Category Archives: Features

Brass quintet brings joy of music to Pasadena fire relief center

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 →

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NAMM 2025

MPTF Trustee Dan Beck, AFM Local 7 Secretary/Treasurer Tammy Noreyko, AFM Local 47 Sound Recording Business Representative Jamie Vespa, AFM Local 47 Communications Director Linda Rapka, AFM International Musician Advertising Director Honore Stockley, AFM Director of Communications Antoinette Follet, AFM Director of Freelance Services Wages Argott, and AFM Local 7 President Edmund Velasco.

MPTF Trustee Dan Beck, AFM Local 7 Secretary/Treasurer Tammy Noreyko, AFM Local 47 Sound Recording Business Representative Jamie Vespa, AFM Local 47 Communications Director Linda Rapka, AFM International Musician Advertising Director Honore Stockley, AFM Director of Communications Antoinette Follet, AFM Director of Freelance Services Wages Argott, and AFM Local 7 President Edmund Velasco.

The American Federation of Musicians and Music Performance Trust Fund were thrilled to exhibit at this year’s National Association of Music Merchants show for the second year in a row. Continue reading →

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Entertainment Unions Featured at Inaugural Burbank Media Industry Expo & Job Fair

On August 1, 2024, the City of Burbank proudly presented the first Media Industry Expo & Job Fair, a groundbreaking event designed to give students the knowledge and tools needed for a career in the media industry.

Hosted by Woodbury University and Burbank Public Library, the event featured area organizations and businesses involved in the entertainment industry. Continue reading →

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Parlaying Organizing Efforts: 2024 CA Labor Fed Convention

Musicians United, 2024 CA Labor Fed Convention style: AFM Local 47 Organizer Rahul Neuman, Local 47 member Sidney Hopson, California Labor Federation President Lorena Gonzales, AFM Local 7 (Orange County) President Edmund Velasco, and AFM Local 6 (San Francisco) Executive Board member John Fisher.

by Rahul Neuman, AFM Local 47 Organizer

I was fortunate to be able to represent AFM Local 47 at this year’s California Labor Federation Convention in San Diego, July 15-17, along with my colleague, Sidney Hopson. This was the largest CA Fed convention yet, with 700 delegates in attendance. It was inspiring to hear so many union activists speak on a diverse set of issues, and quite a learning experience. While there were the typical pro forma aspects (e.g., Call to Order, Nomination of Officers), the other messages centered around organizing for the 2024 General Elections and expanding unions. Continue reading →

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Freedom

This Independence Day, we are reminded about the value of freedom in our daily lives.

As a labor union, one important freedom we hold most dear is the freedom in the workplace to be able to work with rights and protections that keep us safe and secure while on the job. Continue reading →

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Member Spotlight: Steven Allen Fox

Maestro Steven Allen Fox is an innovative concert creator, conductor, producer, and composer who has conducted or produced over 100 premieres of new compositions and suites. He received a bachelor’s degree in music from Illinois State University, majoring in music theory and composition, and also has a graduate certificate in film and television scoring from the University of Southern California. Continue reading →

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Music Performance Trust Fund – July 2024

Local 47 member Kirk Andrés Wilson and his quartet performing an MPTF-sponsored Juneteenth concert 6/19/2024 at Hollywood Piano in Pasadena.

Are you interested in presenting a FREE and open to the public CONCERT?

For over seven decades, the Music Performance Trust Fund provides grants for free public live music events. Its mission includes contributing to the public knowledge and appreciation of music, as well as making music a part of every child’s life experience. Continue reading →

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