renewing hosting service @$125, Brad second; approved unanimously. Brad made motion that Board retain KBC.org name and site, authorizing additional payment of $15 and “redirection” to TBS.org. Bill second, approved unanimously.
Blue Star Connection: Suki advised this will not happen this year – hopefully next year.
Harmonica Workshop Wrapup: 42 enrolled for Hamilton Loomis’ 6-hour workshop at Uncle Bo’s – the 2nd largest class since its inception 14 years ago! Music Signature School was very happy with Harmonica Workshop – a nice video is posted on 501’s website, as well as our website. Loomis is interested in doing a Guitar Workshop in area next year – this would be for those owning their own guitars.
Bill is in contact with Seaman music director for more Blues in Schools opportunities.
Recording at Uncle Bo’s Wrapup: Suki brought a slide show of photos taken during recordings and live show. Very happy with results. She is working on getting recordings edited, mixed, etc., as well as artwork for cover and interviews of artists. Artists may use recordings on YouTube for their own promotions.
“TBS Summertime Blues”: May 15 will feature Cassie Taylor doing a 90 minute set. Board would like to have youth performer open for 20 minutes. Josh Vowell Band is scheduled for June 19th. Brad suggested Suki ask Omaha society if they have a youth band to open. TBS will set up a membership table and sell merchandise – Luan and Brad have popup tents, Suki might have one.
Brad had mentioned at last Board meeting this might be a good opportunity to train high school age youth as Sound Technician. Karen prepared a paragraph to email to membership and put on Facebook, asking if a student is interested in learning sound technology.
NEW BUSINESS
“Tear Down the Wall”: Stacy Neumann wants wall in music room at Eisenhower Middle School torn down. She will need more specifics and approval before TBS considers becoming involved.
Brews, BBQ & Blues: Suki advised TBS may become involved with this event. It is scheduled for Sept. 6th & 7th, downtown Topeka.
NEXT MEETING: 6:30, Monday, May 13th at Uncle Bo’s
Bill moved that meeting be adjourned, Tony second, adjourned at 4:45pm.
Respectfully submitted 04/23/2013
Karen Osborn
TBS Sec’y/Treasurer
