2025

Sydney Blues Society – Committee Meeting Summary - 1 April 2025

Held at Miss Celie’s, Ashfield – 1 April 2025

Reports Accepted

• The President’s, Treasurer’s, and Membership reports were tabled and accepted.

• Membership renewals are now automated, with reminders issued before accounts are archived.

Key Discussions & Actions

SBS One-Pager

• A revised overview document was shared and approved for publication on the website.

Facebook Group Policy Update

• The committee discussed refining the definition of “blues” to allow flexibility while guiding post approvals.

• Updated language will be recirculated to reflect genre diversity in the community.

Cross-Genre Collaboration

• Inspired by observations at Kiama, the committee discussed the potential for crossover events with jazz musicians.

• There’s interest in expanding SBS Presents events to reach broader audiences.

Local School Engagement

• A draft letter was prepared to introduce SBS programs to schools.

• Efforts will begin to collect contact details for inner west schools to promote blues awareness.

Responding to Enquiries

• A framework was proposed to help handle emails and community messages.

• It emphasizes clarity around SBS's purpose and membership expectations.

Social Media Coordinator Appointment

• Two strong applications were received. 

• A final recommendation will be circulated for approval.

Ongoing Projects & Reminders

• Website rebrand and rebuild in progress

• Working With Children Checks being completed by committee members

• Continued tracking of in-kind hours for grant reporting

• Seeking recommendations for powered speakers to improve jam session sound

Next Meeting:

Tuesday, 6 May 2025 – 7:30pm at Miss Celie’s

 Sydney Blues Society – Committee Meeting Summary - 4 March 2025

Held at Miss Celie’s, Ashfield – 4 March 2025

Key Updates & Highlights

Reports & Appointments

• President, Treasurer, and Membership reports were tabled and accepted.

• Bonnie Kay was formally appointed to the committee, filling the vacancy left by Kim Girdlestone.

Events & Program Updates

International Women’s Day (IWD):

• Event sold out with a waitlist. Karen Lee Andrews confirmed as a replacement act.

• “Hour Language” secured a U.S. distribution deal!

International Blues Music Day (IBMD):

• Venue confirmed as Marrickville

• Junior showcase planned; 

• Proposal to film event for future use in Blues in Schools

Jam Sessions & Masterclasses:

• Polish Club booked for Blues Challenge finals

• Performer bookings and promotions underway for April and beyond

• Genevieve Chadwick approached for a blues masterclass; sound mixing class as backup option

• Upcoming gigs being planned with Stormcellar and Pat Powell

‍ Subcommittee & Grants Activity

• Expression of interest (EOI) for Social Media Officer created

• Grant application nearly ready, simpler process than last year

• Plans to submit a video showcase of SBS activities with support from Shawn Costello

Blues Awards & Hall of Fame

• Initial discussions about potential new award

Equipment & Tech

• Ongoing foldback issues at Paddo jam — causing problems for performers

• Action taken to explore purchase of two powered speakers for foldback

✅ New & Ongoing Action Items

• EOI to be sent out for Social Media Officer

• Contact artists for upcoming jams, gigs, and masterclasses

• Explore equipment options for foldback improvements

• Continue tracking in-kind hours and grant metrics

Next Meeting:

Tuesday, 1 April 2025 – 7:30pm at Miss Celie’s

Sydney Blues Society – Committee Meeting Summary - 4 February 2025

Held at Miss Celie’s, Ashfield – 4 February 2025

Key Updates & Decisions:

Reports Accepted
The President, Treasurer, and Membership reports were tabled and accepted. Membership shows a slight decline, prompting discussion on growth and retention strategies.

‍ Upcoming Events

• International Women’s Day Event: All set for March, with $6,000 allocated to support this important day.

• Jam Program:

  • Kiama Jam and Youth Jam in planning stages

  • Archie and Blues Collective confirmed for May; other months being filled

• End-of-Month Jams: Performer bookings underway for March–July.

Blues Challenge 2025

• Venues proposed: Miss Celie’s (bands), Butchers Brew (solo/duo), Polish Club (finals)

• Expanded timeline to increase participation

• Gratitude to Ashley Bishop, with a Kings membership and certificate of appreciation to be sent

International Blues Music Day – 2 August

• Potential lineup includes The Cigars, Karen Lee, Arsène DeLay, and a youth act

• Subcommittee to explore markets and other activations on the day

Strategic Planning

• Event tracking and feedback data to be prioritised to meet grant reporting obligations

• Ongoing development of subcommittees, including membership, blues in schools, and social media

Admin & Governance

• Kim Girdlestone resigned; recruitment for a new Social Media Officer underway

• Subcommittee meetings to be scheduled regularly

• Grants committee to revisit application for renewed funding

Action Items

• New and ongoing tasks include event planning, grant writing, merchandise, and website updates

• Many action items marked as completed or progressing well

Next Meeting:

Tuesday, 4 March 2025 – 7:30pm at Miss Celie’s

Sydney Blues Society – Committee Meeting Summary 14 Jan 2025

Held at Miss Celie’s, Ashfield – 14 January 2025

Key Highlights:

Reports Received and Accepted
The President’s, Treasurer’s, and Membership reports were tabled and accepted. 

Blues Awards & Events

• Planning continues for the Blues Awards and other major events including International Blues Day and the Memphis competition.

• Venue options are being reviewed, with Miranda RSL and Brass Monkey under consideration for awards night.

‍ Subcommittees Confirmed:

• Blues in Schools: Paul Blasi & George Rigatos

• Jam Program: Fran Liddle & George Rigatos

• Blues Awards: David Glover & David Eager

• Blues Awareness Events: David Glover & Fran Liddle

• Grants: George Rigatos & Julia Robins

• Membership Growth & Socials: Fran Liddle, Kim Girdlestone & Julia Robins

Constitution & Policies

• Work continues on formalising policies before amending the constitution, focusing on clarity and compliance.

Goals for 2025

• Maintain strong programming and seek sustainable growth via grant funding.

• Potential for a planning day to refine measurable goals (e.g. membership, satisfaction, funding wins).

New Initiatives

• Beginner’s Jam at Butchers Brew starts monthly from February — structured for developing players.

• Planning underway for a ticketed International Women’s Day event with an all-women lineup.

Other Updates:

• Merch samples received — good quality and moving well.

• Ongoing jam sessions at the Paddo confirmed, with a need to clarify sound setup responsibilities.

Next Meeting:

Monday, 4 February 2025 – 7:30pm at Miss Celie’s, Ashfield

2024

Sydney Blues Society – AGM Summary

Held at Miss Celie’s, Ashfield – 10 December 2024

Key Outcomes:

✅ Annual Reports Adopted
The President’s, Treasurer’s, and Membership reports were presented and unanimously accepted. These reports reflect another strong year of activity and engagement within the blues community.

Committee Elections
All executive and committee positions were filled unopposed. The elected team for 2025 is:

• President: Dave Glover

• Vice President: Di Ford

• Treasurer: George Rigatos

• Secretary: Julia Robins

• Committee Members:

  • Kim Girdlestone

  • Fran Liddle

  • Paul Blasi

  • Hugo Pfandler

  • Rossco Waraker

  • Dave Eager

Election Process
Returning Officer Tom Walker confirmed that the election was conducted in accordance with all Society procedures, ensuring a fair and transparent outcome.

Next General Meeting:
Tuesday, 14 January 2025, 7:30pm at Miss Celie’s, Ashfield.

Sydney Blues Society - Committee Meeting Summary (05/11/2024)

Date & Location: November 5, 2024, at Miss Celie’s
Attendees: Dave G, Di F, Kim G, George R, Julia, Hugo, Paul B (apologies from Fran L, Tom)

Key Highlights:

1. Reports:

   • President’s and Treasurer’s reports were presented and accepted.
   • Membership details are in the document appendix.

2. Sub-Committee Updates:

   • Blues in Schools: Planned for early 2025.
   • Jam Program: Ongoing jams are progressing well; venue options are being reviewed.
   • Blues Awards: Date and venue options discussed, with potential for a later event.
   • Blues Awareness: Plans to engage with Robben Ford’s visit for a session.
   • Grants: Scheduled planning meeting for grant opportunities.

3. Constitution Changes:

   • Proposed amendments to support grant applications and DGR status will be presented at the AGM. Julia will draft and circulate the revised constitution.

4. AGM Schedule:

   • Set for December 10, 2024, at Miss Celie’s, covering constitutional changes, committee election, and returning officer appointment.

5. Grant Reporting:

   • Metrics, participant feedback, and member survey responses emphasized for accurate reporting.

6. Merchandise:

   • Finalizing t-shirt designs with a print-on-order model. Current stock to be sold or distributed at the next jam session.

7. Jam Program Updates:

   • Hosts confirmed for November and December jams. The Paddington venue dates are being finalized for upcoming sessions.

Sydney Blues Society - Committee Meeting Summary (08/10/2024)

Date & Location: October 8, 2024, at Miss Celie’s
Attendees: Dave G, Di F, Tom W, George R, Fran L, Julia, Hugo, Paul B (apologies from Kim G)

Key Highlights:

1. Reports:

   • President’s and Treasurer’s reports were accepted and are available on Wild Apricot.

2. Agenda Items:

   • Arsene & Charlie for 2025: The committee discussed securing performances from the New Orleans duo for International Blues Day if financial arrangements are confirmed.
   • Financial Policy: A new finance policy was endorsed to ensure proper management of growing funds.
   • Grant Metric Tracking: Emphasis on disciplined tracking of metrics for grants; spreadsheet to be shared for consistency.
   • International Blues Challenge (IBC) Improvements: Discussion on formalising feedback protocols and handling contestant concerns. Actions include anonymising feedback and reminding judges of engagement guidelines.
   • Newsletter: Julia volunteered to oversee the monthly newsletter with Fran’s support.
   • Thredbo Blues Jam: Positive response from Thredbo; arrangements are underway for the January 2025 event

Sydney Blues Society - Committee Meeting Summary (10th September 2024)

Venue: Miss Celie’s
Time: 7:30 PM

Key Discussion Points:

1. Memphis Blues Challenge:

   • Arrangements are in place for four heats and the final. Committee members have been assigned roles for each event. Judges are being confirmed, and there is a plan to live stream the final.

2. Blues in Schools:

   • A pilot program will be launched in Ashfield in Term 4, with plans to expand following this trial.

3. Grants:

   • Efforts are being made to secure a multi-year grant for $100,000 to support various initiatives. The subcommittee will be expanded to include additional members, and ACNC registration is being pursued.

4. Masterclass Program:

   • The Chris Cain masterclass video will be shared with paid members, and teasers will be used for promotion. Future masterclass topics were discussed. The committee is exploring the option of hosting masterclasses in council facilities.

5. Blues Awards:

   • The venue is still being finalised, with the Cronulla RSL being suggested as the best option due to accessibility.

6. Youth Jams:

   • The program is being developed in conjunction with the schools' initiative, and feedback from partners is pending.

7. Letters of Support:

   • Letters of support have been provided for The Merton Hotel, Frank Sultana, and Butchers Brew Bar as they apply for grants.

8. Festivals in Gig List:

   • Plans are underway to add festivals to the SBS gig list, expanding the reach and visibility of live blues events.

9. International Blues Challenge (IBC) Self-Produced CD:

   • The committee will submit Nathan Beretta’s album for the IBC as it fits within the competition's criteria.

10. Podcast Interviews:
    

• Plans are in progress to interview prominent members of the Sydney blues scene, with the possibility of recording videos for future use in promotional content or a documentary.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, 8th October 2024.

Meeting SUMMARY - AUGUST 2024

Date & Time: 6th August 2024, 7:40 PM
Location: Miss Celie's
Attendees: Dave G, Di F, Kim G, George R, Greg N, Julia, Paul B

Approval of Previous Minutes:

• Approved by Kim G
• Seconded by Paul B

Reports:

• President's Report: Available on Wild Apricot.
• Treasurer's Report: Available on Wild Apricot. Discussion on using tags for tracking grant initiatives.

Membership:

• Slight drop in paid memberships noted.

Subcommittee Updates:

1. Memphis:

   • 10 solo/duo acts and 8 bands applying, requiring two heats and a final.
   • Ensuring female representation in judging panels.

2. Grants:

   • Focus on new grants and repeating the CreateNSW grant.

3. Blues in Schools:

   • Starting at a Canterbury school; also seeking advice from Roger Corbett.

4. Masterclass:

   • Discussion on funding and possibly charging non-members.

5. Blues Awards:

   • Accessibility issues raised with current venue; exploring alternatives.

6. Youth Jams:

   • Proposed engagement with outer Sydney councils.

7. Jammer Host Payments:

   • Agreed the jam host should be compensated; checking new timings for Paddo Jam to avoid the meat raffle.

8. Sonic Journey for International Blues Day:

   • Successful event; potential future opportunities discussed.

9. Podcast Proposal:

   • Exploring a 3-month trial with Crowdcast; identifying interview subjects.

Other Business:

• Tumut Request: Support requested for Tumut Blues Festiva.
• Recording for Jammers: Proposal for professional recordings of jammers, leading to a launch event.

Next Meeting:

• Date: 3rd September 2024
• Time: 7:30 PM
• Location: Miss Celie's

Meeting Summary - JULY 2024

Date: July 2, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Miss Celie’s

Attendees:

• Dave G
• Tom W
• George R
• Fran L
• Julia
• Hugo
• Paul B

Apologies:

• Di F
• Kim G
• Greg N

Purpose:
This was a full formal committee meeting.

Approval of Previous Minutes:

• Accepted by Fran Liddle
• Seconded by Hugo Pfandler

Reports

• President: Report available on Wild Apricot.
• Treasurer: Report available on Wild Apricot.
• Membership:
  • We have 327 Archived contacts, compared with 248 from last month.
  • Current Membership Stats:
    • July 2024: 254 Paid, 122 Free, 376 Total Contacts, 4765 Facebook followers

Outstanding Actions

• Several tasks are ongoing, including writing up conditions for using the SBS logo, preparing stubby holder design, and establishing subcommittees for grants and masterclasses.
• A new task was added for Julia to share gig listing data with Fran.

Agenda Review

1. Victorian Bands Protocols:

   • Discussion on protocols for Victorian (or other states) bands getting assistance from SBS.
   • Actions: None agreed.

2. Consistency in Handling Grant Money Requests:

   • Need for a consistent response to grant money requests.
   • Action: Communicate that funds have specific obligations and are already allocated.

3. Paddo for Bigger Events:

   • Consideration of Paddo for events like the International Blues Challenge.
   • Action: DG to follow up on sound issues with Geoff Trio.

4. Committee Meeting Attendance:

   • Reminder for members to read minutes if they don’t attend meetings.

5. Fill Vacant Committee Position:

   • Julia Robins was nominated and unanimously voted to join the committee.
   • Action: Julia to be added to SBS communication channels.

New Action Items

• Add Julia to WA Admin: DG - ASAP - Closed
• Sort out Working with Children Checks: All - In progress
• Create Affiliate Logo: PB
• Buy Insurance: GR

MEETING SUMMARY - JUNE 2024

We had a productive committee meeting on the 4th of June at Miss Celie’s. Here's a quick rundown of what we discussed and decided:

Meeting Details:

• Date and Time: 4th June 2024, 7:30 PM - 9:15 PM
• Attendees: Dave G, Di F, Kim G, Fran L, Greg N, Hugo, Paul B
• Apologies: Tom W, George R
• Not Present: Matt B

Reports:

• President's Report: Available on Wild Apricot.
• Treasurer's Report: George R will provide the report soon due to some computer issues.
• Membership: Our numbers are growing! We now have 259 paid members and a total of 4,741 contacts on Facebook.

Outstanding Actions:

• We've been busy with various tasks, from updating payment settings to preparing bios and promotional materials. Most of these tasks have been completed, but a few are still ongoing and will be addressed this month.

Key Discussions:

1. Women in Blues Day:

   • Mark your calendars for 8th March at Miss Celie’s! Fran has submitted a funding application, and we're excited to focus on female musicians for this event.

2. Blues Challenge:

   • We’re moving the challenge to September/October to give more time for entries and promotion. This means more heats, better venues, and hopefully, more participants, including those from regional areas. We’ll confirm the new dates soon.

3. Christmas Jam:

   • The King Bros will continue their tradition of performing at our Christmas Jam, now scheduled for 22nd December. It’s always a highlight, and we’re looking forward to it

4. Grants and Subcommittees:

   • We’re gearing up for several projects funded by grants, including monthly jams, awards, and masterclasses. Fran and Kim will be leading the jams for the rest of the year, ensuring more women are involved.

Strategy & Branding:

• We’ve made great strides since our last strategy session. There's been plenty of positive discussion around equity and diversity, and we’re committed to these principles in all our activities.

Other Highlights:

• The Awards night was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who helped make it so special.
• We're also exploring ways to support our artists through paid gigs and increasing women’s involvement in our jams.

Next Meeting:

• Our next committee meeting is on 2nd July 2024.

Thank you all for your continued support and enthusiasm. We’re excited about the upcoming events and initiatives and look forward to seeing you all there!

Meeting Summary - May 2024

Date: May 7, 2024
Location: Miss Celie’s
Time: 7:40 PM - 9:25 PM

Key Points from the Meeting:

1. Membership Growth and Engagement:

2. Event Planning and Updates:
3. Merchandise and Promotion:

Preparations for selling merchandise and signing up new members at the upcoming event in Cronulla are in progress. The committee discussed the logistics and objectives for maximizing presence and support at the event.

4. Community Engagement and Feedback:

The committee reviewed responses from the latest SBS survey, discussing ways to address feedback and enhance member satisfaction. Plans to replay survey findings and refine the communication strategy were set.

5. Operational Enhancements:

Several operational tasks were addressed, including updates to payment settings, promotional strategies, and member communication protocols to ensure effective and transparent operations.

6. Upcoming Actions:

Next Meeting: June 4, 2024