Allegro
Currently Browsing: April, 2007
Trumpet Makers On Strike
Workers at the Bach trumpet plant in Elkhart, Indiana picket for a fair contract. Photo by Carl O’Haver. BOYCOTT! Local 802’s Executive Board voted to support a boycott of Bach trumpets while the workers are out on strike. (The Chicago
Negotiations Off Broadway and Beyond
“Edward Scissorhands” was performed under an 802 contract at BAM. Photo by Bill Cooper. Since the beginning of 2007, Local 802 has negotiated a number of new agreements in various venues, both Off Broadway and in an area that I
President’s Report
Broadway Negotiations and Our Pension Fund
As I write this column, we have just begun negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement with the League of American Theatres and Producers, as well as Disney and other producers who have bargained with the League in recent years.
Shakespeare’s Backup Band
David Wechsler performs bass flute at “King Lear.” Additional photos by Walter Karling below article. As Shakespeare would have asked, “How now?” In other words, what are four live musicians – including myself – doing 30 feet above the stage
Read the Fine Print
(and know your rights!)
Not long ago, “Frontline” ran a program about the problem of credit card debt in this country and how many Americans have become swamped in debt over a very short period of time. One of the many issues the program
Introducing 802 Counsel
There are some new faces representing Local 802. As reported in last month’s president’s report, Daniel Engelstein and Kevin Finnegan, partners in the law firm Levy Ratner, have been retained as Local 802 counsel. Engelstein is now 802’s lead counsel
Going For Our Goals
Music and Politics
Here some updates on what’s going on politically at the city, state and federal level that impacts Local 802 members, our industry and the labor movement at large. As usual, contact me at (212) 245-4802, ext. 176 with any questions.
Low-Cost Health Care for Musicians
802 member John Faddis performs at the opening of the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine. Another option for musicians’ health care is on the scene in New York City. The Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine recently
When Elections Aren’t Enough
Legal Corner
These days, workers are finding it harder and harder to form unions. But there is an ongoing effort in our newly-composed Congress to make long overdue changes in the National Labor Relations Act that every union member in the United
Is the Military Good for Jazz?
Member to Member
The Navy Commodores, a military band. Here in Washington, D.C. where I live, military bands are being used as scabs. These bands provide free music to local outdoor venues, such as open-air city parks and private summer festivals. This means
Everything Comes Together: A Conversation with Carla Bley
Jazz Appreciation Month
This article from the April 2007 issue of Allegro magazine
Workers’ Memorial Day
The Beat on the Street
Workers’ Memorial Day is April 28. This day was founded by the AFL-CIO to remember workers who have been killed or injured on the job. Do you have any stories about you or your friends being hurt while playing music?
Lester Young Memorial
Musicians at Work Photo Section
Musicians jammed at the 23rd annual Lester Young Memorial Celebration on March 11 at Saint Peter’s Church. Photos by Enid Farber. Sarah McLawler Carol Sudhalter Jimmy Heath Earl May Harry Allen Dominick Farinacci
Health Care Claim Information
Membership Alert
As already reported in Allegro, effective Jan. 1, MagnaCare became the claims administrator for the Local 802 Health Benefits Plan. Union Labor Life will no longer process claims for the plan. What does this mean to you? In the past,
The Musicians’ Voice
The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters published here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o
Ask For Help When You Need It
Musicians' Assistance Program
American values emphasize the importance of self-reliance. We are taught to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and that we are responsible for our own destinies. Very often, however, this is simply not realistic or possible. Steeped in the ethic
An Elegy for Burt Collins
Reminiscences
When I was a child, I used to gaze up at the twinkling stars and think that everyone in the world owned one of them. Well, one of them now is flashing brighter than ever, and it’s Burt Collins’ star.
Executive Board Minutes
January 30, 2007 -- February 27, 2007
TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2007 Meeting called to order at 11:10 a.m. Present: President Landolfi, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members, Burridge, Fein, Hunt, Johansen, Rizzo, Schaffner, Schwartz, and Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison Owens. Assistant to
Breaktime Answers
SIGHT SINGING ANSWER: “We Shall Overcome” Across 1- Stick for Gemignani BATON 6- Piece of music PART 10- Indian cow ZEBU 14- Diminish ABATE 15- A southern conflagration AFAR 16- Danish coins ORE 17- Member of the Miller band RELIC
Bill Crow’s Band Room
Doug Ramsey posted on his blog “Rifftides” this excerpt from André Previn’s biography “No Minor Chords,” which is now unfortunately out of print. Previn wrote: Cole Porter was the most elegant of creatures, his manners as courtly as his dress.