The Country Music Association
of Rhode Island

 

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    Updated 2/8/2010

NEWS

 

Our Condolences go out to Ronnie Dutilli and Family on the death of her Son-in-Law, Larry Norcini who died from Lukemiia on February 7. Visiting Hours are on February 9th from 4 – 6 PM at the Woodlawn Funeral Parlor, Park Ave., Cranston and the Funeral on Wednesday.

 

Our Condolences go out to the Family and Friends of Lucy Carlucci who died on Friday January 29. See " GET WELL WISHES AND CONDOLENCES" for her Obituary.

 

Our Condolences go out to Phil Ackerman and Family on the death of his Brother-in-Law, Loren Wooster who died in Vermont on January 24th.

 

Our Condolences go out to Wilberta Davis on the death of her Husband, Harold, on January 15th. Those who knew Wilberta might want to send a card to her at 15 Marion Street, Natick, MA 01760

 

Our Condolences go out to Rudy Escobedo and Family on the death of his Father in Texas on January 9, 2010

 

Our Condolences go out to Ellin Paulin and Family on the death on January 5th of her Husband Ralph Paulin. Ralph was a Member of the Country Music Association of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Country Music Hall of Fame and was a great Steel Guitar player. See " GET WELL WISHES AND CONDOLENCES" for his Obituary.

 

Our Condolences go out to Sonia Cohen and Family on the death of her Son, Douglas Cohen, on December 27 in Spartansburg, SC. See " GET WELL WISHES AND CONDOLENCES" for his Obituary. 

 

Sallyann has recently informed the CMA of RI that she will be debuting soon at a private function with her new band “Top of the Line”.  The band has 5 members and their music ranges from Traditional Country, Country  and 50’s. and will be available for future bookings.  Look for Sallyann with “Top of the Line” in upcoming newsletters. For bookings call Sallyann @ 401.349.0219.

 

The CMA of RI held a General Meeting on September 1st at 7 PM at AL Post 15, Post Road East Greenwich. We accepted the proposed changes to the By-laws.  For the past By Laws go to: By-Laws .

 

 

Thanks to Myrt and Arthur Bonus,  and Rena Ackerman for their assistance 

in assembling and mailing the CMA of RI newsletters. This has made the job much easier.

Phil Ackerman

 

Thanks to our photographer, Paul Taylor, for the great pictures of our Jamborees. 

 


 

CORRESPONDENCE

January 20, 2010

To all of the Country Music Association of RI

Your kindness and sympathy are more deeply appreciated than any words of thanks can ever express. I want to thank all of the Association for their gifts and concern. Thank you,

Ellen Paulin

 

January 15, 2010

To the many friends and fans at the CMA, thank you so much for the beautiful card of well wishes! I was delighted to receive it and I do appreciate all of you thinking of me. I am going through treatment at this time and I am recovering very nicely. Thanks to the many phone calls Mike and I have gotten from our many friends who have shown and given me such great support. Please know I will always remember the kindness you all have shown to me…love Sallyann.

 

December 16, 2009

 

THANK YOU EVERYBODY WHO CAME TO SEE ME AT THE CMA OF R.I. CHRISTMAS PARTY. AND THANK YOU TO THE LITTLE GIRL WHO GAVE ME THE REINDEER FOOD.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

                                         SANTA

 

 

December 16, 2009

 

Hi everyone Anna and I hoped you all had a great Holiday season. We are having a great time down here in North Carolina. We go out to the
American Legion here and dance to one of my Steel Guitar Friends Ray Walker in his band.They also have a Country Tonight theater down here
and they have a lot more Steel players that are also friends we had before when we were down here.The Steel Guitar is alive and booming here
in North Carolina.They have Joe Wright from Georgia coming to the Country Tonight Theater here in Selma N.C in February. He is a well
known Steel player and a great Instructor.Her also has a clown act that goes with his shows. No one can play the Steel Guitar way he does he is a class act on that Steel.A big Hi to RISGA and NESGA keep on pickin those great sounding Steel Guitars.Many Escobar,Tony Palmer,Roger Trahan,Andy Perry, Chris Brooks,Vinny Doyle and Ralph Paulin can all tell you some great story's about Joe Wright.
Founder of RISGA &  NESGA
And First President of Both.
Sam & Anna White

 

November 12, 2009

 

ask dotty Zack if she remembers my playing lead for her in 1966, across from the main gate at Davisville C B base??  I, worked with Ray Dixon, Tex Johnson, Eddy Zack Jr, Dotty Zack, Jack Thompson, Ricky Rayle, Kenny Vincent, Hank Walters sit in with), Yvonne Collins, Joe Ferry, Maurice Labelle, Eddy Kane, Pete Bonnie,,,,My name is Doug Mixon,,,,,,,,,,,Hello and best wishes all the CMARI gang.

 

November 10, 2009

Howdy,

     I just wanted to introduce myself.  My name is Duncan Earl Walters and I am a musician of roots style that is from New England having grown up in Massachusetts.

     I am finding myself more and more often in Massachusetts and as such need to find an outlet for my music.  If you would be so kind to add me to your list of Bands as well as your mailing list that would be most appreciated.

www.MySpace.com\duncanearlwalters.com

     I have made it onto numerous radio charts.  I was #3 in Europe with my First Album, with some slacker named Merle Haggard in the #2 position who just didn’t seem nice enough to let me pass.

    My last album was not marketed to the CMA in Europe but it did very well with the Americana Music Association radio chart.  Debuting at #29 on the R&R recognized radio play charts.  If you look at the competition on the chart at that time it speaks well for how strong the album charted from an independent musician.

http://www.americanaradio.org/ama/displaychart_beforetracks.asp?mode=lw&dtkey=280

 Well if there is any opportunities you could pass my way, it would be most appreciated.

All the very best,

 

Duncan Earl Walters

 

 

HALL OF FAME. I would like to thank all of the musicians and friends who helped to make this years inductee jamboree a big sucess. Congratulations to Elaine Ellis, Marc Sampson, Ralph Paulin and Honorary Member Butch Keenan. Thank you to Jim and Shirley McMorrow, Bill Friday, Andy Perry, Bob Considine and all of the CMA Members who always help out.. Also Tony for donating use of the hall.. Richie and my father worked hard for this organization that they were so proud of  as well as Babs and Maril and myself. There were a lot of nominees this year and it is difficult to pick from the list because there are others that have worked hard over the years so good luck next year. Again Thank you all--------------KEEP IT COUNTRY AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS.  

 DOTTY ZACK

 President of the RHODE ISLAND COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME

10/16/09

Well as you all know  the Hall of Fame had their big show on Oct. 12,2009
  Great music all day from the best there is in country. I would like to thank all those Hall of Fame members who supported me to get in the Hall of Fame. And I also would like to congratulate Elaine Ellis, Mark Sampson, and Ralph Paulin.  All new members of the Hall of Fame  Again thank you all for voting for me
                                Frank"Butch" Keenan
                        KEEP IT COUNTRY
 

Hi
  I wish to thank all the CMA members who gave me and my family support on the death of our Mother . When I saw all you country folks there it was a great feeling and Ma new most of you. She was a big country music fan.
   Again thank you all for your support when we needed it the most
                                    Frank "BUTCH",  Bob , and Jane
 

Steel Guitar News by Manny Escobar

February 2010

Rhode Island has lost another steel player. Ralph Paulin died on January 5, 2010. He was from the Oakland Beach section of Warwick, R. I. He played with several area bands such as Freedom Road and Bullseye to name a few. In the 90`s he moved to Florida. When he moved to Florida, his buddy, Sam White, (the moving maniac), followed him there and back to R.I. again. Ralph was inducted into the Rhode Island Country Music Hall of Fame recently, on October 12, 2009. On Saturday, March 6, 2010, a benefit will be held at Post 15 American Legion in E. Greenwich, R.I. 1-5, to help Ralph’s family cope with funeral expenses.

      Congratulations to Ron Hill for a successful afternoon with the MCMAA Hall of Fame Show at the Bridgewater Vets Club on Sunday November 29, 2009. It was a fun filled get-together with many Hall of Fame performers that included steel players Frank Caruso and Eddie Cunningham, and Sky Travis on Dobro.

      In other news, January 1st, (New Year’s Day), Bob Almeida`s annual party was a blast as usual. His parties are as intimate as you can imagine, with everyone squeezed in his home. Many musicians and singers were there including Larry Sullivan, Ben Carnevale, and Yours truly on steel.

      January 31 is the next Rhode Island Steel Guitar Association Quarterly Meeting at the Common Fence Community House in Portsmouth from 12:30-?  Come join. For only $15.00 a year, you can enjoy pot luck, a meeting, and a circle jam. Annual dues will be collected at the meeting. For more RISGA information, call President Marcia Rodrigues at 401-625-5783 or Manny Escobar at 401-683-4365.

 

 December 2009

      The Rhode Island Steel Guitar Association’s Annual Show at the Liberal Club in Fall River, October  11, 2009, was one local successful event with many talented steel pickers. President Marcia Rodrigues planned an exciting steel guitars in concert day, which included three bands featuring RISGA steel players as well. The house band members received a few breaks early in the day. Towards the end, Elaine Ellis, Kerry Anderson and Harry Card were running low on fuel but managed to do a good job. RISGA`s second show at the Liberal Club drew an even bigger audience than last year. This is an ideal club for steel shows. 

 

      The Rhode Island Country Music Hall of Fame held its annual induction show on Sunday, October 12, 2009 at the Post 15 American Legion in E. Greenwich, R.I.  Ralph Paulin, (steel), Mark Sampson, (bass guitar and fiddle), and RISGA`s own Elaine Ellis, (bass guitar), were inducted. President Butch Keenan received an honorary induction. All four are from Rhode Island.

 

     The Pedal Steel Guitar Association from New York held its 36th annual steel guitar celebration at the Double Tree Hotel in Norwalk, Connecticut on November 7&8, 2009. My daughter Rosemarie Escobar, (steel enthusiast who wants to learn), and yours truly traveled to the Saturday show only. It’s a super show containing world famous players like Doug Jernigan and the "Twisted Genius" Joe Wright. We enjoyed ten performers; and to think that it is right here in New England. It is well worth the 2 1/2 hour drive from Portsmouth R.I.

 

      The Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association held a jamboree at the Holy Ghost Hall in E. Taunton. It was a successful large turnout jamboree, featuring host band "Goat Ropers" with Andy Perry on steel. Incidentally, it was Andy’s second gig after being hospitalized a few weeks prior. "Whiskeyshooters" was the first guest band with Tony Palmer on steel. The second guest band was "Midnight Sun" with Manny Escobar on steel. How often do you go to a local jamboree with a  host band and two guest bands, ALL with steel players? For more RISGA info call President Marcia Rodrigues at 401-625-5783, or Manny Escobar at 401-683-4365
 


 

 

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

February 2010

Well folks another month is coming upon us fast. We had to cancel the January 3 Jamboree. But we will be having a Jamboree on January 31. Ray Cross and the country heart beats will be the band. So tell all your friends about the country music in Rhode Island and come on down. Remember the Sweethearts Jamboree Is coming   February 14.  Yes, Valentines day so bring your sweetheart and have a good time. The kitchen will be open with great food. We have 17 country sweethearts going to sing for you to dance.  Let’s make this jamboree one of the best for all the sweet hearts. Well that’s all folks for now. See you all soon
                                     Frank Butch Keenan
                                           C.M.A.
                                        President      

 

 

January 2010

 

Well folks the Christmas party was a great day. We had a sell out. Santa did a great job with the little ones. The future CMA stars were real great singing with the band. The food was excellent as always
 Mikes gang sure put it on great this year. I am hoping for good turnouts for the jamborees and we can put on a real big show so we need your support to keep us doing the job we were elected to do The CMA officers and board of directors are the best ya can get. I really enjoy working with a great team like them. Again I want to thank all the supported the Christmas party. Luv & Country band did a real fine job playing Christmas music  and good ole country music for us. Linda & Gary made it all worth coming. The toys you donated will make some little tots  happy.  Thank you again for that. Remember to read your news letter when you get it  so you don't miss out on all the fun we are having. And if you don't get the news letter check your expired date on your membership cards. Well folks that's about it for this one. Hope to see you all at the post for some good ole country music.
 Keep it country and support our working bands.
                                        President of the CMA
                                         Frank Butch Keenan


 

 

 


 

 


 

WELCOME

New Members in January 2010

Cathy Silva, Betty Ann Silvaggio, Richard J. Gadoury Jr., Stephen M. Pannone

New Members in December 2009

Brenda Lawrence, Kenneth Lawrence, Robert Prunier, John Leone, Phil Brigham, Charlene Marie, Joseph Johnston

New Members in November 2009

Elsie Morin, Paul Edward Gabriel (Bettencourt), Al White

New Members in  October 2009

Manny Diamonte, Diana Tenrreiro, Michael Corriea, Carol DuBeau, Bill McGrath, Rose Escobar

New Members in September 2009

Randy Henderson, Elaine Varrecchione, John Hubeny, Barbara Duquette, Albert Denton, Patricia Noonan, Rhoda Lineham, Eleanora Williams

New Members in August 2009

RB Renegade, Alfred Ragas

New Members in July 2009

Richard Toas, Rich Gordon, John Haldoupis

New Members in June 2009

George Crawford. Becky Fowler, Bob White, Jr., Jean Vincent

New Members in May 2009

Lewis (Everett) Peck, Mario DiPaolo, Linda Lallo, Lucille Lemme, Bob White

New Members in April 2009

William Pimentel

New Members in March 2009

Chris Brooks, Andy Solberg, Bill Sousa, Antonio Perri

New Members in February 2009

Jimbo Wilson, Mike O'Handley, Herman Doughty, Sandra Kettelle, Rose Patton, Alice Pontarelli

New Members in January 2009

Evelyn Poy, Sonia Cohen, Mary Werner, Robert Poulin

 

CONGRATULATIONS

2009 Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association Award Show

At the 2009 M. C. M. A. A. Award Show in September, the following CMA of RI Members received the following Awards:

Entertainer: Cindy Lane

Peoples Choice: Manny Massa

Male Vocalist: Manny Massa

Female Vocalist: Cindy Lane

3 or 4 Piece Band: Cindy Lane and True Country

5 or More Piece Band: Goat Ropers

Steel Guitar: Roger Trahan

Bass Guitar: Elaine Ellis

Horizon Band: Dogie and Cowpie Poachers

Congratulations to them all.

 

2009 R. I. C. H. Competition Results

Congratulations to all who participated.

FEMALE ENTERTAINER NEW COUNTRY YOUTH 13  - 16 - JAMIE HARRIS

FEMALE VOCALIST NEW COUNTRY YOUTH 13 - 16 - JAMIE HARRIS

FEMALE ENTERTAINER TRADITIONAL YOUTH 13 - 16 - JAMIE HARRIS

FEMALE VOCALIST TRADITIONAL YOUTH 13 - 16 - JAMIE HARRIS

FEMALE ENTERTAINER NEW COUNTRY ADULT - TIED REBECCA LOU SNYDER & VIRGINIA JOHNSON

FEMALE VOCALIST NEW COUNTRY ADULT - 1. REBECCA LOU SNYDER, 2. RACHEL LANDRY

FEMALE ENTERTAINER TRADITIONAL ADULT - 1. KIM OAKES, 2. RACHEL LANDRY

FEMALE VOCALIST TRADITIONAL ADULT - 1. KIM OAKES, 2. RACHEL LANDRY 3. JEANNIE PRATT

MALE ENTERTAINER TRADITIONAL ADULT - WAYNE CARLOW

MALE VOCALIST TRADITIONAL ADULT - WAYNE CARLOW

MALE ENTERTAINER TRADITIONAL GOSPEL - WAYNE CARLOW

MALE VOCALIST TRADITIONAL GOSPEL - WAYNE CARLOW

VOCAL DUO NEW COUNTRY ADULT - 1. KIM OAKES & REBECCA LOU SNYDER, 2, VALERIE &  ELIZABETH VANCZA                           

FEMALE SONG WRITER TRADITIONAL ADULT - RACHEL LANDRY

FEMALE SONG WRITER NEW COUNTRY ADULT - VALERIE & ELIZABETH VANCZA

TRADITIONAL CD FEMALE ADULT - KIM OAKES

NEW COUNTRY CD FEMALE ADULT -  REBECCA LOU SNYDER

PIONEER AWARD - TONY POCCIA

PIONEER AWARD DECEASED - JACKIE THOMPSON

EDDIE ZACK AWARD - ELAINE ELLIS 

 

Congratulations to the Recipients of the 2009 Country Music Association ofRhode Island Awards. See Awards

 

 

 

 

GET WELL WISHES AND CONDOLENCES

 

 

Please notify Myrt Bonus at 846-7449 when you hear of a member who is ill, in the Hospital, or has lost a loved one.

 

Get well wishes to: Ed Point,  Lillian Baton, Ronnie Dutilly, Gert Hartley, Pat Grandchamp, Emily Jenkins, Richard Fuller, Homer Adams, Hazel Marchetti, Ray Dixon, Sallyann Roberts,

Our Condolences go out to Ronnie Dutilli and Family on the death of her Son-in-Law, Larry Norcini who died from Lukemiia on February 7. Visiting Hours are on February 9th from 4 – 6 PM at the woodlawn Funeral Parlor, Park Ave., Cranston and the Funeral on Wednesday.

Our Condolences go out to the Family and Friends of Lucy Carlucci who died on Friday January 29.

LUCY C. (PISTOCCO) CARLUCCI

CARLUCCI, LUCY C. (PISTOCCO), 80, of Forand Circle, Johnston, passed away on Friday, January 29, 2010 at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence. She was the wife of the late Charles Carlucci.

Born in Johnston, she was the daughter of the late Pas- quale and Santa (Colizzo) Pistocco.

She was the devoted mother of David Rini of Coventry, Anthony Rini, Jr. of Boca Raton, FL, Patricia Fraielli of Johnston and the late Nicholas Rini. Lucy was the grandmother of seven and great grandmother of ten. She was the sister of the late Carmine, Ethel and Gloria Pistocco.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Church, Johnston. Burial will be private. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association , 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI 02903. Visit www.nardolillo.com for more information and online condolences.

 

Our Condolences go out to Phil Ackerman and Family on the death of his Brother-in-Law, Loren Wooster who died in Vermont on January 24th.

Our Condolences go out to Wilberta Davis on the death of her Husband, Harold, on January 15th.  

Our Condolences go out to Rudy Escobedo and Family on the death of his Father in Texas on January 9, 2010

Our Condolences go out to Ellin Paulin and Family on the death on January 5th of her Husband Ralph Paulin. Ralph was a Member of the Country Music Association of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Country Music Hall of Fame and was a great Steel Guitar player

Paulin, Ralph J., 70, died Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at Kent Hospital.  He was the beloved husband of Ellen B. (Candlen) Paulin.  Born in Warwick,  he was the son of Yvette R. (Breault) Hudson and the late Raphael J. Paulin.  Mr. Paulin was a self employed jewelry model maker for 30 years before retiring.  A steel guitarist, he was a member of the Country Music Association and was inducted into the RI Country Music Association Hall of Fame.  Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, Joseph M. Paulin and Ralph J. Paulin, Jr.; three step daughters, Cheryl Wilding, Robin Hughes and Debra White; one stepson David Parry, Jr.; one sister, Barbara Payne; sixteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Visiting hours Thursday January 7, 2010 from 4-7 pm with a service at 7 pm in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Chapel, 2435 Warwick Ave.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Ralph J. Paulin Memorial Fund, C7 Krzak Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852 will be appreciated.

Our Condolences go out to Sonia Cohen and Family on the death of her Son, Douglas Cohen, on December 27 in Spartansburg, SC.

Douglas "Doug" Cohen
SPARTANBURG, SC-- Douglas, "Doug" Cohen, 56, of Spartanburg died Sunday, December 27, 2009 at his home. Born February 23, 1953 in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of Sonia Robbins Cohen of Coventry, RI and the late Herbert Cohen. He was the former president of Glenco Hosiery Mill Company.
Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife Ellen Stirzaker Cohen; a sister, Laurie Tyce and husband Robert of Coventry, RI; and two nephews, Charles Tyce and Oliver Tyce of Coventry, RI.
Graveside services were held at 12:00 PM, Tuesday, December 29, 2009 in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, conducted by Rabbi Yossi Liebowitz.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303.


 

.COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION BAND RECORDINGS:

CD's are generally available at Band appearances.

Yodeling Ray Dixon And The Country All-Stars

Bob Martin's  CD, From The Heart,  is now available  by mail. To purchase a CD by mail, send a check or money order for $13.50 (includes shipping and handling) to Bob Martin, 46 Homeland Ave.NarragansettRI  02882,

Richie Zack's CD, In Nashville,

Matt Connelly's The Best of Westwind and The Kleptones and It's About Time

Shirley Jackson and the Country Drifters CD LIVE and Sings Sweet and Golden Hits

Cindy Lane and True Country's Silver International Celebrating 25th Year Anniversary

Mike Frogg's Frog Songs and Now and Then, Volumes 1 &2

Bill Friday's Friday Country - Lost Gems & Some Of My Own

Miller Lane Music Presents Roberta Miller's Favorite Songs. Contact: Roger Glenn Miller 401-846-7730, 10 Reardon Ave.MiddletownRI 02842. Also available On-Line at: http://cdbaby.com/cd/rogerglennmiller

Eddie Zack and the Hayloft Jamboree - Country Classics, The Zack Family, Blue Shadows on the Trail

Babs andMaril - Memory Lane

 

Country Music Association Classified Ads

Ads are available on this website at no cost to CMA of RI Members.
To place a classified ad, email to cmaofri@worldnet.att.net

 

AWARD WINNING vocalist who plays guitar, bass and some mandolin, looking for a new musical home (band folding).  Looking for a permanent gig but willing to fill in as needed. A traditionalist at heart.  Please call 401-848-0251 or email at bill_friday@verizon.net .

Memories Kitchen -Fri. & Sat full menu, music 6 nights.

Off Beat Music - Guitars, Amps & Accessories, 10% off call Bob @ 766-4664.

Candi’s Country Classics - Call: Candi @ 726-9711

Dottie Zack & The Outlaws - Call Dottie @ 828-2058.

Prov. Music Service - Quality Repairs -10% off Call Bob @ 722-5010.

Ray Dixon Country All Stars - For Bookings Call Ray @ 351-8538

Bass/Rhythm/Vocals - Looking for short notice gigs. Dependable willing to travel. Elaine Ellis 401-683-4365/401-864-1194

 

ABOUT CMA OF RI

The Country Music Association of Rhode Island (CMA of RI) is chartered by the State of Rhode Island. Its purpose is to perpetuate, foster, encourage, and promote the art of country music; to provide opportunities for fan participation; to produce, organize, and present jamborees, festivals, and concerts; to award performers and performing groups at award concerts and shows; to donate to charitable organizations; and to provide a helping hand to our members in need.

The CMA of RI membership is open to musicians and members of the general public who are desirous of promoting and preserving country music.

The CMA of RI is governed by a Board of Directors, consisting of four general officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) and eight members-at-large. The Board of Directors meet once a month and general membership meetings are held quarterly, For details see, the Officers and Calendar sections.

Shows scheduled throughout the year include a Sweetheart Jamboree to showcase our female entertainers, a Gentlemen's (Gunslingers) Jamboree to showcase our male entertainers, and a Christmas Party in December. Other events are scheduled through the year. An Awards show is held each year to recognize the accomplishments of our performers. For details see the Calendar section.
 
 

 

Comments? Questions? E-mail me at: mailto:cmaofri@worldnet.att.net

 

BY-LAWS OF THE
                    COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION OF RHODE ISLAND

Approved at the General Membership Meeting October 22, 2002 Ed Lorello, President

 

ARTICLE I
NAME

Section 1
The name of this organization shall be the Country Music Association of Rhode Island and is hereby chartered under the laws of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in the Year of Our Lord Nineteen Hundred, Ninety-two (1992) as duly voted on by those members active at that time.

ARTICLE II
PURPOSE

Section 1
The purpose of the Country Music Association of Rhode Island is to perpetuate, foster encourage and promote the art of country music; to provide opportunities for fan participation; to produce, organize, and present jamborees, festivals, concerts; to award performers and performing groups at award concerts and shows; to donate to charitable organizations; and to provide a helping hand to our members in need.

ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP

Section 1
Association membership is available to musicians and the general public who are desirous of promoting and preserving country music. 

Section 2
The applicant for membership must complete an application form and pay an annual membership fee. A membership card will be issued upon the approval of the governing body in office at that time. 

Section 3
Special assessments may be imposed for special events upon approval by the Board of
Directors. Adjustments in payment of dues and assessments may be permitted upon approval of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE IV
GOVERNMENT

Section 1
The governing body of the organization shall be vested in a Board of Directors consisting of
thirteen (13) Country Music Association of Rhode Island members in good standing to include four (4) general officers, i.e. President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer; eight (8)
members-at-large, four (4) of which shall be elected annually from the regular membership and four (4) appointed by the incoming President, as Directors of the Board, and in an advisory
capacity the immediate past President. (Previous Version)

The governing body of the organization shall be vested in a Board of Directors consisting of Twelve (12) Country Music Association of Rhode Island members in good standing to include Four (4) general officers, I.e. President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer; eight (8) Members at-large shall be elected annually from the regular membership by the general body. The President shall have the authority to fill any vacancies that may occur from time to time. (Adopted at General Meeting on September 1, 2009.)

 

Section 2
The Board of Directors shall have general supervision of the operation of the association and will be responsible for all equipment. They shall also have powers to make emergency
repairs to and/or purchase new equipment and material used in the association’s daily operations.
They may at any time suspend the membership of any member for conduct detrimental to the best interests of the Country Music Association of Rhode Island until the next general
meeting where said violation shall be considered before the full general membership. 

Section 3
If an Officer or member of the Board of Directors in office fails to attend three (3)
consecutive meetings or six (6) meetings throughout the year for any reason whatsoever, and/or displays a general lack of willingness to participate in the governing of the organization, he or
she may be replaced at the discretion of the President with a majority vote of the Board of
Directors. Exceptions to this removal shall be allowed for reasons of illness, accident or other personal tragedy, upon prior written notification to the President and/or the Secretary. 

Section 4
The Board of Directors shall meet once a month; and the general membership shall have quarterly meetings. All meetings shall be scheduled by the President. 

Section 5
Each April an awards show shall be held as a regular occurrence to honor the outstanding member musicians and artists of that year by the vote of the members in good standing of the organization.. Ballots will be sent to the general membership for their vote. The votes will be counted by a non-biased organization or person designated by the President. 

Section 6
All Committees shall be appointed by the President.  Each member shall have one (1) vote. A majority vote of those members present shall be sufficient to carry out the business of that meeting. Each committee shall have a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary. The Committee’s Secretary shall report the results of all meetings to the President immediately forthwith. The President shall sit ex officio on all Committees, but not as a voting member. All Committees’ decisions and recommendations shall promptly be reported, in writing, to the President. 

All Committees’ decisions and/or recommendations are advisory only to the President at anytime, the Board of Directors may review the Presidents actions on a particular Committee’s decision/recommendation. If there is a conflict or disagreement regarding the Committee’s recommendation, then the matter shall be referred to the general membership for finalization.

 

ARTICLE V

OFFICERS Section 1
The President shall preside over all meetings and may pick standing committees at his/her discretion. The President, by virtue of his/her office, shall have the authority to call special meetings of the regular membership and the Board of Directors. The President, by virtue of his/her office, is an ex officio member of all committees and has the power to fill vacancies that may occur from time to time on all committees. 

Section 2
The Vice-President shall assist the President and will conduct all meetings in the absence of the President. The Vice-President may also be named by the President to serve on any committees as his/her designee when the President is unable to attend. Upon the disability or unavailability for service of the President, the Vice-President shall assume the role of Acting President until such disability and/or unavailability is removed. An initial determination of disability and/or unavailability shall be made by the President. In the event that the President shall fail to act in a timely fashion to declare his/her disability and/or unavailability, the Board of Directors, upon a vote of five (5) members, may call for a special Board meeting to consider the disability and/or unavailability of the President. A three-quarters (3/4) vote shall be necessary to determine a Presidents disability and/or unavailability to serve. 

The decision to remove said disability and/or unavailability of the President shall be made by the President if he/she has previously declared such disability and/or unavailability. If the Board of Directors has declared such disability and/or unavailability, a majority vote of the Board members shall be required to remove said disability and/or unavailability. 

Section 3
The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all proceedings during a meeting and report the same at the next meeting; shall record and sign all reports and bulletins; shall read all applications and communications; shall write all correspondence in the name of the organization; shall notify all members of meetings; shall provide a newsletter to inform the membership of association activities; and conduct the actual voting when done by secret ballot at regular meetings. 

Section 4
The Treasurer shall receive and collect dues, receipts from all tickets sales, raffles and other activities; shall present an accounting at each meeting; shall sign checks of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or less; shall sign checks in amounts of more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) with the required signature of one (1) other designated Officer; shall also submit a written quarterly report to the membership-at-large as to the financial condition of the organization, i.e. debits and credits. The Treasurer shall also file the organization’s Annual Report with the Secretary of State.

ARTICLE VI

 

DUES

Section 1
Dues shall be assessed at the rate of Eight Dollars ($8.00) annually to become due and payable for renewal on the last day of the month that the member joined the organization. Any member who fails to pay their dues by the renewal date must reapply for membership in the organization. 

Section 2
Any member may be considered a senior member if he or she is sixty-five (65) years of age or older and will be assessed an annual dues membership of Five Dollars ($5.00). 

Section 3
Any musician member inducted into the Country Music Association Hall of Fame is granted a lifetime Hall of Fame membership (HOF) and is afforded all rights and privileges of a paid musician member. Limit two (2) per year. 

Section 4
Two (2) lifetime honorary members (HON) will be allowed into the organization each year upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors and approval by the majority vote at a general meeting. Honorary membership is not available to regular members. 

Section 5
Any member may have his/her dues waived if they are disabled and unable to work upon application to the Secretary. Proof of disability shall be in writing and must accompany the waiver request. A waiver of annual dues is available only to those members who have been a member in good standing for the immediate preceding three (3) years. Any member whose disability has been removed must immediately notify the Secretary, who shall then restore the member to active status.

ARTICLE VII
BY-LAWS

Section 1
Changes in the By-laws or amendments thereto shall be submitted in writing to the President who shall promptly and forthwith transmit them to the Board of Directors for consideration. Recommendations for changes and/or amendments to the By-laws shall thereafter be submitted to the general membership at a general meeting to be called by the President. Any changes and/or amendments to the By-laws shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the members who attend said general meeting.

ARTICLE VIII
QUORUM

Section 1
A majority of the total number which constitutes the whole body, i.e. committees, Board of Directors, etc., shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting its business.

 

ARTICLE IX
ELECTIONS

Section 1
The Officers and Board Members of the Country Music Association of Rhode Island shall be elected to a one-year term, which will begin on July 1st of each year. The annual Election of Officers will be held at the general membership meeting in June. This meeting shall be announced in a newsletter or notice to the general membership prior to the meeting. Officers will assume their duties on July 1st. A formal installation banquet may be held but is not required. 

Section 2
Any member in good standing of the Country Music Association of Rhode Island is eligible to hold a position as a Board of Director or General Officer, i.e. President, Vice President, Treasurer, or Secretary. 

Section 3
In May of each year the current Board of Directors shall appoint a three member nominating committee. It is the purpose of the nominating committee to seek and present at least one slate of nominees at the June membership meeting. The nominating committee may present more than one nominee for a position.
At the June membership meeting the President shall call for the nominating committee to place its slate in nomination then call for any further nominations from the floor. In the event of multiple nominations for any of the elected positions an election is to be held.
Any resulting elections to be held will be by secret ballot. The President shall then appoint an impartial person who is not an Officer, Board Member or candidate for any of the foregoing positions to oversee the election. This designated person shall be responsible to distribute, collect, and tabulate secret ballots. The designated person shall report to the president the total number of votes received and the results. In the event of a tie on the first ballot subsequent balloting is to be held. 

Section 4
Any Country Music Association of Rhode Island General Office holder or Member of the
Board may not be an Officer or Member of the Board of Directors of any organization in Rhode
Island
that shares the same general purpose as the Country Music Association of Rhode
Island. 

Section 5
It has been determined that any person owning, leasing, renting, managing, or otherwise associated with a nightclub, dance hall, or other establishment that on a regular basis includes music as part of their format has resulted in conflicts with the goals of the Country Music Association of Rhode Island. Therefore a person in such a position shall be limited to enjoying a general membership in the organization and is not eligible to hold an elected office or appointed position such as the Board of Directors or General Officer.

Respectfully Submitted Robert Considine, Secretary October 18,2002
Approved at the General Membership Meeting October 22, 2002 Ed Lorello, President

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