April 2017

The April 4, 2017 meeting of the Folk Project Board of Directors was called to a semblance of order at 8:01 p.m., in the Randolph home of President Steve Humphreys.

Present: Steve Humphreys, Barrett Wilson, Jay Wilensky, Mike Agranoff, Kathi Caccavale, Lois DeRitter, Olga Alvarez, Elizabeth Lachowicz, Ken Brody, Evelyn McNally (officers and trustees); Pam Robinson, Leigh Walker, Pat Brangs, Christine DeLeon, George Otto, Lori Falco, Lindsey Meyer (committee chairs). Absent: Joanne Cronin, Allan Kugel, Mike Del Vecchio.

REPLACEMENT OF VICE PRESIDENT

Vice President Barrett Wilson is leaving for greener (or wetter) pastures in Washington State. Kathi Caccavale graciously volunteered to assume the office, and was elected by acclamation.

MOTIONS THIS MONTH

The minutes of the March, 2017 Board meeting were accepted as amended.

An ad hoc committee, with members appointed by the President, will be formed to establish the Project’s future strategic direction.

The minutes of the February, 2017 Board meeting will be amended to reflect that although Minstrel booking chair Mike A. hopes to eventually Webcast events from Getaway via Concert Window, doing so is not yet feasible because of issues with equipment and the Internet speed available at the site.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Treasurer: Chris Riemer, whisperer to Treasurer Mike A., reports that the Project is strong financially, with $49,640 in available cash.

OLD BUSINESS

Legal Housekeeping: President Steve H. reported that the project of ensuring that the Project is in legal compliance and appropriately insured is well under way. The pro bono attorney reviewing the Project’s documents has begun her review, and Steve anticipates meeting with her before the next Board meeting . Also, Lori Falco has communicated with the pro bono attorney who will examine the Project’s insurance needs and coverage. Steve and Lori asked that all venue chairs provide their facility and performer contracts for review.

Member Concerts: Elizabeth Lachowicz clarified that she currently serves as the member concerts liaison, responsible for finding producers for member shows. Elizabeth will prepare a job description, and will look into transferring the responsibility to another volunteer who has expressed interest.

Elizabeth happily reported that the Halloween show will be produced by Deborah Graham, and Summersongs by Mitch Radler; Minstrel will continue to produce the Birthday show.

Speed the Meetings: After considering the pros and cons of moving the starting time up to 7:30, the consensus of the Board was that the time will not now be changed, but that members will make an effort to be prompt and concise, and to rely on their written reports to the extent possible. Also, at the May meeting, the Board will experiment with reversing the agenda order by addressing Committee Reports before Old and New Business, to see whether a time saving results.

NEW BUSINESS

Vice President Search: New Vice President Kathi Caccavale will continue to serve as a trustee. While concern was expressed that having one person serve as both an officer and a trustee might cause difficulties with reaching a quorum if that person were absent, the consensus was that the dual role will help to streamline the Board.

Future of the Project: President Steve H. noted that planning is needed concerning long-range goals. In Steve’s view, a problem that particularly needs to be addressed is that the average age of Projectiles is above 50.

Mike Agranoff stated that the Project has had a great run, and believes that whatever happens will happen. However, the consensus of the Board, expressed by Olga Alvarez, is that planning is necessary to ensure a future for the Project. George Otto noted that similar organizations have similar problems, and should be consulted.

Lindsey Meyer noted that consultants for developing a long-range strategic plan are available and would be helpful. Barrett W. stated that Tom Werder, the Executive Officer of Morris Arts, would be a valuable resource.

The Board voted, by acclamation, to form an ad hoc committee to establish the Project’s strategic direction. Elizabeth L., Olga A., and Steve H. volunteered to serve [more volunteers are sought, sec’y]. It was noted that the strategy committee may overlap with Bob McNally’s ad hoc committee on Intentions and Resources, and merging the two committees will be considered.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Special Concerts: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Pam Robinson reported that the Kaia Kater concert was wonderful, and is showing a tentative net profit of $252. Upcoming events include a house concert at Mark and Robin Schaffer’s home by Joan and Joni [beautiful renditions of Baez and Mitchell songs, sec’y] on June 17; the Project’s own Loving Hearts Club Boogie Band on September 15; Eric Schwartz (R-rated) on September 23; Ted Yoder, in a home to be determined, on October 15; and Jay Ungar and Molly Mason on March 23, 2018. Also, after discussion with Minstrel Booking chair Mike A., Pam will schedule the annual Holiday show for December 15.

Ukefest: Pam reported that a contract has been signed with DanielleAteTheSandwich, and that there is a 60% chance that Ukefest will present an “amazing” performer from Hawaii.

Pam also reported that Folk Alliance International, which she attended with Board assistance, had 2000 attendees from 23 countries, 200 official showcases and 3000 private showcases [Pam’s attendance adds to the Project’s efforts to raise its profile, sec’y]. Performers especially noticed by Pam included Jeff Black, The Lemon Bucket Orchestra, Vishten, Front Country, and Red Tail Ring; Mike A. noted that Red Tail Ring has an open invitation to play at Minstrel.

Newsletter: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair George Otto reported that things are proceeding as usual, with the invaluable help of Kathi Caccavale, Pat Brangs, Nancy Kelner, Liz Pagan, Bill Henderson, and Joanne Cronin. He also reported that the April issue included six April Fools items, with the equally invaluable help of Pelvis Burlapp.

Minstrel Booking: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mike Agranoff noted that despite one financially disappointing show, Minstrel earned a profit of $92 in March. His report noted that the year-to-date average paid Minstrel attendance for regular shows 92.7, and that year-to-date profit is $501.

Mike reported that his plan to Webcast select Minstrel concerts via Concert Window is moving along. A successful test was made, and he hopes to do a test broadcast on April 23. Mike stresses that once the system is running, Webcasting will not require additional personnel.

Mike noted that Bill Hall is championing the Webcasting project and has prepared an instructional manual. Evelyn McNally will help with administration, including posting concerts on the Concert Window web site.

A highlight booking [and an excellent, well-attended show, sec’y] was Silk City with Tony Trishka on April 7. New bookings are the Inspire Project on August 4; Bob Malone on September 29; a split bill with [the Project’s, sec’y] Mara Levine and Celestial Harmonies on November 3; and Joe Crookston on April 6, 2018.

Horses Sing None Of It: WRITTEN REPORT

Ralph Litwin reported that two very entertaining shows were taped in March: Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio [catch them at Getaway, sec’y], and Kate & Paul. Scheduled tapings include Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches, and Donie Carroll, both on April 20.

Event Hosting: Chair Christine DeLeon extended a hooray to President Steve H. and Christine Golis, who stepped in at the last minute to host the April Evening of Music, and to Newsletter Chair George O. for quick revisions to publicize the change.

Membership: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Joanne Cronin reported that the Project has 311 memberships, totaling 502 souls hailing from Arizona to Washington State.

Swingin’ Tern: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Leigh Walker reported that attendance is similar to last year’s, minus last year’s boost from high-profile dances. He noted an increase in first-timers and returnees, while conversely noting that the popularity of dance is cyclical, and declining.

Leigh, in the context of legal housekeeping, stated that Swingin’ Tern does not use written performer contracts. Jay W., apologizing for being a lawyer, noted that given the physical nature of dancing, the lack of written contracts may present liability issues.

Mike A. stated, to general approval, that the Board remains happy to support Swingin’ Tern.

Archives:

Chair Lindsey M. reported that she is working on her initial letter to the membership outlining the goals of the Committee and describing the items it is seeking; she will circulate a draft of the letter to the Board, and welcomes suggestions. Lindsey is also working on drafting survey questions concerning archival items, to be sent via Constant Contact.

Publicity: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Paul Fisher rested on his report.

Sound Reinforcement:

No developments were reported.

Community Service:

Chair Pat Brangs reported no developments.

Getaway: WRITTEN REPORT

From 7,827 miles away, Co-chair Mark Schaffer reported that preparations for the Spring Getaway are in full swing, and that a few openings for attendees remain.

Intentions and Resources (ad hoc):

No developments were reported.

Minstrel Staffing: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Peter Glenn reported that he has held meetings with volunteers before concerts, to reiterate the importance of promptness. He also announced a goal of staffing the shows by the Tuesday before the show.

Obtaining volunteers remains a problem. President Steve raised the banner by pledging to volunteer four times during 2017, and asked other Board members to consider doing the same.

ONWARD!

Kathi C. led a hearty round of thanks and applause for departing past-President Barrett Wilson.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:46, auguring well for the streamlining project.

The next meeting will be held on May 2, 2017, at the home of Olga Alvarez and Gerry Hazel.

Submitted in the spirit of the Project,

Jay Wilensky, secretary.