Category Archives: All News

Remembering David Axelrod

Photo by B Plus, courtesy of Dana Axelrod

On Feb. 5, 2017, composer, arranger and producer David Axelrod, whose work has been sampled by several of the biggest names in hip hop, passed away at the age of 83. 

This interview with Linda A. Rapka was originally published in the May 2011 issue of the AFM Local 47 Overture newspaper.

A golden producer in the heyday of Capitol Records, David Axelrod lent his magic to hit jazz, funk and soul records of the 1960s and ’70s. He churned out a succession of gold records and top singles with artists including Lou Rawls, Cannonball Adderley and the Electric Prunes, and his signature sound is a sampling favorite of today’s hip hop artists. His keen eye for spotting unlikely successes garnered him a lasting imprint on some of the most eccentric albums of the era. Sailor-mouthed and charmingly surly, Axelrod minces no words about his improbable highs and cavernous lows during six decades in the industry. Continue reading →

February 2017 Overture Online: Black History Month

Black History Month

How the roots of our past continue to shape us today

Women’s Marches Celebrate Diversity
Millions around the world join in solidarity at Presidential Inauguration rallies around the world

BlackMusic, BlackWork – Opens February 23
New historical exhibition explores the legacy of the Black Los Angeles musicians union Local 767

Los Angeles Honors the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King
Thousands turn out for annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast and Kingdom Day Parade

Jazz Goes to School
LAUSD students learn about the roots of America’s original art form throughout Black History Month

and more!

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Los Angeles Musicians Union Speaks Out Against Executive Order on Immigration

* Update 2/9/2017:  9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rules against Trump and travel ban will not go into effect *

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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LOS ANGELES, CA (January 31, 2017) — The American Federation of Musicians Local 47 Executive Board released the following statement on the recent Executive Order on Immigration:

“The American Federation of Musicians Local 47 condemns the ban on immigration and entry to the United States by people from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

“Closing our borders to people because of the religion they practice is wrong. It violates our country’s founding principles and it sends a disturbing message to extremists at home and abroad.

“As artists we often find ourselves on the front lines in defense of diversity. Our music can be heard throughout movements for civil rights and social justice. Today we stand together with our brothers and sisters of all faiths to affirm our universal right to free thought and free speech.

“We reject all forms of religious discrimination. We stand in opposition to the Muslim ban and we won’t be silent about it.” Continue reading →

Final Note: Andreas ‘Andy’ Kostelas


11/10/1924 – 1/20/2017
Life Member. Saxophone/Flute/Clarinet

Andreas “Andy” Kostelas was born on November 10, 1924 to immigrant Greek parents, George and Mary. Andy grew up with two siblings in Sedalia, Missouri where he began his study of the clarinet as a student He began his professional career at age 16 where he performed at several local watering holes and dance establishments. Continue reading →

Musicians, labor unite at Women’s March Los Angeles

View our photo gallery and videos

Musicians marched alongside hundreds of thousands of fellow union members, community activists, and supporters in the Women’s March Los Angeles Saturday, January 21, 2017.

The Los Angeles demonstration — one of dozens of sister events throughout the nation and around the world held in tandem with the Women’s March on Washington, D.C. — centered around support not only for women’s rights, but for civil liberties, worker rights, healthcare, human dignity, and free speech. Event organizers stressed that the marches were not just for women or women’s issues but about issues with direct impacts on all citizens, and to show solidarity with those most at-risk under the current administration.

“I couldn’t not be here today,” said Dale Breidenthal, second violinist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. “We need to stand up for common decency for all humans.”

Led by a three-piece drumline, dozens of members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 47 marched alongside thousands of peaceful demonstrators from Pershing Square to City Hall. Musicians were joined by fellow union members and allies from the Writer’s Guild Association West, California Faculty Association from Long Beach State, Art Directors Guild I.A.T.S.E. 800, Campaign for Healthy California, Jewish Labor Committee Western Region and others.

Continue reading →