Bluegrass Jam held at Knox Community Center

By: ted

Published: October 17th, 2011

Country music fans, especially of the Bluegrass persuasion, turned out Friday night for Mayor Rick Chamber’s Bluegrass Jam at the Knox Community Center.

Mayor Chambers said the event gives musicians, and fans alike a chance to get out and enjoy their music of choice.

“We had a great turnout as usual,” said Mayor Rick Chambers. “We had about 270 people here. We had donations for the Food Pantry and my pickup truck is full of food. We probably have 700 or 800 pounds of food. It’s a really great turnout. We hold these events about twice a year and we’d like to do more, but the Community Center is usually rented out, so we do one in early spring and late fall.”

Over $300.00 was collected as well.
Knox Community Center 

55 East Lake Street, Knox, IN 46534-1426

(574) 772-8010 ‎

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

Gigs needed January 12, 2012

Hi Jim:

It was a pleasure chatting with you a few minutes ago. My name is Dan Mazer. Using the stage name "BanjerDan," I'm a banjo player/multi-instrumentalist based in Washingtton, DC. My music is an Americana mix, rooted in straight-ahead bluegrass and branching out to include folk, country, blues, oldies, and other styles. I've performed all over the U.S. and internationally, as a solo artist, as a member of bands, and in theatrical  productions  and orchestras. I've received some notoriety of late as a member of "J.B. Beverley & The Wayward Drifters."

I'm planning a tour which will take me to Ft. Wayne on Tuesday, January 10th, 2012., and hope you'll be able to find a venue for my solo acoustic, mostly-banjo show. I could also do a banjo workshop or a children's program.

Please visit my websites to learn about my background and to hear and see what I do:

("banjerdan dot com" is down for revamping, and will be back online soon.)

http://www.youtube.com/banjerdan

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/BanjerDan/57572207159

http://www.facebook.com/banjerdan

If you like what you hear, please get back to me.

Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to hearing from you.

Dan Mazer

“GIVE ME THE BANJO”

“GIVE ME THE BANJO” PREMIERES ON PBS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2011, AS PART OF THE FIRST PBS ARTS FALL FESTIVAL

Steve Martin Narrates Chronicle of the Country’s Music, History and Popular Culture Through “America’s Quintessential Instrument”

Multi-Faceted Companion Web Site Will Expand Program’s Impact

9:00 p.m. ET

Check local listings

WASHINGTON, DC, [Updated September 22, 2011] – This fall, PBS viewers will embark on an epic musical odyssey through 300 years of American history and culture by way of the banjo — from its earliest use by enslaved Africans in colonial America to the 21st century. GIVE ME THE BANJO, a documentary presented by UNC-TV North Carolina, premieres Friday, November 4, 2011, at 9:00 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings). GIVE ME THE BANJO is part of the first PBS Arts Fall Festival, a multi-platform event anchored by nine films that highlight artists and performances from around the country.

Request for bluegrass music on 10/20/2011

From: JoAnn Claghorn [mailto:jclaghorn@riverterraceestates.us]
Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 11:01 AM
To: web@nibga.com
Subject: Question

I am the Activity Director at a Senior Living Community in Bluffton, Indiana. (River Terrace Estates) We are having a Hog Roast for our Residents on October 20th from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.. Some of our residents have requested some live Blue Grass Music.  My problem is I do not know any Blue Grass Groups or how much they would charge. I found your website and was hoping you could help me with some information.
We are located between Markle and Bluffton on St. Rd 116 approximately 25 miles south of Fort Wayne.

Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you,
JoAnn Claghorn, River Terrace Estates, 100 Caylor Blvd., Bluffton, IN  46714
Phone: 260-824-8940  ext: 122 Fax:    260-824-8951
E-Mail: jclaghorn@riverterraceestates.us

NIBGA Board meeting minutes Aug. 28, Sept 1, 2011

Sunday August 28, 2011

Meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association at Noble County Fairgrounds – Kendallville , IN

The meeting was called to order by Pres. Jim Winger at 1:10 P.M. after an officers & volunteer gate captains carry-in lunch.

Officers present: Board directors

 Pres. Jim Winger T.J. Collins 

 V. Pres. Joe Steiner Pam Keiper

 Secretary – Barbara Collins Paul Saurborn

 Treasurer – Linda Winger

Dave Keiper, Chris Cooperrider – Taxi Chairman, Gate captains: Al & Leslie Ellis, Jan Meade (& Don Meade), Patty & George Page; Vendor Chair – Jeanette Young, Past V. pres. Sandy Carnes & Charlie Carnes, Julie Goldsmith – Kids Korner chairman, Alexis Goldsmith, Jay Winger, Richard Bacon, Carolyn Bacon, Tonia Bacon, & Jenna Bacon.

 INFORMATION ITEMS

• Minutes of the May meeting were sent to all officers via E-mail in June by Secretary Barb Collins. Paul Saurborn motioned to approve. Joe Steiner second. All approve. Motion carried.
• Financial reports for May, June & July were sent to all officers via E-mail by Treasurer Linda Winger. Pam Keiper motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn seconded. All approved. Motion carried.
• There was a review of the Spring 2011 Festival Tally (8/20/11). No action needed. Festival income is down a little from Fall of last year.
• Paul and Sue Saurborn will do the newsletter mailing for in Sept. which will be the Oct. 2011 newsletter.
• WiFi up and running on the Merchants Building & Log Cabin.
• Street sweeping down the midway will be Thursday 9/1/11. 
• Trash Pickup: We are charged for tonnage only on Thursday and Friday. Saturday and Sunday the cost is $60.00 each day. All pickup times are A.M. 
• The Security systems in the log cabin and merchants building are off at this time. 
• Honey wagon schedule: Wed PM RV only, Friday PM RV and Port-a-jons, Sat RV and Port-a-jons, Monday 7 AM RV only. Fee for service remains at $10.00.

OLD BUSINESS

• Golf Cart list: T.J. Collins, Al Ellis & Leslie Ellis, Pam/Dave Keiper, Jan Meade (shared), Patty Page (shared), Paul Saurborn, Dave Smith (shared), Joe Steiner, Jim Winger, Linda Winger/Dave Vogie (Sat a.m.), Jeanette Young, Security - Thurs, Fri, Sat., Utility – Cheri Franz, One 4 seat taxi – Chris Cooperrider, One 6 seat taxi.
• Workshops Schedule: Friday PM intermediate jam, Sat. regular Slow Jam schedule. See handout & bulletin board at for times. 
• Advertising: WAWK, WLZZ, WTHD, WBET, FWJG, placemats at Kendalville & Fort Wayne, News Sun wrap, news releases, News Sentinel article 8/31 along with flyers. 

NEW BUSINESS

• Single point of contact between fair board and NIBGA is Jim Winger / Don Moore
• Radio Inventory. To determine how many radios are in circulation and if everyone has the proper charger and or needs batteries. 
• TABLE: Discussion on if we want to donate to Noble Co. fairgrounds to add some new electric on the track . Possible 8 circuits. One time $400. Permanent $1,500 -$2,000. Should we ask the Horse & Pony Club to share the expenses for electric in their area? Paul Saurborn motioned and TJ Collins seconded to discuss further. 
• Emergency procedures handout & review – JW There was a lengthy review of necessary emergency procedures and how to set action in place if necessary. Suggestions on how to notify the crowd; announce from the stage and office intercom; set points of contact and gathering points; put person in charge of posting at important spots; emergency procedures are necessary for storm, accidents, chemical spills, child abduction, medical emergencies and more. The board will work on a solid plan over the winter.
• NO ROPING off spots for anyone except Bands. The board will determine who gets a reserved band spot and where. 
• Weekend tickets were passed out to all officers. 
• Band bus parking. Joe Steiner needs one spot as of now. 
• Bands and Host report – Chris Cooperrider. Need just a few host as of now. Maggie Bilby will set up a table in the merchandise tent for potential Host to sign up.
• Pam Keiper has the band tickets for all bands to enter. Two tickets per band member and they need to sign in at the gate. (Joe S.)
• The Stockdale Family band will be playing at Sacred Hearts home, Avilla , IN on Friday 9/2 at 2p. compliments of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association. 
• Announcers are: Thursday PM- Donnie Voiles; Friday PM -Terry Thacker; Saturday AM -Terri Grannis, Saturday PM – Donnie Voiles; Sunday AM - Terry Thacker; Sunday afternoon and evening – Chris Vogie.
• Pam & Paul gate report the volunteer schedule is filing up.
• T.J. Collins – Grounds: Reports things are going well now. Handicap roped off, plenty of camping room. 
• Julie Goldsmith – Kids Kraft Korner – 5 activities. (spiders, cup stacking, etc.) Julie needs 12 Tables and 40 chairs. Set up Monday 8/29. Tear down craft area Sat. 9/3.
• Merchandise order report – Linda Winger/Barb Collins. Barb will do inventory Sunday evening.
• Need 7 tables, no chairs in tent. Need racks & hangers from the stage storage on Thursday 9/1. 
• Jeanette Young – Vendor Chair. No bake sale group has been found. All regular food vendors from spring are returning. This will be Tim's last festival here for selling strings. The wood vendor will be coming in. Ice Cream wagon –yes. It was suggested to offer Harold Jones to sell instrument strings when Tim no longer does. 
• Taxi sign up list at small log cabin and gate areas. Taxi dispatch 260-302-1555 – Chris C. 
• Sheriff schedules are same as in the spring. They need a cart and radio, Jim will provide.
• The board and chairs are to be on stage for introduction at 2:15 PM Saturday 9/3/11.
• Jim and Linda's phones have been reported to 911 as an emergency contact. Generally use Linda for 911. 
• Leave radios on at all times until bedtime. 
• Requested that all officers report when they are leaving the grounds and when we return. 
• Thursday there will be a short reporting meeting at 1:00p.m. at Winger's campsite. 
• Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn at 3:45 PM Joe Steiner seconded. 

Sincerely – NIBGA Secretary – Barbara Collins

Thursday September 1, 2011, meeting of the Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Noble Co. Fairgrounds at Winger's Campsite

Meeting called to order by Pres. Jim Winger at 1:00 PM

Officers Present: Board Directors:

 Pres. Jim Winger T.J. Collins

 V. Pres. Joe Steiner Pam Keiper

 Secretary Barbara Collins Paul Saurborn

 Treasurer Linda Winger

Other chair and gate captains present: Chris Cooperrider, Leslie Ellis, Jan Meade, Dave Vogie, Dave Smith, George Page, Jeanette Young, Julie Goldsmith, Maggie Bilby. 

• Report on festival income at this date - Linda W.
• Jeanette Young – Vendor Chair – Wood vendor will be around about dark tonight. Other vendors are in place.
• Dave Vogie – Workshop Chair – Some instructors are here. Buck & Company are coming. Workshop schedules are posted. Harmonica workshop at 9:30a.m.
• Maggie Bilby: Friday – Slow jam, Saturday Intermediate jam. At 12:00 and 1:30. 
• Chris Cooperrider: Taxi Chair – the 4 and 6 seat taxi schedule is full. 
• Julie Goldsmith: Kids Craft Chair – Getting set up today for Saturday.
• All bands except Buck & Co. are scheduled for hosting. Host set up table will be under the merchandise/band tent.
• T.J. Collins – Grounds looking good. Everything looks ready to go. Need to tie up tent sides yet. Tables & chairs out for bands. Tables & racks out for merchandise/memberships. Lights are up and ready to turn on in the tent. 
• Barb C. – Merchandise will start out at 4:30 today. Leslie has found 2 helpers. (She showed up with 7 Elves, besides herself) 
• Joe Steiner – there is room for others in Merrill's usual parking spot. 
• Linda cautions – DRINK LOTS OF WATER. It is to be hot over the week end. (And it was!)

Sincerely – NIBGA Secretary – Barbara Collins Adjourned 1:15pm

Sept. 17, 2011 Annual Prairie Fest - Campton Hills, IL

Bluegrass pickers wanted at Corron Farm, 7N761 Corron Road in Campton Hills to help celebrate the 2011 Annual Prairie Fest on Saturday September 17th. 

Corron Farm was settled in 1835 and was in the Corron family until Campton Township purchased it in 2002 for open space.  The farmstead is a Kane County Historic Site. Prairie Fest celebrates agriculture, history and nature, so bluegrass musicians will fit right in.  We will have tours of the 1850 home and the 1880s hired man's house, hayrides through the prairie and savanna, various historical and nature exhibits, cider and donuts and cakes made from 100+ year old recipes, a children's corner, antique tractors and other farm equipment.

The event is held at Corron Farm, 7N761 Corron Road in Campton Hills. The farm is north of Silver Glen Road but south of McDonald Road, right across from the Meissner-Corron Forest Preserve (which is where the volunteers park).

For more information contact: 
Anna Sutton alsutto@gmail.com, Denise Morgan morgansdj@aol.com  630-262-0871, or Laurel Garza the_Garzas@comcast.net 630-513-6038