
Category Archives: All News
Inaugural Meeting & Musicians’ Club Annual Meeting: January 12, 2026
Open to all members in good standing
In-Person Location: AFM Local 47, 3220 Winona Ave. Burbank CA 91504
Virtual Location: Zoom
On the Agenda (subject to change):
– Approval of Minutes
– Outgoing Officer Reports
– Installation of New Officers
– Unfinished and New Business
– Presentation of 50-Year Pins
Musicians’ Club of Los Angeles Annual Meeting to immediately follow Inaugural Meeting
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Palm Springs Symphony Signs First-Time CBA With AFM Local 47
Just days before the first concert of their inaugural season, the Palm Springs Symphony signed its first collective bargaining agreement with AFM Local 47, which saw 42 musicians performing on the stage of the newly refurbished Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs on December 7, 2025.
“Thanks to all the members who stepped up, asked the employer for a contract, and worked closely with the Local to bring this contract to fruition,” said AFM Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe. “We were able to reach an agreement less than 72 hours before the first rehearsal. The entire process was a great reminder of what we can accomplish when we all work together.”
Great News for L.A. Renters: LARSO Caps Pass!
In November 2025, the Los Angeles City Council approved an update to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, using a new formula that will set allowable increases for roughly 650,000 units at 4% and remove additional charges for electricity and gas — the most substantive changes to the policy in more than four decades. Continue reading
Final Note: Serena Kay Williams
Life Member & AFM Local 47 Secretary/Treasurer Emeritus. String Bass
4/9/1921 – 10/4/2025
by Bonnie Janofsky
We lost Serena Kay Williams at 104 years young after an amazing career as a vocalist and bassist and decades of loyal service to AFM Local 47 and the labor community at large. Continue reading
AFM Local 47 2025 Election Results
Congratulations to all candidates, and thank you to all members who voted, in our 2025 General Election.
TRUSTEE (3 elected)
Alex Iles – 173
Phil O’Connor – 163
Bonnie Janofsky – 155
Steve Dress – 141
DELEGATE TO THE AFM CONVENTION (3 elected)
Allison Allport – 160
Phil O’Connor – 159
Meredith Snow – 153
Bonnie Janofsky – 140
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In Memoriam: Phil Upchurch
Funeral Services for Phil Upchurch:
Thursday, December 11, 2025, 11 a.m.
Faith Dome at Crenshaw Christian Center
7901 S. Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90044
Phone: (323) 758‑3777
crenshawchristiancenter.net
Biography: philupchurch.com/bio.htm
Statement From AFM Local 47 Regarding YOLA
We are extremely pleased to announce that the teaching artists at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) at Torres and YOLA at Inglewood are now represented by the American Federation of Musicians Local 47.
We thank the leadership of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association for their continued support of high-quality music for the students, parents, and teaching artists of the East Los Angeles and Inglewood communities.
“There is no way to overestimate the value of music education to a child, to a society, and to a culture,” said AFM Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe. “As a former music educator, I am so happy to support these teaching artists.”
Membership Dues Increase for 2026
As approved by the membership at our July 2025 General Membership Meeting, membership dues will increase in the New Year:
Regular Member Annual Dues
$220 due January 1
Regular Member Semi-Annual Dues
$115 due January 1 & July 1
Life Member Annual Dues
$115 due January 1
Inactive Life Member Annual Dues
$95 due January 1
Note: Reinstatement fees for suspensions and expulsions have been reduced to $25, down from $75.
2025 Holiday Toy Drive
‘Tis the Season: Spread Joy With a Toy!
The holidays are approaching rapidly, and thousands of families will have to decide whether to buy food, pay rent, or keep the heat on in their homes during the winter nights. Without our help, many of our union sisters, brothers and siblings will be unable to afford holiday presents for their children. Continue reading
