Author Archives: admin

Behind the Scenes at the 95th Annual Academy Awards

AFM Local 47 musicians once played a featured role in Hollywood’s biggest night at the 95th Annual Academy Awards. Rehearsals and pre-records were held at Evergreen Studios in Burbank in preparation for the Oscars awards ceremony that took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 12, 2023.

Many thanks to harpist Gayle Levant for sharing these exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from the rehearsals and live event!

View the musicians roster here: 95th Annual Academy Awards Orchestra

2023 Oscar Night at the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood CA

Gayle Levant (harp)

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Final Note: Dennis Budimir

Life Member. Guitar
6/20/1938 – 1/9/2023

Honoring Dennis Budimir

by his daughter, Juliann Budimir

It is hard to give voice to the loss,
To give words to the ache that forever echoes in my heart since
My beloved Pop, Dennis Budimir, passed away in our arms,
My Mom and I at his side.

Dennis Budimir, beloved husband, father, and legendary jazz and studio guitarist, passed away on January 9, 2023. He was an incredible father to me and a loving, devoted husband to my mom. We are blessed by his eternal love. It is incredibly difficult to write about his passing and to put into words our monumental loss. Dennis Budimir’s musical biography is truly extensive; we are grateful to those who have documented his outstanding career and have given insight into his tremendous artistry. Continue reading →

Inaugural AFM Local 47 Jazz Festival

April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and to celebrate, AFM Local 47 is launching our first-annual Jazz Festival! Continue reading →

‘Civil Rights are Forever Right’ LA Fed 2023 MLK Breakfast

After a two-year hiatus, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor was able to host the 2023 Annual MLK Breakfast live and in person, with all of the movement’s greats in one place, at the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Los Angeles on January 14. Continue reading →

General Membership Meeting: April 24, 2023

Open to all AFM Local 47 members in good standing.

On the Agenda (subject to change):

– Special Election to Fill Vacancy for Secretary/Treasurer
– Special Election to Fill Two Vacancies on the Hearing Board
– Special Election to Fill Two Vacancies on the Election Board
– Presentation by Kim Roberts Hedgpeth, Executive Director, Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund
– Presentation of 50-Year Pins
– Officer Reports
– Old and New Business

The Legislative Committee as proponents have voted unanimously to table the proposed amendment of Article IV, Section 10 regarding Life Membership that was to the be presented at the April 24, 2023 general membership to be postponed until the next general membership meeting on July 24, 2023.

As of April 11, 2023, AFM Local 47 no longer requires proof of Covid-19 vaccination for those entering the AFM Local 47 Capt. Greg Welch Gathering Place and rehearsal rooms. Vaccination against Covid-19, masking, and testing — when recommended per CDC guidelines — are strongly encouraged.
Continue reading →

House of Labor Unanimously Passes Resolution in Favor of Union Musicians

At the Feb. 27, 2023 House of Labor meeting of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, delegates voted unanimously in favor of a resolution put forward by AFM Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe calling for all musicians hired for LA Fed events to be union musicians.

Further, the resolution calls for the LA Fed to ask all constituency groups and the California Federation of Labor to pass a similar resolution. Continue reading →

Hal Blaine Strikes Again! Legendary Wrecking Crew drummer receives star on Palm Springs Walk of the Stars

Photo by Lucius Gallo. “The Wrecking Crew!” filmmaker Denny Tedesco (son of guitarist Tommy Tedesco), drummer Clem Burke (of Blondie fame), Hal’s nephew Michael Kravitz, and fellow Wrecking Crew keyboard legend Don Randi.

by Linda A. Rapka

Legendary Wrecking Crew drummer and Local 47 Life Member Hal Blaine posthumously received his star on the Walk of the Stars Palm Springs at a convivial ceremony on February 6, the day after what would have been his 94th birthday. Continue reading →

March 2023 Overture Online: Music in Our Schools Month

Inside This Issue:

COVER STORY: GRAMMY Museum Announces Music in Our Schools Month
#WhyUnion? Share Your Answers!
Member Spotlight: Hal Blaine Strikes Again! Acclaimed drummer receives posthumous star on Palm Springs Walk of Stars
Announcing the Inaugural AFM Local 47 Jazz Festival
LA Fed Passes Resolution on Union Music; Names New AFM 47 Delegates
American Music Fairness Act Reintroduced in Congress
Auditions: Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra

and more!

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No smart device? No problem! View our pdf archive here.

Final Note: Michael Grego

6/26/1957 – 2/3/2023
Life Member. Clarinet

by Larry Hughes

Michael Grego was my dear friend on and off the stage for nearly 40 years. A great human being in every way. Continue reading →

Final Note: Michael Grego

6/26/1957 – 2/3/2023
Life Member. Clarinet

Michael Grego, clarinet, passed away on February 3, 2023. Michael was born in Montebello, CA, attended St. Stephen School in Monterey Park, and graduated from Loyola High School in 1975. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980 from Loyola Marymount University. He graduated with a Master of Music in 1983 and a Doctor of Musical Arts in 1991, both from USC. He attended the Music Academy of the West where he studied with his principal teacher, Mitchell Lurie. Continue reading →