MEMPHIS AREA BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION

MEMBERS MEETING

May 5, 2005

President Sam Ketchum called the meeting to order a 7:00 pm.

9 members present

Secretary’s Report: (Submitted by Bob Waters). Accepted as read.

Treasurer’s Report: (Submitted by Sam Ketchum) Accepted as read.

Sam mentioned that we will have new expenses this month; new MABA caps made for the Bartlett Festival.

We took in $425.58 from the Kroger’s Gift Card. Kroger cards are still available; see Sam Ketchum

Committee Reports:

Communications Mark Winborn (no report)

Yahoo News Group – Mike Albert reported that all was moving along smoothly. Sam will post the Members Monthly Meeting Agenda on the Newsgroup prior to the monthly meeting

Website – Keith Carter (no report)

NewsGrass – Mark Winborn

NewsGrass will only be sent to current paid-up members.

NewGrass was sent out almost two weeks early this month.

Great articles that focus on the members.

Activities – John Gay (no report)

Tentative date for Riverfest will be September 17^th at Mud Island Riverfest. John needs to know whether there are any conflicts with that date.

Regulatory – James Johnson (present; no report)

Membership – Helen Davis (no report)

Sam reported that we have approximately 233 paid-up members, 10 honorary members, for a total of 243 members. Six new members joined in April

Dues reminder will be sent out to those who have not renewed their membership.

Education Jim Phillips (no report)

Sam reported that a Harmony Workshop was held at Lonnie Gaither’s home on April 14^th ;thanks to Jim Phillips for conducting the workshop.

Kevin Thompson will conduct an advanced guitar workshop on June 23^rd.

A dobro workshop is planned for July.

A women’s harmony workshop will be held in late July; Sheila Phillips will be putting this one on.

A bass workshop will be held at LOL on May 14^th. Steve Craig will teach the workshop.

Ed Fleener has been holding beginner and advanced beginner workshops at his home on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Bob Waters holds a study group on the other Wednesdays to review material learned the previous week.

GRASS – Helen Davis

MABA involvement in the community during April is as follows:

Delta Blue:

April 1 Benefit for needy families in the community Bett Baptist Church Coldwater, Ms. . April 16, St. Jude Fun Fest, Misty Hollow Farms, Millington, Tn. Proceeds to St. Jude Hospital

April 25 Carestone Assisted Living, Bartlett, Tn.

Loosahatchie Grass:

April 17, Carestone Assisted Living, Bartlett, Tn.

April 24, Ave Marie Nursing Home Bartlett, Tn.

Wolf River Travelers:

April 9, Carestone Assisted Living, Bartlett, Tn.

Critical Path:

April 30, Carestone Assisted Living, Bartlett, Tn

Reel McCoy (featuring MABA members Ritchie Shulman and Cheryl Parker)

April 03, Carestone Assisted Living, Bartlett, Tn.

Lea Talley and friends:

April 19, Collierville Health and Rehabilitation Center Collierville, Tn

Lucy Opry – Woody Marshall

Rhonda Vincent concert on May 7^th at BPAC has been sold out.

The Roland White Band from Nashville will play at BPAC on May 6^th.

Banjo player Richard Bailey (from the Roland White Band) will hold at BPAC during that weekend.

Kirby, Apple, and Rounds will perform at the Lucy Opry on June 11^th.

Lewis Family will will be at the Lucy Opry on July 10^th .

Welcoming/Caring – Loyce Smith, Jo Edith & James Hudson, Erna Wheeley

Four cards were sent to MABA member in April; two sympathy and two get well cards.

New Business:

MABA CD recording date will be held on July 23^rd at the Bartlett United Methodist Church. To date, nine slots have been filled. For a band to participate, all must be members of MABA.

Bartlett Festival: MABA is to help where needed.

A bluegrass festival is scheduled for Williston on May 20^th and 21^st.

There will be an October Festival at Shelby Forest again this year; Sam and Larry will look into how MABA can fit into this festival.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm.