May 17 NIBGA Festival Organizational meeting

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Orientation Meeting at the Noble County Fairgrounds, U.S. #6, Kendallville, Indiana

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

                 Pres. Jim Winger called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
         
                 Roll call: Officers present are:                  Board directors:
                   President - Jim Winger                             T J Collins
                   Vice-president - Joe Steiner                      Pam Keiper
                   Secretary - Barbara Collins                       Paul Saurborn
                   Treasurer - Linda Winger

           Others present: Jim Miller - Co-gate captain; Greg & Brenda Aldrich - Co-gate captains; Tonia Bacon - Band Scramble Chair;         Carolyn & Richard Bacon - Green Room Hostess; Maggie & Gary Bilby - Instrument workshop instructors; Louise & Terry McLouth - Merchandise/Membership table co-chair; Jay Winger; Dave Keiper - grounds; Chris Steiner - Instrument Workshop          Chair, Taxi Chair; Leslie Ellis - Co-gate captain; Julie Goldsmith - Kids Korner Craft Chair; Jeanette Young - Vendor              Chair & Merchandise /Membership table Co-chair.

• April Secretary report approved.
• Treasurer's report - Festival update.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Internet has two different signals;: One on the Merchants Bldg & one on the Log Cabin. 
• WAWK - Behind the mic - Wed. 5/20 - 9:20 a.m. with Joe Steiner and Jim Winger. To advertise the festival. 
• Avilla nursing home scheduled; Paul Saurborn will go with the Trinity River Band to the nursing home on Friday 5/22 at 2:00 p.m.        The band will perform a show for the residents. 
• Port-a-jons will be delivered Monday 5/18 early p.m.   Service schedule will be: 
• Wednesday PM RV only
• Friday PM RV and Portajons
• Saturday PM RV and Portajons
•  Monday 7 AM  RV only
• RV pumps will be $10 each
• The stage will be inside the Activities Pavilion on a 12' x 24' x 24' platform. Need tarps hung up behind the stage Wednesday after tents are installed. Flowers available for pick up at Kroger's. Donated by Kroger;s. Will be set on the stage. 
• Garbage pickup:  AM on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. Old trash is to be picked up.
• Security Schedule: Thursday - 4 to 11 p.m.; Friday - 6 p.m. to Midnight; Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. No Sunday. 
• 2015 Summer Newsletter mailing schedule:


• June 21 - Barbara Collins
• July 19 - Paul Saurborn
• August 16 - Joe & Chris Steiner
• September - Pam Keiper

NEW BUSINESS

• Pres. Jim Winger reviewed the Emergency procedures used if necessary during the festival. Jim would call the shots for which procedure to use in case of a missing child. We cannot advise people where to take shelter in case of a storm but there is shelter in the basement of the Firehouse.
• All officers and volunteers are encouraged to be approachable and friendly to attendees. Show appreciation to attendees and campers.
• Julie Goldsmith - Kids Korner. Set up in Mini Barn needs 12 Tables and 30 Chairs.
• Activities are Saturday 5/23 - 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• The 'Green Room' (Band Hospitality) needs tables and chairs set up for the Bacon's in the Merchants Building.
• Workshop Review; Friday & Saturday. Set up requirements. Friday Square Dance workshop in the Log Cabin 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Need 8 chairs in the Show Arena for the workshops on Saturday 5/23. The workshop will be before the Band Scramble.
• Vendor Chair - Jeanette Young - Wood will be available for sale at Jeanette's campsite. A Church group will be opening at Bonnie's former stand with a variety of foods. The music vendor will be here. Masons will be serving food at the Lion's Stand. Other food items will be Ice Cream, Mexican food, Carmel corn, Fried Spiral potatoes, Lemon Aid,etc.
• A Jewelry vendor and a Kid's toy stand will be here. Plus a few more.
• Band Scramble - Tonia Bacon Chair; All set and ready. Band scramble drawing will be backstage at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Band Scramble will be 4:00 to 5:10 p.m.. There will be a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place prize awarded.
• Merchandise table - Schedule for opening and closing will be determined by Jeanette Young and Louise McLouth - Co-merchandise chair. (They will train for using the CC processing after this meeting.)
• Chris Vogie will be stage manager for the festival. Announcers will be: Thursday 5/21 - Bob Gilson. Friday 5/22 - Terry Thacker. Saturday 5/23 Early shows Terry Thacker. Saturday 5/23 Evening shows - Donnie Voiles. Sunday afternoon - 5/24 -Terri Grannis. Sunday evening  5/24 - Elaine Vogie.
• "50 - 50 drawing" - Pam Keiper will chair the 50 - 50. Tickets will go on sale today 5/17 $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Drawing will be after the Band Scramble Saturday 5/23.
• Advertising Update; 
• Ft. Wayne Newspapers 130,000 web impressions 5 x 5 ad Thursday/Friday, Sunday.(Show ad)
• Kendallville News Sun - One page in KPC media group (show ad) * Mailing to 237 media outlets (early May)
• Updates to NIBGA Facebook page frequently to keep readers coming back.
• Facebook, Google ad buys - Joe Steiner reports

Gate Schedule - Pam Keiper & Paul Saurborn will decide when to close the gate on Saturday evening. Gibson Brothers play 5:50 & 10:00 p.m. (Gate will stay open until 8:30 or 9:00 p.m.) Sign ups for working the gate have started.

Golf Cart Allocation - If you are not using your cart, someone else gets your cart for the day. Need to share. Carts came in on Friday 5/15.

Grounds Update - Taxi signs need put on the golf carts today.

Reminder: All officers, Chair & Gate captains on stage for introduction at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday 5/23.

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. T J Collins seconded. Meeting adjourned at 2:55
Next Meeting: Thursday 5/21 at Wingers Trailer. A 10 minute wrap up.

Secretary - Barbara Collins
Done 6/3/15

Thursday, May 21, 2015 NIBGA Festival status meeting

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association - Fairgrounds - Kendallville, IN
Thursday, May 21, 2015 Festival status meeting

To cover all points in preparation for the festival beginning this evening.

Officers present:                                      Board directors:
   Pres. - Jim Winger                                       T J Collins
   Vice-pres - Joe Steiner                                 Pam Keiper
   Secretary - Barbara Collins                          Paul Saurborn
   Treasurer - Linda Winger

Others: Brenda Aldrich, Jim Miller, Jan Meade, Carolyn & Richard Bacon, Jeanette Young, Dave Keiper, Dave Vogie, Terry & Louise McLouth, Dave Smith, Chris Vogie.

Linda Winger - Treasurer gave a quick report on how many campers are on the grounds as of today.
 Linda says the flowers donated by Krogers are worth $350.00. They are to go to the Noble Co. Fairgrounds after the Sunday night show.

Merchandise: Jeanette and Louise report it is ready. The C card has been tested. A purchase needs to be at least $25.00 or more says Jim Winger.

Chris Vogie; Stage is ready. Announcers are all set.

T J - Grounds; Things are going good. No complaints for now from campers. There is a heavy water leak in the back field that will be attended to.

Green Room - Bacons report that all is ready. Water/Coffee/cookies. (All cookies are homemade by Bacon's.)

Saturday 5/24 - First Saturday band on stage at 11:00 a.m.

All Officers and Chair on stage at 11:45 a.m.

Meeting closed at 1:10 p.m.

Secretary - Barbara Collins

NIBGA Board meeting Feb. 15, 2015

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Assoc. Board Meeting at SW Conservation Club, Fort Wayne, Indiana

The meeting was called to order by Vice-President Joe Steiner at 12:45 p.m.

Officers present are:                              Board Directors:
  Vice - President Joe Steiner                    TJ Collins
  Secretary - Barbara Collins                     Paul Saurborn
                                                                   Pam Keiper - Via phone conference call.
President Jim Winger and Treasurer Linda Winger were absent due to a family funeral. They stopped in but were not able to stay for the business meeting.

Others present are: Past Vice Pres. Sandra Carnes: Chris Steiner-Workshop & Taxi Chair: Brenda & Greg Aldrich-Co gate captains: Jim Miller-Co gate captain.

• Secretary's report-Barbara Collins emailed the January 18th meeting minutes to all on Jan 20th. President Jim Winger posted them on the NIBGA Blog. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Pam Keiper seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

• Treasurer's report- Financials for January 2015 were emailed Feburary 6, 2015 by Linda Winger to all officers. Totals are as of 1/13/15/. Pam Keiper motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Grants::: Chris Steiner reports that George Miller is actively working on Grants for Northern Indiana Bluegrass Assoc.

OLD BUSINESS

• Cox Media Promotion Company has submitted a proposal for advertising. There are many different options for WEB site adds. The deals and prices were reviewed and discussed by the Board. After lengthy discussion it was decided that we do not choose to use advertising by Cox. It is expensive and high risk for any results for the club. Vice President-Joe Steiner recommended staying with E-Bay. All agreed.

• Chris Steiner has put together a ticket DEAL and posted on E-Bay a week long Family packet for a $110. Chris posted pictures of the NIBGA festival and information. There have been 303 who have seen this offer on line. Five people are watching the results. This will be posted for 30 days. Chris is also considering a second packet for a week end for $70.00. All agree it is a good packet deal.

• Jim Miller suggested we do more advertising in Illinois. Joe Steiner purposed $1,000 per festival. Greg Aldrich says, "Send information to Illinois Newsletters and Associations to advertise". The board re-addressed Illinois advertising and adjusted the amount to spend. Paul Saurborn motioned to spend $500 per festival on Illinois advertising. TJ Collins seconded. all say yes. Motion carried. 

• Joe Steiner will continue with Google and Facebook postings. 

• Band Hiring update-Joe Steiner: Beginning to hire bands. Working continually on remaining line up. 

• Band Scramble 2015 - Secretary Barbara Collins contacted Tonia Bacon to confirm her being chairman for festivals this year. Tonia confirmed she will chair the Band Scrambles. 

• Green Room Host: Richard and Carolyn Bacon have confirmed to Secretary Barbara Collins that they will do the 'Band Hospitality Room' for the 2015 festivals. 

• The revised band schedule for Spring 2015 Festival was e-mailed to all officers by V.P. Joe Steiner. It was reviewed at the meeting, discussed and decided to eliminate the first show on Saturday and start a little later than the original time of 10:30 a.m.. It was suggested we start the show on Sat at 11:15 or 11:30. Pam Keiper motioned to eliminate the first show on the schedule and adjust the time. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

• In reply to a request for suggestions on "How to attract new campers", a letter was sent in. Suggestions to improve bathrooms was one. A reply was returned explaining that the Noble Co. Fairgrounds 'Is Not a campground'. It is maintained by the Noble Co. Fair board & volunteers. Even though NIBGA has rented and used the fairgrounds twice a year since 1990, we are not responsible for basic maintenance. Our association has donated money for improvements and have made request for many improvements. Some have happened, some have not. Also there are several other large events that take place on the grounds yearly and those cause wear and tear to the grounds. Tim Addis of NCCFB said, "We will spruce up the rest rooms". 

• There was a long discussion among the board about vendors for the festivals. Vendor Chair Jeanette Young was not present. Vendor subject will be discussed more at the next meeting. Past VP Sandra Carnes offered to help Jeanette if necessary. 

• Water Fountain at the Merchants Building at the fairgrounds. People asking wy it is not in working order. We don't know. It has been addressed with the fair board. They said they will 'look into it'. 

• The board will continue to request improvements to the restrooms and showers & etc. 

• Discussion on special ticket prices for visitors. It would be difficult and time consuming to police and sort out the 'full price attendees and the visitors'. It would not be fair to charge some full price to sit in the concert area and others less because they want to visit a friend or family. It was decided no reduced price visitors passes will be made available. 

• Dennis Narker of the Kendallville News Sun sent a letter to NIBGA with suggestions on increasing local attendance to the festivals. Dennis touched on several different possibilities. Some we already do, others are possibilities to consider.

• TABLE::: Discussion on possibilities of setting up for pre-buy festival passes. 

• TABLE::: Possibility of starting use of credit/debit card machine at the Merchandise-Membership table during the festivals. Possibly extend to gate if it works out well. 

• Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. Barbara Collins seconded Vice President-Joe Steiner called the meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Next meeting will be March 15, 2015 - Noon to 6:00 p.m.

Secretary - Barbara Collins

NIBGA board meeting 11/17/2013

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Orientation Meeting, November 17, 2013
At South West Conservation Club, Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The meeting was called to order by Vice-President - Joe Steiner at 12:30 p.m.

OFFICERS PRESENT:                      BOARD DIRECTORS: 
 President - Jim Winger                          T.J. Collins
 Vice-President - Joe Steiner                 Paul Saurborn
 Secretary - Barbara Collins                    Pam Keiper (via conference phone)
 Treasurer - Linda Winger

Others Present: Chris Cooperrider - Special Events; Jeanette Young - Vendor Chair & Merchandise; Leslie Ellis - Co Gate Captain; Past V. Pres. - Sandra Carnes; Jim Miller - Co Gate Captain; Greg and Brenda Auldridge - Co Gate Captains.

Secretary's report for the Oct 20th meeting was emiled to all officers Oct. 25th, 2013. No additions or corrections. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Jim Winger seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

Treasurer's reports; The October 2013 Financial Report was emailed to all officers on 11/13/13. Report as of 10/31/13. The report was reviewed. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept the financial report.  Pam Keiper seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

                                                              OLD BUSINESS

Renewal response to expired membership mailings. 300 copies were printed. Over 200 were mailed to members who's membership has expired. Very few replies. Discussion on how to reach past members.

There was a review of Fall Festival financials. No change.
Merchandise report. No change.

* TABLED = Renegotiation of rent cost with Noble County Fair Board for 2014.

501C3 = Lengthy discussion about Grants:
   Jim and Linda Winger attended a Grant learning class on Monday November 11, 2013 at the Fort Wayne Public Library. They will be attending more sessions. Some of the sessions cover:  Stewardship for Non - Profits. (Jim & Linda)
   Grant Basics 1 - Jim and Linda Winger.
   Grant Basics 1 & 2 on Dec. 3rd - Joe and Chris Steiner
   Grant Basics 2 - on Nov. 18th - Jim and Linda
There was much discussion on other deductible contributions.

Volunteer in-kind-time documentation: It is requested that all officers and volunteers send a 'Tally List' of time spent working at festivals, etc. Send to Chris (Cooperrider) Steiner.

Budget for 2014
   Discussion of Band Budget, Advertising, Golf Carts, Tents. Are they adjustable?

  Ticket prices for 2014 Festivals. After lengthy discussion there was a vote on Member and Non-member gate prices. It was purposed the prices need to be increased for financial reasons. To cover the rise in Electric, water, grounds rent, bands and all other necessary expenses to produce the festival for 2014. The band budget is the largest expense. After a in-depth look at expenses, T.J. Collins motioned to change the gate prices.

  A members 3 day week-end gate ticket will be $25.00. A Non-member 3 day gate ticket will be $30.00.  Plus the $10.00 one time charge for electric.
  The daily ticket prices will be: Friday $10.00 - - Saturday $20.00 - - Sunday $15.00.
Paul Saurborn seconded the motion. All say yes. Motion carried.

TABLED = Special Events: Extended Workshops at the festival: Chris Cooperrider requested more money budgeted to pay for more expensive and experienced workshop directors for the classes.

TABLED = B.U.G, (Bluegrass Under Ground) Revisit in the spring.

TABLED - Band Scramble

Joe Steiner gave a report on the band hiring status. He is already working with bands for 2014.

Linda Winger reports: Golf Carts and Early Tent Rental contracts will be taken care of before the end of Dec. 2013. The price for delivery of Golf Carts is going up. There is a discount for Golf Carts and Tents with early payment.

It was approved for Linda Winger to purchase 2,000 Forever Stamps for mailing newsletters, before the increase to save the club money later.

Renewals for Ever note (Document Storage Facility) was agreed to renew.

TABLE = Grant to Suzuki for 2014.

No expenses to approve.

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. Jim Winger seconded. Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
Sincerely, Barbara Collins - NIBGA Secretary.

NIBGA Board meeting Jan. 20, 2013

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association - January 20, 2013 at Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, In. 46809

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 12:30 P.M.

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

Others present: Chris Cooperrider - Special Events; Jeanette Young - Vendor Chair & Co-Merchandise;Tonia Bacon - Co-Merchandise/Membership table & Band scramble Chair; Carolyn Bacon - Band Hospitality Room; Jade Bacon; Brenda and Greg Auldridge Co-Gate Captains; Sue Saurborn.

•  Secretary report - Barbara Collins - Emailed to all officers November 19, 2012.
•   ***There was one revision to the Band Hosting.  Bands will not be hosted this year unless a potential host family specifically request a band. At that time Chris Cooperrider will contact the band to see if that is acceptable with this band, and then the host family will be informed. Because of the lack of host families we will not be promoting this to bands this year.  Paul Saurborn motioned to accept the correction. Linda Winger seconded. All say yes. Motion carried. 
• Treasurer Linda Winger emailed the November and December Financial statements to all officers on January 15, 2013. Financials were reviewed at the meeting. No additions or corrections.  Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. T.J. Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Reminder: There will be a 4-H Club Horse Show at the Noble Co. Fairgrounds May 17, 18 & 19 -  2013. 
• Tres. Linda W. states; The tents for both Spring 2013 and Fall 2013 are paid in full. By doing this pre-pay we get a discount. 
• By becoming a 501C3 club there will be a change in the club charter. (J.W.) V. Pres. Joe Steiner covered details. 
• 1099's for bands are due by January 31, 2013. (J.W.)
• There have been many problems with the club computer Jim W. reports. All parts have been replaced at Jim W.'s expense.
• TO DO:  Band Schedules:  Extend band times from 45 minute sets to 50 minute sets. (Includes set up time.) 
• NIBGA 501C3 application was approved by the IRS and is effective March 2012

OLD BUSINESS

• NCCFC contract not due until 2016, but 2014 rate is $12,500 and 2015 is $13,000. If 2013 is a loss, these rates need to be renegotiated. (J.W.)
• Workshops planned for Spring festival. Chris Cooperrider hopes to have at least 15 workshops. Chris requested $100.00 for expenses.  Pam Keiper motioned to allow $100.00. Paul Saurborn seconded. All agree. Motion passed. 
• A number of Workshops are being planned for all day Friday May 24, 2013. It is still to be determined how many sessions and locations. Tentatively the plans are to run 1-1/2 or 2 hr. classes consecutively, starting at 10:00 A.M. and ending at 6:00 P.M.. Tentatively planned are workshops in Bluegrass instrumentation, and "Roots of Bluegrass" instrumentation, including Bass*, Dobro*, Harmony singing*, Mandolin*, Auto-harp*, Harmonica*, Guitar* (2 levels), Dancing, Bluegrass Jamming, Old-time Jamming, Banjo, Mountain Dulcimer, and Fiddle.  *Means the workshop has been confirmed.  
• 50/50 Drawing - Agreed to do but need a Chair person and organizer. Pam Keiper volunteered to chair this and get others to help her. Details to be decided later. 
• Band Scramble for Spring 2013 festival: Tonia Bacon will Chair this. Jade Bacon will write up an article for the Newsletter. Details with day and time will be announced. 
• Band hiring update - Joe Steiner. Some bands confirmed for 2013. Working on scheduling. Joe is within budget. Will set up a band to visit the nursing home during the festival. 

NEW BUSINESS

• Golf Carts for festival: It is decided we will rent 11 total two seat carts for officers, security & maintenance man. Two larger ones for taxis, One cargo cart for Janitor Cheri. 
• Green room - for Bands. Carol Bacon agreed to maintain again this year. 
• Joe Steiner will be stage manager.
• Merchandise/Membership table manager. Tonia Bacon and Jeanette Young. They will set their schedules. 
• Taxi Management; Chris Cooperrider will sign up people and set schedules. 
• Workshop Management: Chris Cooperrider Spring 2013. Dave Vogie Fall 2013.
• Vendor Manager: Jeanette Young. 
• Tee-Shirt design for 2013. Mark Schlutte has submitted some designs. If one of his is chosen we will decide colors later. If anyone has a design they would like to submit it will be considered by the board. Must be decided soon. 
• Port-a-jons: There will be 6 set in before the festival begins. 
• Security for festival 2013;  We will use the same and same schedule. 
• Contracts for 2013 meetings to be signed with the Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809.  Paul Saurborn motioned to sign. Joe Steiner seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.     Contracts signed. 
• Confirm sound with Steve Klein for 2013.  Joe Steiner. 
• Confirm Sunday services for 2013. Jim Winger
• TABLE:    Advertising   WAWK?   Placemats?    
• TABLE    Research grants. 
• Duplex flyer needs prepared by next meeting. JW,  &  JS. 

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. T.J. Collins seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 2:00 P.M.
Next meeting, Sunday Feb. 17, 2013
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.

NIBGA board meetings at Labor Day festival

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association - August 26, 2012 Noble County Fairgrounds - Kendallville, IN

 The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 2:00 P.M.

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

Others Present: Chris Cooperrider, Jeanette Young, Richard Bacon, Carolyn Bacon, Tonia Bacon, Jade Bacon, Dave & Marianne Vogie, Sandra & Charlie Carnes, Al & Leslie Ellis, Jan & Don Meade, Maggie & Gary Bilby, Fred Hagel, Julie Goldsmith.

The secretary report by Barbara Collins was motioned to accept by Paul Saurborn. Second by Joe Steiner. All say yes. Motion carried.

The Treasurers report was reviewed by Linda Winger. July Financials were reviewed. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. T J Collins second. All say yes. Motion carried. 
INFORMATION ITEMS

• 501c3 -- No activity.

OLD BUSINESS

• Linda Winger - Reviewed S12 Festival Expenses and Income.
• Pres. Jim Winger reviewed NIBGA Festival History from May 2000 to May 2012. Each officer was given a spread sheet to read and follow along. 
• Pres. Jim Winger reviewed the NIBGA Emergency Procedures:
  Subjects are: Vehicle Accident, Spill and Release, Lost Child or Person, Evacuation, Guidelines for Handling the Media in a Crises, Fire, Explosion and Bomb Threat, Nartural Disaster, Medical Emergencies, List of Emergency phone numbers, Zone of Buildings numbered - Zone's 1 to 8. 
• Portable stage rules. We are within guidelines. 
• Paul Saurborn will do the September newsletter mailing.

NEW BUSINESS

• Current attendance at the F12 festival is good as of today 
• Merchandise/Membership table -- Jeanette Young and family will do Thursday 8/30 & Saturday 9/1. Tonia Bacon and family will do Friday 8/31 & Sunday 9/2.
• Golf Carts - Added one cart for Tonia Bacon (merchandise table) and one 6 seater and one 4 seater for taxi use. 
• Vendor Chairman Jeanette Young. Some of the vendors coming are 'Pizza by the Slice', Lemon Shake-Up, Ice Cream, Elephant Ears, Mexican foods, Harold Jones 'Jones Music', Instruments, Bake Sale, Pulled Pork, and possibly others. Wood will be $5.00 per bag and $2.00 per bundle. 
• Band Hosting Program: 5 bands have host matched up and 3 more would like a Host but not signed to a family yet. 
• Band Review: Joe Steiner. Bands are all set. Arrival times are fairly set. Parking spots are designated. 
• Grounds: TJ Collins. Plenty of parking yet. Grounds are set and going fine. 
• Gates: Pam Keiper. Our new Gate Captain Fred Hagel was introduced. Some time slots are filled as of now.
• Taxis: Chris Cooperrider. Signs need put on the golf carts. Taxi dispatch station is at the Log Ice Cream stand. Need drivers. 
• Kids Korner: Julie Goldsmith. Home Depot is donating craft supplies. 12 tables and 36 chairs needed for the Sat. 9/1 craft event. Julie would like to be set up on Monday 8/27. Need Volunteers.
• Don Moore will be here today at 4:00 to distribute garbage cans. 
• Meeting Thursday 8/30 at 1:30 at Wingers campsite. 
• Barbara Collins asked for O.K. to purchase flowers for the stage. Approved. 

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. Joe Steiner seconded.  Meeting adjourned 2:55 PM

Secretary - Barbara Collins

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association -- August 30, 2012 Noble County Fairgrounds, Kendallville, IN

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 1:30 PM

Officers Present: 
 President Jim Winger                  Board directors: 
 Vice-President Joe Steiner          TJ Collins
 Secretary Barbara Collins           Pam Keiper
 Treasurer Linda Winger              Paul Saurborn

Others present: Jeanette Young, Leslie Ellis, Jan Meade, Tonia Bacon, Carolyn Bacon, Richard Bacon, Dave Vogie, Fred Hagel. 

• Gate report: Going alright.
• Merchandise - Tonia Bacon - Ready
• Hospitality Room - Carolyn Bacon - Ready
• Vendors - Jeanette Young - Pizza stand not coming. Bake sale setting up for Thursday and Friday. Moose stand to open Thursday. Special is Beef & Noodles. Burrito/Taco stand on the way now. Day Spa Booth set up. 
• Log Cabin pre-sale tickets for the Dinner tonight are $7.50. $8.50 at the door. 
• Grounds - TJ - Good shape. Plenty of parking left in the handicap. 
• Stage is ready.
• Bands are ready. 
• Some folks are having problems with their radio and batteries. Jim W. will handle
• Every band has a host family now. 
• Lonesome Meadows will go to Avilla nursing home Friday at 2:00 PM
• There are two new fans for the stage. They will be boxed back up and left on the stage after the shows. 
• Linda Winger saw Mayor Handshoe at Scott's Grocery. She will be coming to the fairgrounds and on stage at 1:30 Saturday 9/1/12. 

Meeting adjourned at 1:45 PM
Secretary Barbara Collins

Gordon "Pete" Peterson, 82

GORDON "PETE" L. PETERSON, 82, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012, at La Hacienda Nursing Home, Harlingen, Texas after a short illness. He worked for IBM as an Electronics Engineer for over 30 years. In 1988, he retired and moved to the Fun & Sun RV Park, in San Benito. He was an accomplished musician and especially loved Bluegrass music. He had a passion for woodcarving and was a member of the woodcarving club at the RV Park.

Pete was responsible for introducing Linda and I to bluegrass music. In 1972 Pete convinced us to attend a "bluegrass" festival at Aunt Minnie's farm in West Virginia. Listening to his new tape of Will the Circle Be Unbroken by the Nitty Gritty Dirt band, Linda, I, our young son James and Pete drove east to the festival towing our 16' RV. We had a great time.

Thereafter, Pete encouraged us to attend a close by festival in Ohio called Ottawa. We made occasional visits but each time we became more enthused until finally we learned to play instruments and join Pete as he played banjo. We started attending festivals with Pete and would hit as many as 15 in the summer season.

One festival we attended was hosted by NIBGA in Columbia City, IN in the late '80s. There we met Don McFarland, president of NIBGA. We started attending winter meetings and eventually, Linda became club secretary and I vice president. In 1990 Don resigned and I became president. The festival needed a new home and Kendallville was found.

The Kendallville festival is a direct result of Pete's love of bluegrass music.

RIP good friend.

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.

Labor Day weekend Bluegrass festival

We are at the Tri-State Bluegrass festival in Kendallville, IN.  The hurricane is bringing wet weather which will impact our Labor Day weekend attendance. We do have two large tents and a shelter for the audience.

Jammers wanted 8/18-19

I am the site naturalist at Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site in Rome City. I am in the process of planning our annual Chautauqua Days festival Saturday August 18^th & Sunday August 19^th from Noon to 4pm both days. We are looking for musicians willing to come to the site and play for our visitors. We have had the Fike Brothers out here in the past but due to budget restraints this year, we are unable to use them. Any musician or group who wants to come out and play is more than welcome to. There is no cost to them to participate and they can bring out any product they might have to sell. I picked up a flyer for the bluegrass festivals in Kendallville and found this email on the bottom of it. If you could share this information with the rest of the association that would be extremely helpful. Thank you in advance for your help.

Tiffany Conrad

Interpretive Naturalist

Gene Stratton-Porter SHS

tconrad@indianamuseum.org

260.854.3790

May 26 events at Tri-State in Kendallville

Saturday events
Instrument Workshops by Detour
Bass	Jack Grant	10:00	-	10:30 AM
Guitar	Scott Zylstra	10:00	-	10:30 AM
Mandolin	Jeff Rose	10:35	-	11:05 AM
Fiddle	Peter Knupfer	10:35	-	11:05 AM
Banjo	Kevin Gaugier	11:10	-	11:40 AM
Kids Korner		10:00	-	11:30 AM
Intermediate Jam w Bilby and friends		noon	-	1:30 PM

May 25 Guitar Workshop at Tri-State

Dan Miller, the editor and publisher of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, will conduct a two-hour all-level flatpicking guitar workshop that will focus on how to use efficient left and right hand technique and mechanics to increase speed, improve note clarity and fluidity, and develop good tone and volume.  Dan said, "After interviewing over 200 professional guitar players for Flatpicking Guitar Magazine I took all of the information that I had gathered about developing speed, accuracy, and tone and worked with my good friends Brad Davis and Tim May to develop a book, DVD, and workshop presentation that would help players of all levels break through playing barriers and improve their tone, volume, speed, fluidity, and note accuracy."

J.D. Crowe to hang up his banjo

Another banjo milestone is about to be passed. The great J.D. Crowe has announced his intention to retire from performing at the end of 2012. He will turn 75 years old this summer.


More at: http://bluegrasstoday.com/40267/j-d-crowe-to-hang-up-his-banjo/

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

Resonator Guitar fund raiser

World renown luthier Frank Harlow has donated on of his Jumbo Cherry guitars to the Fayette County (Ohio) Humane Society for a fundraising raffle, which will be held in early May 2012.

Similar to drawing instrument

The mission of the Fayette County Humane Society is to protect and preserve the welfare of the domestic animals in Fayette County Ohio, and to honor the human-companion animal bond. We only care for domestic animals, mostly dogs and cats. All proceeds from the raffle will be used to care for abused, neglected, injured and abandoned domestic animals.

The Harlow Resonator Square Neck Slide Guitar features: 60 year old Jumbo Cherry Body with Curly Maple Neck, Ebony Fret Board and Pearl Binding. Comes with Hard Shell Case. Value $4000.00

Tickets are $20.00 each. Only 500 tickets will be sold.

Registration begins March 1st, 2012.It will end when either 500 tickets are sold, or April 30th, 2012. Get your tickets soon, as we expect this to sell out quickly. Drawing date is early May, and will be updated (see below)

For instructions for purchasing tickets either through U.S. Postal Service or online, please go to this website.

Thanks Jim, Dan Simon -- Allegan Michigan

Earl Scruggs - 88 Mar. 28, 2012

One of my first years on the IBMA board was held at the Galt House in Louisville, KY. The Chamber of Commerce had a welcome reception for the board on the Sunday evening before the World of Bluegrass. At the reception was a who who in bluegrass but what caught my eye was Earl and JD Crowe setting in a couple over stuffed chairs trading banjo licks. They were just a couple of pickers enjoying the music.

We never had the pleasure of having Earl perform at a Tri-State festival.

Here is a blog that has info about Earl.

Earl & the Chieftains bring home Sally Goodin'

You can find Earls' biography on his web site. An obituary is here.

Earl will have a proper send-off with a full-fledged funeral service at the Ryman Auditorium on Sunday (April 1). 

Dry Branch Fire Squad at Tri-State

DBFS will appear Sept 1 & 2. Here is an article on the band in Bluegrass Unlimited August 2011.

Kay Bass For Sale

Hi...

A  really sweet looking Kay Bass For Sale came across my radar screen today. Relative to its  advertised and pictured condition, the $1800 Or Best Offer seems an attractive price. It includes a padded gigbag and electric pickup. I always like to hear "best offer".  Maybe mid teens would buy it.  I don't know.  I'm always tempted. But I just can't manage to sneak another one through the kitchen into the bass-ment right now, not with three more "keepers" than I can play down there right now...and not when I'm supposed to be fattening the piggy bank to slaughter for an RV transmission replacement before Kendallville.

Kays, American Standards, King Mortones, Epiphones--I like to see these neat old American plywood basses in good homes within the bluegrass community. Within a couple of weeks someone will tell me they wish they'd heard about THIS one. I think this one will be sold quick. To my eyes this one resembles the clean Kay beauties Jerry Fretwell always prices $2900--$3500 at that store of his down in Virginia. If you aren't in the market yourself, perhaps you'd be kind enough to forward it along your bluegrass grapevine (how about it Maggie B?)

I haven't seen the bass or played it. I do not know the seller. I'm judging from the pictures. Seller rates it 9 on scale of 10 and says it looks nicer than the pictures show.  Separations? Neck cracks (dowels? lag bolts? pins?). Seller says "NO" ...nothing like that going on.

The bass is in a norhtwest suburb community of metro Detroit area in the 13 Mile Rd/ Southfield Rd. area. Here is the link to the craigslist ad, with pictures and phone number.

later, larryo.