Former Member. Keyboard
8/5/1952 – 9/5/2025
South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Stephen Charles Croes died peacefully on September 5, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV, surrounded by his loving family. Continue reading
Former Member. Keyboard
8/5/1952 – 9/5/2025
South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Stephen Charles Croes died peacefully on September 5, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV, surrounded by his loving family. Continue reading
Former Life Member. Composer
3/4/1932 – 10/7/2025
Studio City, CA resident, Ian Freebairn-Smith, best known for his Grammy-winning arrangement of Barbra Streisand and Paul Williams’ hit song “Evergreen” from “A Star is Born” (1976), passed away on October 7, 2025. He was 93 years old. Continue reading
Earlier this week, Governor Newsom and the California Film Commission announced 52 approved Feature Film projects to be eligible to receive the California Film and Television Tax Credits. Continue reading
Life Member & AFM Local 47 Secretary/Treasurer Emeritus. String Bass
4/9/1921 – 10/4/2025
by Judy Chilnick
Serena Williams — So many have expressed how much Serena inspired and supported them. She guided them through the ups and downs and the joy of our life of music. Continue reading
Across the country, federal workers are struggling to pay bills without their paychecks. On October 22, American Federation of Government Employees TSA Local 1260 hosted a press conference and food distribution at LAX demanding an end to the government shutdown, which has now dragged on for over three weeks. Continue reading
Sigur Rós with Wordless Music Orchestra
November 19, 20 & 21
Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles
PLEASE NOTE that as of this writing, there is no AFM contract to cover these engagements.
AFM Local 47 would like to thank our neighbor CenterStaging for generously donating four bass amps to our rehearsal room backline. A bass amp stack — from brands like Gallien Krueger, SWR, and TC Electronics — will now be stationed in Rooms 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.
A huge THANK YOU to CenterStaging and coordinator Ryan Smith for helping our musicians rock on!
To book a room, visit afm47.org/rehearsals.
Life Member & AFM Local 47 Secretary/Treasurer Emeritus. String Bass
4/9/1921 – 10/4/2025
by Hal Espinosa, President Emeritus
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Serena. The last time I spoke with her at 103, she never skipped a beat. She sounded like she did while we were still officers at Local 47, still sounded bright, witty and happy. She was helpful to the membership, she was honest, responsible and duty-bound to her office. While I was getting my feet wet as the new vice president, Serena took me under her wing and made sure I knew and understood my leadership role. She was the glue that kept us all going in the right direction. Serena was a sincere and beautiful Lady, and I will miss her dearly!
Photo credit: Overture archival photo – Hal Espinosa with Serena Kay Williams on the evening she received the prestigious Grande Dame Award from the Industrial Relations Research Association, September 2005.
In-Person Location: Captain Greg Welch Gathering Place, 3220 Winona Ave. Burbank CA
Virtual Location: Zoom
Open to all AFM Local 47 members in good standing.
Light refreshments will be served.
On the Agenda (subject to change):
• Approval of Minutes
• Special Election to Fill Vacancy on Salary Review Board
• Resolutions to Amend the Bylaws
• Officer Reports
• Committee Reports
• Unfinished and New Business
• Presentation of 50-Year Pins
Continue reading
In the wake of ABC’s sudden “indefinite suspension” (and later reversal) of late-night show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, which sparked outrage across the nation about threats to the First Amendment and free speech, Rep. Laura Friedman (CA-30) organized a press conference and rally September 22 near Kimmel’s taping location of the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. Continue reading