Comments from J4JA! Supporters
It is a shame that club owners would ignore the intent of the state legislature in the use of this tax relief money. It's also a shame that they and much of the public in general don't appreciate that musicians need support in their later years just like everybody else. Appreciation of their talents and contribution should include taking care of them in their declining years.
I don't think it gets any truer or plainer than what the man said: "Musicians should not have to take an oath of poverty in order to make jazz." Jazz is America's musical heritage and is a cultural treasure. Support pensions and health care for the men and women who play it and create it.
Jazz musicians are a major contributor to American culture, and they deserve appreciation. Eliminating the sales tax on jazz club admission was meant to benefit the musicians, not the clubs. Put that money in the pension fund for jazz musicians.
Over the past two years, Local 802 and the Jazz Committee has worked hard to convince New York State to eliminate the sales tax on admission to Jazz Clubs. They had succeeded with the expectation of State Legislators that the Union and the Clubs would use this tax relief money for the benefit of the performing jazz artists. Like millions of other working people, musicians need the security of a pension. I urge the New York City club owners to work with the union to put this tax relief money to the best use possible for the security of a pension.
I applaud the effort by NYC musicians and the city to free up tax relief funds to pay pension for jazz musicians. Club owners need to act responsibly and realize that paying pension on musicians is not only the right thing to do but helps perpetuate the art form which keeps them in business. I urge New York club owners to do the right thing and take pride in raising the bar for the treatment of jazz musicians everywhere. John Cusick President AFM Local 161-710 Washington, DC 20007
Musicians are workers, and they have their rights. Musicians are also part of the culture and identity of their country. They deserve this.
I have studied jazz and let me tell you, it\'s a real art form that is impossible to master without total commitment. these players spend a lifetime honing their craft that audiences get to enjoy and it\'s a crime to have no benefits at the end of their performing days. i fully support this tax money going to their pensions!
My partner is a jazz musician. People think jazz musicians can live on love and air. Please support using tax relief money to help the musicians.
How very shortsighted of these clubs! Jazz is a major part of the New York heartbeat at night. Most of these clubs will make some effort to claim they \"support\" musicians and jazz, then pull a stunt like this. Perhaps some shame will move them to reconsider their selfishness.
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For more commentary visit Justiceforjazzartists.org
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