NIBGA board meeting Jan. 19, 2014

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Orientation Meeting January 19, 2014  At South West Conservation Club, Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 1:00 P.M.  The meeting was directed by Vice-President Joe Steiner due to Jim still having eye healing.

Officers present:                                Board Directors:
  President - Jim Winger                        T.J. Collins
  Vice - President - Joe Steiner              Pam Keiper
  Secretary - Barbara Collins                  Paul Saurborn
  Treasurer - Linda Winger
Others present: Chris Steiner - Workshop chair/Taxi chair/ and many other jobs. Jim Miller - Co-gate Captain.

• A letter was written by Special events/Merchandise-Membership chair, Tonia Bacon. Sent to Barbara Collins and shared with the board at Tonia's request. Tonia could not attend the meeting due to work schedule but wanted the board to know her intentions to continue helping.  Tonia plans to be at the March meeting.
• Secretary's report from Barbara Collins for November 17th, 2013 meeting was emailed to all officers on November 27th, 2013. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Jim Winger seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Treasurer's reports from Linda Winger were emailed to all on January 13, 2014 which included November and December 2013 Financial Statements. Also Linda passed out Bank Statement copies for 3 Rivers, and PNC Smart Checking and PNC Money Market. Linda reviewed each statement with the board. Jim Winger motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

• 501c3 Grants - Suggestions for possibilities - Noble County Community Foundation, ACP. Chris Steiner will create a template for grants. 
• Renegotiation of NCCFC rent. Jim Winger will contact Frank Morton and Tim Addis.
• Joe Steiner - Band hiring chairman - Band hiring status. Joe reported that the Stockdale Family are the headliner for Fall 2014. Joe is working hard on securing other bands for Spring 2014 and Fall 2014. The budget is a challenge. Spring 2014 is half way set. The flyer for SPBGMA will be available at the end of January Joe said.
• Special Events - TABLE for February. Tonia Bacon will be involved with planning.
• Board Possibilities/ Key festival managers: More help with festivals is desired. We would like to get more people involved in planning and managing. Stay mindful throughout the year of work to be done and share our progress and our achievements as a Association. Be prepared to explain the Associations goals and challenges. Encourage others to become involved in the work and progress of NIBGA. See List on Page 4 of the February 2014 newsletter.

NEW BUSINESS 

• President Jim Winger reviewed the 2013 Budget with the board. Jim also reviewed the 2014 projected budget with them. The budget needs to be followed closely and stay within our guidelines of spending. Adjustments that have been made: Gate ticket price changes for 2014, Fairgrounds price change and many other expenses. 
• Workshop budget - Chris Steiner will prepare a list for the board to consider for a 2014 Extended Workshop program. Estimate cost and research possible grants, and consider changes necessary. This is TABLED for review at the February meeting. Officers will vote on the Workshop Budget.
• Board is advised to pay attention to variable expenses and realistic expectations of income. 
• STAGE REPLACEMENT: Because of the fire and loss of the 'Stage on Wheels'. Gather facts. Further discussion to continue at February meeting.
  President Jim Wingers report to date:
  
• Insurance - Phone discussion with adjuster this past Monday
• Options for replacement. spread the word that we are looking.
• Draw up a summary of options and recommendations.
• President Jim Winger appointed a 'Stage Replacement Committee'.
• The committee is: Jim Winger, Joe Steiner, T.J. Collins The committee will report their findings and suggestions at the February 16, 2014 meeting.
• Linda Winger started a list of all items on the stage that were destroyed by the fire. Other officers were asked to make additions. We feel we have a complete list now of lost items.
• It was advised we have a committee to review the financial statements on a annual basis for auditing purposes. The financial committee will review to confirm that the bank accounts match treasures annual report to the board statements. The appointed committee is: Paul Saurborn, Pam Keiper, Leslie Ellis.

Linda Winger motioned to adjourn at 2:25 P.M. Paul Saurborn seconded.

The next meeting of NIBGA will be February 16th, 2014

Sincerely - Secretary Barbara Collins

NIBGA board minutes Oct. 21, 2012

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association meeting at Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Rd., Ft. Wayne, IN 46809
The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 1:10 PM
Officers present:                                Board Directors:
  President - Jim Winger                         T.J. Collins
  Vice President - Joe Steiner                  Pam Keiper
  Secretary - Barbara Collins                   Absent: Paul Saurborn (he had a family event)
  Treasurer - Linda Winger
Others present: Jeanette Young - Vendor Chair, Chris Cooperrider - Special events, Leslie Ellis - Co-gate captain, Dave Keiper, Carolyn Bacon, Tonia Bacon, Jade Bacon, Charles & Sandy Carnes

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING:

• The  Aug/Sept Secretary report by Barbara Collins was e-mailed to all officers on Sept 13, 2012.  Joe Steiner motioned to accept. Pam Keiper seconded.  All say yes. Motion carried.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

• The August and September Financial statements were e-mailed to all officers (10/18) prior to the meeting.  Statements were reviewed. No corrections or additions. Joe Steiner motioned to accept. Pam Keiper seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

INFORMATION ITEMS 

• 501C3 application  status. No information; Chris Cooperrider will check on the status. Jim W. via e-mail 10/23/12 says; It looks like we have another 6 months before we will know anything based on IRS web site information.

OLD BUSINESS

• No old business. 

NEW BUSINESS

• November is election month. All officers accept for 2012/2013. 
• Review of Labor Day financials including festival history report. Attendance has trended down. Expenses up. Review of comparison list years 2005 to 2012. NIBGA Festival History was reviewed. Review of Account Balances from 2005 to 2012. 
• Discussions of; 
• 2011 and 2012 festivals were a loss. What do we do to resume profitability?  
• Obtain 501C3 status and apply for 2013 grants. Grants for 2013 are closed for the year or grants for events through June 30, 2013 are closed. Will have to wait until we are approved to apply for grants. 
• Ways to increase attendance?
• Reduce advertising - which kinds?
• Reduce other expenses - which ones?
• NCCFC contract coming up. Jim Winger will work on negotiating. 
• Reduce utility expenses - HOW?
• Reduce band budget? Have fewer bands, lower cost bands, or have fewer days of festival? Board chose to stay with the 4 days of music but will adjust bands schedules and include a band scramble.

• Board set a budget at this time for the Band Chairman to use for 2013. Joe Steiner motioned. Pam Keiper seconded.  5 Yes - 1 No. Motion carried. 
• Saturday Bands/shows will be  reduce from 7 to 6 and add band scramble. Two sets for each band. Joe Steiner motioned. Linda Winger seconded. All agree. Motion carried. 
• Sunday shows - keep 6 bands. Pam Keiper motioned. T.J. Collins seconded. All agree. Motion carried. 
• Discussion on Electric bill at Fairgrounds during the festivals. Because of increase in usage and increase in rates it has been decided we need to increase the charge for electric. T.J. Collins motioned to raise the electric charge from $5.00 to $10.00 per camping unit.  Pam Keiper seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

TABLED FOR NOVEMBER MEETING;

• Friday workshops
• Band hosting
• Discuss possible raffles
• Band schedules: Extend band times from 45 minute sets to 50 minute sets. (Includes set up time)

Joe Steiner motioned to adjourn. T.J. Collins seconded. Time adjourned - 3:30 PM
Sincerely - Secretary Barbara Collins

First winter jam/meeting

Today is the first winter meeting/jam. All are welcome. Come join us at the Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Rd., Ft. Wayne, IN 46809 260-747-4677. 

Newsletter assembly at noon, jamming starts around 1p. 

The kitchen opens for breakfast at 9a. They have great food. 

Oh, the room only holds 100 so get there early.

Congratulations Matt!

Hey Jim
I had planned on talking to you during the fest, but it seemed the time escaped me, and when I did get up to the stage, I saw that you were busy, so I thought an email would be easier. :)

I wanted to update you on a couple happenings. First, The Sunday before the fest started, I was on the way home from Ann Arbor, MI, where I became a certified Mark O'Connor Method teacher. The Mark O'Connor Method is a series of books for violin, viola, cello, and orchestra, and is the American version of the Suzuki Method. The certification was a 15-hour class (which counts as a college course at some places) taught by Pamela Wiley at the School for the Performing Arts. In the 15 hours, books 1 & 2 were looked at piece-by-piece and what technique was being taught in each. The session closed with a presentation by O'Connor himself. The experience was great, and the knowledge gained was immense.

Here's a group pic of all the participants
And here's a scan of my certificate

Also, a little older news, but still something I wanted to bring up is about one month ago around this time I released my debut album, Going Places. It's a solo album of me multi-tracking the fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, dobro, dulcimer, and some of the banjo parts, with John Lee, Bill Landow, & Elizabeth Loring helping on vocals, and Larry White on banjo featuring 12 bluegrass tracks.
You can check out/stream the album here:

Thanks, 
Matt Scutchfield

PS: Enjoyed the fest like always. It was extra great seeing some new food vendors.

Jackie Ester - RIP

Just received a sad call, Jackie Ester passed away this AM. She was a strong supporter of the club. She and Walt ran the sound for many festivals. In the last few years she has been in poor health and in the last few months in a nursing home.

RIP Jackie

Memberships due 5/1/2012

Many thanks to those of you sending SASE with your memberships. It makes the job easier and faster plus it saves the club money.

Also a big thanks to those signing up new members on a gift subscription. This is a good way to introduce folks to the bluegrass life.

It won't be long until we'll be kickin' up our heals at the Memorial Tri-State.

Linda Winger
Treasurer

Vern McIntyre's Appalachian Grass

Hmm, how do you say s**t I screwed up? I forgot Appalachian Grass on the front page of our flyer. I reprinted it today and sent Kitty the new version. I also, update the web site. 


I am so sorry for missing this band. They are on the schedule correctly on the back of the flyer. 


Again, they are appearing at Tri-state this Memorial weekend.


Jim

Spinney Brothers on Airplay Direct

The Spinney Brothers

		Bluegrass / Acoustic Country / Americana Sounds Like:  Location:  AMERICA NORTH: USA:Ohio (OH) Record Label: Mountain Fever Records Website: http://www.spinneybrothers.com AirPlay Direct Link: www.AirPlayDirect.com/Spinney

Click the "Stream" button to launch the artist profile and listen to the track or click download to save the track (if enabled by artist). Memories Genre: Bluegrass The Train Song Genre: Bluegrass Old Roman Soldier Genre: Bluegrass Making A Killing Genre: Bluegrass Chilly Winds Genre: Bluegrass

NIBGA Board minutes Feb. 19, 2012

Meeting of the Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association at Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Rd., Ft. Wayne, IN

The meeting was called to order by NIBGA President – Jim Winger @ 12:30pm.

Officers Present:                                                  Board Directors:
  President – Jim Winger                                        T.J. Collins
  Vice-President – Joe Steiner                               Pam Keiper/via phone
  Secretary – Barbara Collins                                Paul Saurborn
  Treasurer – Linda Winger

Others present: Chris Cooperrider/Special Events; Jeanette Young/Vendors; Sue Saurborn; Richard Bacon, Carolyn Bacon, Tonia Bacon & Jenna Bacon.

• The January minutes were emailed by Secretary/Barbara Collins to each office on 1/20/2012.  Joe Steiner motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn second. All approve. Motion carried.
• The January Financial report was emailed to each officer by Treasurer Linda Winger on 2/9/12. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Joe Steiner second. All approve. Motion carried.

INFORMATION ITEMS  

• Festival fliers and Events listing will be mailed next month with the newsletter.
• Band hosting program update. Host for the spring 2012 bands are still needed. Only 3 so far are signed up. Contact Chris Cooperrider.
• Postage rate increases are probable. Canada postage is .85 now. May go to $1.00. USA postage is now
• $.45 and may go to $.50 in the next couple of years. Membership may have to go up slightly to cover mailings. Getting the newsletter by e-mail would save the club high mailing cost.
•  It is reported that gas prices may go up close to $5.00 per gal. this summer.

OLD BUSINESS

• TABLE: Emergency procedures handout.   Review again at March/April meeting.
• TABLE: 501C3 update. Chris C. request to table until March meeting.
• Saturday Workshops: Discussion. Joe Steiner-V. Pres/Band Chair is authorized to offer Dan Miller a Vendor spot in return for running an Extended Flat Pick Guitar workshop on Saturday. All approve.
• Festival – Jim Winger did a detailed Analysis of camping actual totals for Spring 2011 & Fall 2011. T.J. Collins motioned to Table any discussion of price changes until Fall of 2013. Motion carried.
• Festival Band list. Joe Steiner reports that all bands for Spring 2012 are hired. All but two are hired for Fall 2012.
• Band Scramble: Jim Winger will revise the Sunday schedule to accommodate a Band Scramble on May 27 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. before the supper break. Tonia Bacon has agreed to Chair and make plans and do the signing up of participants. T.J. Collins motioned that we do the Band Scramble on Sunday. Paul Saurborn second. All approve. Motion carried.  

NEW BUSINESS

• New membership cards and membership renewals will be available next month. The next newsletter will have the 2012/2013 sign up form. You can sign up by mail or at the March meeting.
• Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. T.J. Collins second.  Meeting adjourned at 1:45p.m.

Sincerely – NIBGA Secretary – Barbara Collins

The next meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association will be March 18, 2012 at the Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Rd., Ft. Wayne, IN starting at Noon until 6:p.m.

NIBGA Board meeting minutes Oct. 16, 2011

Meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association - October 16, 2011
at Southwest Conservation Club, Bluffton Rd., Ft. Wayne, Indiana

Ÿ         The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 12:45 P.M.

Officers Present:	Board Directors:
President Jim Winger	TJ Collins
Vice President Joe Steiner	Pam Keiper
Secretary Barb Collins	Paul Saurborn
Treasurer Linda Winger

Others in attendance: Al & Leslie Ellis, Chris Cooperrider, Jeanette Young, Dave Keiper, Sue Saurborn, Carolyn Bacon, & Tonia Bacon.

• The Aug. 28 and Sept. 1 meeting minutes were e-mailed to officers by Secretary Barbara Collins on 9/13/11.  Paul S. motioned to accept the minutes. Joe S. second. All approve. Motion carried.
• The Aug. and Sept. Financial Reports were e-mailed to all officers in early Oct. by Treasurer Linda Winger. The reports were reviewed. Pam K. motioned to accept the reports. Paul S. second.  All approve. Motion carried.
•  A Memorial donation was given to NIBGA in memory of Eldon “Whitey” Leitch. It was agreed it would be designated to the ‘Kids Korner’ craft activities at the festivals.
• TABLE: Emergency festival procedures handout, until Mar/April meeting.
• TABLE: 501C3 What should we do? Who will do it? Cost? Estimated time to complete? Chris C. will investigate our potential filing costs. It was agreed that this should be a priority item this winter.
• The board reviewed and discussed the details of the Labor Day Festival report. The tally is still preliminary as of 10-10-11 as some bills have not been received.
•  Jim W. reviewed Festival History, attendance and income. Attendance is down about 40% since 2008. General discussion agreed it was very much economy related. The board needs to carefully examine all aspects of the festival.
• TABLE:  We will review the Festival expenses focusing on all items at the next meeting on November 20th. Can we reduce expenses without effecting the festival?
• The board had a lengthy discussion on the use of Shoe Taps/No Shoe Taps on the dance floor at the festivals. There have been complaints and comments both ways. Some say it is distracting while others enjoy the taps. The board has taking this matter seriously.
  
  NIBGA encourages dancing, which has been going on for years, we don’t want the attendees at the stage area to be annoyed by loud noise. The quality of tap dancing can vary. Some bands at the festival and from a later survey conducted by Joe S. commented that taps distracts their rhythm.
  
  The board doesn’t want to impose another rule, but we want to try to ensure the best possible concert experience for all attendees.  With this objective, the options of "taps allowed" or “dancing encouraged but no taps please” were considered. Also discussed was any noise making item would be strongly discouraged.
  
  Paul S. motioned prohibit shoe taps, out of respect for other audience members.  This is consistent with our sign at the stage stating: “Quiet.  Please respect our artists.”  TJ C. second. All approve. Motion carried. An article will be in an upcoming newsletter about this discussion and the decision.
•  NIBGA & the Noble Co. Fair board have received letters and e-mails regarding poor power on the track. What should we do? Estimate cost for additional electric on track for 8 circuits are: temporary $400 each use, permanent $1,500-2,000.  There was much discussion on this subject. There is a lack of funds to install electric. It is doubtful that the fair board has funding. Jim will reply to the complaint letter.
•  Merchandise report is not complete, an inventory needs to be taken. Pam & Dave K., Paul & Sue S., Chris C. & Joe S. will stop at Wingers after the meeting and assist in inventorying the merchandise.
• Determine 2012 Festival budgets starting with the major category, band budget, so Joe S. can begin hiring bands. To cut expenses it was suggested a cut in the Sat or Sun. schedule times.  Paul S. motioned to cut one Sun. band and adjust the times. Joe S. seconded, All approve. Motion carried.
•  Paul S. motioned to use $15,000 as a target amount per festival with a cap of $20,000. TJ C. second. All approve. Motion carried.
• TABLE: Band flavor for 2012; national, regional, local, entertainment value, old timely, bluegrass, etc.
• Repeat major Friday Workshops? Pam K. motioned to continue with Major Friday workshops. Joe S. second. All approve. Motion carried. Next meeting decide which day, Friday or Sunday, who will lead, and other details.
• TABLE: The remaining topics were tabled for a future meeting: Golf Carts, Port-a-Jons, Taxi service, advertising, Web, review grounds rental and utility usage, festival ticket pricing for 2012, Vendors Hold harmless clause
• Annual Evernote fee, $45; Evernote is used to post flyers on our web page. There were 123 in 2010 and 184 in 2011. This generated 1,784 page views. Pam K. motioned to approve, Joe S. second, All approve. Motion carried.
• Paul S. motioned to adjourn. Pam K. second. All approve. Motion carried.

Meeting ended 2:55 PM, next board meeting, November 20, 2011 @ South West Conservation Club.

Sincerely; NIBGA Secretary – Barbara Collins

Kendallville, IN Labor Day activities

This Labor Day Weekend marks a new beginning in Noble County and the Kendallville community as we host the first Aviation and Auto-vation Fair at the Kendallville Airport.  This is a new event designed to showcase the innovative spirit of Noble County and Indiana in the automotive and aviation worlds.  This first year event highlights the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the 810 Cord Automobile, and the arrival of two vintage aircraft.  There will be a B-17 Bomber that will offer passenger excursions and a C-47 that will be grounded for tours and display.  

The Tri-State Bluegrass festival will also be held on Sept. 1-4.

Catch Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen at Tri-State

Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen Soundly Emerges As One Of The Best New Bluegrass Band of 2011

"Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen helped me remember why I love bluegrass: the pure adrenaline of lightning-fast picking and wickedly complex arrangements. Alan Lomax famously called bluegrass "folk music on overdrive" and after Frank Solivan's performance, I'd have to whole-heartedly agree."   Devon Leger, Hearth Music

With tracks from their self-titled release still at the top of all the Bluegrass Charts, and Nine Considerations for Nomination for IBMA Awards this year, Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen continues to emerge as one of the hottest new bluegrass act on the scene today.

This summer you'll see them on such prestigious stages as Grey Fox, the 50th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Watermelon Park Fest and more.  Winter takes Dirty Kitchen to Alaska to headline the Anchorage Folk Festival and to one of Frank's favorite fests, Wintergrass, where he'll be teaching a cooking class! 

This fall and winter Dirty Kitchen will be touring Colorado, Up East, California, and Alaska.

4H Dinner Sept. 1 at Tri-State

     

Ya’ll Come to…

A Dinner to Benefit

Sparta Township

4-H Program

September 1, 2011

5:00 to 7:30 PM

4-H Exhibit Hall

Noble County Community Fairgrounds, Kendallville

!!!  FREE ADMISSION TO THE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL!!!

MENU:                                                   DONATION:

Bar-B-Q Chicken or Pork Chop            $7.00 – Full Meal Deal

Green Beans or Corn                           $4.50–Children 3 thru 12

Applesauce                                           Children 2 & under - Free

Bread & Butter                                      $4.50–Chicken Half Only

Ice Cream                                              $4.50- Extra Pork Chop

Drink

                                  CARRY OUTS AVAILABLE

Sponsored by Sparta Township 4-H Committee, in cooperation with the Noble County Community Fair Board and the Northern Indiana Bluegrass Festival

Stage and vendors are at Tri-State

The stage arrived a few minutes ago. Tires were low so the crew had to pump them up. There has been some minor damage while it was in storage. It appears the soft aluminum skin has been scraped.

Two of many vendors arrived Sunday night with many more expected.

As of Saturday night there were 74 rigs on the grounds.

The chairs are awaiting an audience.

REVISED - Bull Harmon Workshop

Due to numerous requests, the Bull Harman workshop for the Memorial Day festival will be geared more to intermediate to advanced players. Unique and original created chords, different styles of rhythmn techniques and appropriate use of them will be taught as well as creative "licks". Bull will be around the festival all weekend and will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

This class is limited to the first 12 paid attendees. The fee for the four hours is $25 Contact Chris at cooperrider@yahoo.com or 260-302-1555

Indiana field fiddle recordings 1979-80

It is amazing what you can find on the web these days. I was searching for someone and came across this web site that has several fiddle player recordings. Those of you that have attended early Kendallville festivals will recognize some of the names such as Francis Geels playing fiddle along with his sisters Helen Loshe on guitar and Esther Mowrey on bass. 


Vic Rigsby and his parents play and sing old timey music.

Indiana Hoedown Field Recordings: Fiddlers by Paul Tyler, aka Dr Dosido

Field Recording Sessions, Indiana Arts Commission grant, 1979-80, 

Recordings in Archives of Traditional Music, Indiana University 

2004 Stiver Mandolin for Sale

Stock Photo

A NIBGA member wants to sell his 2004 Stiver mandolin, F model, hard shell case, radius fret board. Asking $3,800


260-492-7879


Stiver Mandolins are hand built one at a time in Polk PA. by me, Lou Stiver in my home workshop. I work alone and do all the work myself. In the past this sometimes even included going into the woods and cutting down the tree that would later become mandolins. At the present time I am using wood from the best wood supplier I have found in 30 years. 

Frank Solivan Chosen for Official Showcase during Folk Alliance International 2011

Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen Honored with Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International in Memphis, TN FS&DK Emerges as Band to Be Reckoned With in 2010 and Lands on Multiple "Best of 2010" Lists * Hot off the Press * Band Nominated for 5 Washington Area Music Awards (WAMMIES) *** “Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen have certainly ranked among the “buzz” bluegrass bands of 2010. Fittingly, their eponymous CD presents a razor sharp, confident quartet influenced by a broad range of the last four decades of bluegrass music development.” Bluegrass Unlimited (Dec 2010) “I would say remember the name--Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen... Talk about a band coming out of nowhere and bound for greater glory, this is it."  TheBluegrassSpecial.com *** The band will perform at Kendallville Sept. 2 & 3, 2011

GrassStreet Christmas card

GrassStreet send a Christmas video card that included several photos of their stay at the Kendallville bluegrass festival over Labor Day 2010.

Fran Miller died Nov. 27, 2010

Frances J. Miller, 88, of White Pigeon, died Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo of natural causes. 


Fran is the wife of Zeb Miller. They have attended NIBGA festivals for many years and could be found at the top of Michigan hill with their many friends playing music.