Fiddler Tommy Jackson 1926-1979

Long gone, he was key to the formation of some of today's standards in Bluegrass. You can hear him at MySpace.

Jim

Sam Bush weekly TV show

Sam Bush has a weekly series of both song-by-song descriptions and acoustic performances of the songs from his new record, Circles Around Me, as well as "behind-the-scenes" special features and interviews, including Sam's stories about meeting his heroes and contemporaries. Six episodes are currently running, with new episodes added every week.

IBMA Survey response

Nancy Cardwell of IBMA ask several associations to respond to a survey she is conducting. Below are our responses along with her questions. Joe Steiner added some additional thoughts at the end.

1. Name of association, year it was organized, current membership numbers, region you cover, your specific title in the association:

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Assoc., Inc formed in 1976 as a non-profit 501C4 . Current membership is 621. Although our focus is the upper Midwest we have members in seven states and Canada. I am president.

2. What is the mission statement, or main focus of your association?

The purpose of this organization shall be to educate the public to, and promote the awareness of, Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music.

3. What programs are you most proud of, that your association is involved with?

Through our Traditional American Music program we have exposed over 15,000 students to bluegrass music in the upper Midwest.

4. What are the greatest challenges facing your bluegrass association at present--and looking into the future?

Volunteer and officer succession is a major concern. The demographics of our audience is not getting any younger. Schools are reducing their expenditures due to the difficult economy.

5. What are the greatest opportunities you see for your association in the future?

Additional educational programs in area schools but this also represents our one of our challenges.

6. Is there anything you would like other membership constituencies in IBMA to know specifically about bluegrass associations? (broadcasters, artists, agents, merchandisers, labels, educators, media, etc.) Do you have any advice on how the industry can work together better with bluegrass associations, for everyone's benefit?

Unless we can broaden the audience for bluegrass we are all going after a decreasing revenue stream. Together we must find a solution to this problem

Jim Winger - President NIBGA

• As Jim said, the focus of our organization is to educate the public about, and promote awareness of Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music.  The main ways we do that now is through our festival (which includes music workshops), our club newsletter (which provides information on bluegrass events), and educational sponsorships such as scholarships and the TAM programs.  But, we are always open to, and seek out, new ideas for doing this, such as other types of concerts or more intensive educational workshops.

• That said, one of our challenges is that we want to provide a venue for performers, with fair compensation, but yet must maintain our reasonable gate prices to avoid alienating our audience and membership.  And, our audience changes over time, such that it is difficult to adequately evaluate the propensity for higher admission and acceptance of the wide variety of musical styles which can all be labelled as, or are close to, bluegrass.

Joe Steiner

NIBGA Board Meeting minutes for Nov. 15, 2009

The November 15, 2009 meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association was held at the South West Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN.

Beginning at noon the Dec/Jan news letters were labeled and stamped for mailing. Thanks to the helpers.

ROLL CALL, PAST MINUTES, TREASURE REPORT

• The officers meeting was called to order at 1p  by President Jim Winger. Those present were V. Pres. Joe Steiner, secretary Barbara Collins, treasurer Linda Winger, board directors T.J. Collins, Joe Wyandt, Pam Keiper, and Paul Saurborn, Chris Cooperrider taxi Chair, out going V. Pres. Sandra Carnes. Other members also present for the meeting.
• Secretary's report for the Oct. meeting was sent to all officers on line 10/21/09. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept the Oct. minutes. Joe Wyandt second. All say yes. Motion carried.
• The Oct. Financial report was sent to all officers on line by Treasurer Linda Winger.  Paul Saurborn motioned to accept the report. Pam Keiper second. All say yes. Motion carried.

There were many other financial areas covered during the meeting. Gate was only off $125.00. Merchandise was off a small amount for Fall 09' Linda reports. She will be recheck the numbers by the next meeting.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

• Jim Winger reviewed attendance statistics for years 2000 to 2009. Determined 09' was successful. Not any one thing contributed to the success. It is all things combined. There was discussion on festival electric use, camping and other subjects that come into play.
• Jim Winger had e-mailed all officers a report of www.BluegrassUSA.net  web hits for a 30 day period. The hits come not only from other states but from other countries.

OLD BUSINESS

• $80.00 connect/disconnect fee for 50 amp plug ins. Jim will ask for the cable before the next festival. One of our officers will store, attach and un-attach the cable for each festival use.
• Port-a-jons: Used 7 for F09. (6 regular, one handicap), T.J. will ask Terry Parish of Taylor Rental how heavly used the jons were last fall to determine what the needs might be for 2010 season.
• Golf Carts: Discussion on how many needed for S10 and for whom. Those getting carts are: Jan Meade, Joe Steiner, Jim Winger, Paul Sauborn, Joe Wyandt, TJ Collins, Al Ellis, Leslie Ellis, Jeanette Young, Cheri Franz, Patti Page, Dave Smith, Linda Winger, security and two 4 seat taxis. Joe Wyandt motioned to rent fourteen (14) 2-seaters and two taxis. Joe Steiner second. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Chris Cooperrider will decide and report later on how she wants to handle the TAXI schedule at the festivals.  tabled
• 501C3 verses 501C4 status tabled
• Should club dues be revised? Contributions to a 501C3 can be effected by the number of members. tabled.
• Discuss how many food vendors should we allow for the festivals. tabled until Jeanette is present.
• Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association is considering becoming a International Bluegrass Music Association sponsor during the 2010 World of Bluegrass convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Joe Steiner has checked into the cost. (Consider there could be cost increase by next year.) Many possibilities were reviewed. We could be a IBMA sponsor instead of hosting a showcase room in the basement of the Convention Center. Joe will continue checking the possibilities and he would like to re-address this in January 2010.

NEW BUSINESS

• Pres. Jim Winger presented a report on the Kruse International problems. Consideration: Will it have a impact on our festival attendance?
• Jim Winger will begin procedures for the new contract between the Noble County Fair board and Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association for 2011-2015. The present 5 year contract will expire at the end of 2010. Consideration: Any possible date changes for early arrival. Possibilities of any limitations of buildings used.
• Pres. Jim Winger asked Noble County Fair board Pres. Don Moore if he would check while he is in Indianapolis at the State Fair board meeting in Nov., to see if there can be any exceptions for sleeping in the Fair grounds barns. Don agreed to look into it and report back.
• Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association dues are $5.00 for single membership and $7.00 for family membership from Nov. 09 to April 30, 2010. These discount prices will bring you the newsletter for December/January, February, March, & April. Dues will go back to regular prices on May 1, 2010.
• Joe Steiner passed out to each officer a updated list of bands hired, and others being considered. Joe is working hard to hire the line up for the 2010 festival shows. It takes a 'LOT' of work to stay within a budget and contract good entertainment. He is always working to get the bands you will enjoy.
• Jim Winger asked Joe Steiner to write a article for the next newsletter, about a upcoming 2010 band that will be at the NIBGA festival.
• There was discussion on new ways to interest new people to attend NIBGA festivals and how to keep the faithful attendees happy to return.
• Chris Cooperrider is asking if there are ways of expanding workshops at the festivals. table for Jan.
• Paperwork to take Sandra Carnes off the Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association accounts and put Joe Steiner on will be done this week.

• Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn at 3:05 p.m.. Pam Keiper second.

The next meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association will be held January 17, 2010.
Again at the South West Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN
The SWCC Phone number is 260-747-4677

RV production looking better

On Nov. 17, 2009, the Wall Street Journal published an article about the recovering RV industry, especially Thor. This could be very positive news for our festivals and the bluegrass industry in general. What do you think?

Gilber & Co. date change for gig: 11/27/09 not 11/28/09

The corrected date is Friday 11/27 not Saturday 11/28.

11/27 Gilbert & Co., 3 Rivers Food Co-op, 1612 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808 260-424-8812 7-9p

NIBGA Board Meeting agenda November 15, 2009

Location: Southwest Conservation Club - Fort Wayne, IN

• Call to order; roll call; agenda changes?
• Minutes of the last meeting e-mailed: no meetings since last festival; minutes posted
• Treasurer reports:
• October reports, e-mailed — Linda W.
• F09 festival final, e-mailed — Linda W.
• Year to year report, e-mailed - Jim W What should we plan for 2010 attendance? Income?
• Information items:
  
  
  • Statistics on web page -- e-mailed
  
  
  
• Old Business
  
  
  • $80 fee to connect and disconnect the 50 amp plug ins behind the bleachers at the Noble Co. fairgrounds. Jim will check on it and report back.
    
  • Port-a-jons - Review use and requirements for 2010
    
  • Golf carts - Review use and requirements for 2010
    
  • Golf cart taxis - review procedures, new plans for 2010? Call a ride - use a cell phone number, not Linda. Put in publicity material, use different channel for taxi's - Chris C. Manager;
    
  • 501c3 versus 501c4 status
    
    
    • Should dues be revised?
    
    
  • Discuss how many food vendors should we allow for the festivals. consider space and no duplicates of vendors.
    
  • NIBGA as a International Bluegrass Music Association sponsor for the 2010 World Convention in Nashville. Joe S.
  
  
  
• New Business:
  
  
  • Kruse Auction financial troubles - e-mailed
    
  • Don Moore - 2011-2015 contract
    
  • Don Moore - exception for sleeping in barns
    
  • Dues renewal from now until May 2010
    
  • Update on bands hired, being considered - Joe S
  
  
  
• Approval of expenses
• Motion to adjourn
• Miscellaneous:

Next board meeting, Sunday January 17, 2010

Need a picture of the board for web publication

Monthly Jam & Board meeting Nov. 15, 2009 - free

The next meeting/jam is this Sunday from noon until 6p. The Fort Wayne paper said that there is a $5 charge but the event is free.

2009 20th Annual Bluegrass Music Awards Show

Cybergrass has the web cast audio of the 2009 IBMA show. View the detail of the IBMA Awards show.

George Koserowski's Photo - IBMA 09 NASHVILLE

Hosted by Kathy Mattea & Hot Rize, Recorded Live October 1, 2009, The Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, USA

 

Breakfast at next jam Nov. 15

The Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Ft. Wayne, IN 46809 will be serving a full breakfast from 8:30a until 11:30a at our next meeting. They will have a variety of breakfast foods including biscuits and sausage gravy, made to order omelets and much more. Choose your own items ranging in price from $.50 to $3 depending on your liking.

They will have fresh coffee and orange juice available.

Lunch menu starts at 11:30a until close with sandwiches and other goodies.

Bring your appetite to the next meeting on Sunday November 15.  The newsletters will arrive at noon so be there to help out. The jamming starts after the newsletter are ready for mailing around 1p.

NIBGA Board minutes Oct. 18, 2009

The Oct. 18, 2009 meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association was held at Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Ft. Wayne, IN 46809 260-747-4677

The November newsletters were addressed and stamped for mailing.

The board meeting was called to order at 1:00 P.M. by President Jim Winger. Other officers present were Secretary Barbara Collins, Treasurer Linda Winger, Board officers T.J. Collins, Joe Wyandt, & Paul Saurborn. vice-president Sandy Carnes was present via phone. Board officer Pam Keiper was absent due to a family event.
Also present was Band Chairman Joe Steiner, and Chris Cooperrider taxi chair.

Secretary Minutes: The August minutes are posted on the NIBGA blog.
Paul Saurborn motioned to accept the minutes. T.J. Collins second. All approve. Motion carried
.
Treasurer Report: Treasurer Linda Winger gave Aug. 09, Sept. 09 financial reports to all officers. Reports were reviewed. Linda said she would be sending the financial statements out on the computers to officers from now on to save paper and to allow review of the reports prior to the next board meeting.
Paul Saurborn motioned to accept the financial reports. Joe Wyandt second. All say yes. Motion carried.

TABLED ITEM: Pres. Jim W. reports there could be a $80.00 fee to connect and disconnect the 50 amp plug ins behind the bleachers at the Noble Co. fairgrounds. Jim will check on it and report back.

Pres. Jim W. – reviewed with the board the NIBGA festival history from May 2000 to Sept. 2009.

Linda W. reports that merchandise totals were over $100.00 inventory versus sales. After discussion with Tonia Bacon, merchandise chair, and the difference was not resolved.

NIBGA received a bad check at the festival for $50. It was returned with a $25 bank fee. After discussion on check cashing policy there will be no change in policy. Linda has written the person requesting reimbursement.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
The new 'Stage on Wheels' storage is about one mile from the Noble Co. Fairgrounds. Paul Saurborn was there and said the place is very nice. Dry and safe.

Cheri Frantz confirmed at festival that she will return to take care of the Rest Room cleaning during the festivals for 2010 at the same price.

NEW BUSINESS:
Vice President Sandy Carnes is stepping down as V.P. of NIBGA. Sandy has been a loyal and important officer in our club for the past consecutive 10 years as V.P. In the 80's she was a board officer for two years. Thanks Sandy for all your hard work. She will not be running for office this year.

Joe Wyandt purposed that any officer leaving office after 10 years will receive a Life Time Pass for all the NIBGA Festivals. Paul Saurborn second. All say yes. Motion carried.

Sandy Carnes nominated Joe Steiner for office of Vice-president for the year of 2009/2010.
Joe Steiner accepted.

Sandra Carnes has submitted her resignation as Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Vice-president. Joe Steiner has been nominated and approved as Vice-president for 2009/2010. Joe Steiner has access to all Financial Accounts and Sandra Carnes is to be removed.  The above is motioned by Paul Saurborn. T.J. Collins second. All say yes. Motion Carried.

Jeanette Young has offered to be Vendor Chair Person. She will be able to take that week off from her job. Sandy Carnes agrees to advise Jeanette. Sandra will pass all information she has to Jeanette Young.

A letter from Indiana Pork Producers is thanking Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association for the opportunity to open their food stand during the festival at Noble Co. Fairgrounds in Sept. 2009.
TABLED ITEM: Discuss how many food vendors should we allow for the festivals. consideration: Space and no duplicates of vendors.

November will be the final on board changes for the 2009/2010 election. Pres. Jim Winger says, "All officers are as is for 2009/2010 with Joe Steiner as the new VP."

Band Chairman Joe Steiner gave each officer a list of bands booked, strong possibility, no longer under consideration, others. There was a lengthy discussion on bands. It was agreed to not go too far out with nontraditional bands. Twelve (12) bands are needed for each festival.
Joe Wyandt motioned a budget of $xxx per festival for 2010. Paul Saurborn second. All say yes. Motion carried.
Linda says, "When Joe Steiner sends confirming notes to bands, attach a W9 to be returned before festival, for the IRS use."
TABLED ITEMS: 1. Port-a-jons 2. Golf Carts 3. Review procedures for Golf Cart Taxies. 4. Discuss Dues.

President Jim Winger recommends the club change from a C4 to C3. Jim explained the difference and benefits. As a C3 Not for profit club we could accept tax deductible donations to support TAM, scholarships, and club sponsored events 'As a Social Organization for the Betterment of the World'. Jim said he would research and report back to the club at the February meeting. Paul Saurborn makes a motion to give Jim Winger permission to research possible changes. T.J. Collins second. All agree. Motion carried.

Joe Steiner will investigate the possibility of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association being a International Bluegrass Music Association sponsor for the 2010 World Convention in Nashville.

Approval of Expenses: Phone bills and IBMA Convention expenses.

Joe Wyandt motioned to adjourn at 2:45 P.M. Paul Saurborn second. All say yes. Meeting Adjourned.

The next meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association will be November 15, 2009 at the Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Ft. Wayne, IN 46809. 12 noon to 6:00 P.M.
Barb Collins - Secretary