Free Income Tax Preparation and Family Resource Fair

Thousands of dollars could be yours this tax season thanks to the state and federal earned income tax credit. The Board of Equalization and Chairman Jerome E. Horton will host Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) events where low-to-moderate income families will be eligible to file their taxes for free.

Local 47 is a proud partner in the VITA program and encourages all members to learn more about this important assistance resource.
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Final Note: Ray Colcord

Ray ColcordLife Member. Piano
(12/24/1949 – 2/5/2016)

By Dan Foliart

It is with deep sadness that I report the passing of my dear friend, Ray Colcord.

To say that Ray was courageous, would be a gross understatement, as his valiant battle with pancreatic cancer over four years, not only defied all odds, it redefined to all who knew him what the words courage and determination truly mean. During most of those four years we were running companions, with Ray, even in his weakened condition, always the winner as he truly is today. Participating in several LA marathons was always one of his most prized accomplishments. Continue reading

John Williams Receives Lifetime Contribution to Hollywood Award

Renowned composer, Local 47 member John Williams was honored at the 2016 Made in Hollywood Honors event for his works including the locally scored "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." (Photo by Linda A. Rapka/AFM Local 47)

Renowned composer, Local 47 member John Williams was honored at the 2016 Made in Hollywood Honors event for his works including the locally scored “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” (Photo by Linda A. Rapka/AFM Local 47)

Made In Hollywood Honors event honors renowned composer for works including L.A.-scored ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’

Story & photos by Linda A. Rapka/AFM Local 47

Entertainment industry VIPs, local union officials and political leaders celebrated this year’s Oscar-nominated films made here in California at the Made In Hollywood Honors Oscar event Feb. 4, 2016. Continue reading

Members vote YES in the ‘Time Is Now’ Referendum – President’s Report (Feb 2016)

John Acosta

Local 47 President John Acosta wrote the following “Time Is Now” referendum update in his February Overture Online column:

“I am happy to report that our referendum has qualified with over 3,200 Ballots cast! Not only did the referendum qualify, 80% of those ballots cast said ‘yes,’ in an overwhelming majority vote in favor of selling and relocating. What an exciting time for our Union! Continue reading

February 2016 Overture Online: Black History Month

Overture Online
February 2016

Cover Story:
Black History Month


Remembering Our Union’s Path to Integration



Also in this issue:

Members Vote YES!
Membership approves the sale of the Vine Street headquarters property; AFM Local 47 looks toward a bright future

Jazz Goes to School During Black History Month
LA Jazz Society and Local 47 musicians bring America’s music to elementary schoolchildren

LA Labor Celebrates the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Local 47 joins labor leaders from throughout the Southland at annual breakfast

Free Income Tax Preparation and Family Resource Fair
Brought to you by the Board of Equalization

and more!

The Overture Online app is available FREE in the 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.

15.5 Million Tune in to ‘Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors’

Composers Mark Leggett (left) and Velton Ray Bunch (right) with Dolly Parton. Photo by Crystal Mangano

Dolly Parton’s childhood came to life on NBC this past December, drawing the biggest viewing audience for an original television movie since 2011. “Coat of Many Colors,” watched by 15.5 million viewers, is based on Parton’s early years growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Continue reading

Election Board declares referendum passes

A Message from AFM Local 47
Dear Members,

The Election Board declares that the majority of members voted “Yes” in favor of the question:

“Shall the officers of the Musicians’ Club of Los Angeles (the “Club”) be authorized to sell the Club’s real property – located at 817 Vine Street, Hollywood CA 90038 – for not less than Twenty Two Million Dollars ($22,000,000.00) to the successful highest bidder?”

Yes: 2,581

No: 669

The “Yes” votes received exceeds the 50%-plus-1 requirement for the sale to be approved. The Titled Officers, Executive Board and Building Committee will keep the membership informed and report on next steps for the process of selling the Vine Street property and moving headquarters.

Thank you to all who participated and voted in this referendum.

– Local 47 Election Board

AFM Local 47 / Musicians’ Club of Los Angeles
817 Vine Street
Hollywood, CA 90038
323.462.2161
www.afm47.org

15.5 Million Tune in to ‘Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors’

Composers Mark Leggett (left) and Velton Ray Bunch (right) with Dolly Parton. Photo by Crystal Mangano

Composers Mark Leggett (left) and Velton Ray Bunch (right) with Dolly Parton. Photo by Crystal Mangano

Dolly Parton’s childhood came to life on NBC this past December, drawing the biggest viewing audience for an original television movie since 2011.  “Coat of Many Colors,” watched by 15.5 million viewers, is based on Parton’s early years growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Continue reading

Thank You, El Portal Theatre!

El Portal plaque

To thank our area theaters that regularly employ AFM Local 47 musicians, the union has been presenting plaques to these venues – many of which have had collective bargaining agreements for several decades.

Our most recent plaque was presented to the El Portal Theatre on Dec, 22, 2015. Pictured above from left: Live Performance Business Rep Michael Ankney; President John Acosta; Jay Irwin, Manager, El Portal Theatre; and Secretary/Treasurer Gary Lasley.

You can see photos of past presentations here.

Bringing It All Back Home – Life Member Pat Longo returns to his roots

Pat LongoAfter more than 50 years in Los Angeles, big band musician Pat Longo has returned to his roots and moved back to his hometown of Lodi, New Jersey.

As Pat likes to say, “the Longo Train has made many stops.” He has performed at The Vintage Club, The Academy Awards Governors Ball, New Years Eve Gala at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion… along with famed conductor Zubin Mehta and the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra, Caesar’s Palace and The Golden Nugget. He has entertained and worked side by side with such stars as Seth MacFarlane, Adam Levine and Jimmy Kimmel. Continue reading