“Under New Management”

I feel like one of those small cafe owners that open up without a thorough plan for sustainability, and to save myself from mounting stress, debts and declining sales, I have to sell the business to someone with greater vision and abilities. But when I pass by my old shop, I have to look at that vinyl banner that proudly announces, “Under New Management.” Fortunately, it’s not that bleak. We had to go dormant for a few months and nearly slip in to defunct status, only to find ourselves anew with a team of visionaries that compliment each other’s existence and humbly allow each other to thrive. On May 3rd, a Special Meeting convened to make a big wave of changes. They are as follows.

#1) New Board (well… sort of). The only true newbie is Mary-Sue Tobin as Vice President, bringing with her a rich history as a saxophonist, educator, and sat on the Board of Creative Music Guild. Luke Lefler, co-founder of Show and Tell Gallery 501(c)(3) joined roughly six months ago but simply watched us go dormant, and he is now Secretary. Rolf Semprebon rejoined after taking leave, he’s the founding Treasurer and brings years of experience on the KBOO finance committee as well as tax preparation services. And finally, the person both resolving and causing some of these challenges, founding President, Sean Ongley remains in his chair at the Board, up for reelection this September. Also, joining as the Program Committee chairman, Paul Evans, another jazz player with a great long list of musical instruments he can play as well as professional accomplishments, including ownership of two small businesses.

#2) New Festival (no No.Fest). Saving Cathedral Park Jazz Festival while parting from No.Fest Music and Arts is panning out to have its caveats and challenges. It’s going to be a large task for InterArts to successfully swing round 32 of CPJazz, starting from a zero budget and a spotty last few years. Meanwhile, independent from any organization, Jeffrey Helwig has rebranded “No.Fest Music and Arts” by calling it simply “NOFEST” while simplifying the concept to mostly experimental and pop, ala 2008, but much larger. Meanwhile, Cathedral Park Jazz Festival Committee 501(c)(3) is being dissolved by an attorney as we speak, and InterArts has been selected by 18 Year veteran Gary Boehme to absorb the assets. We thank Mr. Helwig for connecting us initially.

#3. Revision 2.2 (connecting a purpose). InterArts hasn’t taken on a narrative of its own because it was simply the organization presenting No.Fest, but we had more in mind than that. Our Mission out the gate was grandiose and ideal but shed little light on the intent driving our operations. In the long scheme of InterArts, you can imagine festivals starting and passing on, like a nest for industrious creatives to develop their work and honor the non-profit tradition in its wake. You can imagine our website being a convergence of new artists to promote and bloggers to gain exposure for the purpose of covering the arts.  Therefore, we will focus on umbrella  and community outreach to produce cultural and educational programming; by reaching out to artists and producers to offer the umbrella, assistance with grant writing, planning, and budgeting, we can do greater good for more artists while securing our financial outlook. That’s why we will be promoting the annual election in September to expand our current Board and help CPJazz and more productions gain momentum toward independence.