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Thursday, February 26, 2009

House Party - Sat April 18, 2009

If everything works out, we will have a house party with Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike on Sat. eve April 18. The final details are being worked on.

We are trying to get the band booked in 4 area schools on 4/ 16 pm & 4/17 am to do their educational school program. They play in the Detroit area at Royal Oak Campus, 739 South Washington, Royal Oak, MI 48067-3898 on 4/17 p returning to Fort Wayne that night or next morning.

We feed them and they perform at a cozy house party Saturday night. We only have room for 20 or so! Plans are $15/person. Interested? 260-432-4485

Sunday they attend the monthly NIBGA meeting at the SW Conservation Club in Fort Wayne, IN and then join the jammers after a short show. This will be no charge.

House shows are wonderful intertainment venues. Where else can you set on the couch and listen to fabulous Bluegrass music? Keep tuned here as details emerge.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Where is my 2009 Festival Guide?

It seems some did not get their 2009 Festival Guide insert in the last newsletter. If this is you give us a call and we will mail one out. Sorry for the problem.

Jim

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Stolen Electric Bass G006019 06

Find this BassPosted Sunday, February 22, 2009

A musician who was performing at Hemingways in Irmo, South Carolina had his rare Warwick Thumb Electric bass stolen. Let’s spread the word and see if we can’t get it back to him.

It’s a Warwick Thumb - Dirty Blonde # 6 of 260 made.
The serial number is G006019 06
The body and headstock are Birds Eye Poplar
It was in a Black gig bag. The bag has the musician’s name and US phone number on it however has his address from Anguilla on it.
In the gig bag was Boss tuner and a 3 ring binder full of music.
If you locate it, see someone playing anything that looks similar to it, immediately contact the instrument owner’s agent:

Terry Evans of East Coast Entertainment at 404-351-2263 (office) or by cell at 770-314-8582.

In fact, go ahead and program Mr. Evans cell number into your cell phone so you’ll have it in case you should recognize stolen instrument being played out somewhere. If so, grab a cell phone photo of the instrument and the person playing it and text it to that cell phone number. Be careful, but do the sleuthing necessary to keep track of the instrument if spotted (license plate numbers, what have you). Maybe its in a pawn shop or heavens forbid you know someone that knows something about it, help this guy out.

Here is the original note from its owner:
Hey guys I am BEGGING for your help PLEASE! If you would please keep ears and eyes open for my bass that was stolen from my gig at Hemingways in Irmo SC last Sunday 2/15 .
Its a Warwick Thumb - Dirty Blonde # 6 of 260 made.
The serial number is G006019 06
The body and headstock is Birds Eye Poplar
It was in a Black gig bag. The bag has my name and US phone number on it however has my address from Anguilla on it.
In the gig bag was Boss tuner and a 3 ring binder full of music.
I am offering a reward for the return of it WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED

Friday, February 20, 2009

Membership Fees

Memberships run from May 1 to April 30 annually. Dues are $10 for the first individual at an address and $5 for the second at the same address. Each member is entitled to a $2 discount on a weekend ticket at the TriState Bluegrass Festival in Kendallville, IN over Memorial and/or Labor Day weekends. Other area clubs also honor a discount to NIBGA members.

Since we don't allow renewals by the month you joined, the club offers a discount, $5 instead of $10, to those joining after November 1. Those memberships also expire on April 30. This allows new members to get the annual festival guide and newsletters.

As we get closer to April 30, we begin to accept new $10/15 memberships for the following May - April year.

If you are interested in joining, click on the header link and fill out the form.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Major Retailers See Shift In Demographics

Simmons Market Research

In a report shared with IBMA today, Simmons Market Research offers some observations on the changes in purchasing habits and attitudes brought about by the recent economic downturns.

Among the changes examined:
  • Consumers are more price sensitive in all income categories.
  • Discount stores are seeing additional affluent higher income shoppers.
  • Higher income people are drawn by "sales" to stores they normally don't shop at.
  • Economic factors are constraining the shopping habits of lower income people - even at discount stores.
  • Impulse buys are decreasing significantly at lower income levels (below $40K)
  • Impulse buys are increasing among higher income levels (above $100K)
  • "Mid-scale" retailers, though still experiencing lower sales, are performing better than other major retailers.
The analysis covers a period from August to December 2008.

Personal observation ...

The information seems to follow common sense expectations in an economic downturn, pointing out that lower income people (already shoppers at discount stores) are cutting back, while higher income shoppers appear to be moving their business from upscale retailers to mid or lower scales stores and doing more impulse buying to take advantage of sales.
Of course, higher income people have more latitude to impulse buy regardless of the economic climate ... but they appear to be doing more of it and at places they don't normally shop.

Of special interest, Simmons points out that mid to high end retailers generally promote on the expectation that consumers are willing to pay extra for quality goods. Coupled with sales and discounts on their products, the relative success of mid-end retailers suggests promoting a message of "quality at a discount price" may offer the best opportunity to reach willing consumers.

What does this have to do with bluegrass?

While Simmons analysis was not focused on consumers of music, attending events or other entertainment related factors ... it may still provide some insight.

Consumers are especially sensitive to price right now and as attitudes and buying patterns shift, we may be able to minimize the effects of the downturn by pointing out quality and differentiating our product and/or promoting to new demographic groups.

(NOTE: If anyone would like a copy of the report, I'll be happy to send via email on request.)

For what it's worth ...

Dan Hays
IBMA
1-888-438-4262
danh@ibma.org

NIBGA Board Meeting 2/15/09 @ SW Conservation Club – Ft. Wayne, IN

TIME: 1:05 p.m.

Officers present: Pres. Jim Winger, Sect. Barb Collins, Tres. Linda Winger, Directors T.J. Collins, Joe Wyandt, Paul Saurborn, Band Chairman Joe Steiner, Chris Cooperrider; V. Pres. Sandra Carnes absent due to ill Mother. Director/Gate Captain Pam Keiper in Texas.

Meeting called to order by President Jim Winger

Secretary’s report: Barb Collins sent to the board via e-mail. Corrections from Pres. J.W. sent via e-mail 1-28-09. Motion to accept by Joe Wyandt. T.J.C. second. All say yes. Carried.

Treasurer’s report: Linda Winger. Jan. 09 Financial Report. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. TJ Collins second. All say yes. Carried.

Information Items’

1099s are mailed and corrections on three received.

Fairgrounds rent increase reduced by 50% for 2009. Thank you to Don Moore for presenting the request from NIBGA to the Noble Co. Fair board. It is appreciated.

OLD BUSINESS

Joe Steiner: Band Update. Hiring nearly done. List reviewed. Bobbie Davis called Paul. He thinks Valerie Smith Band is booked for F09. Joe S. will contact Bobbie and clarify. ‘See Band List’.

T-Shirt design: Train design. First draft completed. See March newsletter for the front and back of shirt design that will be used for 2009. Linda, Barb, and Sue S. will get together on the ordering the S09 supply.

Request for 2 – 50 amp outlets at the fair grounds along track: Underground wiring will only support one more 50 amp. A temporary 50 amp can be installed on the poll by the bake sale area. Estimated cost are minimal.

2008 Tax filings: Leslie Ellis will respond.

Port-A-Jons: One Handicap and five regular have been decided to order. Placement will be handicap near the gate, two about 40 yards north, one by fence on US 6, one near "tent city" and one in the infield parking area.

Chris Cooperrider for Old Time Dance lesions are in progress. She will investigate all possibilities. Chris has several ideas brewing.

Wash & Wax the ‘Stage’ trailer before S09 show day. Volunteers will be appreciated. Notice will be put in newsletter with the bulletin board showing the day, time, and place.

Detailed sound equipment sheet from Steve to send to the bands. Complete!

Festival sponsors – requested info from NIBA who get funds from the IL arts.

Sandy Carnes – V. Pres. Sandy says she has all the food vendors she needs for Spring 09’ festival.

Bids on Golf Carts: Jim got two bids returned from his several request.

(1) PGC Quote: $3,013.38 for 4 carts delivered on Friday 5-15-09 and 9 carts delivered Monday 5-18-09. They require a delivery charge.

(2) Elloitts of Warsaw, In. Quote: $1,990.00 for the same amount. They will bring all 13 carts on Friday 5-15-09. All have headlights, taillights, and tops. (Limited gas) Elloitt has authorized EZ Go mechanics available on call. Paul S. motioned to sign up with Elliotts. Joe W. second. All say yes. Motion carried.

TAXIES: Barb Collins motioned to rent & run 2 - 4 seated golf carts to use for free taxi service. Paul S. second. All say yes. Motion carried.

The Board reviewed areas for expense control.

Backstage Promotions will continue as long as possible. Not sure how long due to Jim Egoff’s health condition.

Advertising: The board reviewed a list of 18 possibilities for advertising. Some were disregarded and not financially practical.

Jim Winger recommended #6 on the list. MBOTMA – a monthly newsletter & flyers at winter BG WKND 3/ 6-8 1/3 page x 3 = $120.00. $40.00 per month. Do one or two for May.
TJ Collins motioned yes. Joe Wyandt second. All say yes. Motioned carried.

Suzuki program ad – multi year commitment. $1,000.00 per year. Two more years. 2009 and 2010

Collage newspapers. IU/PU (IPFW) St. Francis, Trine & others. Try a flier insert. We provide flier. They insert. TJ Collins motioned yes. Paul Saurborn second. All say yes. Motion carried.

Senior Life – free paper. One ad about $100.00 per issue. Do one month? Ad with coupon saying, “FREE ELECTRIC COUPON’ may be used with a week end pass & camping for the NIBGA Bluegrass festival. ( Add prices of tickets and ‘free camping’)

Jim will check prices for ads in the BANJO magazine.

Much discussion on Bloging and Chatt rooms. Need suggestions on who could monitor. Suggested Maggie Bilby or Marilyn Mullins.

Gloria and Bill Mirrill send publicity to newspapers/TV/Radio.

NEW BUSINESS

Sandy Tedford proposes a “White Elephant Bingo”. She will bring bingo cards, supplies, and do the calling and organizing. All agreed. Will do one or two times before the spring festival begins. Anyone playing is asked to bring a White Elephant item to donate for prizes. It will be held in the merchants building. Will decide times later.

Kendallville is starting a Soup Pantry. Ask campers to bring a canned food item to donate. Will be presented to Kendallville Mayor Susan Hanshoe on stage on Saturday 5/23/09.

Hotel reservations for IBMA Nashville will be due prior to next meeting. These are cancelable with no charge until Sept 09.

Jim Winger motioned to adjourn. Paul Saurborn second.

Meeting adjourned 3:25 P.M.

Next meeting of NIBGA will be March 15, 2009 around 1p at SW Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Rd., Ft. Wayne, IN 46809


Respectfully; NIBGA Secretary – Barbara Collins

Monday, February 16, 2009

Gas Prices by Memorial weekend

Robert Sinclair, spokesman for AAA in New York, one of 16 states where the price of unleaded averages more than $2 a gallon, said, "Driving levels are already pretty low, with the downturn on the economy and people holding onto their pennies and worrying about the future."

But gas prices will probably keep going up, as they often do in late winter and early spring, when refineries traditionally conduct annual maintenance on their facilities, said Peter Beutel of energy risk firm Cameron Hanover.

The silver lining for consumers is that, because of lower demand, prices are unlikely to return to their sky-high levels from last year, according to Beutel.

"I think this market is going to have a very tough time getting over $2.35 [per gallon of unleaded by Memorial Day] just because there are so many people out of work and the economy is having such as difficult time going forward," he said.

Friday, February 13, 2009

R.I.P. Janice Paige

Musicians who have performed at the Charlotte, Milan or Leslie [Michigan] bluegrass festivals over the past few years will know Ralph Paige, who has provided sound for those venues. Ralph's wife Janice passed away Monday, services Saturday, 11 a.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home, Jonesville, Michigan.

On-line condolences at: http://xrl.in/1khp

Thursday, February 12, 2009

2009 t-shirt logo - preliminary front

2009 t-shirt logo - preliminary back



Feb. 15, 2009 NIBGA board agenda

Call to order;
roll call;
agenda changes?

  • Minutes of the last meeting e-mailed: 1/28/09 Additions/corrections/approval
Treasurers reports:
  • January report
Information items:
  • 1099s mailed and corrections on three received
  • Fairgrounds rent increase reduced by 50% for 2009
Old Business:
  • Update on Bands hired
  • T-shirt design: train - first draft completed
  • Request for 3 - 50 amp outlets at fairgrounds; requested estimate - Underground wiring will only support one more 50 amp. A temporary 50 amp can be installed on the pole by the bake sale. Estimated costs are minimal.
  • 2008 tax filings: Leslie Ellis will respond
  • Old Time Dance - Chris C.
  • Wash & wax stage - request for help in N/L
  • Get a detail sound equipment sheet from Steve to send to bands - completed
  • Festival Sponsors - requested info from NIBA who get funds from the IL arts.
  • Vendor status - S. Carnes
  • Discussion: 2009-10 festivals
  • Bids requested on golf carts; report
  • Determine golf cart needs
  • Review areas for expense control
  • RV advertising - no response
  • Backstage - no advertising posters for 2009

New Business:
  • Sandy Tedford proposes White Elephant bingo.
  • Request one can of food from each camping rig for Kendallville food pantry.
  • How much merchandise should be ordered?
  • Need postings on:
  • http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/
  • http://www.mandolincafe.com/
  • and other bluegrass sites
  • Hotel reservations for IBMA will be due prior to next meeting. These are cancelable with no charge until Sept.
Approval of expenses:

Motion to adjourn:

Miscellaneous:

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Best Western Motel rates 2009

I would like to extend the following rates for your event:
Memorial Day weekend:
$76 per guest room new rate, $72.89 as of 2/13/09
Labor Day weekend:
Thur night - $79
Fri night - $129
Sat night - $129
Sun - $79

New rates as of 2/13 are:
Thur night - $72.89
Fri night - $125.10
Sat night - $125.10
Sun - $72.89
I just want you to know that we appreciate your business and including us on your web site. Do not hesitate to contact me if you need anything further.

Rainelle M. Silver
General Manager / Golf Coordinator
Best Western Kendallville Inn
866.719.4608
260.347.5263 phone
260.349.0544 fax
(They are located just east of the fairgrounds. You should ask what the AARP or AAA rate is. It is highly recommend to get your motel reservations in early. J.W.)

May 21 4H dinner menu at TriState Memorial weekend

The Noble County Community Fair Board will be serving your May 21 supper and the menu will be:
All-You-Can-Eat Fish & Tenderloin, baked beans or green beans, applesauce, bread & butter, ice cream, drink

Tickets
Adults - $7.50 presale $8 at the door
Children 6-12 years old - $5.50 presale $6 at the door
Children under 6 are FREE

Carry Outs will be available.

A couple of the Fair Board members will set up on May 19 and/or 20 in the evening for people to purchase presale tickets.

Thanks! - Janeie Meyer

Sunday, February 08, 2009

3 Rivers Coop show 2/7/09

Over 100 folks crammed into the New World Cafe at the 3 Rivers Coop on Saturday to watch a 2 hour show by Gilbert & Co. Cheri did an outstanding job of getting the audience into the show. They loved her and the band.

NIBGA needs to also thank the band for plugging our jams on the third Sunday and the festivals on Memorial and Labor Day weekends.

If you get a chance to catch Gilbert & Co. this winter, you will be pleased with the talent.

Monday, February 02, 2009

Links to bluegrass bands world wide

This site lists many groups world wide.

Valerie Smith & LIberty Pike are back

Bobby Davis, NIBGA club member, has returned with the band to Nashville for a gig over the weekend. Check out his picture with Becky. (fourth photo on far left)

Here is Bobby's note from Jan. 19

Hello all from Chere-Bob & Bobby-Bob!

We made it to the Grand Cayman Islands today. We're on the island and using the free internet and majic jack phone system to call home ... We're having a blast! Great food and entertainment.

The weather is wonderful! It's hot and shorts are very handy! This stop brings small boats out into the bay to pick us up and bring us to land. Of course our boat hit the backside of another boat full speed! Very fun I must say!!!

Hope all is well and when it's snowing and cold there, just think of us! Mixed drinks, bluegrass music and islands hoping all in the warm sun in the south Caribbean!!!

BD

One 1099 redo

One of the 1099 recipient called over the weekend and said that he cannot have any income. (disability income problems?) He wants his 1099 canceled and a new one issued in another band members name.

Grump, he signed the W9. Now I have to get a new W9 from the other band member, re-issue two 1099s and a 1096. Just love this paperwork stuff.