LOCAL 802’S MISSION STATEMENT We are the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, American Federation of Musicians Local 802, one of the largest local unions of professional musicians in the world. We unite to fight for the common interests of

On Jan. 20, 2006, concerns regarding the personal use of the union’s credit card were brought to the attention of the Local 802 Executive Board. The board immediately addressed the issue and, after consulting with 802 Controller Matt Milne and

Midori teaching artists hold a copy of their new contract. Sometimes you have to fight to win. After 10 months of negotiations and an eight-week strike, teaching artists at the Midori and Friends Foundation have finally ratified their second contract.

See below article for full text of adopted bylaw resolutions. Members voted to reinstate slate voting and to increase financial accountability for officers and employees, in a packed membership meeting on June 13. Slate voting – or “ticket voting” –

Members dismissed charges against 802 President David Lennon by a vote of 196 to 83 at the Oct. 17 membership meeting. An overflow crowd spilled from the Club Room into Room B. The membership heard the arguments pro and con

Jazz musicians deserve pension! A new state law will open the door for jazz venues to contribute to musicians’ benefits. Jazz musicians deserve what many other union musicians have achieved: the right to a secure retirement. That’s why jazz players

See below article for chart of contract details. Pending ratification by the orchestra members, a tentative agreement has been reached with the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players (NYGASP). The group began negotiating at the beginning of August and reached

Protests at “Love, Janis” in 2001 resulted in a union contract for musicians. Photos by Joy Portugal. A five-year grievance involving the musical “Love, Janis” is over. Musicians have finally received the benefits due to them. From the beginning this

BROADWAY Preparations for the 2007 Broadway negotiations are well underway. Recently, the Local 802 Executive Board approved a Broadway Community Initiative proposed by the Broadway Theatre Committee. The initiative will provide a training program for the Broadway delegates, which will

My statement to the members at the June 13 membership meeting: I want to report to you that on Tuesday, June 6 the Local 802 Executive Board – by a vote of 5 to 4 – passed a motion asking

First implemented in the 1993 contract between Local 802 and the League of American Theatres and Producers, the Special Situations exception allows shows that qualify — under certain criteria — to utilize fewer than the agreed upon minimum for the

Two years ago, the North Carolina Journal of Law and Technology published an article which was extremely critical of the NLRB’s decision against the virtual orchestra machine and Local 802’s zero-tolerance policy. The article alleged that the V.O. machine is

Teaching artists on strike at Midori and Friends keep their spirits high by performing music on the picket line. Pushed to the limit by more than ten months of negotiations with an unresponsive management, the 27 teaching artists represented by

On March 3, the New York City Ballet Orchestra ratified a new three-year agreement retroactive from Labor Day 2005 through Aug. 31, 2008. “In these difficult times we got a pretty good settlement,” said Bob Biddlecome, bass trombonist in the

I am pleased to be able to inform you that at year-end in 2005, the Local 802 audited financials indicate a gain of $240,639. As you may remember, the membership approved a work dues increase in October 2003 due to

The last several months have been a difficult time for our union, its officers and staff. I believe we have done what is necessary to protect Local 802 from any repercussions related to the financial improprieties of President Lennon. We

This year’s “Broadway on Broadway” celebration packed Times Square. Additional photos by Walter Karling below article. On Sept. 10, some 50,000 spectators enjoyed the annual live celebration of the Broadway musical, as “Broadway On Broadway” kicked off the fall season.

The machine has lost again — this time at one of the most famous venues in the country. The Kennedy Center has agreed to ban the machine with its Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. The four-year deal was made with

Making pension on your gig just got a lot easier. The AFM pension fund is now allowing limited liability companies to make pension contributions. Even though this may seem like an obscure ruling, it could be a very good thing

If you’ve fallen off your health insurance and need help paying your COBRA premiums, you may be in luck. In 2004, after years of lobbying, a coalition of entertainment unions — including Local 802 — succeeded in getting a COBRA

Money for musicians. That’s one reason Local 802 exists: to make sure that you get your fair share. In 2005, the union collected at least half a million dollars for musicians – and the figures are still coming in, promising

Musicians supporting Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake were covered by a union contract at the MTV video music awards show. This year, MTV rocked the house with a union contract. Musicians who performed on the network’s video awards show at

Musicians performing in the show “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” won an agreement that in some ways beats the Broadway contract. Photo by Gary Schoichet. The Grinch may try to steal Christmas, but he gave musicians a great gift this

Michael Cerveris and Patti LuPone star in “Sweeney Todd” and are new members of 802. Photo by Nigel Parry. What happens when a Broadway musical requires actors to play instruments – and how does that affect 802’s theatre minimums? That

In the aftermath of the Radio City negotiation, strike and lockout, it is particularly relevant to stress the importance of union democracy in general, and rank-and-file committees in particular. Although the outcome of that struggle was far from satisfactory, the

On April 25, I submitted my letter of resignation as a member of the Executive Board, effective immediately. I write this article as a reflection on my short term serving in that position. Three years ago I saw an opportunity

Frank Lindquist It started a few seasons ago as an experiment. How could Local 802 facilitate negotiations with the many commercial producers of Off Broadway musicals? Every new contract covered the same basic issues over and over with each new

“When we lost Patrick Quinn, the musicians’ union lost one of its best friends. Local 802 will always be indebted to Patrick for his skill and courage in taking a stand with us when the future of live music was

by Leonard Leibowitz Musician delegates from most of the nations’ major symphony, opera and ballet orchestras convened in Nashville for the annual meeting of the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) during the week of Aug. 14. The

On the night of Dec. 1, 1955, Rosa Parks boarded a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, and took a courageous stand that for millions would come to symbolize the civil rights movement. The act itself was a simple one. When asked

Not everyone is aware of it, but Earth Day on April 22 provides workers and unions with a major opportunity to promote occupational health and to forge strategic alliances with environmental organizations. Of course, not all Earth Day activities promote

Grab your cocktail and listen. In mid-April, musicians unanimously ratified the new hotel agreement, which had expired in March 2005. It currently covers more than 40 musicians who perform in more than a dozen Manhattan hotels, and is the standard

Jazz musicians have muscle! Musicians in the Jazz at Lincoln Center orchestras have ratified a new five-year contract. The agreement covers both the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra (LCJO) and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra (ALJO). This year’s negotiations proved that musicians

What are two ways to strengthen live music? First, bring back music education to the New York City public schools to help grow the next generation of audiences. Second, reach out to current audiences by drawing their attention to the

Musicians of the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players rehearse at City Center. Photos by Summer Smith. Peter Hirsch and Heidi Garson Steve Shulman, Terry Szor and Rich Titone Melanie Bradford Amy Camus Deb Sponheimer Bob Lawrence Susan Shaw Mike

New York City Councilmember Christine Quinn (District #3) was nominated and elected to lead the New York City Council by her fellow Councilmembers on January 4. Speaker Quinn has been a longtime friend of 802 and of the labor movement

Many Local 802 contracts refer to overtime, but when does overtime really begin? This question was answered in a recent settlement between Local 802 and the League. Two overtime grievances going back to 2003 – involving “Nine” and “The Producers”

Why we need culture is obvious to members of the musicians’ union. Without songs, and without music, we would be bereft. The score to all our lives would be missing, and that loss would be irreparable. The same is true,

Local 802 is pleased to announce the launch of a new Web site devoted exclusively to the union’s referral service, at www.NYCLiveMusic.com. This site is for members of the public who are looking to hire professional musicians, mainly for single

The recently completed audit of the Local 802 finances — which can be read on pages 22 to 25 — would lead one to believe that our union is in good financial health. And it is. But the audit report

Local 802French horn players Chris Komer and Bob Carlisle. The last time pop music icon Frankie Valli recorded with Bob Gaudio and Charles Calello in New York City was in the late 1960’s. A decade later, Valli returned with Calello

Geri Allen is one of the many important musicians to emerge from Detroit. After graduating with a degree in jazz studies from Howard University, the pianist attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned a master’s degree in ethnomusicology before

Okay, so you admit that you store your music wherever you can find the space to stash it. And you claim to know where it is. But every time you look for a piece, it takes you an hour or

Need to improve your image? “Broadway Smiles” is a new program that will make cosmetic dentistry procedures available to young professional performers at reduced or no cost. The New York University College of Dentistry’s Center for Continuing Dental Education will

Live music makes the summer sound better. Local 802 sponsored many live music programs all summer long. Photos by Claire Houston and Jasmine Ceniceros.  

Take notice: the union now has a fund to pay you for gigs! But as Tom Waits once said, the large print giveth and the small print taketh away, so read on for more details… The new fund is named

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The views expressed here do not express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local

Each year, as the tax season approaches, Allegro publishes these updated tax tips provided by Local 802’s accounting firm, Gould, Kobrick & Schlapp P.C. OVERVIEW AND HIGHLIGHTS The following outline focuses on aspects of the tax law that specifically affect

Denial can be a normal, natural and even instinctive response to the stresses of life. It’s a way of refusing to deal with an uncomfortable or painful reality, or an aspect of our experience. Denial becomes problematic when its continued

While we all appreciate the commitment of members who serve on the Executive Board, I regret that Mary Whitaker’s short tenure was such a negative experience for her. However, my own experience in 13 years as a board member has

Local 802 musicians should vote in the Sept. 12 primaries and volunteer on Election Day on Nov. 7. Why? Because this year’s elections will better you, your family, and your profession — if the right candidates win. Local 802’s Executive

Recently, several musicians have brought to my attention a problem which probably affects just about every musician who is compelled to travel via air to get to a job. How can they safely stow away their musical instruments while they

Members of the orchestra and cast of “Jersey Boys” appeared on the “Today Show” on January 6. Kevin Dow, drums; and Deborah Hurwitz, keys. Singing (left to right) are John Lloyd Young, Daniel Reichard, Christian Hoff and J. Robert Spencer.

April 20 is the deadline for requests for funding from the Music Performance Fund (MPF). You can use this money for gigs that take place from May 1, 2006 through April 30, 2007. If you have never applied for this

A REP RETURNS Joel LeFevre passed his six-month probation on March 20 and joins the Recording Department as a business rep and recording organizer. Joel returns to Local 802 after a 20-year absence during which he worked in various organizing

Recently, Local 802 prevailed at arbitration over job security for a member of the American Symphony Orchestra. A prior change in the ASO rehearsal schedule resulted in a musician being needed for an afternoon rehearsal that previously did not require

In the last issue of Allegro we told you that the New York State Employment Relations Board had issued a complaint on Aug. 24 against former Steven Scott leader Ike Walkover. On Sept. 21 the state board issued complaints against

Since its inception in 1991, Legit 802 has grown to a point where we are realizing over $1 million a year in gross contracts processed. This prompted me to believe that we were drawing close to a break-even point. I

Metropolitan Opera Guild. Local 802 settled a grievance against the Metropolitan Opera Guild for failure to offer work according to the seniority provisions of our collective bargaining agreement. Because the grievance was not resolved in initial meetings between the shop

Last year’s protests resulted in a win for Knitting Factory musicians. Pictured are Rebecca Moore and Dean Bowman. Recording artists and Local 802 won a settlement last year against KnitMedia, the parent company to several labels, including Knitting Factory Records

It begins slowly. The first thing you may notice is the ringing in your ears and a feeling like they’re full. When you get into your car, the radio needs to be adjusted because it sounds lower than it did

When Congress formulated the National Labor Relations Act in 1935, a huge category of employees was unfortunately omitted from coverage: public sector employees. In New York State, until the Taylor Law was enacted in 1967, public sector employees were not

After lengthy negotiations, an agreement with the Concert Pops of Long Island was reached in June. The previous contract expired July 1, 2004, but was extended for one year by mutual agreement. The Pops perform free to the public in

A year ago in Allegro, we printed the testimonies of musicians in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We’ve now heard back from three of them, a year later. Here are their stories. Nanette Ledet Things in New

American Indian Artists Inc. (AMERINDA) is seeking talent for its Web-based Native American Artists Roster (NAAR), a source of multidisciplinary information on the rich array of emerging and established Native American artists who live and work in NYC and the

A free spring health fair for all entertainment industry professionals will be held on May 9 from 10 to 3 at Actors’ Equity, 165 West 46th Street, on the second floor. The fair will include free blood pressure screenings, cholesterol

Are you stressed out? Do you feel tense? Or overwhelmed? Me too. As I write this article, I’m stressed out about making my publication deadline and the half dozen other things on my “to do” list. Perhaps you were recently

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The views expressed here do not express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local

Why, people ask, would a successful guitarist, singer, songwriter and Local 802 member want to be in Congress, let alone go through a grueling campaign? The answer is that I care about my country, my home and the future we

In March, we asked members for help so that Local 802 could collect on a $55,847.20 judgment against Archer Lyon Entertainment and Jordan Belkin. This judgment represented wages and benefits owed to musicians who had performed for Jose Carreras at

Music is the beat of the labor movement. Local 802 members and supporters marched at the Central Labor Council’s annual labor rally on September 9. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, whom 802 has endorsed for re-election, addressed the crowd. All photos

Last month, we informed Allegro readers that 802 member Kermit Driscoll has very serious late-stage Lyme disease. Fellow musicians are organizing three benefits for him: Dec. 13 at Barbes, 376 Ninth Street (at Sixth Avenue) in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Trumpeter

Last June, musicians from the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players (NYGASP) went on a runout to the Wolftrap theatre in Virginia. The trip usually takes four hours, but due to a bus breakdown, the trip took ten. The collective

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The views expressed here do not express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local

Allegro won several awards from the International Labor Communications Association, the professional organization of labor newspapers. Allegro was voted to be the third best labor newspaper in the country within its circulation class. The judges said in their comments that

Musicians and actors in the show “Hot and Sweet” perform at the 2006 New York Musical Theatre Festival. Local 802 supports the festival as a way to welcome new members. The Theatre Department is often asked the $1 million question:

After the recent murders in an East Village bar and around a Chelsea nightclub, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn announced a series of proposals to provide an extra level of security for nightlife patrons and workers. Speaker Quinn

April 20 is the deadline for requests for funding from the Music Performance Fund (MPF). You can use this money for gigs that take place from May 1, 2006 through April 30, 2007. If you have never applied for this

MADE IN NEW YORK Legislation passed by the New York State Legislature extending the New York film tax credit to the year 2011 has been vetoed by Gov. Pataki. The program would have given tax credits for films and TV

Musicians who performed on the Gorillaz show last spring in New York have received money due to them for shooting a video of the production and for a Web stream. Gorillaz is a show with animated characters; when the “band”

Heather Beaudoin TAKING CONTROL OF RENT LAWS New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Councilmember Rosie Mendez, and Councilmember Erik Martin Dilan held a joint hearing on March 3rd on several measures that will protect tenants by controlling rents. Introduction

Stamford Symphony. Stamford musicians overwhelmingly ratified a new collective bargaining agreement as they continue with their 2005-2006 season in Stamford, Connecticut. For all self-produced events, Stamford will pay the terms and conditions of 802’s Single Engagement Classical Wage Scales. Events

We all want to be loving and supportive to friends or family members in times of need. This would be a pretty cold world if we weren’t willing to help each other out when the going gets tough. Constantly having

Local 802 has a grievance and pending arbitration on behalf of any Broadway matinees performed on Dec. 26, 2005 or Jan. 2, 2006, which were designated federal holidays. The Broadway contract states: “If a performance is shifted to a holiday

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The views expressed here do not express the views of Local 802. Please keep all letters to 300 words and send them to Allegro, c/o

All reviews by Bill Crow. “Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond,” by Doug Ramsey (Parkside Publications, 2005). Since Paul Desmond’s death in 1977 at the age of 52, his reputation as an impeccable and lyrical jazz

If you grew up in the 1950’s and 1960’s, it was hard not to recognize the name of Skitch Henderson, the pianist and bandleader on NBC’s “Jack Paar” and “Tonight” shows. It was also hard not to forget his beautifully

Single artists looking for affordable housing in Brooklyn might be able to get in on a project to be completed in December 2007. Construction is being launched on Schermerhorn House, a 217-unit housing development in downtown Brooklyn. Located on Schermerhorn

My first encounter with Maynard Ferguson occurred in the early years of the 1950’s. Stan Kenton’s lead alto saxophone player was Al Anthony, who was a friend from my hometown of Brockton, Mass. The band was appearing at the Hollywood

These productions all agreed to Local 802’s commercial Off Broadway area standards. Besides the wages listed below, the other terms and conditions of the standards apply. For more details, contact Principal Theatre Rep Mary Donovan at (212) 245-4802, ext. 156.

Breaktime is a new feature in Allegro. E-mail your comments to Allegro editor Mikael Elsila at melsila@local802afm.org. Links to puzzle answers and sight-sing answer found at the bottom of this page. CROSSWORD PUZZLE Click picture to download .pdf version of

LOCAL 802 ENDORSEMENTS Local 802 has endorsed Eliot Spitzer for governor, Andrew Cuomo for attorney general, Hillary Clinton for senator and Alan Hevesi for controller. This election year is very important: please register and vote! You must register no less

Sol Berkowitz – Piano Curtis H. Biever – Conductor Seymour Bilkis – Saxophone Johnny Blowers – Drums Alfred J. Coliaco – Trombone Emanuel Darmante – Trumpet Horace Diaz Jr. – Piano Howard Michael Dunn – Piano Jennifer Eley Handler –

Breaktime is a new feature in Allegro. We’ll offer crossword puzzles, sight-singing challenges, cartoons – maybe even sudoku! E-mail your comments to Allegro editor Mikael Elsila at melsila@local802afm.org. Crossword Puzzle (blank) Crossword puzzle answers Answer to Sight-Singing Challenge: BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH

JACKIE MCLEAN, SAX MASTER EDDIE STRESS Eddie Stress, 89, my dearest and only brother, left us and the music community on April 3. He played trumpet, flugelhorn and violin and was a member of Local 802 since 1943. He was

“Chef’s Theatre.” Local 802 counsel Harvey Mars negotiated a settlement with Marty Bell, the producer of “Chef’s Theatre: A Musical Feast,” an Off Broadway production that appeared at the Supper Club. The production is currently on hiatus because of a

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The views expressed here do not express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local

Georges C. Andre – Bass Barry Brenton – Piano Roberta Como – Piano/Arranger/Copyist Marion J. Davis – Saxophone Donald L. Foster – Piano Elwyn Fraser – Saxophone/Arranger/Copyist Danny Harrison – Percussion Milt Hisler – Saxophone James Johnson – Saxophone John

January 31, 2006 — February 7, 2006 TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2006 Meeting called to order at 11:15 a.m. Present: President Lennon, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Gagliardi, Gale, Giannini, Landolfi, Schaffner, Shankin, Whitaker, Weiss,

TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2006 Meeting called to order at 11:10 p.m. Present: President Lennon, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Babich, Gagliardi, Giannini, Landolfi, Rohdin, Schaffner and Weiss. Recording Vice President Dennison distributed the minutes

Click here to download crossword puzzle. SIGHT-SINGING CHALLENGE:  

Jennifer Brown – Piano/Arranger/Copyist Fred Browne – Violin Al Conte – Piano Gerald Cook – Piano/Arranger/Copyist Gretchen L. Gonzales – Cello Naomi Kalos – Clarinet Richard E. Koons – Trumpet Donald N. Luckenbill – Piano/Conductor/Arranger Joseph J. Malfitano – Violin

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2005 Meeting called to order at 11:15 a.m. Present: Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Babich, Gagliardi, Giannini, Landolfi, Weiss and Whitaker. President Lennon excused on union business. Meeting chaired by Blumenthal.

Breaktime is a new feature in Allegro. E-mail your comments to Allegro editor Mikael Elsila at melsila@local802afm.org. Links to puzzle answers and sight-sing answer found at the bottom of this page. CROSSWORD PUZZLE Click picture to download .pdf version of

In today’s world of rising medical costs, the need for health insurance has never been more important. Ideally, we would live in a society where health care is a basic right and free for all. Local 802 has tried to

ANSWER TO SIGHT SINGING CHALLENGE:“Fur Elise” (Beethoven) CROSSWORD PUZZLE: Across 1- Heartbeat of the rhythm section BASS 5- Song name TITLE 10- Food GRUB 14- Violin bridge, e.g. ARCH 15- Video store section ADULT 16- California wine valley NAPA 17-

Sam M Anderson – Piano Harold Brody – Saxophone Demetrios J. N. Caffentzis – Violin William F. Costa – Accordion/Conductor Al Dickerson – Trumpet/Conductor Jennifer Eley – Piano Cy Feuer – Trumpet Louis Franco – Bass Andrew Frega – Violin

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2006 Meeting called to order at 11:10 a.m. Present: President Lennon, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Babich, Gagliardi, Gale, Landolfi, Schaffner, Schwartz, Shankin, Weiss, Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison Owens and Assistant

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2006 Meeting called to order at 11:15 a.m. Present: Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Babich, Gagliardi, Gale, Giannini, Landolfi, Shankin, Whitaker and Assistant to the President Delia. President Lennon excused on

Max Schweiger had a gig at Foxwoods recently. Afterwards, he and the guitar player went looking for a place to hang out and hear some music. They discovered to their dismay that none of the rooms there had a live

Dave Frishberg wrote the liner notes for a Verve reissue of a record called “You ‘n’ Me” by the Al Cohn-Zoot Sims Quintet, a band he used to play piano with. In those notes he told this story: One night

This story has been hopping around the Internet lately: While Si Zentner’s band was doing one-nighters in the 1960’s, they played a rural bar in southern Virginia made from an old Quonset hut. It was a real rathole, but many

In the back of the Local 802 directory is a list of instruments, in which you will find William Zinn listed as the only member who plays the “Octahorn.” I often have wondered what one was. Zinn explains: “It is

Joe Wilder was recently honored at the memorial for the late Cy Feuer as the first African-American musician to play in the previously all-white Broadway show orchestras. His first hit show was Feuer’s “Guys and Dolls.” Joe’s lengthy credits also

Leon Cohen called me from Florida in January to say hello, and to give me some stories about his friend, tenor saxophonist Boomie Richman. When they were playing the Cavett show together, leader Bobby Rosengarden warmed up the studio audience