BEWARE OF KEY WEST SYMPHONY

According to AFM Local 655 (South Florida), musicians who performed for the Key West Symphony (recently renamed the South Florida Symphony) have yet to be paid for their services. Additionally, many have not been reimbursed for transportation costs to and from Key West.

Since its inception in 1998, the Key West Symphony has relied on musicians from outside of South Florida to fill its chairs. Musicians have come from Chicago, New York, Baltimore and other cities to perform three concerts per season in Key West.

Musicians who are approached to perform for the Key West Symphony/South Florida Symphony should contact Local 655 immediately to get an update on the situation before accepting any work for them.

For more information, see www.afm655.org or call (954) 527-4458.

‘PUSS IN BOOTS’ GETS LOCAL 802 CONTRACT

Local 802 recently won a contract for musicians in the show “El Gato con Botas (Puss in Boots),” which ran from Oct. 2 to Oct. 10 at the New Victory Theater. Musicians were covered by the Commercial Off Broadway Area Standards and an accompanying side letter.

The Theatre Department also spent October attending the New York Musical Festival and was able to organize the shows “Without You” and “Blood Ties” under the Theatrical Showcase Rules and Regulations Agreement.

CORRECTION

In the October issue of Allegro, in our monthly list of New and Readmitted Members, we mistakenly listed new member Ray Sabatello under “electric upright bass.” In fact, Mr. Sabatello plays guitar. Local 802 regrets the error.

FREE FLU SHOTS

The Actors Fund offers free flu shots – and lollypops! – to all actors, musicians and entertainment professionals. Get free flu shots between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Nov. 3, Nov. 9 and Nov. 22, and between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 and Dec. 16. Shots are given at the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, 475 West 57th Street (near 10th avenue). No appointments needed. For more info, e-mail Janet Pearl at jpearl@actorsfund.org.

GIVE THE GIFT OF LOVE

As the recession continues, there are plenty of folks who need food – and also toys to give to their kids for the holidays. Local 802 is collecting both.

Here’s what’s needed: canned fruit, canned vegetables, peanut butter in plastic jars, packages of mac and cheese, large boxes of hot and cold cereal (family sized, if possible), and any new toys and clothes. (Some suggestions: ethnic dolls, cars, trucks, basketballs, board games, new hardcover books, art supplies, puzzles, action figures, sports equipment, craft sets, Legos, blocks and sports team shirts.)

We give all donations to City Harvest and the Federation of Protestant Welfare Charities. Bring your donations to Kimeo Lee on the third floor of the union building or look for a box in the Club Room. For more info, call (212) 245-4802, ext. 142 or e-mail Klee@Local802afm.org.