Category Archives: Features

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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Member Spotlight: Raphael Saadiq

Singer, record producer and songwriter Raphael Saadiq has produced tracks for a number of R&B heavyweights, such as Mary J. Blige and John Legend, as well as releasing a number of critically-acclaimed records, both as a member of Tony! Toni! Toné! and as a solo artist.

Listen to our #AFM47 Raphael Saadiq Playlist on Spotify Continue reading →

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AFM 47 Women in History: ‘Babe Egan and the Hollywood Redheads’

Violinist and bandleader Babe Egan was a vaudeville superstar. In 1929, she was one of the highest paid women in vaudeville, earning $50,000 that year (equivalent to $880,000 today). She performed for tens of millions of theatergoers in the U.S., coast-to-coast, in Canada, and in Europe, and her band was regularly featured on radio. Continue reading →

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Member Spotlight: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers Heat Up the Charts With Two #1 Records in the Same Year

Beloved SoCal rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers were on fire in 2022! Helmed by frontman Anthony Kiedis, AFM Local 47 members Michael “Flea” Balzary (bass), Chad Smith (drums) and John Frusciante (guitar) released 12th album “Unlimited Love,” which notably marked the return of Frusciante, who left the band in 2009 and rejoined in 2019. The first single, “Black Summer,” became the Peppers’ 14th number-one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, and the album debuted at number one in 16 countries, including the United States. Continue reading →

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Member Spotlight: Evan Wish Knighted for Music and Years of Humanitarian Work

Throughout his career as an accomplished composer and pianist, Canadian-born Evan Wish has traveled all over the world. But his most recent trip to Italy proved to be among the greatest highlights of his life.

In October 2021, Wish was knighted by the Order of Saint George de Bourgogne in Italy for the merits in the international music category and humanitarian gifting thorough the years. Continue reading →

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Oscars 2022 Orchestra Highlights Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

by Susan Chatman, AFM Local 47 Diversity Committee

Congratulations to the music production team of the 94th Academy Awards for their hard work and superb artistry.

The music production leaders should also be applauded for their diverse representation of musicians, music styles and performances.

There were close to 120 musicians who performed at the 94th Academy Awards. What is notable was the cultural diversity, blend of musical styles, ages and genders from all over the world. Continue reading →

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