Allegro
Currently Browsing: February, 2010
Monk’s Union
New bio sheds some light on Local 802 history
Monk performs at the Salle Pleyel for the Paris Jazz Festival (“Salon du Jazz”), June 1954 (photograph by Marcel Fleiss; used courtesy of Marcel Fleiss, all rights reserved). Excerpted from “Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original”
Living With Music
An exclusive look at Ralph Ellison's record collection gives new insights into a literary master
Ralph Ellison (1914-1994). Three years ago, Local 802 jazz rep Todd Bryant Weeks was given exclusive access to Ralph Ellison’s apartment in Manhattan to find a home for Ellison’s record collection. The actual records have never before been examined or
Black Roots
The African-American influence on folk music
Studs Terkel once asked Big Bill Broonzy after he heard him sing a song, “Is that a folk song?” Broonzy’s reply was, “I ain’t heard no horses sing it.” Broonzy was one of our most influential blues musicians and helped
Black and White United
African American musicians and the formation of Local 802
In late February 1936, three musicians representing Local 802 arrived at a Chicago convention center for the first annual National Negro Congress. The congress denounced lynching, called for black and white worker solidarity, and established local councils that would fight
President’s Report
Full Steam Ahead
MEMBER PARTICIPATION WILL BE CRUCIAL TO UNION’S SUCCESS February is Black History Month, a time of observance and remembrance of the important events and people of African American descent. Let us all take the time to honor the contributions of
Lose Your Health Care?
You may be able to keep it - for free
See Local 802 Executive Board member and Musicians Health Fund trustee Martha Hyde’s detailed article on the COBRA program (online only). Imagine you’re playing a Broadway show and you qualify for the Local 802 health plan. Then, unfortunately, your show
Information about COBRA
What is COBRA? The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1996 amended the Employees Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974, the IRS code and the Public Health Services Act to provide continuation of group health coverage that might
Going on Tour? New Contract is Here
Theatre musicians who play on union tours have a new two-year agreement. In mid-January, the latest version of the AFM’s Pamphlet B contract was ratified. “These negotiations were extremely challenging given the worsening financial environment that we all experienced as
Quick Notes
Union Wins Four New Broadway contracts Local 802 recently won collective bargaining agreements with four Off Broadway productions. “Avenue Q” moved from the Golden Theater to New World Stages. The show’s employer, Davenport Theatrical Enterprises, signed an agreement with the
Musicians: Help Keep the Internet a Democracy
The Web should not have fast and slow lanes depending on who pays more
The Future of Music Coalition, to which Local 802 belongs, is the middle of a serious campaign for “net neutrality.” Here’s the deal. Internet Service Providers would like more control over the Internet. They’d like to be able to charge
Gospel Committee Keeps the Spirit Alive
In 1984, three men – Kirk Lyons, Kevin Stevens and myself – sat down one evening and discussed the plight of gospel instrumentalists and singers. All three of us had been musicians in the secular realm prior to becoming Christians.
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. E-mail letters to allegro@local802afm.org. Campaign needs grassroots support In the January issue of
Are You in Charge of the Money?
Some quick tips for treasurers, both old and new
Harvey Mars, Esq. Several months ago I was contacted by a member of the New York City Opera Orchestra and asked for advice about the best method of setting up a treasury for the deposit and remittance of membership dues
If Clutter is King in Your Apartment, There’s Hope
Musicians' Assistance Program
As New York City residents, we somehow learn to live in very small spaces. Because of our lack of space, it is a constant challenge to figure out how to fit more and more stuff into less and less space.
‘Why we joined the union’
Alvin Ellsworth Hough Jr. Michael Stein Mark Bonifacio Marissa Licata Petros Sakelliou I joined Local 802 because I am now the keyboardist/associate conductor for the national tour of “Dreamgirls.” I’m beyond thrilled and couldn’t be happier
Executive Board Minutes
November 24, 2009 - December 22, 2009
NOTE: The Executive Board did not meet on Dec. 1 or Dec. 29. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Meeting called to order at 11:15 a.m. Present: Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Burridge, Fein, Giannini, Norrell,
Calendar Of Events
February 2010
Date Event Time Location 2/1 Mon. MUSICIANS’ ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2:00 PM Exec. Bd. Room 2/1 Mon. JAZZ FOUNDATION JAM SESSION 7:00 PM Club Room 2/3 Wed. THEATRE COMMITTEE* 5:15 PM Exec. Bd. Room 2/5 Fri. DENTAL CLINIC (ALL DAY) 9:00
Bill Crow’s Band Room
When multi-instrumentalist Scott Robinson performs, he usually wears shirts made by his wife. The shirt materials he favors are loaded with stars, planets, galaxies, etc. While Scott was appearing with the Maria Schneider Orchestra at the Jazz Standard, a conversation