802 NOTES: the electronic newsletter of Local 802

This edition: Jan. 20, 2014

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SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY, FEB. 21 AT 7:30 P.M.

NEW YORK CITY OPERA ORCHESTRA AND STARS CELEBRATE 70 YEARS OF THE PEOPLE'S OPERA!

New York City Opera Orchestra and Stars to Present
a Historic Performance at New York City Center

Friday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Concert to Celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the "People's Opera"

Performers include Lauren Flanigan, Joélle Harvey, Jennifer Rivera, Ryan MacPherson, Mark Delavan, and Sidney Outlaw

Proceeds to benefit the Local 802 Musicians' Emergency Relief Fund

Ticket prices start $25; click here* to buy your ticket now!
(*Or click here on your mobile device)

Seventy years ago, on Feb. 21, 1944, New York City Opera showcased Giacomo Puccini's "Tosca" at the historic City Center. The beloved company went on to launch the careers of many of the opera world's most accomplished singers, including Beverly Sills, Placido Domingo, Sherrill Milnes, Maralin Niska, Shirley Verrett, Tatiana Troyanos, Jerry Hadley, Catherine Malfitano and Samuel Ramey, to name just a few. New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia called it the "People's Opera" in recognition of the company's mission to make opera accessible to a wide audience at a reasonable cost.

Now, the New York City Opera Orchestra presents "New York City Opera Orchestra and Stars Celebrate 70 Years of the People's Opera," happening Friday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m., at the site of the company's historic first performance, will feature performances by singers Lauren Flanigan, Joélle Harvey, Jennifer Rivera, Ryan MacPherson, Mark Delavan, and Sidney Outlaw, as well as the full 60-piece New York City Opera Orchestra, conducted by former music director George Manahan. The concert will feature selections from "The Ballad of Baby Doe," "Candide," "Carmen," "L'etoile," "Giulio Cesare," "Malcolm X," "Martha" and "Die tote Stadt."

"I -- and surely thousands of other New York City Opera fans and artists -- am deeply grateful to the New York City Opera Orchestra and the Local 802 Musicians' Emergency Relief Fund for creating this golden opportunity to celebrate the 70th anniversary of a pioneering American opera company that forever changed the face of opera in America. This company's great legacy will long live on in the artists, repertoire and spirit it engendered, which now extends across the world," said the performance's director of artists and repertoire, Cori Ellison, "For the occasion, we have chosen a program of beloved works important in New York City Opera's history, which will be sung by some of the company's favorite recent artists."

"Being called 'the thinking man's diva' as a result of a lifetime's work at New York City Opera has been thrilling," said NYCO soprano Lauren Flanigan. "Honoring its legacy of great music-making, daring productions, unending commitment to American Opera and the musicians who made that possible is what musical dreams are made of. I am very happy to be a part of this incredibly special event. Happy 70th, NYCO!"

All proceeds will be donated to the Local 802 Musicians' Emergency Relief Fund (ERF), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides aid to musicians in dire need. The fund, which was established by Local 802 under president Max Arons in 1967, has helped thousands of performers through emergency grant assistance. Through its resources, musicians in distress have access to a full-time New York State licensed social worker who can provide counseling and intervention relating to serious issues including the threat of homelessness, alcoholism, addiction, family and relationship crises. Musicians are also able to apply for help through the fund in meeting financial needs during times of catastrophic illness and other financial hardships. ERF board members include legendary artists Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Pete Seeger and Roseanne Cash.

"The mission of the 'People's Opera' has always been an altruistic one-to share the power of outstanding opera with those who cannot otherwise afford it. And the mission of the Local 802 Musicians' Emergency Relief Fund is to help those musicians who cannot afford necessary services in times of crisis. With this concert, as we gather to celebrate the history and legacy of the New York City Opera, it's fitting that we will also be helping musicians in need," said Tino Gagliardi, president of Local 802, which manages the Local 802 Musicians' Emergency Relief Fund.

New York City Opera Musicians and Stars Celebrate 70 Years
of the People's Opera
will take place on Friday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m.,
at New York City Center, 131 West 55th Street

Ticket pricing from $25 to $250
To purchase tickets online, click here*.
(*Or click here on your mobile device.)

To purchase tickets by phone, call (212) 581-1212.
To purchase tickets in person, visit the box office at 131 West 55th Street.

RMA

You're invited to join the RMA-NY Chapter for a very special free panel event this Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the Local 802 club room, featuring a discussion about the contemporary recording scene and where it's going.

The panel includes Richard Alderson, Doug Katsaros, Ron Lawrence, Rob Mounsey, Marc Ribot, Marc Sazer, Michael Starobin, and will be moderated by Roger Blanc & Eric Hachikian.

Here's a great opportunity to hear from the best in the business, ask questions and offer your comments to the panelists and the audience.

Please stay for refreshments and conversation after the panel.

We hope to see you there!

The Board of Directors, RMA-NY Chapter

Roger Blanc, President

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 DENTAL CLINIC FOR MUSICIANS

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

The clinic will take place on 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 Dorothy Gibson 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.

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

MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA BACK TO WORK AFTER 16-MONTH LOCKOUT!

The musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement, effective Feb. 1, that brings the lockout of the musicians to a conclusion.

"The musicians are pleased that we have come to a solution with our board, and we are ready to begin the hard work that lies ahead together. We are eager to perform for our community at home in Orchestra Hall once again. We have seen firsthand the deep love for this orchestra, and we are confident that this community will, in fact, continue to support a world-class symphony orchestra," said Tim Zavadil, clarinetist and negotiator.

For more information, click here.

THE JANUARY ISSUE OF ALLEGRO IS ONLINE NOW

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

(Photo by Tom Marcello)

TAX TIPS FOR MUSIC INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS IN NEW YORK!

This free workshop is geared towards the musician or independent contractor. Participants will learn about the basics of filing taxes -- including how to maximize deductions. Everyone is welcome, from first-time tax filers to those with lots of experience. A question and answer session will follow.

Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Location will be given out once you register (which is required). Call (212) 245-7840 during normal business hours. Sponsored by MusicCares.

"ENERGIZING YOUR CAREER, VISIONING FOR SUCCESS" WITH CAREER COACH JIM ARNOFF

Get an industry insider's take on visioning the career that embraces your strengths and skills. Jim describes his workshop as working to "maximize your options, get clarity about your career direction and break through the walls that have been holding you back. Gain the tools to see possibilities beyond where you are now and strategize ways of making that dream career happen...now.

Tuesday, Feb. 4 and Tuesday, Feb. 18. Both sessions at 5:30 p.m. Location given out once your register. Sponsored by the Actors Fund. To register, you must have attended an Actors Work Program orientation session. For details on any of this, contact Patch Schwardon by clicking here.

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

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.