AFM Members: Please be aware that recording sessions contracted by CMG MUSIC RECORDING (alternatively known as Collective Media Guild) are non-union engagements with no union contract protections. Continue reading
Musicians affected by the California wildfires may apply for disaster relief through the Local 47 Relief Fund and the Music Fund of Los Angeles. Follow the links to download the applications and call 323.993.3159 to speak with Rimona Seay, who will walk you through the application process.
The Actors Fund offers assistance nationally to everyone who works in performing arts and entertainment, including actors, musicians, and many more. Visit actorsfund.org/GetHelp to apply and for referrals to area resources.
Donate to the Labor Community Services Disaster Relief Fund
The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor is accepting donations through its 501(c)3 nonprofit, Labor Community Services, to assist union members affected by the fires.
To send a donation please make checks payable to “Labor Community Services” with Memo: Disaster Relief Fund and mail to:
Labor Community Services
2130 W. James M. Wood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Is your AFM pension important to you? If you answered “yes,” please read on:
Earlier this year Congress established a bipartisan Joint Select Committee on the Solvency of Multiemployer Pension Plans. This Committee is tasked with producing legislation by Nov. 30, 2018 to address the dire solvency issues facing over 100 multiemployer pension funds across the U.S., including the AFM-EPF.
This Joint Select Committee represents the best chance yet to pass legislation that helps our Fund and protects your benefits and retirement security. However, proposed changes to the Butch Lewis Act would prevent the AFM-EPF and many other multiemployer pension funds from accessing the bill’s loan program.
The good news: There is still time to make our voices heard.
In their meetings with AFM-EPF Trustees, members of the Joint Select Committee universally stated that no legislative approach has been finalized, and there is still time for more ideas about fully and fairly addressing the crisis—and for more negotiation to attempt to reach a consensus.
However, it is still far from certain whether any proposed solution will garner sufficient bipartisan support in the Committee, let alone both houses of Congress.
There are just 21 days until the Joint Select Committee’s Nov. 30 deadline. Make your voice heard at this critical juncture: Continue reading
The labor movement helped elect a wave of union members and pro-worker allies across the country this week.
We proved that if you support working people, we’ll have your back. And we sent a resounding message to every candidate and elected official that if you seek to divide and destroy us, we’ll fight back with everything we have. Continue reading
The American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC) will celebrate their 80th anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 at the Skirball Cultural Center.
“In addition to celebrating and presenting a tribute to 80 years of wonderful music created by our award winning arrangers, composers and orchestrators, ASMAC is honored to recognize the multi Grammy Award-winning music producer, songwriter and composer Walter Afanasieff with our 2018 President’s Award,” announced Gayle Levant, President of ASMAC. Continue reading
Guest Column by Gregg Field, 2018 Emmy Winner: Outstanding Music Direction, “Tony Bennett: The Library of Congress – Gershwin Prize for Popular Song”
Gregg Field holds his Emmy for his musical direction on “Tony Bennett: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Poplar Song.” A multiple Grammy winner, this marks Field’s first Emmy win. [Courtesy Gregg Field]
Tony Bennett would regularly appear two or three times a year at the Fairmont hotel Venetian Room in San Francisco. Whenever he was in town, I would drag my girlfriend, who would have much preferred to be at the Fillmore to Tony’s buttoned down, coat and tie concert. Continue reading
by Linda A. Rapka
Sometimes when making a film, what goes on behind the scenes makes for a compelling story all its own. And one would be hard pressed to find a more impressive example than the story of “Matt and Maya.”
It all began at the Motion Picture and Television Fund, a not-for-profit charity located in Woodland Hills founded in 1921 to serve members of the entertainment industry as a retirement and assisted living facility, as well as a creative space for individuals to thrive in their later years. Among the many programs offered to MPTF residents include opportunities to create films and television programs that are broadcast on a closed-circuit station on the property. Continue reading
Overture Online
November 2018
Vote Union Strong
Your labor-friendly voter guide
Local 47 Election
What you need to know about our biennial general election on Dec. 11
Spotlight: Vijay Gupta
‘Violinist for Skid Row’ wins MacArthur Genius Grant
The Met Contract
What you need to Know about the Metropolitan & Community Orchestra agreement
and more!
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Overture Online is optimized for reading via smartphone or tablet. For those without access to a smart device, issues may be viewed on a web browser here. Local 47 members may download archived pdf versions from the members section at afm47.org.
Max R. Bennett
Life Member. Bass
5/24/1928 – 7/14/2018
Survived by spouse & son
Jack J. LeCompte
Life Member. Drum Set
6/10/1952 – 9/16/2018
Survived by spouse
Stan Sharp
Member. Cello
3/20/1965 – 9/19/2018
Survived by spouse & children
A message from the ICSOM Governing Board about the AFM-EPF:
As you will have seen, the Joint Select Committee in charge of ushering the Butch Lewis Act through Congress has now changed the parameters of that legislation such that our AFM Employer Pension Fund would no longer qualify for relief under the proposed language. Continue reading