Category Archives: All News

Final Note: Paul Chipello

Note TreeLife Member, Piano
(1943 – 2014)

By Peter Hume

Many musicians in town worked with Paul more than I did. But the gigs we did play together were memorable for their ease and effortless musicality. Long before I met my wife (big band singer Patti Ross) she had worked on casuals with Paul for many years. He was one of her favorite accompanists. Continue reading →

Final Note: John Harry Cacavas

john cacavasLife Member, Composer/Conductor
(1930 – 2014)

By Bonnie Cacavas, wife

Editor’s Note: Local 47 was recently notified of Life Member John Cacavas’s 2014 passing. His wife Bonnie sends in this tribute to share with his friends and colleagues in the musicians union.

John Cacavas, a Greek Renaissance man, was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He died Jan. 28, 2014, at home in Beverly Hills, California. Continue reading →

Hollywood Chamber Hosts State of Entertainment Industry Conference

rickey state of music

Rickey Minor, music director of “American Idol,” pictured after his panel talk at the Hollywood Chamber State of the Entertainment Industry Conference. Photo: Linda A. Rapka

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce presented its third annual State of the Entertainment Industry Conference Nov. 21, which drew some of the top industry experts to discuss the future of Motion Picture, Television and Recording in Southern California.

Held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood & Highland, the conference was once again emceed by Vin Di Bona and presented by Variety. Now in its third year, the conference is regarded as the pre-eminent Hollywood forum that focuses on the importance of the Entertainment Industry to California and the steps that need to be taken to keep it healthy.

New California State Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León addressed the audience asking people in the Industry to “come back home!” Three panels aimed to provide a detailed look at the industry. Continue reading →

Apply for a Union Plus Scholarship

Application Deadline: Jan. 31

Today, rising education costs are making it difficult for even many union families to afford the cost of tuition. That’s one reason Union Plus, which provides important consumer benefits to union members and retirees, offers a unique scholarship program that in just over two decades has awarded over $3.5 million in education funding to more than 2,300 union members, spouses and dependent children. Continue reading →

‘Into the Woods’ Enjoys Smash Run at Annenberg

The entire cast and orchestra of “Into the Woods” on the stage of the Wallis Annenberg Center. The orchestra included AFM musicians from Oregon and Los Angeles, contracted by Dan Savant and led by Martin Majkut, who performed front and center on the stage during the entire three-hour performance. Photo: Kevin Parry

The entire cast and orchestra of “Into the Woods” on the stage of the Wallis Annenberg Center. The orchestra included AFM musicians from Oregon and Los Angeles, contracted by Dan Savant and led by Martin Majkut, who performed front and center on the stage during the entire three-hour performance. Photo: Kevin Parry

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival production of hit musical “Into the Woods” took Beverly Hills by storm during its run at the new Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

Martin Majkut conducted a small, talented orchestra contracted by Dan Savant comprising AFM members from Los Angeles and Oregon. The musicians were featured front and center on the stage during the entire three-hour performance. Continue reading →

Work Dues Delinquency and Suspension

At the May 1, 2012 Executive Board meeting, the Board passed the following motion:

1) Local 47 members whose work dues delinquency exceeds $500 shall be suspended; and

2) Non-Local 47 members whose work dues delinquency exceeds $500 shall be referred to the IEB as provided in the AFM Bylaws.

In order to reinstate membership, a $75 reinstatement fee will be assessed.