Category Archives: All News

Handy Blue Shield Application for Your Phone

Professional Musicians, Local 47 and Employers’ Health & Welfare Fund

In today’s on-the-go-wireless world, many of us rely on phone apps for almost every daily need. Well, it was only a matter of time before health insurers would get into app development and releases. For Blue Shield, that time has arrived and if you are a Fund participant who has enrolled for the Blue Shield coverage, you can download the Blue Shield Mobile App for your smart phone (assuming, of course, your phone is compatible with the app). As they say: “There’s an app for that!” Continue reading →

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Tickets on sale now for BlackMusic, BlackWork exhibit opening Feb 23

(pdf flyer)

Join us Feb 23 for the BlackMusic, BlackWork historical Black musicians union 767 exhibit opening

On the evening of February 23, please join us for the launch of BlackMusic, BlackWork, a historical exhibition that explores the unsung bravery and artistry of Black working musicians of Central Avenue in Los Angeles whose work transformed L.A.’s music industry forever.

Developed by AFM Local 47, Los Angeles Black Worker Center, and UCLA Labor Center and History Department, the exhibition opening event takes place at the new California Jazz and Blues Museum, opened by acclaimed jazz vocalist Barbara Morrison. Continue reading →

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President’s Day – Local 47 Political Town Hall Meeting

(pdf flyer)

RSVP: organizing@promusic47.org, 323.993.3143

Sign up to be a Local 47 Activist

If you cannot attend our Town Hall, there are still ways to be involved! Sign up for our Local 47 Activists List and tell us what issues matter to you most. You will receive notifications of Local 47 actions and campaigns that protect our jobs and our livelihood.

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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 →

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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!

The Overture Online app is available FREE @ Apple App Store & Google Play:

  
Overture Online is optimized for reading via smartphone or tablet. For those without access to a smart device, this issue may be viewed on a web browser (must have flash enabled). Local 47 members may download archived pdf versions from the members section at afm47.org.

Advertise in Overture Online & Overture Magazine

Members save 10% on all display ads! Learn more @ afm47.org/advertise

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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
Download pdf

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 →

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