New President's Letter

I debated for a time on what I should say in my inaugural column for Black Rose. I thought that it may be best if I introduced myself to those of you who may not know me yet. I've been on the board of Black Rose for a little over a year now and prior to that I was a volunteer (and I still am one). In that time we have put on some excellent acoustic music concerts where the caliber of music seemed to elevate with each concert we did. These shows included our first ever free Thanks to the Members concert with Hot Club of Cowtown and of course, the recent Mike Marshall, Darol Anger and Vasen Trio concert featuring a skilled, internationally known group of musicians.
Prior to moving to the Springs I lived in Denver and worked at Swallow Hill Music Association –Denver's home for acoustic music. I worked there for 5 years doing a number of jobs over the years that included volunteer coordination, PR and marketing, membership growth, concert production, venue rentals, MC duties, booking and talent scouting. I had worked my way from a lowly intern all the way up to Concert Director. While I loved the work that I got to do there, I truly loved the music and the people involved in the creation and enjoyment of that music. It was like being part of a large, extended family that reached across the country and the oceans.
I was glad to come to Colorado Springs and to Black Rose to see that the two parts of the acoustic music scene that I have always loved: the music and the community were still just as vibrant as they were in other parts of Colorado. I am happy to be a part of the Black Rose Acoustic Society and proud to be the next president.
I was very honored to be asked to be the next president of Black Rose and I hope that I can help Black Rose to continue into the future. I would like to thank Jeff Smith for all of his dedication and hard work as the president for the past four years. He's done an excellent job and Black Rose wouldn't be what it currently is without his work and those of the rest of the board and volunteers.
I look forward to continuing the work that they started. The next time you are at the Rose be sure to say "hello" and by the way, we are always looking for more volunteers.

Joanna Springer
President, Black Rose Acoustic Society
www.blackroseacoustic.org