Category Archives: All News

By the Artists, For the Artists

ProMusicDB calls for first-ever artist-controlled database for music credits

In the digital age, controlling one’s music credits, identity and legacy is more challenging than ever before. Many organizations have tried—and failed—to serve as a central online music credits resource.

Why have none of these organizations succeeded? For starters, none are willing to put the control of credits in the hands of the artists themselves. It’s only fitting, then, that an artist would develop the most promising solution to date: ProMusicDB.org. Continue reading →

Final Note: John Caper

Life Member. Trumpet
(2/6/1933 – 9/8/2016)

John Caper Jr., longtime Local 47 member, retired, passed away Sept. 8, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Pamela, his son John Caper III, daughter-in-law Iris Caper, daughter Cathi Wolf, son-in-law Rick Wolf, and grandchildren Courtney Omahen, Scott Wolf, Terry Wolf, Christine Caper, Catherine Caper, and stepdaughter Angelique Lionheart and grandson Joaquin Taylor.

‘Yo, Cip’ – Gene Cipriano documentary film

Yo Cip is a feature film dedicated to telling the story of one of the longest working session musician around today. This is a tale of an amazing yet unsung career in session music from Sinatra to the Academy Awards. Continue reading →

AFM musicians support SAG-AFTRA videogame strikers

“Hey hey, shut it down, L.A. is a union town!” supporters chanted at today’s SAG-AFTRA rally against video-game makers. American Federation of Musicians members pictured here with SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris.

AFM members joined more than 300 on a picket line in Playa Vista today in support of SAG-AFTRA interactive video game voice actors who have been on strike since Oct. 21. Continue reading →

ProMusicDB: Open Enrollment ends Nov. 30, 2016

ProMusicDB: The Professional Music Credits Database

Open Enrollment ends Nov. 30, 2016

Musicians! Manage everything in your digital life in one place online – get credit, manage your archive, and save your legacy today!

Membership is tax-deductible.

Watch the informational webinar & learn more @ afm47.org/promusicdb

Final Note: Franchot Martin Blake

Life Member. Drum Set
1/23/1935 – 7/3/2016

by Ron Blake, son

Originally from Chicago, he moved out to L.A. to pursue his dream of being a
musician in the ’60s.

A drummer, and a lifelong member of the Local 47, he has played and recorded with numerous artists including Dave Brubeck.

His passion for music permeated everyone he knew including his children.
He is survived by his seven children and two sisters.

ProMusicDB.org Gains Momentum with Enrollment of Founding Artist Members

Enrollment for ProMusicDB.org is off to a strong start, with numerous accomplished musicians, songwriters, singers and producers signing on as Founding Artist Members. As the first artist-controlled authority of music credits, ProMusicDB.org enables artists to take control of their credits, identity, metadata and digital legacy.

“We are thrilled at receiving such an enthusiastic response to the launch of our organization’s digital platform and are honored to include some highly respected music industry professionals as our Founding Artist Members,” says Christy Crowl, Founder and CEO of ProMusicDB.org. “Our Founding Artist Members have already done the hard work—creating the art. Now they can protect and preserve their works by their own means and control, and their metadata can be stored centrally and repurposed across industry platforms as they so desire.” Continue reading →

68th Emmy Awards

Congratulations to all of the Los Angeles Local 47 & AFM members who received 2016 Annual Emmy Awards nominations and awards, and to all of the talented L.A. musicians who performed on over FIFTY of this year’s nominated series, commercials & TV specials! Winners were announced Sunday, Sept. 18. Continue reading →

October 2016 Overture Online: 25 Years With the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra

Overture Online
October 2016

Bowled Over
Celebrating 25 Years With the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra

Local 47 2016 Election Update
All candidates unopposed, elected by acclamation

Made In Hollywood Honors for TV
LA City Council celebrates this year’s Emmy-nominated homegrown productions

#ListenLA spotlight: Remembering Gene Wilder
Hollywood mourns a silver screen legend

Don’t Get Penalized!
File for your LA Business Tax Exemption

Why Should You File For Unemployment?
What musicians need to know about the California EDD

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. Continue reading →

Orchestra Novo Honors Violinist Kathleen Lenski With Scholarship Fund

kathie Orchestra Novo has created a scholarship fund to honor acclaimed violinist, former Local 47 Life Member Kathleen Lenski. Fifty individuals contributed a total of $7,100 for students attending the Orchestra Novo Summer String Music Academy.

Twenty-three students from across the country attended the Academy, an immersive summer camp for committed music study. It took place at Camp Arroyo Grande July 17-24 and included string orchestra rehearsals, chamber groups, sectionals, individual coaching, as well as social activities, games, and swimming. In total, Orchestra Novo distributed $12,750 in scholarship funds to students attending the camp. Continue reading →