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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-10-22 CAC Meeting Minutes - APPROVED Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 13, 2022 Regular Meeting – 5:00 PM Newport Beach Public Library – Small Conference Room 1000 Avocado Avenue Newport Beach, CA 92660 I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:07 P.M. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Chair Marie Little, Vice Chair Maureen Flanagan, Secretary Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner Leonard Simon, Commissioner Barbara George, Commissioner Meghan McNulty, Commissioner (Arrived approximately 5:15 p.m.) Commissioners Absent: Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes of the January 13, 2022, City Arts Commission Meeting 1. Draft of 1/13/22 Minutes Chair Greer called for revisions to the minutes, but the other Commissioners had none. She requested the following revisions: o Written Page 13, Page 10 of the minutes: Clarify that Chair Greer was speaking about the Elton John cover band Electric Boots and Beatles tribute band Britain’s Finest. o Tijuana Dogs is missing an “s” at the end. o A past performer was named “Stone Soul” not “Stem Soul”. o The band is “The Smith Band”. o Sentence 8 should read: The Pacific Symphony on the Green. o On Handwritten Page 16, VII. Announcements – Chair Greer requested that the minutes follow the script for her announcement regarding Lila Crespin’s passing rather than a summary. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 2 Motion made by Commissioner Simon, seconded by Secretary Flanagan, and carried (6- 0-0-1) to approve the January 13, 2022, meeting minutes as amended. AYES: Greer, Little, Flanagan, Kaufman Simon, George NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: McNulty B. Consent Calendar Items 2. Financial Report – Review of financial information Library Services Director Tim Hetherton reported that there had been no major financial expenditures since the last meeting. There are sufficient funds for the Art Exhibition in May and a concert in June. Chair Greer noted that she forgot to call for the public comment and would do so following Library Services Director Hetherton’s report. Library Services Director Hetherton stated that there was plenty of funds remaining in Professional Services, so funds have been used for completing maintenance. The funds will also be used to pay for the transcription services and installation of art by vendor Josh Hoyer. Overall, the finances are in good shape. Chair Greer asked if the City Arts Commission (CAC) had enough money to put on an additional concert. Library Services Director Hetherton said there were sufficient funds for the Art Exhibition and a June concert. The concerts are planned for June, July, August, and September with an October concert on the Peninsula. Chair Greer inquired about the possibility of a May concert and putting on four concerts total instead of three. Library Services Director Hetherton said that there would be a concert in June from the current Fiscal Year (FY) budget and three with the 2022-2023 FY budget. Chair Greer explained that they used to do four concerts before the pandemic. Library Services Director Hetherton said that there would be three Concerts on the Green from the 2022-2023 FY budget and one concert at Marina Park. Secretary Flanagan inquired about why the sound and lighting for Shelley Rusk was $2,000 more than other shows. Library Services Director Hetherton explained that they had the additional cost of a generator, lighting, and a stage for that concert. Secretary Flanagan asked if Marina Park was always more expensive. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 3 Library Services Director Hetherton explained that it was because on the Green they use the patio for a stage and use power from the parking structure, while Marina Park concerts require a generator for lighting and sound. In summer, the concerts start at 6:00 p.m. and there is still light out. Everything is accounted for in the budget. Chair Greer explained that they had received $175,000 a few years ago from the dissolution of the Balboa Theatre Performing Arts Foundation on the Peninsula. The funds are stipulated for performing arts on the Peninsula and a portion of those funds are in the CAC Programming budget. Library Services Director Hetherton stated that for many years the CAC’s programming budget was between $45,000 and $50,000 a year. Over the past few years, it’s been $60,500 due to the additional funding set aside for performing arts on the Balboa Peninsula. Vice Chair Little understood that the funds were for performing arts programming and events on the Peninsula, not necessarily just concerts. Chair Greer said that the concerts at Marina Park tend to be more expensive because of the stage rental and other set up costs. Commissioner Simon indicated he was confused about the four concerts. He noted the FY started in July, so the June concert would come out of the current FY budget. Library Services Director Hetherton said that was correct and then there would be Concerts on the Green in July, August, and September. There would be an October concert at Marina Park. Commissioner Simon asked if there was a sufficient amount of money in the current programming budget to do a concert in May and in June. Library Services Director Hetherton said there was not as each concert runs about $8,000. The Art Exhibition will be between $20,000 and $24,000, but he is hoping for $22,000 which would leave $8,000 for the June concert. Commissioner Simon said that on January 31 they saw payments for concerts that happened in Summer 2021. He asked if that was correct, but then noted that he saw the dates and understood. Library Services Director Hetherton explained that sometimes they pay invoices from the previous FY in the current FY and have to do an accounting. There is a procedure with Finance to have the amounts backdated. Commissioner Simon stated that if that was the case, then the financial report was misleading. Library Services Director Hetherton explained that everything on the financial reported started in July 2021. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 4 Commissioner Simon asked if they would not see anything from June 2022 or prior on the financial report for FY 2022-2023. Library Services Director Hetherton indicated that was correct. They would pay the June 2022 concert and Finance would classify it correctly. Commissioner George asked if they had to bring in a generator for Shelley Rusk because they could not use electricity onsite. Library Services Director Hetherton explained that the onsite power source was not in the correct proximity to the concert and also that concerts tend to require more amps than a normal power source can provide. Cultural Arts Assistant Camille Escareal-Garcia asked if Chair Greer wanted to call for the public comment. Chair Greer opened the public comment, but there was none to hear. 3. Cultural Arts Activities – Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services Library Services Director Hetherton reported that there was a fantastic refurbishment of the Sister City Garden at Irvine Terrace Park. There is new signage and footings in the landscaping. The garden looks great, and he suggested Commissioners go see it. Chair Greer suggested sending the photographs of the sculpture exhibition and park to the Sister Cities Organization. Library Services Director Hetherton said that the park really felt as though you were in Japan and was quite beautiful. He said he would pass on the information. Chair Greer said she remembered when the CAC decided to place the Okazaki donations there. Library Services Director Hetherton noted that the Library Gallery still had the Roxanne Sexauer exhibition. In March they have Lisa Fu and her watercolors. The quality of the submissions continues to increase. The CAC is doing a good job of exposing the Library’s guests to different cultural experiences and types of art. February 11 is the Cultural Arts deadline. Several have come in and they look good. May 13 and 14 is the Art Exhibition. They need volunteers to help with check in. The event is very fun and a nice social occasion. Chair Greer encouraged Commissioners and their families to volunteer and explained they needed help on both May 13 and 14. With respect to Cultural Arts Grants, there is a lot of grant funding available throughout the County and ArtsOC. She hoped that did not impact the submissions for the CAC’s Cultural Arts Grants. Many Cultural Arts Grants benefit the public schools, and she wanted the children to have the opportunities the grants afford. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 5 Motion made by Commissioner Simon, seconded by Vice Chair Little, and carried (7-0-0- 0) to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted by City staff with revisions to the minutes. AYES: Greer, Little, Flanagan, Kaufman, Simon, George, McNulty NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None VI. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review and Possible Action 4. 2022 Concerts on the Green – The City Arts Commission will select performers for the 2022 Summer concert series on the Civic Center Green. Chair Greer announced the item and asked for Library Services Director Hetherton’s thoughts. Library Services Director Hetherton suggested that the CAC not just go off the number of votes received by each band but try to find a balance of different types and genres. Chair Greer said that they would review the list, get Commissioner’s thoughts, take public comment, and then continue the discussion. Commissioner Simon asked a procedural question. There is one band in the first ranking, five bands in the second ranking, and the CAC is looking for four concerts. Assuming Shelley Rusk is invited back to Marina Park, then they have three to pick. He asked how they planned to prioritize the selections. Chair Greer asked if Library Services Director Hetherton had any direction from staff. Library Services Director Hetherton thought that it mattered that some performers had more votes than others, but if a Commissioner wanted to make a compelling argument, they could do so. It is good to provide variety and perhaps it would be preferable not to repeat performers who had recently played a concert. They could also consider these performers for the October concert in Marina Park, which is a more intimate venue and may be better suited to certain bands. The object is to book concerts that fill the Green. Chair Greer indicated that they had not heard from Commissioner Kaufman about her selections, so she called for them. Commissioner Kaufman said that she had four selections, Billy Nation, Catch a Wave, Yachty by Nature, and Gypsy Heartbreakers. She was more interested in a Tom Petty tribute band than a specific band. If Gypsy Heartbreakers was the only one, then that was her selection. Library Services Director Hetherton noted that Commissioner Kaufman’s selections changed the vote totals. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 6 Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia said that Shelley Rusk, Billy Nation, and Catch a Wave tied for first. Yachty by Nature is in the second ranking category and Gypsy Heartbreakers is in the third category. Commissioner Simon asked if they would eliminate the artists that played last year such as Sully Band and Shelley Rusk. Several Commissioners indicated agreement to remove those artists. Commissioner Simon noted that Sully Band offered to return for free. Chair Greer said that they had. Vice Chair Little stated that most of the bands being considered were tribute bands, but Shelley Rusk was not. She would do whatever they asked of her, and it would not be a repeat performance. She had not spoken to Ms. Rusk this year, but last year they specifically requested she do Broadway numbers. Commissioner Simon said that Ms. Rusk gave an intimate concert that suited the venue. Chair Greer agreed. She noted that Ms. Rusk may want to preform on the Green, but the Green requires a lot of energy and backup. Typically, local bands have a great following and do a lot of their own publicity. Desperado had some of the highest attendance that they ever had. Due to this she placed them on her list again. Last time they paid Desperado $10,000, but now they are willing to do the concert and meet the CAC’s budget. Library Services Director Hetherton explained that Desperado said they were available but had not discussed contracts. Chair Greer confirmed that Billy Nation and Catch a Wave had four votes. Commissioner George asked what kind of music Billy Nation played. Secretary Flanagan stated it was Billy Joel. Chair Greer said that she did significant research on the bands outside of what was given to the City and asked the other Commissioners if they simply watched Catch a Wave’s link or if they looked at additional material. Several Commissioners said they had looked at additional material. Vice Chair Little thought that Catch a Wave was great. Chair Greer thought they did not hold up in additional material. She thought they should have one surf band, a rock band, and either the Billy Joel or Elton John band. Vice Chair Little said Catch a Wave had many excellent testimonials including one from a surviving Beach Boy band member and a former manager of the Beach Boys. Overall, she thought their music was superior. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 7 Chair Greer suggested they start by discussing the surf bands and asked if Library Services Director Hetherton could set it up so they could play the music. Secretary Flanagan mentioned that they had discussed having a surf event with a band and asked if that was still a possibility. Chair Greer said that it had not been agendized, but she could not see them getting a surf event this summer since Library Services Director Hetherton was leaving, the Sculpture Exhibition was opening in June, and the Art Exhibition is in May. The subcommittee just received a brief outline of the surf event which Vice Chair Little would report on later. Library Services Director Hetherton stated that the topic had not been agendized and could not be discussed. Chair Greer said that they should not worry about the surf event and that they could present a surf band on the Green if they wanted to. This year, there are several events already scheduled and they need not be concerned with the surf event. Commissioner George wished to confirm that they would choose four bands and asked if they were not going to go for a variety. There was no country music represented. Vice Chair Little said that she had a country band she wanted to discuss. Chair Greer thought Mark Easterday was great. Vice Chair Little liked the Rayford Brothers. Commissioner McNulty liked Young Guns. She also noted that Elton John recently had a well-attended local concert so she thought the cover band Electric Boots would be popular with the community. Chair Greer said there were votes for Billy Nation and Electric Boots. They were on the top of the list. Secretary Flanagan said that Billy Joel had just been in Newport Beach as well. Commissioner Simon asked if they planned to pick four bands and two alternates. Chair Greer confirmed that was correct. She stated that everyone seemed to like Satin Dolls. They have a beautifully produced promo, and she was not sure that would be available to them on the Green. Vice Chair Little said Satin Dolls was different from anything they had previously had. Commissioner George stated she tried to pick bands that would do a variety of music. There are really great cover bands that do a variety of songs and may bring a larger audience than traditional tribute bands, especially for acts that may have less hits. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 8 Chair Greer suggested that everyone name their top four choices. Secretary Flanagan stated her choices were Billy Nation, Sully Band, a country band, and the Beatles tribute band. Commissioner Kaufman appreciated the idea of one surf, two rock, and one country band. She liked the idea of bands that span a genre but thought there was more name recognition for tribute bands. She suggested that they look up the crowd sizes for the tribute bands versus the cover bands. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia said that they had the equipment set up if they wanted to listen to any bands. Commissioner Kaufman wanted a Tom Petty band to balance off the surf band. Commissioner George stated her top four were Britain’s Finest, Yachty by Nature, Young Guns, and Sangre Nueva. Commissioner Simon asked if Shelley Rusk should be included in the four. Chair Greer asked him to provide his top four. Commissioner Simon said that he had six. He named Shelley Rusk, Billy Nation, Catch a Wave, The Sully Band, and Radio Royalty. Radio Royalty covers pop, rock, new wave and he suggested they listen to them and consider them for the variety. The sixth band is Yachty by Nature. Vice Chair Little chose Electric Boots, Catch a Wave, and Shelley Rusk. She noted that they were not selecting a band for the fall concert at Marina Park, but they could hold an artist for that. She also chose Sangre Nueva. Chair Greer chose Britain’s Finest and The Fabulous Nomads, although she noted any surf band would be fine. She also chose Electric Boots, Desperado, and Satin Dolls. Commissioner McNulty stated preference for Electric Boots, Young Guns, Catch a Wave, and Gypsy Heartbreakers. Chair Greer asked if Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia had taken down the Commission’s preferences. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia stated that she had only heard part of the discussion and was taking down what she could. Commissioner Simon said that the Civic Center Green was better for larger bands and noted that in Marina Park they needed to be conscious of the number of performers on stage because everything is set up differently. Chair Greer said that a band like Britain’s Finest would not be good at Marina Park. Commissioner Simon asked if Shelley Rusk had three backing players with her. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 9 Vice Chair Little stated she had a saxophone player, a guitarist, and a keyboard player. Commissioner Simon thought that would be the maximum number of performers at Marina Park. Vice Chair Little suggested that they consider crowd sizes as well since the Green could hold significantly more people than Marina Park. Secretary Flanagan said Tijuana Dogs had performed at Marina Park. Chair Greer said that Parks & Recreation had put that concert on. They also had excellent attendance on the Green. She asked Secretary Flanagan to repeat her choices. Secretary Flanagan said they were Billy Nation, Catch a Wave, and Sully Band. Chair Greer called for the public comment but there was none. She suggested that they start with the surf band and asked if Library Services Director Hetherton had looked at Catch a Wave. Library Services Director Hetherton indicated he reviewed their link but did not remember his thoughts. He suggested that they play the clips. Chair Greer suggested they start with the top rock n’ roll band and the top surf band. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Catch a Wave for the CAC. Chair Greer requested they play The Fabulous Nomads next. The difference between the two is that Catch a Wave plays with less energy. Commissioner George thought Catch a Wave played like an animatronic band at a Disney park. Vice Chair Little said that the Beach Boys did not run around on stage. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played The Fabulous Nomads. Chair Greer thought they had more energy. Secretary Flanagan asked if they sang or were just instrumental. Commissioner George said there was a third surf band called Surfin’. She asked to hear that one as well. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Surfin’. Library Services Director Hetherton stated that The Fabulous Nomads play surf instrumentals and are not a Beach Boys Tribute. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 10 Chair Greer said they would eliminate The Fabulous Nomads. Commissioner George thought either of the remaining Beach Boys tribute bands were great. Newport Beach is a beach town and surf music would be well received. Chair Greer suggested they put Catch a Wave aside as a selection and move on to Britain’s Finest. Library Services Director Hetherton asked if there was a general consensus that Catch a Wave was preferred to Surfin’ The CAC generally agreed there was consensus. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Britain’s Finest. Chair Greer asked if there was anything more current for Britain’s Finest. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played a performance from three weeks prior which she found on YouTube. Chair Greer stated that she would approve Britain’s Finest. She thought they would draw a crowd, liked their name, and are being supported by Disney. She asked to move on to hear Billy Nation. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Billy Nation. Chair Greer suggested they listen to Electric Boots as well. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Electric Boots. Chair Greer said that Secretary Flanagan and Commissioner Simon voted for Billy Nation, and Vice Chair Little voted for Electric Boots in their initial picks prior to the meeting. Commissioner Simon asked if they were voting. Chair Greer said they were looking at Billy Nation and Electric Boots. She asked for a show of hands for Billy Nation and then for Electric Boots, as she thought they should choose one or the other. Library Services Director Hetherton noted they were both pianists and songwriters. Vice Chair Little suggested that whichever one was not chosen should be selected as an alternate instead. The other Commissioners seemed to support that idea. Chair Greer announced that Billy Nation, Catch a Wave, and Electric Boots all had four votes. She suggested leaving both Billy Nation and Electric Boots in the running for the time being. Catch a Wave and Britain’s Finest are already approved. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 11 Motion made by Secretary Flanagan, seconded by Commissioner Simon, and carried (5-2-0-0) to select Billy Nation. AYES: Greer, Little, Flanagan, Kaufman, Simon, NOES: George, McNulty ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None Vice Chair Little suggested making Electric Boots an alternate. Chair Greer called for a Motion. Motion made by Commissioner Simon, seconded by Commissioner George, and carried (6-1-0-0) to select Electric Boots as an alternate. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia asked who made the Motion. Library Services Director Hetherton instructed the CAC to treat the selections as straw polls with one Motion at the end. Commissioner McNulty asked about hosting a country band. Commissioner Simon broached the possibility of Sully Band doing a free concert which would free up funds. Library Services Director Hetherton explained they would still have to pay for the sound engineering and other items. Commissioner Simon stated that would not save enough money to put on another concert. Library Services Director Hetherton indicated that if they wanted to take $3,500 from another event to put on another concert they could. Chair Greer confirmed that they had selected Britain’s Finest, Billy Nation, Catch a Wave, and Electric Boots. Sully Band and Shelley Rusk remain at the top. The CAC must decide if it wants to bring performers back. Vice Chair Little thought that they should not invite back performers that only do one thing at least for awhile so they can offer variety. They did the survey and learned what the public likes and they should not forget about that information. She thought a country band would be a good selection, although it was one of the least popular types of music in the survey. Commissioner George asked to see the survey. Chair Greer said that the remaining top selections, Shelley Rusk and the Sully Band, had previously played Newport Beach. The Sully Band have offered to work for free, but the CAC would still have to cover the sound costs and other things for the concert. The Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 12 CAC needs to make a policy decision on whether to invite musicians back or not. Britain’s Finest played five or six years prior so that is safe. Commissioner Simon stated he wanted to have Sully Band back because they play a variety of music, he believed they would have a super turn out. Commissioner George agreed with Commissioner Simon and loved the Sully Band but thought they should provide the opportunity to play to other bands. Both sides are valid, but Sully Band and Shelley Rusk played last year. Chair Greer said that they were developing a policy of not bringing bands back. Commissioners George, Simon, Little and herself all agreed not to bring bands back. She asked what Commissioner Kaufman thought. Commissioner Kaufman stated that she was not in favor of bringing bands back within four or five years. She noted that she voted for Yachty by Nature which brought it up to three votes and it had not yet been discussed. Chair Greer confirmed that they had three votes and were just under Sully Band. Secretary Flanagan liked Sully Band but did not see Shelley Rusk. She thought that they should not bring a band back within a year because they had so many great artists to choose from. Chair Greer loved Shelley Rusk but wanted to see her at Marina Park. Sully Band works on the Green, but she also supported not bringing bands back for a year when they have so many bands to choose from. Commissioner McNulty said that if the community liked a band and it was well attended then they should be able to ask them back. She thought one year was sufficient. Chair Greer suggested they put Sully Band at the bottom of the list for the Green and Shelley Rusk at the bottom of the list for Marina Park. She clarified that they were discussing whether or not to bring bands back this year. Vice Chair Little thought they should not repeat bands this year because there were so many other choices, and the CAC should provide other bands with the opportunity to play. Chair Greer announced there were enough consensus to say that the CAC would not invite bands back this year. She suggested they move on to Satin Dolls and then Yachty by Nature. She asked Library Services Director Hetherton if the CAC could make three selections that evening and then have him start to engage the bands before they made further choices. Library Services Director Hetherton said that they could do that. Chair Greer noted that they had done that before. Commissioner Simon noted that he had to leave at 7:00 p.m. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 13 Chair Greer stated that they would still have quorum. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Satin Dolls. Commissioner Simon said that was music from the 1940’s and 1950’s and would not attract a younger crowd, which is something that the CAC should focus on. Chair Greer agreed and also voiced concern about the number of performers. Library Services Director Hetherton explained that was a valid concern as performers generally ask for union scale pay. Chair Greer thought they would be a better band for Marina Park. Vice Chair Little asked if they were trying to attract a specific age group or if they were just trying to attract a variety of people. She agreed that Satin Dolls would appeal to a certain age group. It reminded her of a Bob Hope show. Chair Greer said that the music was energetic, but she thought it would fit better at Marina Park than the Green. Vice Chair Little agreed. Commissioner Simon said that they would not attract a large crowd for the Green. Satin Dolls would cater to a specific group. Chair Greer called for Yachty by Nature. Commissioner McNulty stated that she had to leave by 7:00 p.m. as well. Chair Greer said that she had to be done by 7:20 p.m. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Yachty by Nature. Vice Chair Little said that she was not in favor of the band. Chair Greer thought they would be good for the Newport Beach Art Exhibition, but not the Green. Commissioner George stated that the promotional video and YouTube were very different. Chair Greer said that any acts on the Green need to be strong and professional. Commissioner Simon stated that the group was the size of Sully Band but had a lot less energy. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 14 Commissioner Kaufman said that she had liked the campiness of the band. She thought they were designed for a summer concert series and noted that they play many cities. The name of the band also tells you what kind of experience you’re going to have when you see them. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played more Yachty by Nature. Chair Greer stated that the band would be fun for the Newport Beach Art Exhibition or something along those lines. She suggested they scratch Yachty by Nature and move on. Commissioner Simon was not in favor of Yachty by Nature. Commissioner George agreed that she was not in favor. The material on the band’s website is more polished, but the YouTube videos are different. Commissioner Kaufman said that she appreciated the campiness and would still vote for the band. Chair Greer called for other yes votes but heard none. Library Services Director Hetherton asked if they wanted to put forth a Motion before Commissioner Simon had to leave. Chair Greer called for a Motion on Catch a Wave, Britain’s Finest, Electric Boots, and Billy Nation. Next, they would listen to Sangre Nueva and Young Guns. She asked for a show of hands for Billy Nation and then stated that it would be in third place. Motion made by Commissioner Simon, seconded by Vice Chair Little, and carried (6-1-0-0) to select Catch a Wave, Britain’s Finest, and Billy Nation with Electric Boots as an alternate. AYES: Greer, Little, Flanagan, Kaufman, Simon, George, NOES: McNulty ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None Chair Greer indicated that they should listen to Young Guns. Vice Chair Little suggested they listen to the Rayford Brothers before Commissioner McNulty had to leave. They could listen to Young Guns after because they understood her position. Chair Greer agreed. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played the Rayford Brothers Vice Chair Little said that she thought that they were trying to find a country band. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 15 Chair Greer said that country would be Young Guns, so they were looking at the Rayford Brothers before Commissioner McNulty had to leave. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played more of the Rayford Brothers Chair Greer asked if all they played was instrumentals. Commissioner George said that she did not initially select the Rayford Brothers, but she read the description and thought they would be fun. Chair Greer suggested they move on to Young Guns. Commissioner Simon indicated that he was leaving the meeting. Chair Greer thanked him for his input. She stated that Mark Easterday was also a country cover band. They also need to hear Radio Royalty, which was voted for by Commissioner Flanagan and Commissioner Simon. They also need to hear Sangre Nueva and the Tom Petty tribute. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Young Guns. Several Commissioners stated that they enjoyed the band and Chair Greer suggested they be put down as an alternate for the time being. She requested that they hear Mark Easterday and the Kelly Boyz Band. Secretary Flanagan thought Young Guns was good. Commissioner Kaufman thought they considered Young Guns once already and chose The Smith Band instead. Commissioner McNulty left the meeting. Chair Greer said that they should have taken two meetings to determine the bands. Several Commissioners stated at once that they liked Young Guns. Commissioner George suggested that they ask the band to dress more family friendly. Chair Greer called for Sangre Nueva. Vice Chair Little noted that there were real differences between band’s produced promos and YouTube videos. Chair Greer asked if the Kelly Ray Band was country. Library Services Director Hetherton stated that they were and that they had played about five years prior. The Kelly Ray band is now the Kelly Boyz Band. Chair Greer said that they should be considered as they really rocked out the Green. They played about five years ago. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 16 Vice Chair Little thought the last country group they hosted was not good. Secretary Flanagan stated that was The Smith Band. Library Services Director Hetherton noted that show was very family friendly and included line dancing. Chair Greer called for Sangre Nueva and then Kelly Boyz Band. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Sangre Nueva. Commissioner George inquired as to how Santanaways was received. Chair Greer said that they were very well received. Santanaways also wanted to return, but they are looking to feature new bands. Commissioner George was not sure if Sangre Nueva would be too similar to Santanaways. She also noticed a Brazilian jazz band that she did not have the opportunity to check out. Secretary Flanagan said she believed it was the Bossa Nova band. Vice Chair Little noted that she could not find any information on that band. Chair Greer asked if they were looking at Bossa Pacifica and learned that they were. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Bossa Pacifica. Vice Chair Little said that she had found that performance and found it boring, but that was the only one she had found. Chair Greer stated that they had James Samimi perform previously and he was wonderful. However, he would not be an appropriate artist for the Green, as he would require a smaller venue. Vice Chair Little thought he would be a little boring. Chair Greer suggested they look for another Latin artist for the Newport Beach Art Exhibition. Commissioner Kaufman thought James Samimi would be great for the Newport Beach Art Exhibition and noted that he had dancers and percussionists. Commissioner George asked who they were speaking about. Chair Greer indicated that they were talking about musician James Samimi, and that he was wonderful. Chapman University uses him all the time and he drew people to the opening of the Sculpture Garden Exhibition Phases III and IV. She suggested they move on to Gypsy Heartbreakers and Radio Royalty. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 17 Vice Chair Little mentioned Mark Easterday. Chair Greer stated that he was wonderful. Vice Chair Little suggested they look at Gypsy Heartbreakers, Radio Royalty, and Mark Easterday. Chair Greer apologized that the meeting was running late. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Gypsy Heartbreakers. Chair Greer thought that they did not have enough Tom Petty covers in their performance. Commissioner Kaufman said that they played Fleetwood Mac as well and that she assumed the CAC could suggest a setlist. Chair Greer thought that if they wanted Stevie Nicks, they should think of another tribute band. She called for Radio Royalty and thanked Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Radio Royalty. Chair Greer said that the CAC was done with Radio Royalty after she heard several Commissioners voice interest in choosing a country artist. She asked to play Mark Easterday. Commissioner George thought Radio Royalty was very close for consideration and appreciated the variety. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Mark Easterday and there were comments that Commissioners preferred Young Guns. Chair Greer suggested they listen to Kelly Boyz Band as well. They are country, rock, and pop. She thanked Library Services Director Hetherton for letting them know that Kelly Rae merged with the band. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Kelly Boyz Band. Library Services Director Hetherton noted that Kelly Boyz Band had a following. Chair Greer said that they often played a venue called Four Corners. Commissioner Kaufman said that they also played at The Ranch. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played more of the Kelly Boyz Band. Chair Greer requested they play Desperado as they would be strong on the Green. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia played Desperado. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 18 Vice Chair Little suggested Young Guns with Kelly Boyz Band as an alternate. Chair Greer stated that Desperado be an alternate as well. Commissioner George thought Kelly Boyz Band was very strong, but Young Guns was very edgy. Chair Greer said that Desperado sold out two nights at the Coach House at the end of June and tour nationally. The first Motion approved Catch a Wave, Britain’s Finest, and Billy Nation with Electric Boots as an alternate. Second, they have Young Guns, The Kelly Boyz Band, and Desperado to consider. She called for a Motion. Secretary Flanagan asked which bands would be the alternates. Chair Greer said that the first Motion held Electric Boots as an alternate. Vice Chair Little said that Desperado is not a country band. She suggested they choose Young Guns with Kelly Boyz Band as an alternate. Chair Greer stated that she did not want to hold another meeting to determine bands. She confirmed that they needed three alternates. Vice Chair Little said they had three alternates: Electric Boots, Kelly Boyz Band, and Desperado. Young Guns would be the fourth invited performer. Commissioner Kaufman was concerned that they only had one surf band. If Catch a Wave declines, they do not have a surf alternative. Vice Chair Little said they could pick another alternate. Commissioner Kaufman suggested they schedule Catch a Wave first since there is no backup surf band. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia indicated she would contact them first. Chair Greer said Britain’s Finest should be contacted second. Library Services Director Hetherton explained they already reserved the Civic Center Green every Sunday from June 1 until the end of September. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia said she had reserved as many Sundays as possible and would do her best to get the bands set up. Chair Greer suggested that staff should pursue Catch a Wave first, Britain’s Finest second, and Billy Nation third, and Young Guns fourth. The alternates would be Electric Boots, Kelly Boyz Band, and Desperado. Vice Chair Little said that if Young Guns was not available, they should call the Kelly Boyz Band. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 19 Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia said that she would contact Catch a Wave and then Britain’s Finest. If Billy Nation could not play, she would call Electric Boots. If Young Guns is not available, she would contact Kelly Boyz Band. Chair Greer said that was great. Library Services Director Hetherton reminded the CAC that they needed a Motion. BAND NAME GENRE Catch a Wave Beach Boys tribute Britain’s Finest Beatles tribute Billy Nation Billy Joel tribute Young Guns Country cover band ALTERNATES GENRE Electric Boots Elton John tribute Kelly Boyz Band Country cover band Desperado Eagles tribute band Motion made by Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner George, and carried (5-0-0-2) to select the four bands and three alternates listed above. AYES: Greer, Little, Flanagan, Kaufman, George NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Simon, McNulty 5. Selection of Book Titles for Craig Gray’s A Novel Idea A Novel Idea, selected as part of Phase VII of the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park, will be installed in June 2022. Sculptor Craig Gray, creator of A Novel Idea, has requested book titles to integrate into the piece that will be loaned to the City of Newport Beach. Staff recommends that members of the City Arts Commission and Board of Library Trustees select the title of one novel each to be engraved on A Novel Idea, for a total of 12 titles. Chair Greer asked if Library Services Director Hetherton had information for the CAC. Library Services Director Hetherton explained that Craig Gray’s A Novel Idea was selected to be a part of Phase VII. Mr. Gray can engrave the titles of books onto the sculpture. Each Arts Commissioner is invited to suggest the title of a novel to be included in the piece and should submit it to him prior to the March CAC meeting. The Board of Library Trustees (BLT) will also select titles. Although the piece is called A Novel Idea, Mr. Gray does not always use the titles of novels. If the CAC is okay with nonfiction titles that would be acceptable as well. Chair Greer thought it would be nice to be more flexible. Council Member Will O’Neil asked them to review a list which she requested from Library Services Director Hetherton. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 20 Library Services Director Hetherton stated he did not have the list but would disseminate it. Chair Greer said that Councilmember O’Neil was excited about the opportunity and suggested several books from local authors. Vice Chair Little agreed it would be great to feature local titles. Chair Greer indicated that the list was as follows: Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan, The Art of Body Surfing by Judge Robert Gardner, Common Sense by Thomas Paine, Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, The Mamba Mentality: How I Play by Kobe Bryant, Palaces for the People by Eric Klinenberg, Believe It by Nick Foles, The Library Book by Susan Orlean, and The Law by Fredrick Bastiat. Library Services Director Hetherton will forward the list to the CAC for their consideration. There is no pressure to select any of those titles. Library Services Director Hetherton requested they provide him their titles by March 1. Chair Greer asked Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia to send out reminders. B. Monthly Reports 6. Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee Commissioners Arlene Greer, Marie Little, and Maureen Flanagan Chair Greer waived the report. 7. Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee Commissioners Maureen Flanagan and Arlene Greer Chair Greer waived the report. VII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) • Announcements: None • Future Agenda: ° Chair Greer suggested the next agenda should include a proposal by Commissioner McNulty and Ms. Blom regarding a culinary event in the sculpture garden and/or the Civic Center Community Room. ° Commissioner Kaufman mentioned that there is a new overlook on Ocean Boulevard above China Cove that would be a great place for a piece of art. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 Page 21 VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher commented on the title selections for A Novel Idea. The CAC is supposed to work as a body so Commissioners should feel free to provide more than one idea and discuss them at the next meeting. Further, he suggested nature titles since the piece was going in a park setting. He also acknowledged that Library Services Director Hetherton is retiring. Chair Greer said that the CAC was aware of that and asked if there had been a public announcement. Library Services Director Hetherton said that it was public, and the job announcement was posted earlier in the day. Chair Greer stated that they were very sorry to see Library Services Director Hetherton leave. He is very appreciated and has done an excellent job. It will be hard for anyone to fill the position. Library Services Director Hetherton stated his retirement date was May 20, 2022. Chair Greer thanked him for his service on behalf of the CAC. ADJOURNMENT – 7:42 P.M. Approved by: Arlene Greer