Allegro
Currently Browsing: September, 2013
Summer of Solidarity
President's Report
I hope that everyone had a great summer. You can see from the front page of the printed issue that the Local 802 Executive Board has endorsed Bill de Blasio for mayor of New York City. There are several reasons
Music to our ears
Why musicians, union members and all working people should support Bill de Blasio's campaign for mayor
The following is a transcript of Tino Gagliardi’s remarks on Aug. 12 in support of Bill de Blasio’s candidacy for mayor of New York City. The announcement event was held on the pedestrian plaza at the corner of Broadway and
One percent for culture
Artists and their supporters have a modest proposal for New York City...
How much do you think New York City spends on culture – including live music? Would it surprise you if you heard that the number was currently less than one percent? The actual number is 0.22 percent. But what if
Membership Alert:
Important notice about Blue Cross hospitalization plan
A number of musicians have been alerted that the stand-alone Blue Cross hospitalization policy many have used to supplement the Local 802 major medical plan will be discontinued effective Jan. 1, 2014. The hospitalization-only policy is not compliant with the
Contracts, anyone?
Financial Vice-President's Report
As another summer recedes into memory, I’d like to give you a few important updates in the classical field, and also throw out some topics that merit future discussion. The selection of items below is certainly not the gourmet’s tasting
Summary annual report for Local 802 Musicians Health Fund
This is a summary of the annual report for LOCAL 802 MUSICIANS HEALTH FUND, EIN13-6198844, Plan Number 501, for the period October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as
‘Don’t mourn: Organize!’
Recording Vice-President's Report
Adversity is often our best teacher. The case can be made that this is true of the AFM, which has finally, facing falling membership numbers, picked up the mantle of organizing as a necessary approach to solving its growth problems
A battle has many fronts
Opening up the union's jazz campaign to find new pressure points
Justice for Jazz Artists shook up the owners of the Jazz Standard in July and August by leafleting several key establishments owned and operated by the Union Square Hospitality Group. The company, which is headed by top New York-based restaurateur
WAGNER AT 200
Once you've played Wagner, you're never the same. In the following articles, Local 802 musicians reflect on what Wagner means to them, as we celebrate the great composer's 200th birthday this year.
‘The artwork of the future’
Having had the opportunity to play Wagner’s operas at the Metropolitan Opera is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. My appreciation has only grown over the years, as I’ve been privileged to play most of this repertoire many times. On
One act down, four hours to go
Perspectives from the pit of Wagner's ring cycle
Performing Richard Wagner’s “Der Ring des Nibelungen” is a unique experience. Fanatics fly in from all over the world to settle into the Metropolitan opera house for nearly a week to hear “Das Rheingold,” “Die Walküre,” “Siegfried” and “Götterdämmerung.” Night
Can a union offer free dues as an incentive?
Legal Corner
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 Musicians’ Voice
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
A tribute to Charlie Parker
Charlie Parker would have turned 93 this past Aug. 29, and here are a few words as a birthday tribute. Charlie Parker told Max Roach, who told Cecil Bridgewater, who told me (and I’m paraphrasing here) that your instrument should
Play ball!
The Local 802 softball teams played their hearts out this season. As usual, we competed in the Performing Arts Softball League, which is a 12-team league composed exclusively of Broadway unions and other entertainment professionals in New York City. To
‘In my solitude’
On and off the road with Bob Magnuson
From time to time, Allegro publishes interviews and personal essays from our members. Below, Bob Magnuson remembers how a lifetime of music sprang from his early days and how he has used technology to stay ahead in the field. Bob
‘Be your own self’
A tribute to Carline Ray's musical life
The life of Carline Ray (1925-2013), the champion of bass, was as rich and deep as her luxuriant contralto voice. A professional singer and electric bass specialist for 54 years, Ray was an activist as well as a premier musician.
Remembering my mom
My mother, Carline Ray, passed away on July 18 at the age of 88. She was a longstanding member of Local 802 and the union meant so much to her. I hope you enjoy the stories about her life elsewhere
‘Why we joined the union’
Since the start of my career as a player and composer, the goal of my music has always been to communicate with people. Like African griots, I want to tell people things they need to know. I also want to
Executive Board Minutes
NOTE: The Executive Board did not meet on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Tuesday May 21, 2013 Meeting called to order at 11:37 AM by Financial Vice President Olcott. Present: Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Cranshaw, Dougherty,
Can Facebook get you gigs?
Musicians' Assistance Program
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
The Band Room
September '13
When Local 802 bought its own building in 1992, there was a rubble-strewn vacant lot adjoining it to the east that ran through to 47th Street. The property belonged to the Salvation Army, which eventually used the 47th Street end
Is your information correct?
The 2014-2015 Local 802 directory will be compiled at the end of this year. Thousands of musicians receive a copy of this book and use it as a vital resource. Here’s how to check to make sure your information will