802 NOTES: the electronic newsletter of Local 802

This edition: March 12, 2014

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ANNOUNCING THE NEW BOOKING AGENCY!

We are very excited to announce a new company that has been launched for the purpose of booking union bands and musicians for weddings, corporate parties, bar mitzvahs and other events. The company, First Choice Musicians, features a state-of the-art web site, which presents highly polished and edited videos that showcase acts and bands in the best possible light. The idea is to show clients and bookers that First Choice Musicians' artists can bring that special element to make any occasion unforgettable. All engagements booked through First Choice Musicians will be covered by Local 802's single engagement club date collective bargaining agreement.

In order to be part of First Choice Musicians' roster, you must provide photos, bio of the act, band size, music genre(s), a sample song list and audio clips.

To HIRE live musicians, click here.

To APPLY to be a part of First Choice Musicians and get booked for gigs, click here.

FREE EXERCISE CLASSES FOR

MUSICIANS!

Announcing an exercise class for musicians offering techniques to build core strength and de-stress the body. Being physically fit is key to a long, pain-free performance career. Local 802, plus the union's Membership Assistance Program and the Actors Fund,are pleased to present a free, weekly class to help raise fitness levels and lessen the physical toll of stress on the body.

Whether you stand or sit to perform, your body takes a beating over time. Do you experience a chronically sore back, "stuck" shoulders, a stiff neck, or maybe shooting pains running down a leg? These are among the most common complaints of hard working musicians. These types of conditions tend to get worse, unless you do something. Join us to get a better body, week by week. You'll start feeling the benefits from the first class.

Certified Pilates instructor Karin Fantus has created this program to help musicians develop a more pain-free working relationship between body and instrument. Siena Shundi, social work coordinator at Local 802, will also participate. As a psychotherapist and athlete, Siena will add her unique perspective on the relationship of physical fitness to our overall well-being: mental, emotional and professional.

WHAT: An exercise class offering techniques to build core strength and de-stress the body

WHEN: Fridays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., from April 4 to May 9 (eight classes)

Location (in Midtown Manhattan) to be announced once you register. (Registration is mandatory. Class limited to 10 participants. Registration deadline is March 26. Class is free.)

To register, click here.

DO YOU KNOW
THESE NAMES?

Recently Local 802 re-acquired a plaque, originally commissioned in 1947, honoring the 41 members of the union who died in World War II. See photo above. Any member who may have information about them is asked to contact Bill Rohdin at (917) 405-5381 or by clicking here.

The 41 names listed on the plaque are: Philip Arkuss, Leslie Bartal, Donald Bernstein, Leon Breslaw, Nelson W. Bryan, Abraham Cohen, Anthony D'Amato, Nicholas de Pascale, William Ehrenkrantz, Marvin H. Frish, Vic Fuchsel, James Galvano, Jason Goldwater, Richard Gonzales, Al Gordon, Benjamin Hausman, Edward Hausner, Joseph L. Huelster, Bill Kliesrath, Stanley Krejci, Paul LeMay, Rudolf Lopez, William M. McCormick, Morris Medoff, E. Glenn Miller, Charles Murray, Otto W. Myslik, Roy W. Newman, John Nieto, George Nordgaard, Norman J. Pearl, Norman H. Peisner, Maurice Sadagursky, Regino Sierra, Herman Simon, Lewis J. Smith, Larry Sochovit, Raymond B. Townsley, John Varriano, Max W. Wannowsky and Drew Widener.

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.

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

The Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire in 1911 was one of the worst tragedies in American labor history. One hundred and forty-six workers -- mainly immigrant women and girls -- lost their lives. The deaths were due to the owners' standard practice of keeping most doors locked every day to control the workplace and supposedly prevent theft. This year's commemoration takes place on Tuesday, March 25 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the site of the original Triangle Shirtwaist building:the corner of Washington Place and Greene Street. For more information, click here.

This is a graphic of the symbol for health care

MUSICIANS: GET HEALTH INSURANCE UNDER OBAMACARE?

Read the story in the March 2014 issue of Allegro! Click here.

$30K SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE FOR LABOR STUDIES

The Murphy Institute has launched a new scholarship in labor studies. The scholarship is substantial: up to $30,000 for graduate students and up to $20,000 for undergraduates. Apply now! For more information, click here.

THE MARCH ISSUE OF ALLEGRO IS ONLINE NOW

TAX TIPS FOR MUSICIANS
How do you "depreciate" your instrument to reduce your taxable income? Click 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

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.