HISTORY OF COMPASS
The idea for Compass, Inc. was born when founder, Vicki Leighty brought together a diverse group of musicians, singers and songwriters in Columbia, Missouri in October 2007 to envision a nonprofit organization to expand the array of educational opportunities available for aspiring musicians, singers and songwriters in mid-Missouri.
The initial Steering Committee was: Vicki Leighty, Phylshawn Johnson, Noah Earle, Stephen Gardner, Mike Hagan, Sam D’Agostino, Zach Beeson, Loyd Warden and Adam Roehlke. Most stayed on to serve as the Founding Board of Directors once Compass was established. Compass, Inc. was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in the state of Missouri, and also approved by the IRS as a federal 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, effective April 15, 2008.
Vicki Leighty and Noah Earle served as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors until April 2012.
PAST COMPASS MUSIC SHOWCASES
SEPTEMBER 6, 2008: “AN ECLECTIC EVENING OF MUSIC” (Cherry Street Artisan) Featuring: Ruth Acuff, Jeff Mueller, Noah Earle, Jackson Fischer, Casey Reeves, Sam D’Agostino, and others
DECEMBER, 12, 2008: “AN EVENING OF MUSIC” (Cherry Street Artisan) Featuring: Ginger Blue, The Defenestrators, NightShift, MU Afro-Cuban Quintet, and Lee Elementary Drumming, Prahlad
DECEMBER 31, 2008: “MUSICIANS SHOWCASE” (First Night 2009) Featuring: Sam and Elizabeth D’Agostino, Phylshawn
AUGUST 28, 2009: “AN EVENING OF MUSIC” (CherryStreet Artisan) Featuring: The Sparks, Free Collective, Rhythm Plus 1, Strangers Testimony
DECEMBER 31, 2009: “COMPASS WOMEN’S MUSIC SHOWCASE” (First Night 2010) Featuring:Vicki Leighty Band Trio, Ginger Blue, Hilary Scott Band Trio
MARCH 12, 2011: “COMPASS MUSIC SHOWCASE: SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND” (Piano Distributors) Featuring: Violet Vonder Haar, Jordan Thomas
DECEMBER 31, 2011: “COMPASS MUSIC SHOWCASE: SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND” (First Night 2012) Featured Songwriters: Bill Adams, Bill Beach, Marion Doerflinger, Richard Dixon, Win Grace, Vicki Leighty, Danna Chaney Moore, Tom Weislocher and Johnny Freeman.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2012: “COMPASS MUSIC SHOWCASE AT ECOARTFEST: MID-MO SONGWRITING CIRCLE” (MoRivCC’s EcoArt Fest 2012) Featured Songwriters: Marion Doerflinger, Tom Weislocher, Nirtana Goodma, Bill Beach, Ray Hopkins, Tony Lotven and Rose Grotjan.