Photo: Leoncillo Sabino via Flickr.com Many Americans watched and wondered if a health care overhaul would pass Congress. In March it finally did. The Patient Protection and Affordibility Act was signed by President Obama on March 23, and the Health

We’re heading off to the AFM Convention, which has a lot on its agenda. First item: we say no to a proposed dues increase. See full list of AFM resolutions and recommendations here. An important event is on the horizon:

WEST COAST VISIT: Leslie Lashinsky, the secretary/treasurer of Local 47 (Los Angeles), recently visited the Local 802 Executive Board. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Tino Gagliardi, Leslie Lashinsky and Jay Blumenthal. In the back row, from left,

Our new live music campaign is ready to roll here in New York City. But in Detroit, why doesn’t management value its musicians? As musicians, we already know about the joy and beauty of live music. It’s why we’re musicians

Working together, we can recognize our common bonds As the newly elected president of our local, I look forward to the opportunity to get to know and to work with all of the talented musicians who comprise this great union.

Bertha HopePhoto: Walter Karling A full transcript of Todd Bryant Weeks’ interview with Bertha Hope-Booker available for download. Bertha Hope-Booker has the wit, intelligence and candor of a woman who understands the ways things and people work. Sometimes sharp in

A scene from Cirque du Soleil’s “Banana Shpeel,” with musicians on stage. Local 802 is trying for a contract. Local 802 and representatives of Cirque du Soleil recently sat down to open a dialogue about the company’s New York productions.

Photo: Larry Fink/Studio 535 The musicians of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra have ratified a new three-year contract., which boasts big gains even in the middle of a recession. The contract, which covers the period Sept. 1, 2010 to Aug. 31,

Sometimes, it’s all about who you know. The gatekeepers to many of the best gigs in New York City are contractors: musicians who place the other musicians in jobs. Five years ago in Allegro, we heard from seven top contractors.

Playing for a Broadway show is one of the most desirable union gigs in New York City. Members constantly ask us how to break into the field. Allegro interviews seven Broadway musicians to hear their stories. Their answers will surprise

Studs Terkel once asked Big Bill Broonzy after he heard him sing a song, “Is that a folk song?” Broonzy’s reply was, “I ain’t heard no horses sing it.” Broonzy was one of our most influential blues musicians and helped

From left, Raphael Sanchez, Michele Bazzani and Lorenzo Rodriguez. Photo: Walter Karling. For many a musician, it would have been a dream job: a prime Manhattan location, regular work, and decent pay. But for Michele (pronounced Mi-kele) Bazzani and his

CAMPAIGN IN ACTION: Recording rep Diana Cohn with pianist and Local 802 member Larry Fuller in front of the Blue Note on June 10. Fuller appears regularly with the John Pizzarelli Quartet. Photo: Todd Bryant Weeks Ron Carter, Paul Motian,

Local 802 has endorsed Eric Schneiderman for attorney general. Photo: Azipaybarah via Flickr.com It was a good night for New York State politics. Of the 17 candidates endorsed by Local 802 so far, seven were in contested primaries on Sept.

Violist Richard Brice protesting the use of canned music outside of Matthew Bourne’s “Swan Lake.” Photo: Walter Karling I recently attended a performance of Matthew Bourne’s “Swan Lake.” I assumed that this revival would offer another chance to hear one

First, let me say farewell by thanking those individuals who have helped me most during the last three years: Danny Engelstein, a gifted negotiator whose pragmatic approach has been under-appreciated Bill Dennison and Jay Schaffner, who have worked tirelessly for

March is Women’s History Month, so we asked the female members of Local 802 the following questions: Have you ever felt that you were treated differently on a gig because you are a woman? If you are in a position

Here’s how the pension fund works. Every time you play a union job – a Broadway show, a union freelance classical performance, a union club date – your employer puts a small amount of money into the AFM pension fund

What’s a composer to do in the 21st century? A panel of experts spoke their minds – and the sparks flew Composers and their allies discussed the ins and outs of their art at a June 15 conference at Local

When cellist Janos Starker speaks, musicians listen. Starker recently gave a master class in southern California, and it was a pleasure to be there. Over lunch we spoke about making a film of his extraordinary life. The cellists of the

Keisha St. Joan (left) and her accompanist and friend, Bertha Hope, after a classical recital in Oklahoma in the late 1980’s. Photo courtesy Keisha St. Joan There is more to Keisha St. Joan than meets the eye. A seasoned jazz

Musicians and audiences alike look forward to the annual Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.Photos by Walter Karling. A wide-angle shot of a recent rehearsal of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Orchestra. Musicians play up to six shows a day

MEMBER PARTICIPATION WILL BE CRUCIAL TO UNION’S SUCCESS February is Black History Month, a time of observance and remembrance of the important events and people of African American descent. Let us all take the time to honor the contributions of

Venuology.com, a new website from the AFM Freelance Services Division, is becoming an important resource for musicians booking gigs at New York City nightclubs and other venues. In recent years, musicians have found that even large venues with good crowds

It’s important to remember that the union is not the pension fund. We can’t just tell the pension fund what to do. The pension fund is a separate, legal entity made up of trustees that represent both employees and employers.

Musicians make a joyful noise at a Justice for Jazz Artists campaign rally a year ago. Photo by Enid Farber Every year we see jazz musicians who have dedicated their lives to their art fall into poverty, relying on charitable

For the six month period ending June 30, 2010, Local 802 realized a gain of $160,911, compared with a loss of $17,124 during the prior year. The audited financial statements for the six- month period appear in this issue of

he celebration of Women’s History Month is an opportunity to visit and acknowledge the contributions of women in the rich history of the labor movement. For the past 18 years, I’ve been performing a one hour multi-media show about women

See Local 802 Executive Board member and Musicians Health Fund trustee Martha Hyde’s detailed article on the COBRA program (online only). Imagine you’re playing a Broadway show and you qualify for the Local 802 health plan. Then, unfortunately, your show

It would certainly be my preference to start this column on an upbeat note. However, throughout 2009 the economy remained mired in the doldrums and the music business continues to struggle. The deficit we experienced at Local 802 in the

Our jazz campaign must be ‘tenacious, patient and persuasive’ It’s the year 2015 and you have a gig in a jazz club in the Village on the weekend. You are a bassist who plays jazz and blues, depending on which

Andy Scwartz at the summit. Should you give away your music or try to sell it? The Future of Music Coalition tackles the tough questions at its annual summit The 10th Future of Music Policy Summit held in early October

What is COBRA? The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1996 amended the Employees Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974, the IRS code and the Public Health Services Act to provide continuation of group health coverage that might

I got my first Off Broadway subbing gig through Facebook. O.K., well that isn’t entirely true but I do credit my utilization of the social networking site as a major factor in procuring that gig. A friend gave me the

Ethan Fein President Tino Gagliardi recently reported to the Broadway Theatre Committee that he had met with Denis Hughes, the president of the New York State AFL-CIO. Tino said they discussed various opportunities for Local 802 in advancing our cause

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to allegro@local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

Jazz education is alive and well – and Local 802 can prove it. This spring, the inaugural conference of the Jazz Education Network was held in St. Louis, on the campus of the University of Missouri. Recording Vice President John

Local 802 has recovered over $50,000 in wages, pension and late fees for musicians who performed with Dicapo Opera last season. Management had failed to pay musicians for productions of “Il Caso Mortara,” Donizetti’s Requiem and “Madama Butterfly.” The Concert

Local 802 endorsed Eric Schneiderman for New York attorney general, a post he won on Nov. 2. The union has a new subcommittee to research and recommend political endorsements. For those of my Local 802 colleagues who don’t know me,

If you were performing on an ocean liner and suddenly the ship hit an iceberg and began to sink, would you keep playing? As many know, that’s the story of what the musicians on the Titanic did 98 years ago

Union Wins Four New Broadway contracts Local 802 recently won collective bargaining agreements with four Off Broadway productions. “Avenue Q” moved from the Golden Theater to New World Stages. The show’s employer, Davenport Theatrical Enterprises, signed an agreement with the

John O’Connor sings at a rally of public workers in the 1980’s Wherever there is a seminal event in the history of labor, there is a song. Labor – being of the people – has soul, and therefore music. On

I would like to thank all of my fellow musicians who placed their trust in me by voting for me in last year’s election for a seat on the Executive Board. I promise not to compromise that trust. I want

From left, Chris Pistorino, Shawn Clark (vocals), Tom Abbott, John Merrill and Brian Floody. The Plaza Hotel’s Rose Club swings! Since reopening in the spring of 2008 the Plaza Hotel’s Palm Court has featured live music in the form of

Photo: John Abbott Charles Tolliver is one of the seminal hard bop trumpeters of that music’s golden age, the 1960’s and 1970’s. He’s also a prolific composer and arranger, and has been teaching at the New School for over 15

Which is better as a musician: to be an employee or an indpendent contractor? This is a hot topic right now, and it’s just in time for Labor History Month. President Obama’s proposed federal budget for the 2011 fiscal year

The Future of Music Coalition, to which Local 802 belongs, is the middle of a serious campaign for “net neutrality.” Here’s the deal. Internet Service Providers would like more control over the Internet. They’d like to be able to charge

UPCOMING MEETINGS If you are doing rehearsals or audition work that is not under a union agreement – through a casting agent or otherwise – please contact Mary Donovan at Mdonovan@Local802afm.org. Local 802 is looking into developing scales and working

June is Gay Pride Month, commemorating and celebrating the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual/pansexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community. This month marks the 41st anniversary of the Stonewall Riots which are widely regarded as the inciting incident for the

As chair of the Broadway Theatre Committee, I was approached earlier this year with the concern about the need to promote the image of the Broadway musician. I set out to appoint a public relations subcommittee to come up with

From left, Greg Thymius, Stan Kurtis, Bobby Shankin, Carl Schickler, Tom Kirchmer, Tony Gorruso, Ralph Olsen and Greg Utzig. All photos: Walter Karling. They weren’t dressed in lederhosen, but Local 802’s musicians provided live music for the 53rd annual Steuben

Dan Manjovi It’s nice to get heard on the big screen. Local 802 member and singer/songwriter Dan Manjovi’s song “Somethin’s Comin’ My Way” is featured in the film and on the soundtrack to “Precious: Based On The Novel Push By

Three new contracts The union recently signed off on a new three-year agreement with the Center for Contemporary Opera. The employer has agreed to pay rehearsals and benefits at the union’s single engagement classical scale. Performances will pay $243.20 in

Of all the responsibilities we bear as members of Local 802, insuring the success of the institution for future generations is one of the most important. To that end, I am asking for your help. I am putting together a

Kenny Davis is known as an acoustic jazz bassist who doubles on electric, but he’s one of those versatile performers who has appeared in hundreds of distinctive settings – jazz, pop, Broadway, gospel, hip hop – and with a multitude

Workers who make Mott’s applesauce and other products were on strike for four months. I recently got an education in the New York State labor movement when I attended the Convention on Political Education (COPE) convention in Albany on Aug.

Michael Donovan recently joined Local 802 as the union’s director of organizing and supervisor of the Club Date department. This is his premier column. My career in the labor movement began in 1968 when I took a job at a

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to allegro@local802afm.org. Campaign needs grassroots support In the January issue of

Each year, as the tax season approaches, Allegro publishes these updated tax tips for musicians 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

What do Wicked, South Pacific and Billy Elliot have in common? They recycle used corks from wine bottles! So the next time you finish a bottle of wine, throw the bottle in the recycling can and drop your cork off

A scene from “Power Balladz” Local 802 recently negotiated several theatre contracts. Davenport Theatre signed the Commercial Off Broadway Area Standards with a side letter for “Power Balladz.” The show is a 90-minute musical that pays homage to music from

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 this month’s legal column, we’re reprinting one of Harvey Mars’s most popular columns. E-mail your experiences to Allegro@Local802afm.org. Recently I was requested by a union official to research the issue of whether a musician who regularly practices and rehearses

Recently, there has been an explosion in independent recordings, often made at a musician’s own expense on digital home recording equipment we could have only dreamed of 20 or 30 years ago. Consequently, every March and April, as my firm

Marc Ribot Stanley Aronowitz Photo by David Shankbone. Indie musicians get organized! Local 802 recently sponsored a discussion entitled “Indie Music as Labor,” which was attended by 70 indie music artists and supporters and presented by the Brecht Forum. At

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

As the article “Indie Musicians Come Together” in the last issue of Allegro makes clear, the current administration at Local 802 is making an effort to “become a resource and help give voice” to indie musicians. In order for this

Keith Bishop Chihiro Shibayama I joined Local 802 after I recently won an audition for Radio City Christmas Spectacular 2010. This is my second year out of school and I hadn’t done any union work, so this was my time

Alvin Ellsworth Hough Jr.   Michael Stein   Mark Bonifacio   Marissa Licata   Petros Sakelliou I joined Local 802 because I am now the keyboardist/associate conductor for the national tour of “Dreamgirls.” I’m beyond thrilled and couldn’t be happier

Hawaii musicians say aloha and thank you! Aloha! As we casually turned to page 22 of the March issue of Allegro, this headline jumped out at the top of the page: “Local 802 donates $1,000 to Honolulu musicians.” Wow! The

Rob Heinink  Glenn Langdon I joined local 802 to become actively involved again in the NYC music scene after the disbandment of a 10 year music project. My musical goal in New York City is to be a pit musician

“American Idol” is in trouble with the union. In June, the AFM and Local 47 (Los Angeles) initiated a lawsuit in district court against the producers of “American Idol” due to their failure to pay the performing musicians for secondary

Stephanie Mitchell Dina Pruzhansky Carlos Pavan Justin Hornback Mike McGinnis Ming Kwong Daniel Bennett Why did I join Local 802? It all began with a jazz vocal class I took on 48th Street. My goal is to use the beautiful

Michael L. Breaux   Dan Wions   David Sherr   Irene Haberli   Allison Rae Kane I left Local 802 three years ago to begin working on my doctorate in music education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I

March 31 is the deadline to apply for this year’s Anne Walker Scholarship prizes. This is the 12th year that members of Local 802 and their children who are pursuing studies in music will have the opportunity to apply for

Do you want to use your music to enrich the lives of public schoolchildren – while getting paid? Here’s some news: the Actors Fund has come up with a very creative way for musicians and other artists to do part-time

The New Found Sound, in this publicity picture from 1967, featured (from left) Jerry Hyman, Billy Bockhold, Mike Thuroff, David Spinozza, Bob Gil, Andy Newmark and Andy Deno. Photo: James J. Kriegsmann Sr., courtesy: Joseph Germani It was very sad

I first heard Buddy Morrow on radio broadcasts of his records when I was a teenager (and beginning trombonist) back in Kansas in the early 1950’s. Even then, before I was trombonist enough myself to make authoritative judgments, I (like

The Recording Department recently settled a claim with Universal Motown for musicians’ services on several recording sessions with the band Tamarama. Local 802 collected close to $10,000 in wages and benefits for musicians who worked on these sessions. Local 802

William Bachman William Bachman, 71, a Local 802 member since 1958, died on Nov. 18. Mr. Bachman was a clarinetist with an extensive musical career spanning over four decades. He earned B.S. and M.A. degrees from Columbia University, where he

John Castleman Gloria Shih Eric Puente Joe Burcaw Tom Bergeron I’m glad to be a member. As a previous member of AFM Local 389 (Orlando), I benefited from a first-rate collective bargaining agreement involving a permanent position I held for

Photo ©2009 Mort Kuff A style all his own: remembering Bernie Greebaum Bernie Greenbaum, 83, a trumpeter and flugelhornist, died on April 27. He had been a member of Local 802 since 1959. Mr. Greenbaum was a regular in Paul

802 OPPOSES ANTI-IMMIGRATION LAW Justice now! The Local 802 Executive Board has unanimously passed a motion opposing Arizona’s anti-immigration legislation. The union will also send a letter to the governor of Arizona expressing our opposition. Arizona’s infamous anti-immigration law is

Christos Rafalides Ray Joh Giuseppe Fusco Amy Baer Jonathan McElroy Aaron Cotler As a professional vibra-phonist, I earned degrees from both the Berklee College of Music and the Manhattan School of Music. I’ve been leading my own band called Manhattan

HOLIDAY PARTY! MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT! Do you know anyone who is not a member of Local 802, but wants to be? Now is the time to join! From now until Dec. 20, both Local 802 and the AFM are waiving their

Bryan Vargas Mary Ziegler Jennifer Morette Nick Rastegar Angel De Leon I joined Local 802 because I began subbing on “Fela!”. I’m thrilled to be a part of AFM, and I hope it can lead to new and better career

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to allegro@local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

JOSEPH FINK Joseph Fink, 90, a pianist, singer and guitarist, died on June 28. He had been a Local 802 member since 1944. By the time he was six years old, Mr. Fink’s talent for playing the piano was evident.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 Meeting called to order at 11:08 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Babich, Burridge, Dougherty, Hyde, Roach, Olcott, Schwartz, Sharman, Assistant to the President Donovan. Blumenthal excused on vacation. It was

Emmanuelle Bordas Timothy Lutte Anne Tortora Kevin Garcia Rob Kovacs I joined Local 802 for professional reasons. I wanted to be considered a real and a serious musician in New York City. My musical goal is to be able to

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2010 Meeting called to order at 11:15 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Burridge, Dougherty, Hyde, Schwartz, Sharman, Assistant to the President Donovan. Recording Vice President O’Connor distributed

JAIME SUAREZ AUSTRIA Jaime Suarez Austria, 62, a bassist and a Local 802 member since 1968, died on May 21. Mr. Austria was born in Manila, the Philippines. As a child he studied piano, trumpet, accordion, and guitar. He fell

The following resolution has been submitted for the June 2010 membership meeting. WHEREAS, The current version of Local 802 Bylaw found at Article V. Section 7. Charges Against Officers, has been the subject of considerable controversy within Local 802; and

UNION’S LIVE MUSIC CAMPAIGN IS REVIVED Local 802’s plan to reinstate a long-dormant media campaign is moving forward on several fronts. The focus of the campaign will be to remind the public why live performance art is important and raise

Robert B. Ayers Robert B. Ayers, 69, a percussionist and an 802 member since 1961, died on Jan. 14. Mr. Ayers was a graduate of Juilliard and also owned and operated Ayers Percussion in New York City for over 20

TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010 Meeting called to order at 11:15 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Burridge, Dougherty, Hyde, Kruvand, Olcott, Roach, Schwartz, Sharman, Assistant to the President Donovan. Recording Vice

NOTE: The Executive Board did not meet on April 6 or April 27 TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2010 eeting called to order at 11:08 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Babich, Burridge,

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2010 Meeting called to order at 11:08 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Babich, Burridge, Hyde, Kruvand, Roach, Olcott, Schwartz, Sharman. It was moved and seconded to approve

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

Carrie Dowell Rachel Z Rebekah Heller Photo: Liz Linder Mauricio Herrera I was previously a member of AFM Local 9-535 (Boston). I lived there for nearly 10 years as a violin teacher and performed with BMOP and the Portland Symphony

OUR PENSION PAIN… AFM pension fund announces a recovery plan. But what does this mean for musicians? (Overview by Mikael Elsila) ‘I’m new to the union. How do I earn a pension?’ Crunching the numbers isn’t easy. Ask the pension

Date Event Time Location 1/1 Fri. CLOSED: NEW YEAR’S DAY     1/4 Mon. JAZZ FOUNDATION JAM SESSION 7:00 PM Club Room 1/6 Wed. THEATRE COMMITTEE* 5:15 PM Exec. Bd. Room 1/11 Mon. JAZZ FOUNDATION JAM SESSION 7:00 PM Club

Date Event Time Location 3/1 Mon. JAZZ FOUNDATION JAM SESSION 7:00 PM Club Room 3/8 Mon. JAZZ FOUNDATION JAM SESSION 7:00 PM Club Room 3/15 Mon. JAZZ FOUNDATION JAM SESSION 7:00 PM Club Room 3/18 Thu. NEW MEMBERS’ ORIENTATION 11:00

Date Event Time Location 6/7 Mon. JAZZ FOUNDATION JAM SESSION 7:00 PM Club Room 6/14 Mon. M.A.P. NETWORKING MEETING 2:00 PM Room B 6/14 Mon. JAZZ FOUNDATION JAM SESSION 7:00 PM Club Room 6/16 Wed. MEMBERSHIP MEETING 5:00 PM Club

Date Event Time Location 7/5 Mon. CLOSED: INDEPENDENCE DAY     7/12 Mon. MAP NETWORKING MEETING 2:00 PM Club Room 7/12 Mon. JAZZ FOUNDATION JAM SESSION 7:00 PM Club Room 7/19 Mon. JAZZ FOUNDATION JAM SESSION 7:00 PM Club Room

Mundell Lowe sent me a couple of stories that he got from Andre Previn when he was working with Andre’s trio. When Previn was conducting the London Symphony in the late 1960’s, he found in his pocket a piece of

When multi-instrumentalist Scott Robinson performs, he usually wears shirts made by his wife. The shirt materials he favors are loaded with stars, planets, galaxies, etc. While Scott was appearing with the Maria Schneider Orchestra at the Jazz Standard, a conversation

The vuvuzela has become popular with its exposure at World Cup soccer games. Cathy Calabrese, in the Electronic Media (Recording Dept.) office on the second floor at Local 802, brought one in one morning. A long plastic horn, It looked

Herb Gardner passed along a story he got from the late Arvell Shaw, who was Louis Armstrong’s bass player for many, many years. Arvell told Herb that the first tune of the night on Louis’s concerts was always “Back Home

While I was shopping at the Apple/Macintosh store in the Palisades Center Mall last December, the computer maven that I was chatting with told me about a recent theft. Someone had made off with four of the iPhones that were

David Lucas, who now lives in Boca Raton, sent me this one. In the late 1960’s, Dave and Mike Abene went to the Metropole to hear Maynard Ferguson’s band. Mike had been in Maynard’s youth band. On the break, Dave