OUR BOARD of DIRECTORS
Paula Nesbitt – President
Paula’s music background has led her to acquire a huge appreciation for all truly talented musicians, especially blues. She has served on non-profit boards and planned events from A-Z, always applying her creative and tech skills and marketing experience to benefit and fundraise. She also serves RBS as website manager and silent auction coordinator.
Matt Wagner – Vice President, Music Grants Program
I developed my love for music from the piano lessons I took as child. After retiring from a career in electronics design and technical leadership in 2021, I began playing the piano again with a focus on Rock and Blues. I was born and raised in Reno and have been going to concerts since I was a kid, starting with Rock and adding Blues to my insatiable appetite for live music. I strongly believe in music education for our youth and will be focusing on the RBS Music Grants Program to support aspiring musicians age 12-18.
Tom Colby – Treasurer, 2022 – Present
Tom’s love of the Blues is a family tradition. Tom’s dad was a talented piano and accordion player in the south suburbs of Chicago. Saxophone & bass lessons primed Tom for an introduction to the Blues on local FM radio station WRXT. The “X” played the King Biscuit every Sunday night featuring Chicago Blues as well as Blues artists from across the world. Artist such as Elmore James, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Lefty Dizz, Koko Taylor, could be found performing every night in the local clubs and showcase lounges. Tom played bass in numerous Chicago area bands where set lists inevitably included blues standards. A highlight of his musical travels deep into Delta Blues country was jamming with Blues legend Iron Man Michael Burkes. Mr. Colby holds a B.S. degree in Industrial Technology and has enjoyed a successful career in aerospace. Tom makes his home in Reno with his wife Valerie and their dog Zephyr where he gets to explore the Sierra and spend time with family & friends. You can occasionally find him performing music in and around the Reno area.
Corrin Keck – Secretary, Sponsorship Coordinator, 2023 – Present
An avid Blues enthusiast and RBS member for many years. I recently joined the board to assist with fundraising and public relations. I enjoyed owning and operating a full-service advertising and promotions firm for over 20 years and still assist local non-profits and events with revenue development and promotion.
Roger Slugg – Director, Historian, 2000 – Present
My parents were a dirt farmer in New York and a rock farmer in Maine. No wonder I have the Blues. After a career as pharmacist at the State Psychiatric Hospital and Blues host on KUNR public radio, I continue to have the Blues.
Roger is pictured here with Blues artist Sue Foley at 2022’s Battle Axe and Tracks music festival in Reno, NV.
Bernard Vienneau – Director, Membership & Volunteer Coordinator (2007-2014), 2024-Present
I joined the Reno Blues Society in 2006 after attending their MASH BASH. I was truly impressed by both the musical talent I saw, and the friendliness of the people who were there. As I became more involved, volunteering as Membership Director, VP, newsletter editor, and eventually President, I got to meet, to work with, and to know some awesome RBS members and local musicians. It really felt like I had found my Blues family, and they made my relocation to Reno so much more welcoming and fun. And now that I have some bandwidth again, I’m ready to give back some of that love to this wonderful community of Blues enthusiasts.
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Dave Mensing – Director, Events Manager, 2018-Present
After retiring in New Mexico in 2006, Dave moved to Reno and began to pursue a ‘hobby’ as a professional musician currently performing in numerous local music venues. Dave joined the Board of Directors of the Reno Blues Society in 2018. He currently serves as the Events Manager, assisting our musical acts in preparing and setting up for events held throughout the year. He has been involved in music for most of his life beginning with bands in Iowa where he grew up, and dabbling in musical performances throughout his working career. Dave looks forward to assisting the Board in moving the RBS ever upward and ‘Keepin’ the Blues Alive’.
Jamie Klund – President Emeritis, 2015-2023
Jamie served nine years as President. His favorite living blues artist is Buddy Guy, whom he met at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago. Jamie’s professional life included 25 years as a publicity manager in major college athletics, 9 years as marketing manager at the Reno Cabela’s and as a fundraiser/grants officer at the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, from which he recently retired.