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CBA
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CBA
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I was asked to write a catchy little header for our membership drive. Instead. I am appealing directly to those of you who ARE NOT members, but come to the meetings each month. I am appealing to those of you who have not renewed your memberships. I am appealing to those of you who show up at so many of the CBA sponsored and co-sponsored events; yet do not have current member status. I am appealing to the scores of people who are reading the BluesNotes month after month, year after year, but do not contribute to the overhead for publishing it.
To all of you, PLEASE take a moment to review just what you are getting from the CBA, and just what a membership will provide beyond what you currently get for free. Each year, the CBA turns to the membership to help sponsor worthwhile events, educational programs, and community efforts. Each year, many of you who are reading this right now find yet another excuse for putting off obtaining a membership. Still, you show up at the concerts and fun events we are providing, many of them charity events that cost very little to attend, but a substantial amount to produce. Year after year, you swarm to the Blues Festival and other CBA co-sponsored events that have become national attractions,. but fail to support the organization that has been the driving force behind their success.
As a non-member, you are NOT entitled to attend the "very best" events that the CBA offers each year, our Holiday Party and Summer Membership Picnic. Because you are not a member, you are paying more to purchase tickets to CBA sponsored events and concerts. The money you save at five co-sponsored or sponsored events would nearly pay for your year's membership! Because you are not a member, we are finding it harder and harder to use our numbers as a tool for getting great Blues acts at local venues.
As a CBA member, you will receive some discounts at our supporting retailers. More than saving a few dollars here and there, you will be entitled to a voice in the CBA itself. You can run for a Board seat, you can nominate acts for Muddy Awards and vote for the acts you think deserve an award. You will have the advantage of knowing who is playing where up to a week before the general public, and have ADVANCE notice of special events. You can make your opinion known through attending BOD meetings, writing articles or essays for the BLUESNOTES, and making announcements at the monthly meetings. As a member of the CBA, you can thank yourself for all of the wonderful events and programs we enjoy year after year.
As a long time CBA member, volunteer and BOD member, I issue a challenge to any and all of you who think you have a valid reason for not becoming a paying member of the CBA. I will personally pay for your membership - IF YOU CAN PROVE YOUR CASE. Being broke doesn't count! I am broke too, but manage to find a way to support the CBA! That's how much the CBA means to me and what it should mean to you. You PROVE to me that you have a VALID reason for NOT joining and I will pay for your membership (Portland, OR residents only!)
LynnAnn Hyde
Former CBA Board Member
Current CBA Member
Are You A CBA Member? Did you say NO???
SHAME ON YOU!! Because I know we've seen your face at the General Meetings and I know I've seen you at the Waterfront Blues Festival or was it at a CD release party or the Willamette Delta Showcase? So, why AREN'T you a CBA member?
As you can see by LynnAnn Hyde's challenge, we've heard ALL the excuses. Well, NOW's the time to redeem yourself because, during the month of April, the CBA will be coming to YOU! That's right, Board members will be visiting the following designated venues and collecting memberships: Hopper's (SE Portland), Candlelight (SW Portland). Trail's End (Oregon City). Cascade Bar & Grill (Vancouver) and The Spot Tavern (Vancouver), along with other miscellaneous venues.
So, now's the time to step up and join the CBA! And, if you ARE already a member, grab a friend and sign them up and help us "Preserve and Promote" Blues music in the Northwest.
Thank you for your support.
LeEtta Clark
Membership Secretary
© 2002 Cascade Blues Association