Allegro
Currently Browsing: April, 2017
Take Action to Save the NEA
President's Report
As Allegro went to press, President Donald Trump had introduced a budget request that called for eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Even though this budget is
Artists Rights Caucus moves forward
In a short time since its inception, the Local 802 Artist Rights Caucus has already generated an enthusiastic response from members. The caucus, which was first announced in last monthâs Allegro, was created as a forum for members to make
MET Orchestra musicians play in environmental benefit concert
Music and environmental activism came together in mid-March when the musicians of the MET Orchestra presented a concert of âPeter and the Wolfâ to benefit an innovative group called Our Childrenâs Trust. The trust is fighting climate change by helping
Create NYC’s Great Opportunity
The first comprehensive cultural plan is a chance to change the way we think about the arts in New York's culture
From San Francisco to Denver, Chicago and Boston, major cities across the United States have enjoyed city-supported cultural plans, all of which have seen varying degrees of success and effectiveness. Following that example, Mayor de Blasio and the New York
CREATE NYC
A Cultural Plan for All New Yorkers
The following is Christopher Carrollâs Feb. 27 testimony to the New York City Council Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations. The testimony was entitled âCreate NYC: A Cultural Plan for All New Yorkersâ and was delivered on
Earth Day and Broadway go hand in hand
This year, Earth Day (April 22) has special importance as climate change is treated by some as an âalternative fact.â Fortunately, we work in a community that actively finds ways, small and large, to protect the environment, without compromising our
#ResistanceBand uses music to fight back
The #ResistanceBand is a group of musicians who fight for social change and who protest unjust policies through the power of music. The idea of the band originated from the NYC Womenâs March. (Fellow Local 802 member Lorraine Cohen and
Jazz Mentors 8 finds unity in diversity
All photos by Walter Karling MUSIC: itâs the universal language that has the ability to transcend boundaries, unite cultures and elevate the soul. In its purest sense, music does not discriminate or judge â it simply is. And yet there
Feed your heart: a musician’s journey to environmental activism
Earth Day 2017
It wasnât a mid-life crisis, more of a mid-career awakening. Having opened up my heart and mind to the world as a musician, something else ended up in there. I was in my mid-30s, and having survived as a musician
Acts of God
When is it OK to cancel a concert and not pay the musicians?
Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to HsmLaborLaw@HarveyMarsAttorney.com. Harvey Marsâs previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on âPublications & Articlesâ from the top menu.) Nothing here or
Soul, Spirit and Sound
Regina Carter's musical journey
For Regina Carter, a member of Local 802 since 2009, the violin isnât simply an improvisational vehicle. Itâs a passport to unexpected realms, cultures, sounds and worlds. Three decades ago, Carter was a member of the all-female pop-jazz quintet Straight
Tax Time!
Tax Tips for Musicians
Each year, as the tax season approaches, Allegro publishes these updated tax tips for musicians provided by Local 802âs accounting firm, Gould, Kobrick & Schlapp P.C. OVERVIEW AND HIGHLIGHTS The following outline focuses on important aspects of the tax law
“Do I still need to prove that I have health insurance?”
Tax Tips for Musicians
April 18 is tax day, and many people are wondering whether the new administration plans to enforce the mandate to have health insurance. As most people know, the Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as Obamacare) calls for all taxpayers to
Changes and significant issues when filing your taxes this year
Tax Tips for Musicians
Can you believe that it is tax filing time â again? With the new administration and new Congress, it is a time of uncertainty in terms of many things. When it comes to taxes, we are all wondering what changes
Can the pension fund get better returns?
This is a follow-up to my column in the March issue of Allegro and President Tino Gagliardiâs response. President Gagliardi feels that the 25 investment firms hired by the fund do better than an investment in an index fund. To
The Musicians’ Voice
E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th Street, New York, NY 10036. Letters must be no more than 300 words. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of Local 802. TRIBUTE TO
Remembering Eddie Caine
Reminiscences
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Eddie Caine last Aug. 19, 2016 at the age of 92. He had been a member of Local 802 for almost 70 years. Eddie was an alto saxophone soloist
‘Why we joined the union’
A New York native, I moved down to Nashville five years ago just before it really started to blow up. Lured by its deep history and culture, I felt like I needed a change of pace to help broaden my
“Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 in order to sub on the Broadway musical âBright Star.â It was a beautiful show with a great musical director and talented band, whose musicianship blew me away every night. Going from zero theatrical experience to
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 after I was called to participate in a few sessions with other union musicians and to do sub work on Broadway. Iâve been backing up shows and musical theatre as well as doing recording sessions for
‘Why we joined the union’
Iâm excited and feel very fortunate to be joining the amazing New York music community! I moved to New York and joined Local 802 to play trombone and serve as the associate conductor in the Cirque du Soleil theatrical show
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 to gain access to a greater network of musicians and work. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Iâve been in New York City for almost three years now, after earning my masterâs in drumset performance at
“Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 after I was asked to orchestrate and play for a benefit called Arts for Autism at the Gershwin Theatre, featuring Kelly OâHara, Julia Murney, Paul Nolan and other Broadway stars. I was so honored to play
Executive Board Minutes
October 4, 2016 - October 11, 2016
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2016 Meeting called to order at 11:08 a.m. by President Gagliardi. Present: Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President Schwartz, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Cutler, Dougherty, Kruvand, Sharman, Suttmann, Assistant to the President Bond. Minutes from
NYU on Unfair List
New York University and Vice Dean Ted Magder have been placed on the AFM International Unfair List due to their unwillingness to cover Local 802 musicians under any agreement. NYU employs Local 802 members as independent contractors in its film
Financial wellness for musicians
News From the Actors Fund
Rebecca SelkoweThe Actors Fund is your one-stop shop for almost any kind of service you can imagine. We offer counseling â both one-on-one and in groups â as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance,
The Band Room
April '17
My old friend, songwriter Margo Guryan, attended a party at Neil Diamondâs house. Three large tables were set up for the guests. At Margoâs table, Bob Dylan was seated to her right, and her husband David to her left. When