47 Strong: Hitting the streets

From President John Acosta’s February 2018 report:

As we continue our “47 Strong” campaign, you will see an increased union presence in the workplace. From recording sessions to the theater pit, Local 47 reps are out and about connecting with our membership on the issues that are important to you.

While we tell you about the initiatives we are embarking upon – from music tax credits, to fair pay in live performances– it’s also important that we know what the union can do to help you on the job.

If you want to help us organize an event at your workplace, covering anything and everything that affects your work, please contact our Organizing Coordinator Jefferson Kemper: 323.993.3143, jefferson.kemper@afm47.org.

Are Your Union Dues Current?

In case it slipped you by, Annual and Semi-Annual Membership Dues were due January 1. You have until March 31 (within the 3-month grace period) to pay before your membership lapses into suspension.

Don’t let that happen! Avoid penalties and renew today:

Now accepting American Express!

Log in to your member account and click the “Make a Payment” tab.

You may also pay by mail by sending a check or money order in the return envelope provided in your paper renewal notice. To make a payment by phone, please call 323.993.3116.

Marl Young: The groundbreaking legacy of a civil rights leader

Rhythm Club President, Marl – pictured with Musicians’ Club Secretary Maury Paul (left), NAACP Secretary Lester Bailey (standing, center) and Rhythm Club Secretary Estelle Edson (right) – signs the final document transferring Local 767 Rhythm Club assets to the Local 47 Musicians’ Club of Los Angeles in March of 1953, marking the final step in the amalgamation of the two Locals. (Photo: AFM Local 47 Overture archives)

Throughout his esteemed career, Marl Young was known for breaking ground. A civil rights leader within the American Federation of Musicians, he was instrumental in the historic merger of the former all-black Local 767 and all-white Local 47 in the 1950s, which set the precedent for desegregation within the entire musicians union of the United States and Canada. In 1970 he became the first black music director of a major network television series, “Here’s Lucy.” Young served as a longtime director of the Los Angeles musicians union and remained an activist until his retirement in January 2009. He died on April 29, 2009, at age 92. Continue reading →

February 2018 Overture Online: Jazz in Schools Turns 30

Overture Online
FEBRUARY 2018

Jazz in Schools Turns 30
Black History Month program enters third decade of enriching lives through music

#listenLA: Awards Season 2018
Los Angeles musicians win big in the 60th annual Grammy Awards; Oscar noms are in!

Black History Month
Exploring the vital role of music in black history

California Jazz Foundation to Honor Local Jazz Heroes
Save the date to celebrate two of our own: Dr. Bobby Rodriguez and the late Buddy Collette

and more!

FREE DOWNLOAD:
  

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. Local 47 members may download archived pdf versions from the members section at afm47.org.

Bruno Mars wins big at 60th annual GRAMMYs

The 60th annual GRAMMYs are a wrap — and what a night it was for Los Angeles musicians!

Bruno Mars swept the 60th annual GRAMMYs, taking home awards in all categories nominated including the night’s biggest wins: Record of the Year and Album of the Year (“24K Magic”), and Song of the Year (“That’s What I Like”). The Los Angeles AFM Local 47 artist also won in the categories of Best R&B Album, Song and Performance. Continue reading →

Congratulations 60th annual Grammy nominees!

Music’s Biggest Night happens this Sunday, Jan. 28, when music fans around the globe will celebrate the best in music during the 60th annual Grammy Awards.

Los Angeles AFM Local 47 members worked on some of the top hits of 2017, including Best Record of the Year and Best Album of the Year contenders Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars. Continue reading →