PIANO IN THE PARK Summer, outdoor music and union musicians: the perfect mix. Local 802 is contributing money to help pay for Bryant Park’s free “Piano in the Park” series, which this year includes evening and trio performances on a

Kirsten Agresta (above) and fellow Local 802 harpist Anna Reinersman have brought back live music to the Plaza Hotel. They play at the Palm Court room seven days a week. Photo by Claire Houston. The Plaza Hotel has live music

Photo by Zyrcster via Flickr. Change is here. Barack Obama will soon be in the White House. So will a large majority of Democrats in both houses of Congress. And in New York, Democrats control both legislative chambers for the

Photo by Steve J. Sherman On Dec. 21, a tentative agreement for a new contract was reached with the management of the New York Pops. Negotiations were long and laborious, having begun last spring. Traditionally, it has been the agreement

Blondes may have more fun, but both blonde and brunette musicians are enjoying their recent trips to the Local 802 recording checks window. Why? Musicians who played in “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” will earn at least $166,962 in wages beyond

Nearly 200 recording musicians, composers, recording studio representatives and union officers gathered in July at Legacy Studios in midtown Manhattan to discuss the current state of New York City’s recording industry. Meeting of the Minds Fighting on the Legal Front

Nearly 200 recording musicians, composers, recording studio representatives and union officers gathered in July at Legacy Studios in midtown Manhattan to discuss the current state of New York City’s recording industry. The meeting was a response to the sharp downturn

Composers, music producers, recording studios and engineers as well as the professional recording musicians of Local 802 are all dependent upon a healthy recording environment. Recent statistics, however, reveal a sharp decline in film and TV recording here in New

When Obama won, I was in disbelief. Now I’m cautiously optimistic that he can effect some positive change in the enormous momentum driving the world ever onward toward a seemingly calamitous rendezvous with destiny. Armen Donelian Wednesday morning felt like

When I arrived at the Legacy meeting the room was already filled. I had been looking forward to the meeting, and I had a feeling that lots of cats would show up. In fact, I can’t really think of any

I write this column in the aftermath of our June 11 membership meeting, at which charges were read against an officer. It is clear, at least in my opinion, that we are still dealing with the fallout of the Radio

Like many New Yorkers, I still wear my Obama button. I’m proud of the choices I made in the voting booth and I’m particularly proud of the choices Local 802 made this election cycle. Of the 34 candidates Local 802

Musicians, beware of bad tours! Once you leave U.S. soil, all bets are off. This poster is real. It advertises a performance of the “New Kersey Phioharmonic Orchestra” in Korea. Shoddy promotion can be the least of your problems on

UPDATEAs Allegro went to press, the producers of “Cry-Baby” withdrew their request for Special Situation status. See box below article. Last month Allegro ran an article about the Lincoln Center Theatre production of “South Pacific” currently performing with an orchestra of 30.

IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH? “Had Intro 650 been in effect on Sept. 11, 2001, it would have been illegal for the City Council and other elected officials to bring in technical experts from outside the city to test downtown residences.” —Testimony

A new organization has been in contact with some of our members with the goal of raising funds. I refer to the “Fareplay Legal Action Fund,” an organization in Santa Monica, California, which has undertaken the task of raising funds

Step by step, we can improve opportunities for musicians. On Sept. 16, New York City Councilmember David Yassky announced two pieces of legislation designed to make it far more attractive for production and post-production companies to bring their projects to

I sit at my desk in December with the rush of the holiday season in full swing. The strike of IATSE Local 1, the first in its 121-year history, is over; that is a relief to everyone. A few statistics

I returned from pension fund meetings in California this week to a stack of mail. One piece was of particular interest and it could be a catalyst for a new alliance in an area that has concerned our members for

As those members who subscribe to 802 Notes are already aware, I am working to schedule a meeting with representatives of our pension fund (AFM-EPF) for our membership. This would be a follow-up to the meeting which was held in

In June, our “Beat on the Street” column featured a question that might seem on the surface an unusual one to ask of professional musicians: “Should musicians play for free?”  At first glance, the answer might appear to be an

Members filled up the club room at the June 11 membership meeting. Photo by Jon Hammond. For much of Local 802’s early history, most musicians worked for bandleaders. There were few collective bargaining agreements as we know them today. The

An historic election day is past. The United States has elected its first African-American president, Barack Obama, who won in decisive fashion, and Local 802 was part of the victory. Our new activist group — the Local 802 Power Boosters

Today, the right to form a union — one of the fundamental conditions behind the economic progress that created the middle class — is being brazenly trashed. From now on if employees win their union by signing everybody up, the

Photos by David Finlayson Peter Kenote, violist in the New York Philharmonic, may be the only American who has ever jogged through the streets of Pyongyang and seen a street’s-eye perspective of this “forbidden city.” The weather was in the

Why are there more female musicians playing in the classical concert field than on Broadway? That’s a question I asked myself last year, when I read the March 2007 issue of Allegro. In that issue, there was a chart showing

He has a true position on culture. There is no question this man believes arts must play a significant role in the revival of our economic and educational future. Obama is forming a staff with a keen knowledge of how

Fact or myth: You can’t make the shift to a green economy and energy independence without sacrificing good jobs. Answer: Myth, according to the labor and environmental leaders who gathered in New York recently for the North American Labor Assembly

Local 802 members Candido Camero (congas), Joe Wilder (flugelhorn) and Paquito D’Rivera (clarinet) were honored at this year’s IAJE conference. The conference turned out to be the association’s last one. Photo by Ed Berger. Goodbye to the International Association of

© 2008 Bill Shiply/ShipleyPhoto.com New theatre means new members. Local 802 has just completed its fourth year of reaching out to musicians performing in the New York Musical Theatre Festival. This year we were able to talk to musicians who

Jerry Ashby passed away on Dec. 26. He’s pictured above on French horn, along with David Finlayson (trombone), Warren Deck (tuba), Carl Sakofsky (trumpet, left) and Wilmer Wise (trumpet, right). See Wilmer Wise’s letter remembering Jerry Ashby and Jerry Ashby’s

Maestro Lorin Maazel (center) with members of the New York Philharmonic at the Pyongyang airport in North Korea. Photo by David Finlayson. As a member of the New York Philharmonic, what did the North Korea tour mean to you? I definitely

Solidarity means sticking together. President Mary Landolfi accepted a plaque of thanks and a soldarity award from the stagehands’ union at a solidarity party thrown by IATSE Local 1 on Feb. 9. Hundreds of union members from the Broadway community

There’s strength in numbers. In 2005, as part of a strategic planning process under the prior administration, the 802 Executive Board asked the Recording Department to work with the community of recording musicians to form their own rank-and-file committee. That’s

Money for musicians. That’s one reason Local 802 exists: to enforce your contracts and make sure that you get your fair share. The figures are now in — in 2007, the union collected more than $2.8 million for members. Most

Trumpeter Jimmy Owens has been an 802 member since 1959 and is the Local 802 Jazz Advisory Committee’s liaison to the Executive Board. On his website, you can learn about his new CD, “Peaceful Walking,” plus see tour information and

There is encouraging news to report regarding the Local 802 Health Benefits Fund. For the first full benefit period following the Broadway contract settlement last March, most of the members who were on the union health plan have seen a

May is Labor History Month. In that context it is appropriate for this column to point out some important measures of what the struggle by unions has produced and contrast those events with the current economic landscape. In the 1950’s

The percentage of the American workforce in unions increased for the first time in 25 years in 2007 to 12.2 percent of the labor force, according to the Center for Economic Policy reporting on the latest stats from the Department

ROCKING FOR OBAMA: Local 802 member Ray Chew at the D.N.C. I had one of the most enriching experiences of my career this summer when I served as the musical director for the Democratic National Convention. I was asked to

Royce Twitchell, Local 802 member. Royce Twitchell always pictured herself playing the piano until she was 90. A lifelong pianist and former music director of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Royce was an experienced pit musician, playing for many

Broadway musicians are justifiably asking, “What will happen to my health benefits as a result of missing nearly three weeks worth of health benefit contributions during the stagehands’ strike?” The answer is: no one will lose health care coverage as

Jazz funeral procession for jazz clarinetist Alvin Batiste in May 2007. Batiste taught Branford Marsalis and others. All photos by Matt Sakakeeny. April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and, yes, there are still brass bands playing in the streets of New

Here is a scenario: You spend time and money auditioning for an unadvertised position in a new orchestra. You are promised that you will be paid “close to New York scale,” you will appear on “The Apprentice,” play movie recording

It is three months before your 65th birthday. A package arrives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Inside is a red, white and blue card with your name on it. Congratulations! You are officially a senior citizen.

George Manahan conducts the New York City Opera Orchestra during a workshop performance of “VOX: Showcasing American Performers. Photo by Carol Rosegg. By a margin of 54 to 1, the New York City Opera Orchestra has ratified a sideletter modifying

It’s every actor’s nightmare. Imagine you’re watching a Broadway musical and suddenly you start hearing noise through the actor’s microphone — or the mike quits working altogether. Suddenly the spell is broken and the play is ruined for the audience.

Arts and politics can work together. Cornell University’s Industrial Labor Relations program recently organized meetings and seminars with state legislators and aides to Gov. Spitzer about the nature, role and impact of the arts and entertainment industry. 802 Recording Supervisor

In my last column in Allegro, I noted the challenges that we faced in 2007. During 2007, we filled many open positions. We incurred legal expenses of $332,000 due to Broadway negotiations, which were $68,000 over budget but contributed to

Let’s say you own a restaurant and you want to have recorded music playing in the background. Can you? If you wrote the music yourself, then you own the copyright. Otherwise, you generally need to get permission, otherwise known as

EXHIBITIONS What Work Looks Like Bread and Roses 3l0 West 43rd St., NYC 10036. May 1 – May 30. Weekdays 8 a.m. – 8 p.m Multi-media exhibition: paintings, photos, sculptures, & other art (& a workers cabaret) done by union

I recently visited the orchestra pits of seven shows on Broadway to spread the word about building a corporate campaign to promote live music in New York. Musicians told me that they are concerned about the loss of recording work

Harvey Mars is one of Local 802’s lawyers. Legal questions are welcome from 802 members. E-mail them to JurMars566@aol.com. For those who are interested in reading additional articles that Mars has authored, please check out his new Web site at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com.

Robert L. (“Bob”) Thompson, 81, is an honor member who joined Local 802 in 1950. A Dixieland drummer known for his group the Red Onion Jazz Band, Thompson managed to hold down a chair in the Psychology Department at Hunter

This is the first installment of a series of articles which will try to explain a new effort by Local 802 to promote live music. The articles will chronicle a personal journey in which I learned about some new union

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters published here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local 802,

Three months or so before the happy occasion of your 65th birthday, you will receive a gift from the federal government — a little red, white and blue Medicare card. If you do nothing, you will be automatically enrolled in

DECISION TIME! It’s time to make a choice. Super Tuesday is February 5th, when dozens of states – including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – will hold their presidential primaries. Click here for Allegro’s coverage of the candidates.  

For the past two years, Local 802 has been in touch with various musicians in New Orleans. This year, we hear from Nanette Ledet, writing us two years after Hurricane Katrina. Nanette is a teaching artist who runs a project

Karen Shinozaki Sor, a freelance road warrior and one of the subjects in the film “Freeway Philharmonic,” about the lifestyle of freelance classical musicians. Freelance musicians in New York City can see what the road life is like on the

Just like music, our careers change through time. In this issues “Beat on the Street”, you can read how the musical lives of some Local 802 members have evolved. Below, Executive Board member and bassist Ken Rizzo interviews fellow union

This month we asked members why it’s important to vote and who they’re voting for. The responses are below. Please note that we received no responses in favor of John McCain. If you’d like to continue the discussion, you may

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters published here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local 802,

Sooner or later, many adults are faced with the complex and overwhelming responsibility of caring for an elderly parent, spouse, or other close relative or friend. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of the magnitude of this challenge until there is

We will remember! Labor history is often ignored or forgotten by mainstream media and school systems alike. In this essay, Marisa Friedman takes us on a journey to explore the life of Lucy Parsons, an inspirational activist and important figure in the

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters published here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local

Several Local 802 members have recently reported bad experiences with attorney Howard L. Blau. We’ve learned that Mr. Blau, who has represented musicians and other artists in the past, has been suspended from the practice of law. If you feel you’ve

You may have heard that there is a presidential election this year. As the election draws near it may be useful to take a look at the issue of access to health care. This article will examine the positions of

The holidays are approaching and once again it seems that we are thrown into a whirlwind of activities — holiday parties, family obligations and shopping. While the season is meant to bring feelings of peace and joy, it can also

Todd Weeks passed his six-month probation on Dec. 4 and joins the permanent staff of Local 802 as the union’s jazz and teaching artists rep. Weeks is experienced in both areas. As a trumpeter and harmonica player he performed and

Last October, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued the American Ballet Theatre in U.S. District Court. The suit was based upon an age discrimination claim filed by a Local 802 member. He was a 74-year-old non-tenured trumpet player who had

From time to time, as space permits, Allegro will spotlight some new or readmitted members. Paul Heaney My principal instrument is guitar. I joined Local 802 because I want to sub on Broadway, get on a Broadway tour and eventually —

Sometimes the simplest inventions are the most fun and the most useful. Cymbal Guy is a pair of crash cymbals on a hi-hat stand. The inventors are pictured above, from left to right: Noah Hwang, Local 802 member Larry Spivack

WELCOME, SANDRA! Local 802 has hired a new director to supervise Local 802’s Computer Department. Her responsibilities will also include oversight of a complete software upgrade for the Local 802 Health Fund and the union’s internal computer system. Sandra Alayo

AFM SETS NON-BROADWAY CAST RECORDING SCALES It’s official: in late September, the AFM’s International Executive Board voted to allow Off Broadway shows and some regional musical theatres (called LORT)* to utilize the AFM’s national Limited Pressing Agreement to record cast

When it comes to the Supreme Court, justice is often dependent upon one vote. Sometimes the swing vote will herald enlightened and progressive results. For instance, in 1937, despite strong political resistance, the Supreme Court said that the National Labor

They say the Internet is the great equalizer. Anyone with a computer, regardless of who they are, may access and post information on it and potentially reach a worldwide audience. It is in a sense the greatest democratic platform we

The month of March has special significance for women. Not only is it Women’s History Month in the U.S., but March 8th is International Women’s Day. There is no denying that women have “come a long way, baby” in our

My column this month may seem a little unrelated to the day-to-day art of music, but there is a chance it may relate to the business or legal angle of your career. It’s about mental competency. If you’ve ever been

OUT OF WORK? This winter, three Broadway shows will close. If you are a Broadway musician and your show closes, can you apply for unemployment? Yes. While you are collecting unemployment, can you sub on other Broadway shows, teach lessons,

NEW PBS SERIES BEING DONE UNDER UNION CONTRACT The path-breaking PBS music series “Soundstage” is once again being produced, and all programs will be done under union contracts. In mid-April, Local 802 and the AFM signed HD Ready, Ltd., the

In a shocking decision that the two dissenting members of the National Labor Relations Board said confirmed “that the NLRB has become the ‘Rip Van Winkle’ of administrative agencies,” the labor board proclaimed on Dec. 16 that workers did not

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters published here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local

Music keeps you young. Lust ask Local 802 member Candido Camero (pictured below), 87 years old and still playing strong! Camero recently performed at the Washington, D.C. post office to commemorate the new 42 Latin Jazz stamp. Camero has been

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters published here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local

Mary Donovan Musicians performing on City Center’s production of DAMN YANKEES, scheduled to run from June 9 through July 27, will earn wages, benefits and other terms and conditions based on the current agreement between Local 802 and City Center “Encores!”

WELCOME, CLAUDIA! Claudia Copeland passed her six-month probation on July 2 and joins the Local 802 staff as an organizer. She earned her B.A. in women’s studies and English literature at SUNY (Buffalo). She spent six months in Jamaica researching

Joe Beck – Guitar Hiram Law Bullock – Guitar Joseph Cocuzzo – Drums Benjamin A. Endick – Accordion Louise M. Messina – Piano Walter Stuart – Trumpet/Arranger Harold Wax – Accordion Joseph Cocuzzo Joseph Cocuzzo, 70, a drummer and songwriter

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters published here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local 802,

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters published here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters published here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o

From time to time, as space permits, Allegro will spotlight some new or readmitted members. I am a composer/guitarist born and living in Brooklyn. I have played in many bands (Samsara, Lazlo Bane, Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories, to name a

Vincent (Jimmy) Abato – Clarinet Bert Ardi – Violin Harold “Hal” Atkinson – Piano Terry Burke – Vocalist Ernest Chico Relli – Piano Arty F. Curcio – Bass Rozsika Deutsch – Violin Jack Eagle – Trumpet F. Maracella Eisenberg –

Jane Cochran – Oboe/English Horn Joseph Frances Diamond – Piano Alfred J. Gallodoro – Saxophone Nathan Gershman – Cello Neal Hefti – Trumpet Michael Kania – Accordion Roy Ray – Trumpet Richard M. Sudhalter – Trumpet Alfred J. Gallodoro Alfred

Local 802 negotiated an agreement for a choreographic session production of BRIGADOON covering four musicians. The session took place at the 37 Arts Studio space on West 37th Street. The musicians earned $600 per week for five days over two

TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2008 Meeting called to order at 11:06 a.m. Present: President Landolfi, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Fein, Giannini, Johansen, Roach, Schwartz and Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison Owens. Recording Vice President Dennison excused out of town.

Henry Adler – Drums Ernest Bright – Clarinet Dave McKenna – Piano Ernie G. Gallet – Accordion Herb Harris – Drums Norman W. Hedman – Percussion Danny Kutz – Drums Kathleen Wilber – French Horn Ernest Bright Ernest Daniel Bright,

The following bylaw resolution is hereby submitted by the Local 802 Executive Board for the Oct. 22 membership meeting.  STRIKE FUND BYLAW Whereas, Local 802 has had a Members’ Benefit Strike Fund for many years, and Whereas, Local 802 has

TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2008 Meeting called to order at 11:05 a.m. Present: President Landolfi, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Burridge Fein, Hunt, Johansen, Rizzo and Schwartz. Recording Vice President Dennison distributed the minutes of

Advanced students from the School of American Ballet dance at a workshop performance. The piece is “Serenade” with choreography by George Balanchine. Photo by Paul Kolnik. Local 802 has reached an agreement with the School of American Ballet Orchestra. Performance

APPEAL TO BE HEARD ON JAN. 13 The following appeal will be on the agenda of the special membership meeting called for Jan. 13 at 3 p.m. in the Local 802 Club Room.  In accordance with the bylaws of Local

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2008 Meeting called to order at 11:15 a.m. Present: President Landolfi, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Burridge, Fein, Giannini, Rizzo, Schwartz and Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison Owens. Recording Vice President Dennison

Bernardo Altmann – Cello Ken Arzberger – Saxophone Don Cameron – Tenor Saxophone Thomas D. Chapin – Saxophone John Delaveau – Drums Saul Feldstein – Drums Mona Hinton – Piano Herman F. Jobelmann – Bass Earl Knight – Piano Jay

SIGHT-SING CHALLENGE:Theme from “Marriage of Figaro” (Mozart) CROSSWORD: Across 1- French singer/songwriter Chao – MANU 5- A piece of music? – APART 10- Tabernacle choir state – UTAH 14- Related – AKIN 15- Israeli peninsula – SINAI 16- What the

With the conclusion of 2007, Local 802 wrapped up several contracts for Off Broadway and Off Off Broadway productions. Producers for MAKE ME A SONG and FRANKENSTEIN agreed to the terms of Local 802’s Commercial Off Broadway Area Standards. (This

Stan Antin – Drums Stanley Aronson – Saxophone Henry Brant – Harmonica/Composer Stephen Dremuk – Saxophone Jimmy Giuffre – Saxophone Peter Howard – Piano Herman F. Jobelmann – Bass Robert Lehrfeld – Oboe Charles Libove – Violin Utah Phillips –

It was another great night in Harlem. Local 802 member Lucien Barbarin takes a wailing solo on trombone at the Jazz Foundation’s annual fundraiser at the Apollo. Photo by Enid Farber.  

Sight-singing answer: “Taps.” Across 1- Knife STAB 5- Disney dog SCAMP 10- Sparkling wine ASTI 14- Swan lover LEDA 15- Data structure ARRAY 16- Competed VIED 17- Russian motorcycle URAL 18- Reed condition, usually MOIST 19- Airline to Ben Gurion ELAL

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2007 Meeting called to order at 11:05 a.m. Present: President Landolfi, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Burridge Fein, Johansen, Rizzo, Roach and Schwartz. Recording Vice President Dennison distributed the minutes of

SIGHT-SINGING ANSWER:“Battle Hymn of the Republic” a/k/a “Solidarity Forever” (in honor of Labor Day!) CROSSWORD PUZZLE: Across  1 – Bouquet container VASE 5 – Male parties STAGS 10 – Italian composer Nino ROTA 14 – You can click on this

SIGHT-SING ANSWERr:“Solidarity Forever”/”Battle Hymn of the Republic” CROSSWORD PUZZLE: Across:1. Answer to “Who hit that clam?” NOTME 6. Go bad SPOIL 11. Opposite of syn. ANT 14. Bubbling ABOIL  15. Ride TEASE 16. Born NEE 17. Michelangelo masterwork PIETA 18.

SIGHT-SING CHALLENGE:Theme from “Carmen” by Georges Bizet CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS Across 1- One of a Latin trio AMAS 5- Accumulate AMASS 10- Teen woe ACNE 14- Old Dodge DART 15- Like the underside SEAMY 16- Lump of earth CLOD 17- Aboriginal

  SIGHT-SINGING ANSWER“Sailor’s Hornpipe” CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS Across 1- Defeat decisively DRUB 5- Muse of poetry ERATO 10- Read Braille FEEL 14- Wax not WANE 15- Submarine gadget SONAR 16- Trick RUSE 17- Banjo whiz Davis EDDY 18- “_____ Doll” SATIN

William Zinn was a first violinist with the Indianapolis Symphony during the 1944-45 season, under the baton of Fabian Sevitzky, who Zinn says was a tyrant, much disliked by the musicians. At the intermission break of the first rehearsal, Sevitzky

Back in 1974 Turk Mauro and Zoot Sims were riding an Amtrak train to Washington D.C. where they both had gigs at different clubs. Mitch Miller walked up the aisle and stopped to say hello to Zoot. The train was

Buddy DeFranco was interviewed by Steve Voce a couple of years ago. Steve recently posted the transcript on the internet. Here are two stories from it that I like: “When I was with Tommy Dorsey, Charlie Shavers was in the

Frank Tate has been in and out of the hospital with some problems lately, but when I called him recently, he sounded very chipper, and even gave me a story: Frank was carrying his bass down the stairs to the

Dan Barrett lives in California now, but when he was around New York he occasionally played at the Cornerstone, in Metuchen, NJ. One night there, a guy cornered him between sets, bought him a drink, and said, “I’ve been watching

In the early 1970’s, Bill Zinn’s Ragtime String Quartet booked a media concert held at O. Henry’s Steak House in Greenwich Village. Dick Hyman was to be their special guest, but when he arrived, they discovered that there was no