802 NOTES: the electronic newsletter of Local 802

This edition: Jan. 8, 2014

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BROADWAY MUSICIANS

Do you see your photo and bio on our new web site...?

The Local 802 Theatre Committee announces a beautiful new web site to let the public know more about the outstanding talents of Broadway musicians. But not all Broadway shows are represented yet -- simply because we're missing some of your info! To get your show represented on our new site, please click here to read the story, as printed in the January 2014 issue of our union magazine Allegro.

FREE HEARING SCREENINGS FOR MUSICIANS

Announcing free hearing screenings for eligible music professionals. Pre-screened and pre-approved individuals will receive an individualized hearing screening to diagnose potential problems and learn practical tips for hearing protection.

The clinic will take place on Friday, Jan. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Local 802.

All appointments must be scheduled in advance. To qualify, participants must document at least five years of professional music career history.

To make an appointment or for more information, please call MusiCares at (877) 303-6962.

For more information, click here.

FREE DENTAL CLINICS FOR MUSICIANS

Announcing two free dental clinics for eligible music professionals. Eligible patients will receive a complete dental exam, bitewing X-rays and a dental cleaning, all free of charge.

The clinics will take place on Friday, Jan. 17 and Friday, Feb. 7, from 9:30 to 4:30, at Local 802.

All appointments must be scheduled in advance. To qualify, participants must document at least five years of professional music career history

To make an appointment or for more information, please call MusiCares at (877) 303-6962.

This clinic is sponsored by MusiCares, Local 802, and Smiles Programs: the Mobile Dentists.

For more information, click here.

FREE PILATES CLASSES FOR MUSICIANS

Local 802 is pleased to offer free Pilates classes for musicians on four Fridays this winter: Jan. 10, Jan. 24,
Jan. 31 and Feb. 14. Each session takes place from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Location to be announced. Registration is required. To register, send an e-mail to Siena Shundi by clicking here.

BEING PAID TO MAKE MUSIC: A FREE WORKSHOP

* Have you ever wondered which is better: to be paid "off the books" -- or instead to have taxes deducted from your paycheck?

* Have you ever filed for unemployment or workers' comp and your claim was denied because you were deemed an independent contractor? How does "employee" vs. "independent contractor" classification work? How do you assert your rights to be classified as an employee?

* Have you ever applied for benefits or housing and were turned down because you couldn't document your earnings?

* Have you ever had to create a contract for a gig, but didn't know where to turn for help?

Learn the answers to these questions and much more, and find out how Local 802 is addressing the needs of all musicians.

The workshop will run from 11 to 3 on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, and is open to all musicians -- both members and non-members of Local 802. Location announced once you register.

For more information, e-mail Siena Shundi by clicking here. If you are a Local 802 member, please include your membership number.

BECOME A TEACHER!

TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS PROGRAM, YOU MUST ACT NOW. Do you want to use your music to enrich the lives of public school children -- while getting paid? The Actors Fund has come up with a very creative way for musicians and other artists to do part-time teaching gigs in the New York City public schools. It's not without some fine print, but it just might turn out to be a positive experience for you and a way to increase your income. Want to know more? Click here.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL PROJECT THAT NEEDS FUNDING?

Local 802's Coordinating Advisory Committee is a unique union body because it places a cash fund -- called the Special Projects and Services Fund -- of approximately $30,000 per year in the hands of union members to disburse according to specific guidelines, including creating new work opportunities for members. Click here for more details on the CAC and how to apply for funding.

TONIGHT ONLY! WEDNESDAY, JAN. 8!

Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here.

Hearing services for musicians: www.EastSideHearing.com

Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here.

Musicians: do you have a legal concern? Click the link below to reach Local 802's lawyer Harvey S. Mars:

Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here.

To respond to this newsletter directly or to give any comments, click here

To reach Local 802 by phone, call (212) 245-4802. For more information on our services and departments, see www.Local802afm.org

Paid ads in 802 NOTES support your union and keep your costs down. You can advertise here and reach thousands of your peers. E-mail Allegro@Local802afm.org for more information.

Local 802 AFM

322 West 48th St
New York, NY 10036
(212) 245-4802

Mikael Elsila is the editor of Allegro magazine and the 802 NOTES electronic newsletter. He can be reached at: Allegro@Local802afm.org

THE JANUARY ISSUE OF ALLEGRO IS ONLINE NOW

Don't miss our exclusive interview with Clark Terry! Click HERE.

(Photo by Tom Marcello)

DO YOU CONTRACT MUSICIANS? IF SO, YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT LOCAL 802'S BRAND-NEW...

CONTRACTOR'S CHECKLIST

Click here to read it now.

CLICK HERE
IF YOU WANT TO HELP KEEP THE UNION STRONG

THIS WEEK ONLY: SPECIAL JAZZ CONFERENCE
JAN. 9 & 10 IN NYC

We are pleased to announce a discount offer for members of Local 802 to attend the Jazz Connect Conference, a 2-day conference in NYC this THURSDAY, JAN. 9 and FRIDAY, JAN. 10, organized by JazzTimes magazine and the Jazz Forward Coalition. The Jazz Connect Conference features a series of panel discussions and workshops, and this year's topics include "Navigating Social Media"; "The Role of Education in Presenting Jazz"; "The New Paradigm for Record Labels"; "Cutting Through the Clutter"; "Radio Airplay & Promotion 101"; "Jazz Grantmaking"; "Expanding the Language of Jazz"; "Getting to the Gatekeepers in the Jazz Media" and "Give to Get: Growing Your Fan Base with Online Content."

The organizers are offering a 25% discount on pre-registration for members of Local 802. To take advantage of the discount, you just need to use the promo code "AFM2014" when registering at www.jazz-connect.com.

For more information, contact Shane Gasteyer (212) 245-4802, ext. 143 or click here.

DO YOU USE LS-1 CONTRACTS?

LS-1 contracts for health benefits are due no later than Feb. 15, 2014 for engagements performed from last July 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2013. Anyone submitting an LS-1 must contact Bettina Covo at Local 802 before the due date to be sure your submission is complete. Call (212) 245-4802, ext. 152 or click here to send an e-mail.

IMPORTANT: If you have not used an LS-1 in the past 12 months, there may be changes that you are not aware of that could affect whether or not the LS-1 is appropriate for certain situations. Please note: There are no changes if you teach or perform as a self contained act (i.e. a pianist, harpist, guitarist, organist performing alone).

THE UNFAIR LIST: DO NOT PERFORM FOR THESE EMPLOYERS!

The current AFM UNFAIR LIST can be found here. AFM musicians are prohibited from working for these employers.

MONEY FOR GIGS? YES!

Are you a member of Local 802 who is planning a free public concert? Have you budgeted all the costs for this concert but could use the help of a grant? The Music Performance Trust Fund is here to help. Currently the MPTF is offering 30 percent of total costs to musicians performing single engagement concerts under the public service scales and rules of the MPTF. The application process has been simplified and funds are available to members of Local 802. MPTF rules apply and all applications must be completed and submitted 45 days in advance of a concert date. Applications are subject to approval. For more information and to apply, please contact Roy Blum by clicking here, or call (212) 245-4802, ext. 150.

HOW OLD IS TOO OLD?

Have you ever lost a gig because your client or bandleader thought you were too old? What can you do about it? Click here to read the article that everyone is talking about, from the February 2013 issue of our union magazine Allegro. Let's blow the lid wide open on one of the most taboo subjects in the music industry: age discrimination. Tell us your story of age discrimination -- or give us feedback -- by sending us a confidential e-mail here .

Have you visited the Local 802 FACEBOOK PAGE yet?

If not, you've missed out on exclusive stories and announcements.

Get special tips, and network with other musicians on our Facebook page. Click here to get started.

WATCH OUT FOR AUDITIONS ON BROADWAY!

It has come to the attention of the Theatre Department that some Broadway musicians and substitute musicians are being asked to audition for theatrical productions on Broadway. Auditions are not allowed for Broadway shows without the full cooperation and notification of the Local 802 Executive Board. If you are asked to audition for any position on a Broadway show, contact the union immediately. Auditions have only been allowed in the past under very special circumstances after approval of the Local 802 Executive Board and only if the appropriate wages, including pension and health benefit contributions, are made to the musicians involved. Please let us know immediately if you are asked to audition on Broadway. Your anonymity and confidence will always be respected and ensured. Call (212) 245-4802 and ask for the president's office or the Theatre Department.

ALLEGRO

CLASSIFIEDS

Do you want to see the BEST DEALS on used instruments and other services for musicians? Click here to check out the Allegro classifieds. To purchase a classified, click here.

LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING?

Did you know that there's a housing project for musicians where the rent is only $635 a month? Click here to learn more!

If you are a Broadway musician and your show closes, can you apply for unemployment? Yes. While you are collectingunemployment, can you sub on other Broadway shows, teach lessons, and play other freelance gigs? Yes, but your unemployment check may be reduced.

What if you're a club date musician and your leader or office hasn't booked you on a wedding gig in months? Can you apply for unemployment in that case?

For the answer to that question and more information on musicians and unemployment benefits, click here to read a story written by Local 802's counsel Harvey Mars with the Workers Defense Fund.

WANT TO HELP MUSICIANS, MAKE CONNECTIONS AND HAVE FUN?

Interns at Local 802 make a tremendous impact on the lives of musicians while gaining valuable experience and connections. You or someone you know can help us make a big difference. The union is now accepting applications for interns. Spread the word and click here for more information!

NEED FINANCIAL AID?

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND?

The Emergency Relief Fund helps musicians in need. Financial assistance is provided in the form of a directed grant to the musician's creditors; for example, to a landlord, physician, etc. The eligibility requirements are:

A minimum of two years' membership in the union;
Union membership in good standing, with all dues paid;
"Dire need" as defined by the fund's trustees. This can include: threat of gas, electric or telephone cutoff; eviction; medical debts; costs incurred due to the theft of instruments; auto repairs vital to continued employment; and other emergencies.

To apply, contact the union's social worker Siena Shundi by clicking here or calling (212) 245-4802, ext. 180. Cindy can also help you apply for other financial help from sources like the Actors' Fund and other relief organizations.

Click the ad above for info.

JAZZ JAM!

There is a jazz jam on most Mondays at Local 802 (322 West 48th Street), from 7 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, call Joe Petrucelli at the Jazz Foundation of America at (212) 245-3999, ext. 10, or click here.

DO YOU HAVE MONEY WAITING FOR YOU?

Somtimes the union may have a check in your name, but no way to get it to you because your address is outdated. To see if there's money waiting for you, click here.

Paid ads in 802 NOTES support your union and keep your costs down. You can advertise here and reach thousands of your peers. For more information, click here.

Click the ad above for info.