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Currently Browsing: June, 2017
Pension Fund Update
President's Report
Let me start my report this month with the topic that’s on everyone’s minds – our pension fund. At our recent Board of Trustees meeting, the AFM Pension Fund’s actuaries advised the board that better than expected investment returns will
LS-1 Contract Deadline is July 15
ALL LS-1 CONTRACTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY JULY 15, 2017 for the benefit period that begins Sept. 1, 2017. Only teaching (private and institutional) and/or solo, live engagements performed between January 1 to June 30, 2017 can be reported on
NYU on Unfair List
New York University and Vice Dean Ted Magder have been placed on the AFM International Unfair List due to their unwillingness to cover Local 802 musicians under any agreement. NYU employs Local 802 members as independent contractors in its film
Local 802 announces first primary endorsements
Throughout the summer, Local 802 will be announcing endorsements in various city races. These elections directly impact the everyday lives of musicians and all New Yorkers. Our local representatives are our first line of defense against attacks on our values.
Our Union’s Finances are Stable
Financial Vice President's Report
One of my duties as financial vice president is to assist in the production of the annual audit of the local’s finances and to report the results to the membership. The latest audit was recently completed and reviewed by our
The story behind the numbers
Controller's Report
For the 12-month period from Jan. 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2016, Local 802 realized a loss of $28,279. When comparing the loss of $28,279 in 2016 with the loss of $24,761 in 2015, there is only a slight increase
Pandora’s Box Must Remain Closed
Vote NO on the Constitutional Convention
In politics and campaigns, it’s never too late to begin preparing for the next election. Voters today hardly have time to complete marking their ballots before being bombarded by rumors and polls, reading about “exploratory committees” and enduring new waves
Setting the Stage
MET Orchestra musicians are using their music to build stronger communities
The MET Orchestra Musicians, a nonprofit entity created in 2014 composed of members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, has been performing a series of free public concerts and programs as part of our new public performance initiative. Months of preparation,
Out of the Pit
Times Square Alliance partners with Local 802 in a new live music series to spotlight Broadway musicians
Live music sounds even better outdoors! This spring, the Times Square Alliance celebrated its grand opening of the new Times Square pedestrian plazas, featuring live entertainment, food, and public art and design. The plazas, which add 110,000 square feet of
How Unions Can Protect LGBTQ Rights in the Age of Trump
After a decade of unprecedented progress, LGBTQ activists find themselves facing challenges that few of us could have foreseen even a year ago. While the new Trump administration has not made its attitude toward LGBTQ people completely clear, it represents
Working Together to Make Music Thrive
Guest Commentary
For over five decades, the Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment has been the city’s main liaison to the film, TV and theatre industries in New York. This past year, we were thrilled when our portfolio expanded to include music.
Kaufman Center accompanists win union representation
Legal Corner
Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to hsmlaborlaw@harveymarsattorney.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.harveymarsattorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or
‘The View Upstairs’
New Off Broadway musical is an homage to queer culture & history
A wonderful new Off Broadway musical stole the hearts of audiences and activists alike this season. Max Vernon’s “The View UpStairs”” turned the Lynn Redgrave Theatre into the UpStairs Lounge, a 1970s gay bar in the French Quarter of New
Creating a Buzz
Jazz Mentors goes on the road to New School
The business of music is more complicated than ever as musicians must coalesce traditional models of promotion and marketing with the brave new world of technology. Each method works in its own way depending on one’s target audience and budget.
Omar Hakim & Rachel Z share the top skill sets needed to be a musician today
In today’s competitive marketplace, musicians face increasing challenges to creating sustainable and rewarding careers. On April 4, the Council for Living Music and Music for a Sound Future presented a free educational clinic hosted by Local 802 that offered insight
The One and Only Ray Chew
An incredible life in music
Ray Chew, a member of Local 802 since 1975, performs at the helm of award-winning musical events with the world’s most popular artists, including Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, Pharrell Williams, Justin Bieber, Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz, Pitbull, Queen Latifah, James Taylor,
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 so I could be a part of the Broadway scene. My principal instrument is guitar. I’m a sub for a Broadway show, and the two guitarists who hold the chairs have been very supportive and helpful.
‘Why we joined the union’
After a kind mentor said he could use me as a sub on “Aladdin,” I finally joined Local 802. I have enjoyed not only the eligibility to play more gigs, but also the abundant information and other resources that I
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 after I was called to play with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. I hope to explore and experience as much of New York City’s diverse musical offerings as I can during this exciting and inspiring time
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 in order to start professional work after earning a master’s degree in violin performance from Rice University. It is so exciting to be a part of an incredible network of musicians and to explore and take
‘Why we joined the union’
I rejoined Local 802 in order to play the Broadway show “Shuffle Along” and also to be a part of a world-renowned music organization. My musical goal in New York City – and my lifelong dream – is to get
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined 802 because I had the opportunity to sub on the Broadway production of “Tuck Everlasting.” It was short-lived, but fun! My goal is to play with and learn from the best musicians in the world. I love the
The Band Room
June '17
The British tenor man and club owner Ronnie Scott once told about his attempt to teach himself to play the guitar. He would get home from his club at about 3 a.m. and would begin playing a little exercise over