9/27/2009 MINUTES

Smoky Mountain Blues Society Meeting at Calhouns’ on the River, Lenoir City

Meeting was called to order by Mike Feeback at 5:15 p.m.

Committee Reports:

1) Entertainment Committee report by Tim Spencer. Reviewed Baker’s Peters event. $230.00 was raised for the Society at this event. Appreciation was expressed to Sharon Kniffin for her work obtaining items for a raffle and to Black Jack Blues for assisting in getting the jam going. Those in attendance seemed to enjoy the day. Pictures from the event will be posted on the website at a future date. IBC regional competition is scheduled for October 14 & 15 at Brackins’ Blues Club in Maryville. Event has been publicized in the Maryville Daily Times, Knoxville News-Sentinel, on Craigs’List and BlueGill’s Pond. Several artists have expressed interest. Randy Ross volunteered to assist with stage management for the IBC competition event – this offer was gratefully accepted. Tim Spencer & Sharon Kniffin also will try to meet with Metro Pulse writer regarding publicity for this event and future Blues Society events. John McCormack advised that WDVX promotion of society events will be available soon – he will e-mail M. Feeback the address and amount of payment. All Board members present re-affirmed previous decision to pursue this opportunity.

2) Website Committee: No Report.

3) Membership Committee: Discussed recruitment opportunities. Compliments of Herman Long, the SMBS will be able to have tables at both Larry McCray shows (October 7 @ Catalyst in Knoxville & October 8 @ Brackins’ in Maryville). Appreciation was expressed to Herman for this opportunity. Membership brochures will also be made available at the IBC competition event at Brackins’.

4) Blues in the Schools: Emily Feeback reported in Doug Harris’ absence that this committee has tentatively scheduled a meeting for Tuesday night, September 29 at 7:00 p.m. @ Brackins’. Additional members would be welcome as this committee is in the very early stages of organizing.

Other Business:

1) General discussion regarding increasing membership participation at meetings and events. Those present agree that alternating meeting locations between Knoxville and Maryville is something to continue. It was suggested that venues be identified that are supportive of blues music. Consensus of those present was that Brackins’ has been a good host for the Maryville meetings and continuing at that location is preferred. Efforts are underway to identify a consistent location in Knox area. Ideas and suggestions are welcome. Also discussed efforts to obtain publicity of meetings and events via local media. Some contacts made have been unsuccessful in generating publicity. Efforts will continue with various media outlets (print and electronic). All present anticipate good exposure of Society meetings and events through WDVX opportunity to start soon.

2) Mike Feeback provided updated information regarding Board activities. Due to recent resignation of Robert Higginbotham from the Board, there is a board vacancy and the Secretary position will need to be filled. A Board meeting will be scheduled to address. By-laws development will need to be completed for 501c3 application process to continue. Board Members will receive the initial draft by-laws and sample non-profit status by-laws to review and make suggestions with the goal of finalizing by-laws.

3) Correction to August 2009 minutes note that L. Kittrell was not removed from Society overall. By Board vote at August meeting, his Board position was considered vacated due to non-payment of dues and absence at greater than 3 board meetings.

Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

Minutes by E. Feeback