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Times Square concert series keeps music flowing into fall

Out of the Pit

Volume 117, No. 8September, 2017

The outdoor music keeps flowing! Local 802 and the Times Square Alliance’s music series “Broadway Buskers: Out of the Pit” continued on a weekly basis all summer. Braving the heat and humidity, Broadway chair holders and substitute musicians performed in two locations of Times Square’s new pedestrian plazas.

“Out of the Pit” is still open for new soloists and duo acts to apply through the end of September. Performers will be alternated between solo and duo acts every week until Sept. 30, presenting as many as three acts per week.

To participate, you must be a Local 802 member who has performed as a Broadway show chair holder or substitute musician within the last two years. (For duo acts, both musicians must be union members with appropriate Broadway credentials.)

With continued interest and participation from our Broadway musicians, Local 802 and the Musician Referral Service anticipate great success for the Times Square Alliance’s music series. We look forward to this extended partnership with the Alliance, and are excited to offer expanded opportunities for a wider variety of musical performances.

For more information or to apply, visit www.Local802afm.org/Referral or send an e-mail to Julie Ferrara. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through Sept. 30.

To view the current schedule and see who’s performing, start at www.TimesSquareNYC.org. Click on “Events,” then follow the link to “TSq presents NYC.”

NEW: WE HAVE A KEYBOARD!

Calling all keyboard players! If you want to perform outside in the “Out of the Pit” program, we can offer you the chance to play a brand-new Casio Privia PX-560. We also have a keyboard stand, adjustable padded bench, music stand, Bose L-Series amplifier with a battery-powered generator and vocal mikes with stands. Just bring any sheet music (if you need it) and let the Times Square Alliance takes care of the rest!

SHARING THEIR TALENT

Some of the Local 802 members  who made a splash this summer include: Laura Bontrager, cello (“Saigon”) and David Calhoun, cello (“Phantom”); Bill Todd, alto sax (“Holiday Inn”); Vinny Valentino, guitar (“Shuffle Along”) and Bill Mooring, bass (“Crazy for You”); Mary Knapp, accordion/vocals (“The Great Comet”); Dillon Kondor, guitar/vocals (“Dear Evan Hansen”); Denise Stillwell, violin (“Kinky Boots”); Alec Berlin, guitar/vocals (“Come From Away”); Chad Smith, C-melody sax (“Wicked”) and Lynette Wardle, harp (“Amelie”); Greg Thymius, clarinet (“Groundhog Day”); Ron Jackson, guitar (“Shuffle Along”); Dick Sarpola, bass (“Aladdin”) and Augie Hass, flugelhorn (“Aladdin”); Jana Jillio, keyboard/vocals (“Jersey Boys”) and Tony Pompa, guitar/vocals (“Jersey Boys”); Audrey Flores, French horn (“Lion King,” “Aladdin”); Marc Phaneuf, sax (“Cats”) and David Phillips, bass (“Book of Mormon”); Andy Ezrin, keyboard (“Chocolate Factory”) and Richard Hammond, bass (“Hamilton”); Keve Wilson, oboe (“Gentleman’s Guide”) and Rachel Handman, violin (“Something Rotten”).

Mary Knapp

Laura Bontrager and David Calhoun

Jana Jillio and Tony Pompa

Greg Thymius

Lynette Wardle and Chad Smith

Denise Stillwell