Spirit of Rasputin's

What goes on behind the curtain

by Bob Gernon

This time around, let’s step a little further behind the curtain where we’ll find more Spirit of Rasputin’s volunteers doing important work behind the scenes.

Open Stage Host

For Rasputin’s Open Stage to be successful, someone has to be in charge, to ‘heard the cats’ and generally keep things running smoothly. Every Monday evening, that responsibility rests on the shoulders of our volunteer host, Alan Sandeman. Alan also serves in the same capacity for our monthly Zoom Open Stage. Thank you for your tireless efforts, Alan.

Spotlight Coordinator

On the last Monday of every month, our Open Stage features a Spotlight artist who’s given a full half hour to perform their material. Someone has to make this event happen each month and that someone is our own Anne Hurley. Anne evaluates available talent, recommends artists and makes all the arrangements for them to shine in our monthly Spotlight. Well done, Anne. We are all much obliged.

Artist Selection Committee

Long, long before one of our Featured Artists series concerts can be held, someone has to scout for and identify suitable artists, maintain a master list of potential performers, then make recommendations for the upcoming concert season to the Rasputin’s Board for their approval. The role has traditionally been filled by a committee of Rasputin’s Board members. Currently, the committee consists of Alan Sandeman, Kate Whitley and Sjef Frenken. Thank you folks. Without your hard work, we’d have no concerts.

Concert Producers

Each of our Featured Artists series concerts requires a producer. Their job is to act as the main communication conduit between the artist and Spirit of Rasputin’s. The producer ensures necessary contracts are in place, facilitates and approves concert promotional material, and ensures volunteers are in place to fill all the jobs required for smooth operation on concert day. The role of producer is filled by a different volunteer for each concert, traditionally by a member of Rasputin’s Board. To all the Board members who’ve volunteered their services as Concert Producer, a heart felt thank you!

Stay tuned next week for the final chapter in this series when we’ll turn our gaze to our all important volunteer Board members.