AFM ADDRESSES DIGITAL DOWNLOADS

As reported in the November issue of International Musician, the AFM has already met with the record industry over the issue of digital downloads. The AFM will be meeting with representatives of record companies again in January and February. The goal is to come up with ideas about how to deal with the concept of digital downloads, especially as it relates to the Special Payments fund. Then, the AFM hopes to hold full Sound Recording negotiations before the contract actually expires in February 2005.

NEW PLAY EXPLORES WEALTH

The Working Theatre presents a new play, “Abundance,” which will run Jan. 8-24 at the Dance Theatre Workshop, 219 West 19th Street. For ticket information call (212) 924-0077 or visit www.theworkingtheatre.org. The play explores America’s attitudes towards wealth by asking “How much do we have?” and “What is enough?” The play’s dialogue is based on actual interviews with both multimillionaires and minimum wage workers. The Working Theatre produces plays for and about working people. “Abundance” is directed by Marty Pottenger.

DISPUTE WITH LINCOLN CENTER

IATSE Local 1, the stagehands’ union, had a dispute with Lincoln Center about the center’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 2. Stagehands passed out flyers, letting the public know that it didn’t have a contract for the event and that Lincoln Center had brought in a nonunion crew for the ceremony.