Dozens of musicians from Broadway volunteered to present free concerts on the TKTS island (Duffy Square) at 46th Street and Broadway, on Sept. 21 and Oct. 2.

The events were organized by the union’s Public Relations Subcommittee of the Broadway Theatre Committee.

“The positive player response demonstrated increased activism and awareness in our membership which will be needed in the ongoing struggle to preserve live music and large orchestral ensembles on Broadway and elsewhere,” said committee member Marshall Coid. “We need an educated audience that will demand better than the so-called virtual orchestra can ever offer!”

Coid arranged selections from two Broadway musicals, courtesy of composers Cy Coleman and Jerry Bock. Other selections included some Baroque classics, an original overture by Coid and a traditional Irish jig.

Twelve musicians also performed a mini- concert at the “Broadway Flea Market” going on simultaneously at Shubert Alley to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

802 President Bill Moriarity introduced both concerts. (See Moriarity’s President’s Report for his impression of the events.)

The concerts were covered by Backstage, 1010 WINS, ABC National Radio, ABC-TV News and WOR-AM.

Some of the main organizers for the event were Coid, Mike Christianson, Ben Herrington, Kory Grossman and Scott Shachter.

Bob Ayers of Ayers Percussion donated music stands for the event.