Life Member. Cello
2/26/1938 – 3/4/2025
by Daniel Kelley
Ray Kelley had the cello career any musician would covet: a member of the Utah Symphony, Dallas Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, followed by decades of nonstop studio work during a golden era for records, jingles, live TV and motion pictures. But I would rather write about who he was. Continue reading
This week, we traveled to Sacramento with over 100 entertainment union and guild members, all part of the Entertainment Union Coalition, to advocate for increased film and TV jobs across our state.
On March 4, we attended an Assembly Budget Subcommittee Hearing that focused on bringing production back to California through the Governor’s proposed expansion of the current incentive program, increasing funding from $330 million annually to $750 million annually. Continue reading
Several Local 47 members have recently reported receiving emails from an email account appearing to be from President Stephanie O’Keefe, requesting an urgent reply. Some messages have included mention of “gift cards,” while others have simply asked for an immediate response for an unknown reason.
We want to warn everyone that these emails are a common “email spoofing scam” generated by a scammer targeting Local 47 members. We encourage all of our members to be mindful and watch out for such phishing attempts, NOT TO REPLY to these messages, delete them immediately, and block the sender.
Should you have any questions about this matter, or if you receive a suspicious message that mentions AFM Local 47 in the future, please email webmaster@afm47.org.
Browse our full Overture pdf archives here.
For special members-only Overture content — Executive Board minutes, CBAs, Local 47 Wage Scales, Bylaws, Suspended/Expelled member lists, and more — log in to your new E2 member account at ensemble.afm47.org and browse the “Overture” section on the Documents page. (New to E2? Visit our E2 FAQ here.)
The Entertainment Union Coalition — a multi-union alliance dedicated to advocating for members in the entertainment industry on public policy issues in California — officially launched the ‘Keep California Rolling’ campaign on February 27 with a misison to protect, preserve and create jobs in the film and television industry throughout the state.
The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, represented by AFM Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe, has a seat on the board of this important coalition along with the California IATSE Council, Directors Guild of America, LiUNA! Local 724, SAG-AFTRA, Teamsters Local 399, and Writers Guild of America West, collectively representing over 165,000 members who live and work in California’s entertainment industry.
In the aftermath of the devastating L.A. County wildfires, Labor Community Services (LCS) and the Los Angeles Federation of Labor have been working to get resources and aid distributed to affected union members as quickly as possible. Continue reading
In a move to lift spirits and bring a bit of joy to those affected by the recent L.A. wildfires, the Music Performance Trust Fund, Red Cross of Los Angeles County, and Make Music Alliance, Inc. co-sponsored a live concert with AFM Local 47 musicians on the afternoon of February 12 at the Disaster Recovery Center in Pasadena.
The brass quintet, led by Local 47 member Brad Close, was greeted with words of appreciation for their surprise three-hour concert.
“The performance was well received by clients and volunteers alike,” said Timothy Dahlum, Pasadena Complex Site Manager. “Several people stopped me to ask who the group was and said thank you for bringing them in — two called it an unexpected treat.” Continue reading
Monday, February 10, 2025 – The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada announces its membership in the Entertainment Union Coalition of California. The EUC is comprised of major entertainment unions, including the California IATSE Council, Directors Guild of America, LiUNA! Local 724, SAG-AFTRA, and Teamsters Local 399. (Update: Since this original post, WGA West has also joined the EUC.) Continue reading
Congratulations to everyone whose work can be heard on the 67th Annual GRAMMY-nominated tracks and albums, recorded under AFM union contracts filed with Local 47!
Browse the list below while listening to our #AFM47 2025 Grammys Spotify Playlist:
We at AFM Local 47 thank MEAA for your kindness and support for our many members, and greater community, during this very difficult time. In solidarity there is great strength! Continue reading