Allegro
Currently Browsing: October, 2009
Yes, They Play ‘Stairway to Heaven’
Organizing the annual Led Zeppelin tribute concert on Long Island
Brent Havens (center) conducting “The Music of Led Zeppelin,” an annual show in Long Island. The concert had threatened to go nonunion this year. How does the union turn a nonunion gig into a union one? The answer begins with
Mark Lesko Honors His Promise
The success of our organizing victory with the Led Zeppelin tribute at the Brookhaven Amphitheater was due in no small part to political allies, including Brookhaven Town Supervisor Mark Lesko. Since taking office in April 2009, Lesko has kept his
The Heat is On
Jazz campaign on the move
Reggie Workman. Photo by Walter Karling. Now’s the time.” That’s a famous Charlie Parker tune and also our demand. Now’s the time for club owners to do the right thing. This fall marks a turning point in the union’s “Justice
It’s a Deal!
John W Engeman Theatre agrees to 802 contract
The John W. Engeman Theatre in Northport, Long Island. Until this year, the 400-seat John W. Engeman Theater in Northport, Long Island, was a nonunion venue for musicians. Happily, that’s changed now. For nearly a year, Principal Theatre Rep Mary
Supporting the Arts Industry Helps Everyone
It's a no-brainer: Albany should not cut the arts
JAZZ AMBASSADOR: What’s the mayor of Assisi, Italy (far right) doing with Paul Molloy, Christine Quinn and Douglas Purviance, the manager of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra? Paul Molloy explains: The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra has been traveling to Assisi every summer
Let’s Honor Ted Kennedy by Fighting for Worker’s Rights
Respect Now!
Ted Kennedy, 1932-2009 Ted Kennedy was a champion for workers for all his political career. I first shook his hand when I was only seven. He was behind his war hero brother who was running for president. I still have
A Stroll Down Off Broadway
Organizing Notebook
Benefits? Yes! Better Wages? Yes! If you get called to play an Off Broadway production or a reading, call Mary Donovan at (212) 245-4802, ext 156. Give us the chance to improve your wages and make it a union contract.
Pounding the Pavement to Make a Change
Ethan Fein with Michael Lamb and Gina Strickland. It takes work to make change. This summer, a crew of the Local 802 Power Boosters and I went on a bus to Washington D.C. to lobby Congress. Our mission was to
The Musicians’ Voice
The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local
President’s Report
Strategies for Keeping the Union Strong
As I write, I have just returned from Norfolk, Virginia where I attended the annual conference of the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians(ICSOM). This is the first year I have been able to attend and I think it
Election Countdown: A Call for Thoughtful Debate
Readers will observe from the ads and other content in this issue that we are approaching a new election here at Local 802 and that campaigns are heating up. For many, the reaction is one of dread, in anticipation of
On the Top of Our List: Musicians’ Jobs!
Recording Vice-President's Report
Everyone’s hope is that the current recession, reportedly the deepest since the Great Depression, is coming to an end. The drop in our members’ jobs has been as bad as right after 9/11. There are however some glimmers of hope.
In the Groove: Benny Powell Looks Forward
A full transcript of Todd Bryant Weeks’ interview with Benny Powell available for download. Who is Benny Powell? He is a multi-dimensional performer who has worked on Broadway, on television, and has starred in world renowned big bands. He has
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined the union for networking opportunities and free earplugs! My musical goal in New York City is Broadway subbing and pit gigs. My principal instruments are drums, percussion and music prep. – Jeremy Yaddaw I recently started playing as
Executive Board Minutes
August 4, 2009 - September 1, 2009
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2009 Meeting called to order at 11:10 a.m. Present: President Landolfi, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Burridge, Fein, Giannini, Norrell, Schwartz and Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison Owens. Recording Vice President Dennison
The Band Room
Marlene Verplanck sent me a nice interview with her late husband Billy that had been published in the Jersey Jazz Society’s monthly newsletter. Telling of his days as a big band trombone player, Billy described his time on the Jimmy
Calendar Of Events
October 2009
Date Event Time Location 10/5 Mon. JAZZ FOUNDATION JAM SESSION 7:00 PM Club Room 10/6 Tue. CHORUS 802 6:45 PM Club Room 10/7 Wed. THEATRE COMMITTEE* 5:15 PM Exec. Bd. Room 10/12 Mon. CLOSED: COLUMBUS DAY 10/13 Tue.
Bill Crow’s Band Room
Marlene Verplanck sent me a nice interview with her late husband Billy that had been published in the Jersey Jazz Society’s monthly newsletter. Telling of his days as a big band trombone player, Billy described his time on the Jimmy