Allegro
Currently Browsing: June, 2006
Pump Up the Jazz
Local 802 Inaugurates Jazz Appreciation Month
Steve Kroon (congas) and Wally “Gator” Watson (drum set) pump out rhythms for a Jazz Appreciation Month concert, which 802 co-sponsored with Bread and Roses. Local 802 held its first Jazz Appreciation Month (“JAM”) concert on April 27. Judging by
President’s Report
Two Initiatives
BROADWAY As announced in my column last month, the Broadway Community Initiative is a series of seminars that will help all theatre musicians become more familiar with the terms and conditions of the contract under which they work. At the
Union Makes Gain of Over $240,000
Also: Building Upgrades, Credit Card UseFinancial Vice President's Report
I am pleased to be able to inform you that at year-end in 2005, the Local 802 audited financials indicate a gain of $240,639. As you may remember, the membership approved a work dues increase in October 2003 due to
Theatre Musicians Gather Forces
A Power Fund is Launched
The Local 802 Broadway Theatre Committee is pleased to announce the establishment of the Live Broadway Orchestra Preservation Fund (LBOPF). Following the Broadway negotiations in 2003, in response to sentiment expressed by many Broadway musicians, there was much discussion on
Health Crisis Demands National Fix
Below is the testimony that I presented at a congressional hearing on the health care needs of those who work in the arts and entertainment industries held at Borough Hall in Brooklyn on March 6. It was sponsored by a
Hotel Contract Settled
Negotiations Roundup
Grab your cocktail and listen. In mid-April, musicians unanimously ratified the new hotel agreement, which had expired in March 2005. It currently covers more than 40 musicians who perform in more than a dozen Manhattan hotels, and is the standard
Classical Musicians Come Together
Many years ago Local 802 established the Classical Musicians Forum. The purpose was to provide an opportunity for classical musicians who perform in New York area orchestras to discuss issues of common concern. It also provided an opportunity for working
Free Dental Work for Artists
Need to improve your image? “Broadway Smiles” is a new program that will make cosmetic dentistry procedures available to young professional performers at reduced or no cost. The New York University College of Dentistry’s Center for Continuing Dental Education will
Speaking Out
Views from the Board
While we all appreciate the commitment of members who serve on the Executive Board, I regret that Mary Whitaker’s short tenure was such a negative experience for her. However, my own experience in 13 years as a board member has
The Musicians’ Voice
The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The views expressed here do not express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local
The Musician Politician
Guest Commentary
Why, people ask, would a successful guitarist, singer, songwriter and Local 802 member want to be in Congress, let alone go through a grueling campaign? The answer is that I care about my country, my home and the future we
Legislative Update
FILM INCENTIVE UPDATE As reported in last month’s column, Gov. Pataki vetoed the state’s revenue budget bill, which included the film production tax credit. But on April 26, the Senate and Assembly overrode the veto and enacted the extension and
Reminiscences
Jackie McLean and Eddie Stress
JACKIE MCLEAN, SAX MASTER EDDIE STRESS Eddie Stress, 89, my dearest and only brother, left us and the music community on April 3. He played trumpet, flugelhorn and violin and was a member of Local 802 since 1943. He was
Executive Board Minutes
February 14, 2006 -- February 28, 2006
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2006 Meeting called to order at 11:15 a.m. Present: Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Babich, Gagliardi, Gale, Giannini, Landolfi, Shankin, Whitaker and Assistant to the President Delia. President Lennon excused on
Bill Crow’s Band Room
Leon Cohen called me from Florida in January to say hello, and to give me some stories about his friend, tenor saxophonist Boomie Richman. When they were playing the Cavett show together, leader Bobby Rosengarden warmed up the studio audience