Life Member. Drum Set
12/26/1919 – 6/11/2018
Donald Roy Knapp was born December 26, 1919, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He passed away peacefully in Chicago on June 11, 2018 after recovering from two recent hip fractures. He was the son of Roy Cecil Knapp and Nellie Johnson (Knapp) Shillito. He was married to Lorie Downs (deceased in 1975); and to Kimberly Granger (divorced). Continue reading
At our next General Membership Meeting we are excited to kick off our new Guest Speaker Series. Please join us for a presentation by SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local President Jane Austin, who will speak about the union’s recent video game campaign win, and share ideas and thoughts regarding organizing and motivating members. Don’t miss it!
On the agenda (subject to change):
Location: AFM Local 47 Room 7
3220 Winona Ave. Burbank CA 91504
Open to all members in good standing.
Food & refreshments will be served.
Check out these incredible behind-the-scenes snapshots of Disney/Pixar’s INCREDIBLES 2 scoring session featuring over 100 AFM Local 47 musicians, courtesy of Los Angeles harpist Gayle Levant! Continue reading
The Sound Recording Special Payments Fund is preparing for its annual distribution, which occurs on or about August 1, 2018. We would like to share the following information with participants:
We encourage all participants to become registered users at the Fund’s website. Utilizing the website significantly helps to reduce the Fund’s administrative costs, which ultimately benefits all of us! At the website you can arrange for direct deposit, update contact and beneficiary information, view your prior wage and tax statements and get the latest news regarding the Fund.
Toll-Free Number: (866) 711-FUND
Fax: (212) 310-9481
Get your free ticket on Eventbrite
** PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS ONLY OPEN TO AFM LOCAL 47 MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING. YOU MUST BE A CURRENT MEMBER TO BE ADMITTED TO THIS EVENT. **
Member. Violin
3/3/1965 – 5/18/2018
Katia Popov passed away on May 18, 2018 from a three-year battle with Ovarian Cancer and left an empty void where she carved her mark. Her determination to beat the disease mirrored her determination to become the best violinist in the world. Although she is no longer physically with us, her music has created a ripple effect that will never leave the musical community or her biggest fans, friends and family. Katia’s devotion to the violin and her love for music was apparent and contagious. She did not shy away from the stage and performing was her natural calling. Learning how to read notes before she could read the alphabet, music was in Katia’s heart and soul. She did not just play music, she played music through her entire being to deliver an experience so ethereal, audiences would be instantly captivated. Not only did her talent leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to watch her perform, but also her personality lit up a room and made people feel warm and welcome in her presence. Continue reading
Secretary/Treasurer Emeritus Serena Kay Williams holds Local 47 dedication day programs from 1950 and 2018, both of which she attended. (photo by Tom Pease)
Serena Kay Williams made history as the first woman officer of AFM Local 47 when she was elected Secretary in 1984, a position she held until her retirement in 2007. Here we recall her legacy as a trailblazing musicians advocate and union leader.
Serena Kay Williams was born April 9, 1921 in Kansas City, Missouri. Serena’s father, who was born in Liverpool, England, came from a musical family. In fact, Jascha Heifetz was her grandfather’s nephew. Her mother, who came from Russia, also counted many artists in her family. Serena’s parents owned a deli in Kansas City. Their cooking was so renowned that her father was crowned the “Chili King of Kansas City” using her mother’s recipe.
When Serena was 4 her parents moved to Los Angeles because of her mother’s health. Serena cared for her mother, who was very ill, and even was issued a special driver’s license at the age of 12 so she could take her mother back and forth to the hospital. Continue reading
Life Member. Drum Set
7/1/1952 – 2/3/2018
by Washington Rucker, Life Member, AFM Local 47
We have lost a giant in the music world, and more directly, a great musician.
My best friend, Ndugu Chancler, was one of only a hand full of drummers who could be recognized by a single name: Ndugu. His moniker was well deserved and well earned. He stood tall among the genre of drummers who spring up… and he stood atop most of them. Continue reading
We are saddened to share news of the passing of member Armen Ksajikian’s mother, Seta.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial the morning of Saturday, June 9 at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. Read Seta’s obituary from Forest Lawn here.
A powerful hip hop anthem about the pride a man takes in a long day’s work. A haunting ode to the hands that built American industry. A fast-paced celebration of American-made products. And a passionate plea for companies to invest in the USA. These are the four winners of the United Auto Workers’ “Make it in the USA” contest, which called on entrants to create videos focused on the value of manufacturing and buying products domestically.
To see the winning videos and learn more about the contest, click here. Continue reading