Allegro
Currently Browsing: September, 2015
Showing Solidarity With Our Musicians’ Union Colleagues in Britain
President's Report
Summertime usually means vacation travel, but in the life of a union president today, it means nonstop conferences, meetings and strategy sessions all over the world. I began the summer with a trip to London for a meeting with the
Show Your Union Pride!
At this time in history, it’s more important than ever to march together as union members. The New York Central Labor Council announces its annual labor rally on Saturday, September 12. Local 802 members will begin marching promptly at 10
On the Road
Financial Vice President's Report
What I learned from my “field trips” in 2015 and how it will help make us a more powerful union Several times each year, union leaders at Local 802 are given opportunities to travel beyond our walls in order to
Is your information correct?
The 2016-2017 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
Rebuilding the Power of Local 802
Recording Vice President's Report
In the late 19th century, musicians in New York formed the Musical Mutual Protective Union to attempt to create fair prices for musical services. As the union grew, the strength to enforce prices grew with it. Of course, it was
Traveling Partners
Rosanne Cash & John Leventhal
Two decades of sharing life, love and music. Here’s how they make it all work… Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal are a formidable creative couple. Rosanne’s 21 top-40 country singles – with 11 number-ones – have proved her to be
The John Leventhal Interview
The composer, producer, guitarist and 5x Grammy award winner talks about his roots, the music business, and working with singer/songwriters - including wife and musical partner Rosanne Cash!
(Click to read our cover story joint interview with John Leventhal and Rosanne Cash.) Local 802 member John Leventhal is a guitarist, arranger, and Grammy-Award winning producer and songwriter. He is married to Rosanne Cash and co-wrote and produced her
Rosanne Cash: ‘I’ve always been a union member’
Rosanne cash and John Leventhal’s new album “The River & The Thread” was recorded under a union contract, of course (see “Traveling Partners” interview). But that’s just one example of how they stand up for fellow musicians. Guitarist and Local
Celebrating 40 years of Saturday Night Live
Live from New York – and under a union contract – it’s 40 years of Saturday Night Live! We recently asked band members to reminisce about the show. Here’s what they told us… LENNY PICKETT (leader) “What I like best
Ten Years After
A decade after Katrina, how is the live music scene in New Orleans?
As a New Orleans musician, when I think back on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina ten years later, I can vividly recall the bewildering sensation of sailing without a compass, living from day to day, as I was relocated nine
Saying goodbye to the Late Show with David Letterman
After 33 years of entertaining audiences on late-night TV, David Letterman retired this spring. We recently asked band members in the CBS Orchestra – who were covered under a union contract – to reminiscence about the show. Here’s what they
Despite gains, our pension fund is still in the red zone
But here's why musicians don't need to worry...
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
Threats or Art?
The Supreme Court's recent decision in not a victory for free speech...it's a victory for bullies
I agree with fellow attorney Harvey Mars’ message that it is important that the law distinguish between art and criminal speech. However, as a professional musician, attorney, former NYC prosecutor and licensed rape crisis/trauma counselor with decades of experience handling
We’re off to see the wizard!
After a tireless year and a half of courting one of the most coveted shows on Broadway, Nick Sala, associate producer of Inside Broadway, was able to secure “Wicked” for one of this year’s Creating the Magic events. This popular
Bylaw Amendments
The following four bylaw amendments will be presented at the Oct. 14 membership meeting. Words that are struck through indicate deleted language. Words that are underlined indicate added or new language. 1) ARTICLE VI: ELECTIONS. Section 1. Beginning with the
Why we joined the union
I joined Local 802 after a situation where I had been offered a gig and couldn’t do it because I wasn’t in the union. I didn’t want that to happen again. My musical goal is to play the music of
Remembering Gil Barretto, a bandleader who became a spiritual teacher
Reminiscences
My husband Gil was born in the Bronx on March 2, 1929. As a young man he played saxophone, clarinet and flute, and became a bandleader on the club date circuit, including a long tenure at Brown’s Hotel in the
Executive Board Minutes
April 14, 2015 - May 12, 2015
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 Meeting called to order at 11:07 a.m. by Financial Vice President Olcott. Present: Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Cranshaw, Cutler, Kruvand, Schwartz, Sharman, Assistant to the President Bond. Minutes from April
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
Musician networking group is now open to all
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, food stamps and
September ’15
The Band Room
After reading my note about the Nut Club in a recent Band Room column, Phil Woods sent me this note: “I worked the Nut Club after Juilliard in the early 50’s, with Nick Stabulas (leader), George Syran (piano) and Jon
FREE CONCERT!
Enjoy a free concert by the Local 802 Senior Concert Orchestra on Monday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. at Carnegie Hall. Musical director David Gilbert will conduct a program featuring the top musicians in NYC, including a violin concerto performed