Special Events

SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT - MARK SCHAFFER

SPECIAL CONCERTS SUBCOMMITTEE - Mark Schaffer

Thanks to The A Team for the extra effort it takes to launch a temporary house concert program from scratch, filled with the uncertainty and evolving situation that COVID brings: Robin, Todd, Kathi, Gary, Jean, Steve, and John.

Troubadour at Home produced two Friday evening house concerts so far, Grover Kemble and Mike Agranoff. Both were excellent shows, well-attended, and financially successful for the performers. The Project makes $50 per show.

Strategy changes were necessary and made after the first concert. Many of our vaccinated members acknowledged the relative safety of a vaccinated-only event, but the vast majority were not emotionally ready to break their isolation. So we lowered the admission price from $25 to $10 plus a freewill donation - identical to our Troubadour at MUF - to make it reasonable for regulars who were ready to attend to attend more often. The changes required re-negotiating with performers and adding a guarantee in light of the ticket price reduction. Funds to support the guarantee, if necessary, will come from unused 2019 Getaway donations with the approval of the anonymous donors.

I’ll be proposing a change to the motion regarding COVID guidelines. The current motion has a hard limit of 25 people in attendance. The proposed motion will link attendance limits directly to the NJ guidelines. This will require and enable venue chairs to either raise or lower their attendance limits without waiting up to four weeks for the next board meeting. The proposed motion will also address all events, not just indoor events.

The current motion is:

Motion that The FP board will allow indoor events, in homes, of up to 25 people, with proof of vaccination, in accordance with CDC and NJS guidelines. Precautions would include an "Acknowledgement of Risk" by the participants. The motion passed 12-4.

The proposed motion reads:

Motion that The FP board will allow indoor and outdoor events of people with proof of vaccination in accordance with CDC and NJS guidelines, including the limits or lack of limits on total attendance. Precautions would include an "Acknowledgement of Risk" by the participants.

Of Note: NJ guidelines do not impose an attendance limit starting June 4th to house concerts - which is the date of our Cliff Eberhardt & Louise Mosrie house concert.

EVENT HOSTING SUBCOMMITTEE - Jay Wilensky

The news from Event Hosting is still positive.

The Zoom song circle hasn’t missed a Monday since we began in April of the annus horribilis. We now have a steady attendance of close to 25 players, singers and appreciators from all over the continent. Most of our participants are regulars, and a number have said (unthreatened and even unprompted) that it’s the high point of their week. Although it’s primarily about participation and fellowship, the number and quality of our guest features has exceeded my wildest hopes: Shawna Caspi, Sean Altman/Jack Skuller, Deni Bonet and Lara Herskovitch in May, and every Monday in June scheduled.

Also, unless the world goes kablooey again – always a possibility – we’ll be able to revive the Fourth of July picnic. We have reserved the field (with grills and a shelter) in Lewis Morris Park that served so well in 2019. I’m keeping an eye on State and CDC Covid guidelines; I will organize and run the event in accordance with a *conservative* reading of those guides, and keep the membership apprised with one or two e-mail blasts. At this point, limiting the numbers seems advisable, so I’m asking for RSVPs. I’m hoping that Board members will take the lead in responding and volunteering.

Onward!

Jay Wilensky, Event Hosting sub-chair

NJ Uke Fest Subcommittee - Mark Schaffer

Plans should be finalized this week for a uke fest. Plan A is follows the format of our successful Getaway Days and assumes an attendance of 50 vaccinated-only persons. If the response is overwhelming, there will be a Plan B.

Announcements to the public will be made in two weeks or sooner. The date is Saturday, August 21, with expansion to Friday, August 20, a distinct and fun possibility. August 22 will be the traditional outdoor sing-along, which for COVID reasons is no longer held on the Morristown Green, but in a private home.