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Friday, February 26, 2010

Need musicians for project

I have recently started a new project and need fiddle, mandolin, banjo players for recording. Style of music is old timey, mountain music, old country.

We have female lead (my wife) and some great songs. We were formerly signed to MCA records.

If interested please email me or call me at 260-749-0845 (Fort Wayne, IN)

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Feb. 21, 2010 NIBGA Board Meeting minutes

Sunday - Feb. 21, 2010 meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Held at Southwest Conservation Club – 5703 Bluffton Road – Fort Wayne, IN 260-747-4677

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 1:00 P.M.

Officers present were: Pres. Jim Winger, V. Pres. Joe Steiner, Treasurer Linda Winger, Secretary Barbara Collins, Board directors T.J. Collins and Paul Saurborn. Absent were Joe Wyandt who is recovering from surgery, and Pam Keiper who could not be reached by phone. There were 6 other members attending the meeting. Several showed up for the Jamming.

Minutes of January 17, 2010 meeting were sent by e-mail to all officers on January 19, 2010.  Paul Saurborn motioned the minutes be accepted. T.J. Collins second. All approved. Motion carried.

The January Financial report was e-mailed to all officers by Tres. Linda Winger. The report was reviewed at the meeting.  Paul Saurborn motioned to accept the financial report. Joe Steiner second. All approved. Motion carried.


INFORMATION ITEMS:
Pres. Jim Winger reviewed a list of WEB visits from nine states in the USA. There were 689 visits from Jan. 20, 2010 to Feb. 19, 2010.

NIBGA Dues are $5.00 for single and $10.00 for family from now until April 30, 2010. Renew by April 30th for your 2010/2011 membership. $10.00 for single membership, $15.00 for a family membership.


OLD BUSINESS:
TABLE ~ Port-a-jons. Review use and requirements for 2010 - TJ will follow up with 2009 usage

501c3 has cost $1,000.00 in the past for a lawyer to do. We can file now and when the on-line program becomes available the Information will be already filed. Software will become available soon. Chris Cooperrider has agreed to assist.

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association is still considering becoming a International Bluegrass Music Association sponsor for 2010 World Convention in Nashville. Joe Steiner continues to work on the arrangements. The NIBGA board has appropriated a budget for this. The NIBGA board feels this will be good advertisement for our club and give NIBGA good exposure and draw more good bands for our festivals. If we become a sponsor we will not have a showcase room in the basement of the convention center.

Don Moore – Pres of the NCCFB presented to his board our request for a 4 year contract. The fair board only agreed to a 3 year contract.

Paul Saurborn motioned we accept the 3 year contract. T.J. Collins second. All agreed. Motion carried.

TABLE – Exceptions for sleeping in the barns. No update. No response from Fair board Pres. Don Moore. There has been a second request.

T-Shirt designs. No design has been decided yet. Must be decided by March meeting. We still need suggestions for the shirt design for 2010.

Chris Cooperrider reported on her ideas on Extended Workshops for the NIBGA festival week. Considering possibilities beyond just the Saturday workshops. Suggestions: A band camp or workshops the week end before the festival. Chris will be talking with a man willing to help. Chris will put together a Activity Committee for doing games with children who are on the grounds before the festival. Volunteers are needed.

Paul Saurborn motioned to do workshops the week end before the festival. Joe Steiner second. All approved. Motion carried.

Chris Cooperrider checked on billboard prices, and poster prices. Nothing decided on that.

Joe Steiner gave a detailed updated report on bands. He plans to have all the bands hired and a schedule completed by the March meeting. Pres. Jim Winger asked Joe to have a complete list to him by March 12. The fliers will need to be printed and circulated soon.

Auditing Report. Joe Steiner. Most everything is recorded correctly. Only a few adjustments suggested. Suggestion/Request – Make a Asset list. Each officer is asked to help put together an inventory list. (Collins will do the stage) All gate tickets need to be documented at the beginning and ending of the festival times to check for any discrepancies. Merchandise inventory will be documented as Advertisement. Sales as income. A second verification of all financials will be done by V.P Joe Steiner.

TABLE – Electronic sign being considered by Noble Co. fair board, NIBGA contribution tabled until new contract resolved.

NEW BUSINESS:
There is a new Noble County Convention Bureau Executive director. John Bry has many ideas and wants to participate. Maybe he will help with out of county advertising as Sandra Carnes suggested. Jim will pursue.

Three host have been found for bands at the festivals. Now we would like to pair up more host and bands. If you would like to host a band for a meal or just relaxing conversation, let the board know.

There will be 2 tickets for each band member at the gate. They will need to sign for their tickets. Joe Steiner.

Noble County has the second highest jobless rate in the state of Indiana. Municipal budgets reflect that. One of the cuts will be mosquito spraying. The NIBGA officers will be deciding how to deal with this at the fairgrounds. Should we offer to pay for spraying during the festivals? Pres. Jim Winger will check into the cost and report back. A decision will be made before the festival.


There will be at least one band going to a nursing home during the festival. The residents appreciate it and enjoy is very much.

TABLE – Discuss in March – Possibility of a band or Jam at the Coffee Bearer in Auburn the week before Labor Day festival.

Approval of Expenses:
Joe Steiner motioned to adjourn at 3:15 P.M. Paul Saurborn second.

Secretary – Barbara Collins

Monday, February 22, 2010

Family oriented activities at Tri-State - ideas & help needed

Hey all,

I'm trying to come up with some ideas for family oriented activities that will take place during the Tri-State Festival.

  • General areas include:
  • Children's activities, such as Ultimate Frisbee Challenge, volleyball, organized games and activites.
  • "Non-musical Spouse" activities, such as organized sessions on various topics, a "tea party" lounge area for sharing crafts, etc., a book swap, etc.
  • Music workshops, etc.

I could sure use some people that would like to get together and share ideas, possibly be in charge of a particular area.
  • Wanna host an hour or two of a tea party? 
  • How about share how to do your favorite craft? 
  • Maybe lend your teenager to instruct youngsters on the fine art of kazoo for a hobo band? [Where is Bobby Davis when you need him?!?!] 
You get the idea....

Please let me know what you think and if you'd like to be on the planning committee. Thanks!

Chris Cooperrider

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Roger Schulze died Feb. 17, 2010

Roger passed away this morning February 17th. from a pulmonary embolism. Roger will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

Family will greet friends on Sunday from 2 - 4 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave., Portage, Michigan, 49002.

Graveside services will take place on Monday, 11:30 am at Ft. Custer National Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Updated: 2/17/10 10:35p

Passed away Wednesday morning, February 17, 2010. He was born August 3, 1933 in Nashville, MI to the late Earl and Mary (Early) Schulze. Roger then moved to Battle Creek in 1951. Roger met and married Sandra Meyers in 1954 and moved to Kalamazoo. He attended WMU after honorably serving in the U.S. Navy. Roger owned and operated Kalamazoo Dental Laboratory from 1957 – 1992 as well as owning Kalamazoo Music until present. He was a member of the Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association, Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association, the Moose Lodge in Portage and the Eagles Lodge in Schoolcraft. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Surviving Roger are; his wife, Sandy Schulze; children, Mark A.(Lisa) Schulze of Dallas, TX and Michael D. Schulze of Troy, MI; grandchildren, Kayla, Samuel, Janna and Ethan; sister, Norma Fillmore; and nieces and nephews. Also preceding Roger in death was a sister, Winona Uladahl. . Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Please see www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences. 343-1508

Terry's Bluegrass Corner time and day change

This is short notice but I found out myself Friday and been rushing around like a chicken with it's head cut off. We are to add FM to WAWK soon and in doing so we have a contract now with NASCAR.

Any fan will tell you that most Sundays between February and November are taken up with races and that won't leave much time for any programs aired after 12 noon. Bluegrass is a main staple at WAWK so starting this Saturday Feb. 20 Terry's Bluegrass Corner will now be heard from 8:30-10:30a each Saturday.

I hate change as much as the next feller but I think this is a good thing, we will wait and see. So if you could pass the word and mention we can also be heard at www.wawk.com I would really appreciate it.

I look forward to continue playing the music we all love and this years Tri-State Festivals. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at this address tthacker @ ligtel dot com or call.

Carrying the Torch for KY
Colonel Terry Thacker
WAWK Am 1140 The Hawk
260-347-3623
260-347-2400

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association board minutes January

Sunday  -  January 17,2010     

Held at South West Conservation Club-5703 Bluffton Road- Fort Wayne, IN. (260-747-4677)

The January meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 1:10 P.M.
All officers were present: Pres. Jim Winger, V. Pres. Joe Steiner, Treasurer. Linda Winger, Sect. Barb Collins, Board directors T.J. Collins, Joe Wyandt, Paul Saurborn. Director Pam Keiper was present via speaker phone from Texas.
Also present was Chair-Chris Cooperrider and Vendor Chair – Jeanette Young and other club members.

The November minutes were e-mailed to other officers by Secretary Barbara Collins last Oct.
There were no additions or corrections. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept the minutes. Joe Steiner second. Approved. Motion carried.

The November and December Financial statements were e-mailed to all officers from Treasurer Linda Winger.  They were reviewed at the meeting. No additions or corrections. Joe Steiner motioned to accept the Nov. & Dec. financials. Paul Saurborn second. Accepted. Motion carried.

                                                      INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:

A 10 year Net Worth report was sent to each officer by e-mail.

Web stats Dec 14 – Jan 13, 482 hits. Top cities (10 or more) Muskegon, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Dayton, Columbus, Chicago, New York City.

Dues renewal from now until April 30, 2010 -- $5.00 single membership, $7.00 family membership. Renewal date is May 1st, 2010 for your 2010/2011 membership. $10.00 for Single membership, $15.00 for Family membership.

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association’s 2010 Noble Co. Fairground rental is $12,000.00 for the year. $6,000.00 for each festival – plus utilities.

                                                             OLD BUSINESS:

What should we plan for 2010 attendance and Income? Joe Steiner predicts same or better. Depends some on gas prices. Joe sees no gas shortage in the near future. Joe Wyandt states, “If economy drops, some will not travel far. That could help local or short distance attendance.”  Jeanette Young asked if cutting ticket price ½ after Sat. or Sun. dinner hour would help attendance. Hard to determine. Discussion. No decision.

TABLE:  Port-a-jons and Parking of cars and campers.

TABLE: Pres. Jim Winger said, “501c3 takes several months to prepare. Cost approximately $1,000.00.”  Jim W. and Leslie Ellis will continue to study.

Discussion about food vendors. How many and what kind. Jim W. gave Jeanette Young (vendor chair) some information he had. Past V. Pres. Sandy Carnes has passed her information to Jeanette.

V. Pres. Joe Steiner discussed the options of sponsoring a showcase at the International Bluegrass Music Association World Convention in Nashville, Ky., fall 2010. Joe S. & Jim W. will work together to try to set up a sponsorship of a evening showcase. If this does not work out the NIBGA club will continue doing a showcase room in the convention center basement.

Paul Saurborn motioned we sponsor a evening showcase spending within $1.000.00 of the amount we spend for a showcase room. Joe Wyandt second. All approved. Motion Carried.
Jim and Joe will begin checking on this immediately.

New Fairgrounds contract discussion is beginning. There was much discussion with the officers. Pres. Jim Winger has had contact and discussion with the Nobel Co. Fair board. They have agreed to keep the rental cost at the existing price for a three year contract. That would be 1011 – 2012 – 2013. Jim W. will work with Don Moore, Nobel Co. Fair board Pres. to continue contract agreements.

TABLE:  Information still needed from Don Moore about ‘exceptions for camping & sleeping in the fairground barns during festivals’.

                                                                 NEW BUSINESS

Scholarship Budget 2010. Joe Steiner motioned to fund $2,500.00 for Scholarships. Joe Wyandt second. All approve. Motion carried.

TAM Budget for 2010. Joe Steiner motioned to fund the TAM program with $2,500.00. Joe Wyandt second. All approve. Motion carried.

Treasurer Linda Winger asked for suggestions for the 2010 T-Shirt design. One nice one was submitted by Jenna Bacon. Other will be considered. Must be decided soon.

Revised Rental Procedures at S. W. Conservation Club: $100.00 deposit paid each month in advance. No use of the Pool Room for meetings. Contract needs signed in Jan.

Paul Saurborn motioned for Pres. Jim Winger to sign 6 monthly contracts for Jan, Feb, March, April, Oct & Nov 2010. Pay the $100 refundable deposit each month plus the $100 rental fee for each meeting, one week prior to the meeting date. Joe Wyandt second. All approve. Motion carried.

TABLE:  Extended workshops at festivals. Chris Cooperrider.

Update on bands hired and being considered for Spring and Fall festivals 2010. Joe Steiner-Band Chairman, reviewed the list. Band budget going well. Scheduling not finished but Joe hopes soon.

2010 Advertising:  Pres. Jim Winger purposes we set a advertising budget. Many ways we advertise and new possibilities were discussed. Tonia Bacon suggested checking on billboards. Chris Cooperrider will check on prices. Jim Winger purposed a cap of $6,000.00 for the year.

Paul Saurborn motioned a cap of $6,000.00 for 2010. Joe Steiner second. All approve. Motion carried.

TABLE:  Nobel Co. Fair board is considering putting up a Electronic sign at the U.S. 6 side of the Fairgrounds. Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association was asked if they would help sponsor the project. Cost for each of 8 sponsors would be $2,500.000, plus $100.00 for each event advertised on the sign. There was much discussion. Many questions were asked. It was decided that Pres. Jim Winger will investigate the purposed project much further.

Joe Steiner reports his auditing of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association shows the books are complete and looking good. Joe recommends a few small changes and will write and submit a report.

Bands playing at the 2010 festivals are to have 1099s mailed in by 1/31/2010.

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. T.J. Collins second.
Pres. Jim Winger calls meeting adjourned at 3:10 P.M.

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Secretary: Barbara Collins

                           NEXT MEEING FEBRUARY 21st, 2010

Pickin' Up Speed on the web

Pickin' Up Speed, a Milwaukee, WI base band, which has appeared at Tri-State, has created a their web site.

Free tabs from Jay Buckley

Here are several traditional tunes with tabs for various bluegrass instruments.

Friday, February 12, 2010

New Band, Uncle Betty

Who: Uncle Betty
Where: Mocha n' Music, 5211 Cherry Avenue #170, Hudsonville, MI 49426  616-669-9917
When: Friday, February 12 from 7-10?pm.

Maybe you've heard the whispers. Come see for yourself. This Friday night is a FREE, early sneak-peek debut for West Michigan's new bluegrass band, Uncle Betty. Our 4 members are among the most respected musicians in the Michigan bluegrass community. While we play a bit of traditional bluegrass, our focus has been towards contemporary material and unusual instrumentals. Uncle Betty's secret ingredients? Mark Schlutt (mandolin), Bryan Garlotte (banjo), Tony Zapolnik (guitar) and Ken Mortimore (upright bass). All four sing. Bring out your Aunts, Uncles, cousins, neighbors and friends.

We'd be happy to greet anyone and everyone who comes out to see us. Mocha n' Music is located just off Chicago Drive in Hudsonville, near the Family Fare market.

We might even become your new favorite Uncle.

Uncle Betty

Pinecastle Records has ceased business

Record company founder Tom Riggs recently had a leg amputated due to diabetes. It is his
deteriorating health and the economic climate that has led to this decision.

In a recent statement posted on Pinecastle web site, Cort Riggs, son of the Pinecastle Records
and Music Shed founder, said,
Given recent events related to my father’s health and the current business environment, we find it necessary to cease operation of Pinecastle Records effective February 1, 2010.

Artists and distributors will be able to purchase Pinecastle product through Music Shed, the retail/wholesale outlet started by my father and myself more than 22 years ago. Music Shed will continue to operate from our current location in Columbus, NC and can be reached at 828-894-2446.


We will soon begin exploring how to best preserve the vast catalogue Tom, the artists and
talented staff of Pinecastle have amassed over the 20-year history of the label.

Winter weather terms (no bluegrass)

Here are some common terms used to describe winter weather.

Winter Weather Definitions:                                           

Blizzard: Winds of 35 mph or more with snow and
blowing snow causing very low visibility.

Snow Squalls: Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by
strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant.

Snow Showers: Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.

Snow Flurries: Light snow falling for short durations with little or no accumulation.

WatchWinter storm conditions are possible within the next 36-48 hours.  Prepare now!

Warning: Life-threatening severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Act now!

Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. If you are cautious, these situations should not be life threatening.

Emergency Snow Levels: (for Allen County Indiana)

Level 1 (Red) Snow Emergency
Level may be declared when roads have become impassable and the County Highway Department are not able to keep the roadway cleared due to severe snow fall and high winds producing high drifts and blizzards like conditions are present.  Travel may be restricted to emergency personnel ONLY and essential emergency travel by members of the public.

Level 2 (Orange) Warning Snow Emergency
Level may be declared when conditions are threatening to the safety of the public.  Only essential travel is recommended (i.e. to and from work, emergency situations, etc.).  emergency action plans have been or should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations.

Level 3 (Yellow) Watch Snow Emergency
Level may be declared when routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas of the county because of a hazardous situation; citizens should use caution or avoid these areas.  Schools and businesses may begin to implement their emergency action plans.

Twenty Three (Youtube) 1-30-10 Foundry Hall, South Haven Michigan

Area band Twenty Three performs one song at the Foundry Hall on January 30, 2010 with Chere McKinley singing.