OUR BOARD of DIRECTORS
Jamie Klund – President, 2015-Present
Now in his ninth year 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.
Paula Nesbitt – Silent Auction from 2020; Board Member, Marketing Coordinator 2023 – Present
Paula’s music background has led her to acquire a huge appreciation for all truly talented musicians. She has served on boards and planned events from A-Z, applying her creative and tech skills and marketing experience to benefit other non-profits as well. She is currently serving RBS as Marketing Coordinator, Website Manager, and Silent Auction Coordinator.
Dave Mensing – 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’.
Yvonne Deslongchamp – Secretary, 2022-Present
Born and raised in Colorado, I began developing a love of all music at a young age. Becoming a student of a variety of musical instruments over a decade in Southern California only served to increase a genuine adoration of music’s ability to thread people of all backgrounds together, crossing a variety of boundaries and barriers. Fast-forward to current times I believe it is vital to support live music, musicians and venues in order to continue the joy and community that music provides ~ Where words might fail, music seems to reflect life.
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 Sierras and spend time with family & friends. You can occasionally find him performing music in and around the Reno area.
Corrin Keck – Sponsorship Coordinator, 2023
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 – 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.
