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TEAM

Cheryl O'Grady-Yearnshaw-Advertising and Marketing: During my childhood in Sacramento, California, I was exposed to a wide-variety of music when my parents owned a jukebox route that serviced over 80 bars and other establishments. My family's business activities sparked my interest in people, and the jukebox in the living room hooked me on blues at an early age. I am currently owner of COG Promotions, a privately held business of artist management and promotions (after retiring with 27 years of service as a Social Worker in Nevada, moving toward a career in promoting Blues was a natural for me.) I have been with the Blues Festival Guide (BFG) magazine from its inception five years ago and have helped it grow into a respected and highly developed marketing corporation. My husband Tom and I have traveled and attended blues festivals across the U.S. enjoying varied festival cultures. We both are specifically interested in youth involvement at festivals and have obtained a wealth of information to share as festival consultants. I was one of the founders of the Reno Blues Society (Reno, NV), serving on the RBS Board for seven years and was instrumental in producing over 35 Blues shows featuring headliners including Buddy Guy, Charlie Musselwhite, Koko Taylor and many others. I currently serve on their Advisory Board. I graduated with a BA in Social Welfare from California State University Sacramento in 1973. As a Social Worker and an RBS Board member I have been involved in fund raising for a variety of charities and continue to serve on various boards throughout the community. "Keeping the blues alive" has never simply been a slogan for me.
 
 

Robbin Stull-Co-Publisher/Manager: I have been working with Kaati for over twenty years on various projects as her business consultant and manager. We have a great deal of fun and frustration. My husband Dave and myself have worked many festivals together and enjoy the camping and music and reporting back to the magazine about our adventures, but the best part has been meeting all of the people. Our children are grown and we now take great pleasure in our grandchildren. Gardening, yoga, cooking, creative writing, kids, and computers are my stress relief. We try to run a tight ship but at publishing time important details can fall through the cracks, so please contact either Kaati or myself for any questions or problems.
 
 

Nancy Edwards-Marketing & Sponsorships: Nancy left behind the corporate world in November of 2001 to become manager for the popular West Coast blues band Deja Blues. Her background of Marketing, Public Relations, and Promotion prepared her well for the business side of music. Her life long love of the blues gave her the necessary dedication and passion. Now with Deja Blues firmly on their way to success, she has time to devote to the successful launch of The Blues Festival Guide. "I've spent so many years marketing sports cars, slot machines, and casinos" said Nancy "and you know what, I never liked being around those things. In this new phase of my life I get to throw myself behind something that I love and believe in - The Blues Festival Guide. How great to bring people something so informative, so beneficial, and so key to Keepin' the Blues Alive. I'm honored to be part of the team that will launch The Blues Festival Guide".
 
 

Kristine Shaff-Chief Executive Advisor: Kristine is President of the Board for RBA Publishing, and on both of our Festival Guides she has the role of CEA - Chief Executive Advisor - which is just our fancy-schmansy way of saying "chief cook and bottle washer," and has been part of things from day one. She is active in publishing and music, never an artist but always an enthusiast and consummate fan. Whether exploring business trends and analyzing strategies, working the door, driving the band to the next gig, or finalizing editorial late at night on deadline, she's committed to movin' the music forward every time. She brings her extensive background in social psychology and organizational development to building success for RBA Publishing. Peace.
 
 

Michele Lundeen-Editor: Greetings and thanks for diggin' the blues! I currently live and perform as a blues singer, songwriter, bandleader in the San Diego, CA area. As a performer, as well as a writer and researcher, I'm into sharing every facet of blues music. I've always felt that "blues" is not only about music, but an honest, human expression of life's trials and tribulations. Soulful and earthy ... it cannot be denied. The wealth of history and music that I have discovered over the years has been so enriching and its rewards are a' plenty. In Nov 2004, I released my debut CD, SONG INSIDE ME featuring 9 self-penned originals out of 12 tracks and some very special guests in the studio with me like slide master Roy Rogers. I'm a founding member and editor of the Reno Blues Society and Blues Lovers United of San Diego and have owned my own graphics/print brokerage since 1985. I represented San Diego in the Blues Foundation's Intl' Blues Challenge (IBC) in 2000, am a multiple San Diego Blues Awards "Best Blues" nominee. I'm also active as a presenter/performer in the local Blues In The Schools (BITS) program. My website is www.michelelundeen.com and you can also find my CD, SONG INSIDE ME, at www.cdbaby.com/Lundeen.
 
 

Amy Shapas-Advertising Sales: Greetings from Santa Cruz, CA! I caught the music bug when I lived up in Tahoe in 1997. During a storm I met Kaati and she asked if I'd be interested in postering in exchange for free concerts. Soon, I was working in her office, and later for other promoters sending press releases, taking ticket orders, organizing promo packets, and directed hospitality at shows. In addition to music promotion, I sell advertising and am the graphic design production assistant for both Blues and Reggae Festival Guide magazines. After graduating from University of California, Santa Cruz, I started my own publicity company, So You Can... "bringing calm to the creative chaos of artist's and promoter's lives." I take care of all the details so you can do what you do best - book shows, plan events, record new music, start new projects. Over the last two years I've gained some fabulous clients - artists such as Groundation, Soul Majestic, Wadi Gad, Candye Kane, Pacific Vibrations, and Love Eternal, and promoters such as Good Vibez Entertainment, Monterey Bay Reggae Fest and Dreadstock.
 
 

Diana Shonk-Advertising Sales: Diana Shonk, owner of Across The Board Graphic Design, in Harrisville, NH, began publishing The Blues Audience newsletter in 1991 - www.bluesaudience.com to help working blues musicians in New England get their schedules to fans by mailing their schedules directly the people who love to go out to see live Blues. Roomful of Blues, New England's most famous Handy Award winning blues band has been in the newsletter for 12 years along with the cream of the crop of Blues bands and clubs including: Sugar Ray & The Bluetones, Vykki Vox, Professor Harp, Chris Fitz, Sax Gordon, Jason James and The Bay State House Rockers, Lonely Gus and The One Night Stand, The Porch Rockers, The Rynborn Blues Club, The Regatta Bar, House Rockin' Productions, Rte 63 Roadhouse, 95 North Records and national and local CD releases.
 
 

Flor Mariona-Ad Coordinator: As the Ad Coordinator, I make sure our advertisers get what they ask for, and I'm the liason between the sales and production departments. As a music fan, this is a perfect position for me as we get to sample new music constantly and interact with artists. I moved to Reno from Argentina to reunite with my boyfriend who I met while here on a ski trip a few years ago and we recently got married. I have a degree in industrial graphic design. My other hobbies are painting and swimming.
 
 

Doris Kalin-Design & Production: My career as a Graphic Designer started in 1982 with an apprenticeship at the School of Arts in Zurich, Switzerland. In 1989 I added a computer to my trade tools and was amazed at how it opened up the design possibilities. That same year, I met Kaati when I started to work with her at a publishing company. Three years later I started my own graphic design studio and have since worked for Kaati in the publication of her two magazines as well as various music related projects. The last few weeks of magazine production typically takes place at my studio. During this crunch time, tempers can flare, nerves get frayed, and sleep is sparse. But in the end it's great teamwork and loads of fun that makes the magazine what it is. I wouldn't change a thing.
 
 

Dorie Starich-Accounting Assistant: Dorie handles accounts receivables, streamlines our billing system and solves billing questions on the spot. Robbin Stull and Dorie make a great team as Robbin has been teaching Dorie the ropes in our accounting department this past year. She lives in Fernley, Nevada with her husband and two young children. Dorie grew up in Grass Valley, California where she learned to love camping, hiking, gardening and playing in the beautiful Yuba River. While working, being a stay at home mom, and everything else in between, she knows how to make the most of her time and prioritize what's most important. Dorie loves what she does and is looking forward to many great years ahead with this happy family that is RBA Publishing.
 
 
Gordon Bulcock-Special Projects: Gordon is the blues musician amongst The Blues Festival Guide staff. Less than five years after his first jam night experience, Bulcock left behind a 20-year career in the fireplace and woodstove business for a career in music. He currently makes his home in Beverly Hills, FL performing 100+ gigs per year along Florida's gulf coast. He contributes articles to The Blues Festival Guide magazine on subjects appealing to blues musicians.
 
 
Stephanie Bravo-Online Social Network Editor: Music has always been her passion! Growing up in Oakland, CA, Stephanie discovered her fondness for radio. While a sophomore in high school, she became a volunteer at KZFR 90.1FM Community Radio in Chico, CA and began hosting her own weekly R&B radio show, a show she hosted for nearly 10 years (1993-2002). While earning her BA degree in Media Arts from CSU, Chico, Stephanie met Kaati with Renegade Productions. In 2007, Stephanie offered to create a Myspace page to help promote shows for Renegade Productions. What began as a hobby, has now lead to managing many more social networking pages for Reggae Festival Guide and Blues Festival Guide on Myspace, Facebook and Twitter. Stephanie loves how social networking has not only turned into an effective marketing tool for many businesses, but it allows businesses and fans alike to easily communicate with people all over the world. Join her at MySpace, Facebook, Twitter.
 
 

With over ten years Web design experience, Kristine Cummins has developed over 137 custom-designed websites. Her experience also includes marketing and branding, logos, custom-designed blogs, and e-newsletter design. Even though her body has almost conformed to the shape of her office chair, her passion for Web design keeps her there!

She got her break in Web design contracting for Microsoft in 1998 which brought her to Silicon Valley during the dotcom boom as an online Marketing Designer. The dotcom bust did not slow her down, but gave her the tools for a strong future in Web development and marketing. She is known for her dedication to quality-coded websites, loyalty to her clients, and creative implementation of current Web design technologies. She is a member of the International Webmaster's Association and continually updates her skills through online classes.

Kristine is looking forward to overhauling this website, but RBA Publishing is not quite ready yet. Please don't hesitate to with any errors, comments and/or suggestions regarding this website. Feedback helps Kristine help you.