Greg Chako Steve Swell Floxy-Bee

I joined local 802 to network and take advantage of whatever the union has to offer. One of my musical goals in New York City is to earn a master’s degree and a doctorate, then get a college teaching job. Another is to become more familiar professionally on the local scene as a player, writer/arranger, bandleader or sideman. Right now, I’m in school having just returned to the states after over 16 years living abroad in Asia, and I don’t have a gig. Someone please call me for one! In the past, I got gigs through referral from other musicians, through my individual efforts with a particular venue, and in some cases, from being heard on someone else’s gig first. My principal instrument is guitar.
Greg Chako

why did I join Local 802? So I won’t lose my pension. I’m 55. I’ve already accomplished most of my goals. Now I would like to continue recording and touring. My principal instrument is trombone.
Steve Swell

I rejoined Local 802 to maintain my identity as a musician. I hope to return to playing gigs again in NYC. I am a percussionist; I play congas, bongos, timbales and surdos, and I’ve toured and performed with Mongo Santamaria, Astrud Gilberto, Joe Jackson, George Benson, Pharoah Sanders and others.
Ricardo Torres

My name is Floxy-Bee, the queen of Hikosso music. I am actually not a new member; I’ve been a member for almost 13 years. But, due to travelling, I missed a few payments. (I figured I would be back on time, but due to circumstances beyond my control, I had to spend more time on my project in Africa). It’s a good thing to be in a union that’s recognized and one that looks out for its members. You never know when opportunity comes knocking and the only reason for not getting a job or gig is just for the mere fact that you are not in a union. My musical goal is to be recognized for my work and my contribution to the advancement of world music, and to achieve the same degree of recognition and stature in the United States as I enjoy in Africa. I get my gigs by word of mouth and good reputation. My principal instruments are voice, piano, maracas and tambourine.
Floxy-Bee