Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell (13th District) speaks about the great value musicians give to the community at the inaugural AFM Local 47 Lifetime Achievement Awards on April 24, 2017. (Photo: Liska Yamada)
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Esteemed members of the Los Angeles musicians union honored at inaugural event
LOS ANGELES, CA (APRIL 26, 2017) — More than 200 musicians gathered on the evening of April 24, 2017, to celebrate a new tradition honoring esteemed members of the Los Angeles musicians union at the inaugural American Federation of Musicians Local 47 Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Acclaimed musicians Gene Cipriano (woodwinds), Vincent DeRosa (horn), Louise DiTullio (flute), Carol Kaye (electric bass), and Dick Nash (trombone) were recognized during the ceremony, held at the AFM Local 47 Serena Kay & Earl Williams Auditorium in Hollywood, for their outstanding achievements and support of the artistic community of Los Angeles.
Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District, delivered introductory remarks and stressed the value musicians give to the community. Additional representatives from the City of Los Angeles included O’Farrell’s deputy, Dan Halden; Albert Lord, Deputy to Councilmember Herb Wesson, 10th District; and Joel Lyle, Deputy to Councilmember Paul Koretz, 5th District, who presented each honoree with proclamations from the city.
VIP guests in attendance included April Williams, Executive Director, Musicians at Play who also served as stage director for the evening; Dennis Dreith, Administrator, AFM & SAG-AFTRA Fund; Marc Sazer, International President, Recording Musicians Association; Kim Roberts, Executive Director, Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund; Ashley Irwin, President, Society of Composers & Lyricists; and Edythe Bronston, President, California Jazz Foundation. AFM Local 47 President John Acosta and Vice President Rick Baptist served as masters of ceremony.
“The efforts of everyday working musicians who have created a meaningful and lasting impact on the artistic community are largely unknown to those outside of the music world,” said AFM Local 47 President John Acosta. “Too often, these wonderfully talented artists remain unsung heroes. We are excited to begin this new tradition shedding a public spotlight in recognition of these most deserving musicians.”
This kickoff event was the first of many planned future ceremonies that will highlight and recognize members of the Los Angeles musicians union.
Photos and honoree bios are posted at www.afm47.org/lifetimeawards.
About AFM Local 47 – Local 47 is a labor organization formed by and for musicians over a century ago that promotes and protects the concerns of over 7,000 musicians throughout the greater Los Angeles area in all facets of the music business. Local 47 is affiliated with the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, the largest organization in the world representing the interests of 85,000 professional musicians.
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