Los Angeles Honors Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

L.A. County Fed Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rusty Hicks, keynote speaker Bryan Stevenson, Senator Kamala Harris, Supervisor Hilda Solis, and SEIU 2015 President Laphonza Butler. (Photo: Monica Almeida, The Newspaper Guild)

On Saturday, January 14, 2017, nearly 1,000 community and labor leaders and elected officials gathered for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast hosted by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

Held at the Westin Bonaventure downtown, the event kicked off with an address by newly elected United States Senator Kamala Harris. Sen. Harris has not only been a champion for California’s working families, but she has been a leader in reducing recidivism and providing tools to re-enter back into civilian life. Continue reading →

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!

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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
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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 →

Final Note: Herb Mickman

Former Life Member. String Bass
3/1/1940 – 1/14/2017

By Stuart Aptekar

Herb developed a love of music throughout his life. An early friendship with Eddie Daniels continued to inspire Herb as he played bass in the Newport Youth Band and was hired in the Catskills Hotel house band with drummer Steve Schaeffer, who later joined Herb with Sarah Vaughn. By this time, Herb had concentrated his interest in jazz, having completed his first road trip to England with Peter Nero. Continue reading →

Final Note: Andreas ‘Andy’ Kostelas


11/10/1924 – 1/20/2017
Life Member. Saxophone/Flute/Clarinet

Andreas “Andy” Kostelas was born on November 10, 1924 to immigrant Greek parents, George and Mary. Andy grew up with two siblings in Sedalia, Missouri where he began his study of the clarinet as a student He began his professional career at age 16 where he performed at several local watering holes and dance establishments. Continue reading →