Tag Archives: emergency relief

Musicians Need Help NOW: Extend pandemic unemployment benefits!

SEND IN YOUR LETTER NOW

Pandemic unemployment benefits are about to expire!

The supplemental $600 unemployment benefit many musicians have relied on will end before August, reducing the max unemployment benefit in California to $450/week.

Please send a letter from your family to the U.S. Senate today. Tell them how the crisis has impacted your ability to work, and why these benefits are so important. Continue reading

Emergency Relief for musicians affected by coronavirus

The AFM Local 47 Executive Board has established an Emergency Relief Fund for members who have lost revenue due to work stoppages resulting from the coronavirus COVID-19 emergency.

The Local 47 COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund will be able to extend a limited amount of grants for members who work for employers covered by a Live Performance or Electronic Media Local 47 contract or CBA. Members in need may submit an application for up to two service sets lost, in the amount of $75 per service set, for a maximum total of $150. (The two service sets may be from the same employer or from different employers.)

A “service set” is a set of performances/rehearsals for one full run of a concert or show. For example, if a musician gets contracted to play for “The Sound of Music” on at the Pantages and is scheduled for 2 rehearsals and 3 separate performances, that counts as one “service set.” Continue reading

Emergency relief for musicians

Musicians affected by the California wildfires may apply for disaster relief through the Local 47 Relief Fund and the Music Fund of Los Angeles. Follow the links to download the applications and call 323.993.3159 to speak with Rimona Seay, who will walk you through the application process.

The Actors Fund offers assistance nationally to everyone who works in performing arts and entertainment, including actors, musicians, and many more. Visit actorsfund.org/GetHelp to apply and for referrals to area resources.

The LA County Federation of Labor, through Labor Community Services (501(c)(3) non-profit), is working to assist in relief efforts and in coordination with government and non-profit agencies. If you, or someone you know, are in need basic needs support – including housing, food, or connection to others services, please contact Margarita at Margarita@theLAFED.org. If you can contribute to the Fed’s “Disaster Relief Fund,” make checks payable to: Labor Community Services, Memo Line: Disaster Relief Fund, Address: 2130 W. James M. Wood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90006.


If you need temporary shelter, or if you have available space — be it a spare room or a couch — to offer for a musician in need, please post your information here (this service is generously provided by AFM Local 6 member Robert Ashley).

It’s important to make sure that you and your loved ones are are prepared and informed in the event of a disaster or emergency. Here are useful links to help you plan ahead or find relief.