Performing at the Local 802 holiday party were (clockwise, from top left) Bertha Hope, Keisha St. Joan, Lucianna Padmore and Kim Clarke. Thanks for the great music! Photos: Bud Burridge These are hard times at the New York City Opera,

With the recent conclusion of the New York Philharmonic negotiations, we’ve arrived at a relatively calm spot. Or is it the eye of the storm? After a year of almost nonstop negotiations, it appears that we’ve arrived at a relatively

ON THE WORLD STAGE: Musicians were well represented at the signing of the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances. From left: Alan Willaert (AFM vice president from Canada), Vince Trombetta (president of AFM Local 47), AFM president Ray Hair, Francis Gurry

New York Musical Theatre Festival does the right thing I am always happy to start my monthly report with good news. The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), a crucial incubator for new musical theatre in New York City, has

Justice for jazz artists now! Musicians began a pressure campaign to convince jazz clubs to do the right thing and pay pension to jazz musicians. Above, Local 802 Organizing Director Leon Bell (center) and Local 802 member Keisha St. Joan

By this time you probably feel inundated with appeals from the Emergency Relief Fund. Appeals in your inbox, appeals in your mailbox, appeals from callers you don’t know and from some you do. Some of you have responded with great

Professors at the jazz program at the New School University have allowed Local 802 reps to come into classes and talk about what it means to be a member of the union. Every year, large numbers of music students leave

There will be four recommendations that will come before the June 13 membership meeting dealing with political contributions of more than $500, as is required in the Local 802 bylaws. The money would come from the union’s TEMPO fund. TEMPO

If it’s off Broadway, it’s union! Local 802’s Theatre Department continues to organize new shows each month, including developmental reading productions and workshops. Remember, if you get called to play music for a theatre show, reading or workshop – no

It was a star-studded evening, filled with grace, elegance, and – of course – great music. Local 802 celebrated its 90th birthday in style at Roseland Ballroom on Dec. 4 while raising funds for the union’s Emergency Relief Fund. Pete

  Sometimes you have to pound the pavement to get results. On Election Day, a dozen Local 802 members got on a bus to Philadelphia to knock on doors and turn out the vote for President Obama. Here’s what a

New portal Local 802 announces our new membership portal. With this online utility, you will have instant access to the union’s computer system and get the most up-to-date snapshot of your member profile. Not only can you see your own

Cablevision’s Brooklyn workers are tired of their poor working conditions, lousy healthcare coverage and sham retirement plans. These cable TV installers are demanding the right to join a union with the Communication Workers of America. They want to negotiate a

  Musicians, union officials and Local 802 supporters came out to Lincoln Center to protest the use of canned music at the Paul Taylor Dance Company.Photo: Walter Karling Canned music at Lincoln Center? Can this be true? Unfortunately, yes. As

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

One of the duties of the Local 802 Financial Vice President is to assist in the production of a semi-annual audit of the local’s finances and to report the audit results in Allegro. The audit for the first half of

  PLAYING FOR JUSTICE: Musicians and union supporters marched on the major jazz clubs on May 1 as part of t he union’s Justice for Jazz Artists campaign. As the Justice for Jazz Artists campaign continues apace with the effort

As ICSOM celebrates its 50th anniversary, symphonic and opera musicians unite to keep classical music in the spotlight It was a day to remember. On May 12, 1962, thirty musicians from twelve of the greatest orchestras in the world gathered

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

Critics like to write about “what’s wrong with classical music.” Maybe the problem isn’t the music – maybe the problem is what happens when an orchestra is treated like a factory Over the past 150 years, many commentators have declared

Sometimes, getting paid isn’t enough. It’s how you get paid that matters in the long run. What do I mean by that? Well, a non-union cash job can provide you with some income for the night. But a union gig

NOTE: Numinous Music is on our Unfair List. For details, click HERE. A funny thing happened on the way to the Local 802 Club Room a few weeks ago. While investigating a complaint by a member regarding a non-union orchestra

Photo: Al Aumuller Woody Guthrie’s spirit lives on. The singer/songwriter and labor activist who wrote thousands of songs during his lifetime would have turned 100 on July 14. Woody Guthrie sang on picket lines and union rallies, and probably did

Shawn Aileen Clark (in red) leads the band Lapis Luna at the Plaza Imagine you’re in a hotel lounge, enjoying the sounds of live music. Suddenly you see a man drop to his knees and pull a ring out of

Jazz musicians and supporters rallied for justice outside the jazz clubs on March 1. Photo: Samantha Grace Lewis The sound of solidarity is sweet. Thanks to everyone who joined our recent Justice for Jazz Artists rally. Supporters and jazz luminaries

For the period Jan. 1, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2011, Local 802 realized a loss of $157,666. The loss is attributable to several factors which include: Implementation of a new cash receipt process Increased legal costs Support of Emergency Relief

  On Oct. 23, 2012, the Local 802 Executive Board unanimously voted to place Numinous Music on the Local 802 Unfair List. Local 802 members may not play for Numinous Music without risking penalties. Below is an explanation of the

It was not my ambition to become a musician. It was my mother’s, who majored in music and piano at Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh. When I was in 7th grade I was handed a trumpet and enrolled in school band

The trombonist Benny Powell addressing a meeting of musicians in New York City, sometime in the 1980’s. Powell was active in the union’s jazz campaign until his death, at the age of 80, in 2010. Jazz musicians’ struggle for respect

Musicians demonstrated in front of the Village Vanguard and other jazz clubs in several actions this spring and summer. Photo: Walter Karling Lorraine Gordon, owner of the Village Vanguard, deserves her recent accolades. But jazz musicians are still wondering why

Performing at the Undead Festival under a union contract are Steven Bernstein (trumpet), Kenny Wollesen (drums) and Tony Scherr (bass) At right, John Medeski (keyboard) and Bob Stewart (tuba). Musicians enjoyed guaranteed wages and recording protection for the first time

Who cares about orchestras? Who wants them to survive, and who doesn’t? Who has “skin in the game” and who is just pretending? As one observes the national landscape of orchestra contract negotiations, those are probably just the first questions.

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

Orchestra committee leaders reflect on what it takes to get the job done What does it take to be a good leader? Those of us who have served in leadership positions know how much of a balancing act it can

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

Playing (or miming) your instrument in front of a camera for a movie or TV show is called sideline work. Producers sometimes call Local 802 to hire musicians for these kinds of jobs, and the union keeps a photo file

Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to HsmLaborLaw@HarveyMarsAttorney.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on "Publications & Articles" from the top menu.) Nothing here or

Virgil Jones (1939-2012), a Local 802 member since 1962. He is survived by his wife Carol Orito Jones, son Justin, stepson Joseph, brother George, sisters Marcia and Connie, stepfather George, and many neices and nephews. Sweet Basil’s jazz club. December

THE MAGIC OF MUSIC: Local 802 member Brian Doherty (top photo) teaches music at P.S. 66 in the South Bronx. His path led him from playing drums for They Might Be Giants to teaching rock and ensemble work to grade-schoolers.

Local 802 is forming its own internet radio station and is inviting music submissions at this time. Above, a screen shot of the radio station of AFM Local 47 (Los Angeles). Local 802 will be using the same Web site,

The history of organized labor is filled with music. Beginning with songs sung on picket lines by striking workers, music has always been a force for organized action. In times of struggle, it has provided a shared experience, inspiring and

The AFM sent out this note to members on Oct. 5: Dear Members, The AFM is sharing information with the public about the abusive practice of some film companies who are shipping musical employment overseas, even as they accept tens

WHAT IS AN LS-1 OR MUSIC SERVICES AGREEMENT? The LS-1 and Music Services Agreements allow musicians to get or maintain their Local 802 Health Benefit Plan coverage by piecing together various gigs that are performed for one or more employers.

Now that the Supreme Court has upheld most of the Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as the ACA, or “Obamacare”), it seems a good idea to take a closer look at one of its most important provisions: the health insurance

Photo: Chris Lee Evangeline Benedetti was a cellist with the New York Philharmonic from 1967 until 2011, and was one of the first women to be accepted into the organization. She has been a member of Local 802 since 1962

Joe Ciavardone Joe Ciavardone, 83, a trombonist and a member of Local 802 since 1960, died on March 26. He was born and raised in Waltham, Mass. His sister, Anne, bought him his first trombone, and he started taking lessons

Before you take a gig, you might want to check out www.Venuology.com, where musicians rate various clubs in New York City and beyond. Two years after its launch, Venuology.com, billed as the “Yelp for musicians,” is providing an interesting glimpse

Brad M. Hoylman is the newly-elected New York State Senator for the 27th district, which includes Lincoln Center, Local 802’s neighborhood and a major swath of Manhattan. He was endorsed by his predecessor, Senator Tom Duane, as well as Local

Glenn Dicterow, the New York Philharmonic’s concertmaster since 1980, has announced that he will step down from his position at the end of the 2013-14 season. His 34-year tenure makes him the longest-serving New York Philharmonic concertmaster. Beginning in the

In my pervious story in this issue, I call it a victory for musicians to be classified as an employee, not an independent contractor. But why is this good news? It comes down to a lot of things – but

Paul Adamy Julia Adamy How many daughters can say that they sub for their dad on Broadway? Paul and Julia Adamy are Local 802 members and professional bass players who both continue to learn from each other. Allegro recently caught

Nabil Totah (1930-2012) In late 1955, I was working at the Saxony Hotel down in Miami and Nabil Totah was playing bass with Cy Coleman at the Eden Roc, a new hotel there. We met at a jam session and

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

The phone rings in Local 802’s Jazz Department. A mellow baritone comes on the line, thrumming with laughter and positive energy. “All right!” the voice calls out. It’s the immediately recognizable signature greeting of Bob Cranshaw. The vibe is contagious,

Announcing an iPod drive on Broadway to bring the power of music to Alzheimer’s patients My story is not unique. It is a story shared by sons and daughters, husbands and wives, past and present. After I lost my grandmother

Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to HsmLaborLaw@HarveyMarsAttorney.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

The Apollo Theater, which has for more than 15 years featured a band of Local 802 members for its Amateur Night program, recently ratified a successor agreement. In addition to wage increases and commensurate increases in benefits, the three-year contract

Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to HsmLaborLaw@HarveyMarsAttorney.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

Olga Bloom Olga Bloom, 92, the founder of Bargemusic, died on Nov. 24. She had joined Local 802 in 1942. Ms. Bloom was a prominent violinist and violist in recording studios and on Broadway. In 1976, at age 57, she

Teaching Artists recently ratified a new two-year contract at Midori & Friends, the music education organization. Minimums will increase to $53 per class at the end of the contract. Teachers won a 3 percent raise in the first year and

This winter, You don’t have to feel left out in the cold. There is a viable way to contribute to your AFM pension* and maintain health benefits for you and your family even if you aren’t playing in one of

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

If you’re a musician and you get called into a meeting with management where you think you are going to be disciplined, you should be aware of your right to have a union rep with you. The same applies to

Thanks to some vigilant and proactive musicians, Local 802 received a number of anonymous calls in early May regarding an engagement that was to take place later that month in Avery Fisher Hall. The Chelsea Symphony had been hired to

Musicians who perform with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular orchestra year after year are guaranteed a few things: There will be long days, the Rockettes will kick high, and you’ll get to work with some of the best musicians in

Clem DeRosa Clem DeRosa, 86, died last Dec. 20. He had been a member of Local 802 since 1945 and was an internationally respected educator, bandleader, composer, arranger, drummer and author. Mr. DeRosa started his career in the South Huntington

On balmy summer Tuesday evenings in July, music lovers may be found flocking to Washington Square for extraordinary free concerts that feature Local 802 musicians playing under a union contract. Presented by the Washington Square Music Festival, the series offers

Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to JurMars566@aol.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

  Music piracy is a worldwide issue. Recently, the German equivalent of ASCAP and BMI caused a public controversy when it insisted on a pay-per-click fee for German musicians when their copyrighted musical content was viewed on YouTube. The performance

Laura Champine Alan W. Taylor John Widgren Emma Sutton Bryan Senti Terry Klemensen Michael Hopewell Sam Baum I joined Local 802 to up my professionalism and improve my networking. I sing and play trombone. My most recent gig was playing

James Olmstead Billur Kibritcioglu Chris Autore Eric Joseph Stockton Virginia Pike I rejoined Local 802 to take advantage of what the union has to offer: security and networking. I have reached most of my goals in performance, teaching and publishing.

Tax time is around the corner, and if you go on tour or work out of town, there are things you need to know. As someone who has been preparing taxes for musicians for over 20 years, I would like

Sven Regener is a German musician and writer living in Berlin. Below, Regener argues that musicians should not be afraid or ashamed to demand copyright protections. For background, see Marc Ribot’s story here. The reason we make contracts or enter

Heroism in music takes many forms. The political heroism of a Sibelius or a Toscanini. Marian Anderson’s heroism of the spirit. The heroism of innovation: Bach, Richard Wagner, Charles Ives, Stravinsky. The quiet heroism of vocal coaches, chorus members and

Naima Barnes and jazz rep Todd Weeks, holding a tribute plaque from Local 802 to Wade Barnes. Jazz supporters take their message to Birdland. Taking it to the street are percussionist Richard Rivers, Naima Barnes and other jazz supporters. Bill

The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, housing, food stamps

Joe Bennett Joe Bennett, 85, a trombonist and a Local 802 member since 1943, died on Jan. 9. Joe Bennett – who was born Joseph Benante – played in many of the great postwar big bands. As a member of

Carmel Dean I’ve always loved recycling. Call me weird, call me a typical Virgo, but ever since I was a little kid I’ve actually taken quite a bit of pleasure in sorting plastics from paper, glass from cans and bottle

Teddy Charles Teddy Charles, 84, a vibraphonist and pianist and a Local 802 member since 1982, died on April 16. Mr. Charles was known as a groundbreaking vibes player and an adventurous composer, who anticipated post-bop and free jazz harmonies

Florian Hoefner Michael “Safe” Baker Michael Wittenburg Amy Crawford Hazy Malcolmson Alfred Thompson Jr. I joined Local 802 to be able to accept union gigs. My musical goal in New York City is to make an impact as a performer

There are no second acts in American lives,” wrote F. Scott Fitzgerald. I believe he got that one wrong. As proof, I offer the life and work of Bob Brookmeyer. It was at the beginning of his amazingly productive second

Bennett M. Baruch is the director of organizing and supervisor of the union’s single engagement department. If you’re playing a job where you feel disrespected or know that you aren’t being paid fairly, contact Bennett at (212) 245-4802, ext. 141

Eli Brueggemann Andre Chez Lewis Gary M. Garzetta David Kaye Kenny Weydener Anthony Rubbo I joined Local 802 after I recently moved to NYC from Los Angeles to become the musical director at “Saturday Night Live.” I came here primarily

Nicholas Pappone Jung-Yi Alice Hsieh Daugherty Edvinas Minkstimas Reuben Blundell Melissa Kritzer Josh Endlich Stefano Baldasseroni I joined the union after I played as a background musician in “Sex and the City 2.” I believe very strongly in the importance

Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to HsmLaborLaw@HarveyMarsAttorney.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, housing, food stamps

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 Meeting called to order at 11:04 AM by Financial Vice President Olcott. Present: Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Burridge, Covo, Dougherty, Hyde, Kruvand, Roach, Schwartz, Sharman, Acting Assistant to the President Boyle. President

NOTE: The Executive Board did not meet on July 3, July 17 and July 31. Tuesday, June 19, 2012 Meeting called to order by Financial Vice President Olcott at 11:03 AM. Present: Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members

Meeting called to order at 11:15 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Cutler, Dougherty, Hyde, Kruvand, Roach, Schwartz, Sharman, Assistant to the President Boyle, New York City Opera negotiating

Wade Barnes Wade Barnes, 57, a drummer, composer, producer, bandleader, arranger and educator, died on March 3. He had been a Local 802 member since 1996. Mr. Barnes was the director of the Brooklyn Repertory Ensemble. He also led groups

In the October issue of Allegro, our cover story was about how live music adds class and elegance to the best hotels in NYC. We’re also pleased to note that live music is a growing trend in the city’s restaurants.

Matt Oestreicher Sarah Brett England Adam Forman Justin Rothberg Paul Won Jin Cho Josh Ortiz Andy Karl Mark Van Ziegler I joined local 802 because now I’m back in New York playing keyboards and guitar in the house band at

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 Meeting called to order at 11:05 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Dougherty, Hyde, Schwartz, Sharman, Assistant to the President Boyle. It was moved and seconded to

It is no secret that much of the recording done today is recorded in home studios, garages or even in hotel rooms. Technology has made it possible to record your band more easily than ever. But often the recording is

When I first met cornetist Jack Fine, we were both guests at a soiree in New Orleans. As our conversation progressed, we discovered that we shared many connections and memories of the musical scenes in both New York City and

NOTE: The Executive Board did not meet on Aug. 21. TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2012 eeting called to order at 11:13 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Hyde, Schwartz, Sharman,

Federal Agency:  The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: www.EEOC.gov State/City agencies: New York City Commission on Human Rights: www.nyc.gov/html/cchr/home.html New York State Division of Human Rights: www.dhr.ny.gov/ New Jersey Division on Civil Rights: www.state.nj.us/lps/dcr/filing.html Local 802: (212) 245-4802. Ask for the

JAZZ JAM There is a jazz jam on most Mondays at Local 802, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Upcoming dates include July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, Aug. 6, Aug. 13, Aug. 20 and Aug. 27.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Jazz Foundation Jam Session 7:00pm Club Room 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Jazz Foundation Jam Session 7:00pm Club Room 15 16 17

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 JAM SESSION 7:00pm Club Room 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 JAM SESSION 7:00pm Club Room 12 ACTORS WORK PROGRAM 5:30pm Club Room

Abby Mayer sent me a story she got from Arthur Goldstein. When Arthur was playing a Broadway show, one of the trumpet players realized just before curtain time that he had left his mute in his locker. He rushed out

When William Zinn was playing in the band at the Concord Hotel in the Catskills, Eddie Fisher was the headline performer. At the start of the show, Fisher introduced his mother, who was sitting in the front row of a

Joe Hanchrow keeps his string bass, bass guitar and tuba in gig bags in his laundry room. That is also where he keeps crunchy dog food, in a bag enclosed in a garbage can. One day he unzipped his string

Wil Greenstreet sent me a snippet from an interview with Shelly Manne:
 “I did a date with Jimmy Bowen… the song was ‘Fever.’ I had never worked with Jim, but I had made the original record of ‘Fever’ with Peggy