Board of Directors & Staff

Board Officers are elected each January.

President

Penny Hillemann

Vice President

Brett Day

Treasurer

Russell Lane

Secretary

Sophie Galep

Board Members

Term expires Dec. 2025: Evonne Bilotta-Burke, Nate Ertl, Sophie Galep, Russell Lane, Edie Loy, Lucy Weberling

Term expires Dec. 2026: Brett Day, Dale Gruber, Penny Hillemann, Rudy Marti

MBOTMA members elect the Board of Directors and the Board selects who will fill the leadership positions. 

Contract Staff

Executive Director

Ross Willits

Administration & Marketing

Sammie Jean Cohen

Magazine Editor

Doug Lohman

Press Relations

Ellen Stanley
EFS Publicity

Event Coordinator

Vidya Neni

General Inquiries, Questions, or Concerns

Booking Inquiries

Volunteer Event Committee Members

August Fest

Name Role
Dale Gruber Event Manager
Rudy Marti Event Manager
Andy Jukich Camping Coordinator
Carrie Meyer Front Gate Coordinator
Loren & Sue Halvorson Credentials & Entertainers' Holler Coordinators
John Halvorson Backstage Coordinator
Joshua Youngmark Hospitality Coordinator
Doug Chasar Pickin Parlor Live Coordinator
Earl Jarosh Communications Coordinator
Gary Germond Headquarters
Jeff Magler Headquarters
Ryan Bloch & Rusty Playground Marketplace Stage Coordinator
Meera Lyver Family Area Coordinator
Scott Liebers Underground Stage Coordinator
Tony Stachnik Tent & Equipment Coordinator
John Walsh Day Parking and Fencing Coordinator
Deb Frandrup Family Fun Day Coordinator
Matt Jensen Gathering Place Coordinator
Nate Hess IT Coordinator
Boom Bilotta-Burke Workshop Coordinator
Abigail Soderberg Merch Vendor Coordinator
Ross Robey Food Vendor Coordinator
Bill Lindroos Handicap Parking Coordinator
Martha Galep Bluegrass Jam Camp Coordinator
Kjell Olsen Old-Time Jam Camp Coordinator
Rina Rossi Old-Time Event Coordinator
Ross Vaughan Signage Coordinator
Greg Landkamer Scheduling Coordinator

Fall Jam

Name Role
Tom Peschges Committee Chair
Tony Anthonisen GMUG Chair
Mark Johnson Theme Jam Coordinator
Mark Anderson Workshop Coordinator
David Vincent Old-Time Coordinator
Doug Chasar Pickin Parlor Live Coordinator
Adelle Hyrkas Draw Band Scramble Coordinator
Tim Wankel Listening Room Coordinator

Winter Bluegrass Weekend

Name Role
Vacant Committee Chair
Vacant Gathering Place Coordinator
Rina Rossi Old-time & Workshop Coordinator
Phil Nusbaum Spotlight On… Coordinator
Anthony Ihrig Grass Seeds Academy Coordinator
Bob Bayers Europa Room Coordinator

PA Management with Aaron Niehus

The PA is the connection between you as a performer and the audience. It is critical that you have a solid understanding of how to make the most effective use of all the technology available to you. This workshop will be in 3 segments. 11 am will be setting up the PA  then at 11:30 learn to work with the single Mic  Everyone is welcome. Draw bands are highly encouraged to come.  At noon Aaron will shift to PA Management

Song Analysis with Tim Stafford & Phil Nusbaum

Three songwriters will each present an original song.  Tim and Phil then will offer thoughts and advice on structure and presentation.  Phil Nusbaum will offer thoughts on what broadcasters are looking for when you seek to get your songs played on the air. You do not have to be a songwriter to attend or benefit from these perspectives. Everyone is welcome!

Stagecraft, The Art of Putting on a Show

With Brent Fuqua and Becky Schlegel These two veteran performers go beyond the setlist to discuss ways you can take your next show to a new level. Entertain your audiences, have more fun and get more bookings!

Stagecraft will be at noon on Saturday in Studio 2.  Q&A is a big part of these Panels so bring your questions!

Booking and Promoting Your Band

With Ellen Stanley, Katryn Conlin and Tom Peschges

This panel promises to be a lively discussion of how to build an audience, and book better gigs!  We will cover topics like, Websites, EPK’s, Booking emails, social media strategies and more.  As with all of our panel discussions, please bring your questions!