Member Spotlight

AFM Local 47 member Paulinho Da Costa made history in May as the first Brazilian-born entertainer to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The achievement is in recognition for a life spent recording on some of the most recognizable and best-selling albums and soundtracks of all time.  His mastery of over 200 percussion instruments and infectious rhythms can be heard on hundreds of works spanning five decades.

In recognition of America’s 250-year celebration, composer Peter Boyer and photographer Joe Sohm have created a multi-media work called American Mosaic, which is being performed across the country. They bring a wealth of creative talent and experience to the project, with Joe having more than one million published images over a career of forty years, and Peter composing a catalog of orchestral works which have received nearly one thousand live orchestral performances, and contributing orchestrations to many high-profile film projects. Local 47 talked with Peter and Joe to learn more about American Mosaic.

The 103^rd AFM Convention was held in Ottawa, Canada in June, and your representative Delegates who attended were myself, Secretary/Treasurer Gail Kruvand along with Local 47 Executive Board Officers Meredith Snow and Allison Allport. Vice President Acosta attended as an AFM International Executive Officer.

No musician should ever have to choose between pursuing their art and protecting their health. Yet rising healthcare costs, coupled with the reduction of Affordable Care Act subsidies, are creating unprecedented sticker shock for working Californians. Too many musicians are finding themselves forced to drop their health coverage simply because they can no longer afford it.

The AFM Convention provided an excellent opportunity for making new friends and strengthening relationships with various locals throughout the United States and Canada. Although the Local 47 delegation was seated with the Western Region group, our specific committee roles enabled us to share ideas and experience with colleagues from across the entire AFM.

AFM Local 47 delegate Meredith Snow and RMA delegate Diana Wade provide their reports below on the AFM International’s 103rd Convention.

Musicians shares their memories of Bill Peterson.

Russ Wapensky

“Bill Peterson enjoyed life. And life enjoyed having him around for 94 years. Whether it was as a musician, writer, union president, scuba diver, or occasional movie actor, he mastered those skills with enthusiasm and excellence.

Musicians share their memories of Local 47’s Harold Wheeler.

Jennifer Hall

“Harold was truly a wonderful musician and band leader for Dancing with the Stars from 2006-2014. What I loved most about Harold was that he was still ‘one of the guys in the band’ and always had amazing stories about his experiences in music and life. Harold was kind and generous and I feel very blessed and grateful to have been playing baritone saxophone in the band all of those years under his stellar musicianship and guidance. Rest in peace, dear Harold.”

AFM Local 47 Member Spotlight

AFM Local 47 member Tatiana Tate is an acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and bandleader based in Los Angeles. She is known for blending jazz tradition with modern soul, funk and R&B. Tatiana has performed for audiences worldwide, sharing the stage with legends like Stevie Wonder and Macklemore, and captivating millions in NPR’s Tiny Desk series. She has appeared in ESPN’s Super Bowl commercials and is the founder of the Melanin Horns, an acclaimed brass collective. She will be releasing her first project this year entitled “Betty Hubbard,” a jazz take on west coast G Funk. Imagine Snoop Dogg meets Miles Davis.  

Tatiana talked with Local 47 about her journey as a trumpeter in Los Angeles.

Every three years the American Federation of Musicians convenes to hold elections of officers, enact legislation and create policy for our entire union. This June 19th the 103rd AFM Convention will meet in Ottawa, Canada. I will be leading our Local 47 delegation, along with Secretary/Treasurer and Delegate Gail Kruvand, Delegates Meredith Snow and Allison Allport, and, serving as an International Executive Board Officer, Vice President John Acosta. Diana Wade will be participating as a Delegate from the Recording Musicians Association, alongside the delegates from all of the AFM Player Conferences.