Category Archives: Features

Member Spotlight: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers Heat Up the Charts With Two #1 Records in the Same Year

Beloved SoCal rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers were on fire in 2022! Helmed by frontman Anthony Kiedis, AFM Local 47 members Michael “Flea” Balzary (bass), Chad Smith (drums) and John Frusciante (guitar) released 12th album “Unlimited Love,” which notably marked the return of Frusciante, who left the band in 2009 and rejoined in 2019. The first single, “Black Summer,” became the Peppers’ 14th number-one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, and the album debuted at number one in 16 countries, including the United States. Continue reading →

UAW Academic Workers End Six-Week Strike

On Dec. 14, 2022, striking UAW academic workers at UCLA saw an impressive display of support at a morning rally, where LA County Federation of Labor President Yvonne Wheeler delivered words of encouragement, and union activist Tom Morello performed his signature protest songs. Continue reading →

Leading Musicians Launch Black Orchestral Network

Black members of more than 40 orchestras have launched the Black Orchestral Network (BON), a collective of Black orchestral musicians dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for Black people in the orchestral field. Continue reading →

Member Spotlight: Evan Wish Knighted for Music and Years of Humanitarian Work

Throughout his career as an accomplished composer and pianist, Canadian-born Evan Wish has traveled all over the world. But his most recent trip to Italy proved to be among the greatest highlights of his life.

In October 2021, Wish was knighted by the Order of Saint George de Bourgogne in Italy for the merits in the international music category and humanitarian gifting thorough the years. Continue reading →

Oscars 2022 Orchestra Highlights Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

by Susan Chatman, AFM Local 47 Diversity Committee

Congratulations to the music production team of the 94^th Academy Awards for their hard work and superb artistry.

The music production leaders should also be applauded for their diverse representation of musicians, music styles and performances.

There were close to 120 musicians who performed at the 94^th Academy Awards. What is notable was the cultural diversity, blend of musical styles, ages and genders from all over the world. Continue reading →

Black History Month – Reflections

February is the annual celebration of the lives, work, and influence of Black Americans to U.S. history and culture. This Black History Month we celebrate Black musicians whose groundbreaking music helped change the world of music. Continue reading →

2021 Emmy Awards

Congratulations to all of our AFM Local 47 members who worked on the music for the following 2021 Emmy®-nominated projects! Continue reading →

#AFM47 Member Spotlight: Bruno Mars

Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Bruno Mars began to find success in the early 2000s by writing songs for popular artists. After several years as one of pop music’s premier songwriters, Mars broke out as a singer in his own right with the 2010 hit “Nothin’ On You.” Continue reading →

Secretary/Treasurer Emeritus Serena Kay Williams Reaches the Grand Milestone

Serena Kay Williams made history as the first woman officer of AFM Local 47 when she was elected Secretary in 1984, a position she held until her retirement in 2007. Her legacy as a trailblazing musicians advocate and union leader stands as an inspiring tale of dedication, perseverance, and strength. AFM Local 47 President Emeritus Hal Espinosa shares his congratulations to his longtime friend, colleague and mentor in honor of her 100^th birthday on April 9, 2021.

by Hal Espinosa, AFM Local 47 President Emeritus

Serena, less than 1% of all people have the privilege of earning the title “Centurion” and fortunately for us, this has been granted to such a remarkable person. A 100^th birthday is a Grand Milestone and something to be celebrated. I would like to say, “When I grow up, I want to be like you.” Some might say I’m too old to use that line, so instead, I’ll just wish you a very Happy Birthday!
Continue reading →

2021 Oscars

Congratulations 93rd Annual Academy Awards nominees! Three of the Best Original Score nominees were scored with members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 47 in Los Angeles:

“Da 5 Bloods” (Terence Blanchard)
“Mank” (Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross)
“Soul” (Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste)

Listen to our “Oscars 2021 – #AFM47” playlist here:

The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 25, televised live on ABC from 5-8 p.m. (PST).