Since my last missive (Annual Report - June 1999), the SJFAC has held another fine folk festival and established our weekly folk night at the club's new location at the Ship Inn. The web site (www.moonmusic.nfld.com/sjfac/) continues to develop and it is great to see Jean Hewson and Peter Narvaez putting out the fourth issue of The Broadside. The Board continues to meet every 1-2 months and the following actions have been taken.

- A Festival Steering Committee (Scott Schillereff - Chair, Andrew Lang, Stan Pickett, Hugh Scott and Anita Best) was appointed to prepare recommendations to the Board for the 2000 festival.

- Danny Smith was hired to do sound and Vonnie Barron was appointed to find hosts for Folk Nights at the Ship,

- A Special Events Committee (Rob Brown - Chair, Bridget Noonan, Vonnie Barron and Rick West) was appointed to propose and coordinate special events (see article by Rob Brown),

- The Neil Murray Stage at the festival will be reoriented to provide better sound,

- Membership fees were raised from $12 to $20 to cover in part the financial shortfall resulting from poor weather on the Friday night of last year's festival,

- A letter of support was written to NewCap Broadcasting to faciliate the creation of a new, Newfoundland-oriented music station (CJYQ),

- Linda Russell was presented with a lifetime pass to all SJFAC events in gratitude for her 18 years of service to the festival and Board,

- Grant applications have been made to The Canada Council, FACTOR, The City of St. John's, and the Provincial Government to help fund this year's festival.

Many thanks to the all the volunteers, the musicians and the following organizers for their substantial contributions to the 1999 festival. - we hope to see you back again this year:

Bridget Noonan, Festival Coordinator
Judy Stamp and Lyvonne Fulford, Festival Finances
Linda Russell, Festival Program
Ford Elms and Rod Shea, Stage Managers
Michelle Riggs and Pat Stamp, Beer Tent
Jeanette Pomroy, Registration
Rob Brown, Traditional Music Workshop
Merie Windsor, Children's Area
Joan Dawson, Merchandizing
Jean Hewson, Rod Shea and Bridget Noonan, Programming
Linda Lewis, Crafts
Clayton Coombs, Archives Display
Steve Dawson, Transportation
Pat Stamp, Poster and Progam Design

Many thanks also to Don Walsh, Vonnie Barron, Suzy Pyrate and the staff of the Ship Inn, and the many musicians and regulars who have made Folk Nights so enjoyable. Anita Best recently resigned from the Board due to her hectic schedule but fortunately will still be contributing by performing occasionally at the folk club and helping with the festival and special events - thanks to you, Anita. Finally I'd like to thank the Board and Bridget for their help in directing the business of the SJFAC. Any member who would like to become more involved with the SJFAC is encouraged to contact the SJFAC office.