The electronic newsletter of Local 802
April 11, 2016 | Send us comments by clicking here.

The presidential primaries are April 19 in New York. Find your polling place and more here. For any voting help, contact our political director Christopher Carroll here or (212) 245-4802, ext. 176.

Join us to support fellow musicians in need

'WHEN JINGLES WERE KING'


	Steve Karmen

WHAT: The incomparable Steve Karmen

will make a presentation about the state of the jingle business and his experiences as one of the most successful jingle writers. This is an opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the living giants in the jingle field. Steve is an honor member of Local 802 and the author of "I Love New York," the official song of New York State.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 12 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Local 802.

WHY: Fundraiser for the Local 802 Musicians' Emergency Relief Fund.

ADMISSION: Donate what you want. All donations will help your fellow Local 802 members who are in need. Checks and credit cards accepted at the door. Or donate anytime at www.Local802erf.org

MORE INFO: Contact Bettina Covo at (212) 245-4802, ext. 152 or click here.

And don't miss our next JAZZ MENTORS program on April 28! Click the banner below for more info:

TINO GAGLIARDI RESPONDS TO ALASTAIR MACAULAY

LIVE DANCE NEEDS LIVE MUSIC: Dancers from the Paul Taylor American Modern Dance company rehearse with Local 802 musicians from the Orchestra of St. Luke's

(photo by Walter Karling)

* * *

In response to Alastair Macaulay's March 24 review of Paul Taylor's American Modern Dance

After reading Mr. Macaulay's March 24th review of Paul Taylor's American Modern Dance, I am left profoundly disappointed by his lack of appreciation for the vital artistic and collaborative role live music plays in live performance.

By remarking that "some Taylor aficionados are missing the taped scores that were the norm until last year," Mr. Macaulay finds himself calling into question whether live performance has a place in Paul Taylor's performances, a shocking suggestion to make, given the fact that there is almost universal belief -- including among Mr. Macaulay's fellow critics of this particular performance -- that live music is vital to the audience's experience. The implication that canned music can possibly replace the artistic power of live performance is ridiculous, anathematic to the artistic standards that have made New York City an international center for the arts.

George Balanchine, co-founder of the New York City Ballet, was famously known to say "see the music, hear the dance," and no truer sentiment can be expressed. Live music makes performances feel alive, with color, depth, complexity and a level of creative spontaneity and collaboration that makes each performance truly unique. But once we begin to accept the separation of live music from live performance, we begin to codify the deterioration of the artistic standards that make New York City a cultural capital of the world. Once we begin to accept this separation, we strip the mantle of collaborator from each of the enormously talented artists involved in a performance, and replace it with something less: facilitator of entertainment.

I, like so many others across New York City and across the world, go to performances in New York City to experience the thrill that can only come from the energy, passion and depth created by the collaboration of artists and live music. In other words, we go to see the music and hear the dance. Our audiences expect nothing less, and Paul Taylor's ensemble should be commended for the artful collaboration with the Orchestra of St. Luke's.

-- Local 802 President Tino Gagliardi

JIMMY GEMUS (1920-2016)


Jimmy Gemus

Jimmy Gemus, 95, a member of Local 802 since 1946, died on March 20. He was a flutist who also played clarinet and saxophone.

Born in Johnstown, Penn., to Italian immigrants, Jimmy Gemus was one of 11 children. His father, who had been a shepherd in Sicily, carved his own flutes, and music filled the family's life. Upon graduation from high school, Mr. Gemus quickly landed a job with the newly-formed band of Red Norvo. At the dawn of World War II, Mr. Gemus and many other musician-soldiers reported for duty in the Special Services Unit. Many of the great musicians of the day served here and entertained troops across the country. After the war, Mr. Gemus toured with Shep Fields and Claude Thornhill. He played in Broadway orchestras, including "West Side Story," "Lorelai," "Kiss Me Kate," "Applause" and many others. He also spent time as a studio musician. The highlight of Mr. Gemus' career came when he toured with Metropolitan Opera star Roberta Peters as her accompanying flutist. Mr. Gemus is survived by his daughter Joan and her three children, Greg, Larisa and Jordan; his son Jim, daughter-in-law Wendy and their three sons, Jon, Adam and Peter, who is a jazz bassist in NYC; and his great-grandchildren Arianna, Bryce, Spiro and Jackson.

The family of Mr. Gemus suggests donations in his memory to Music for a Sound Future, a program of the Council for Living Music. To donate, click here.

To submit an obituary to Local 802, click here.

CONTRIBUTE TO TEMPO 802

Contributing to TEMPO 802, Local 802's political action committee, is one way musicians can support our community.

TEMPO is one of the vital tools in our belt, an important resource and an asset for our work with our elected partners and government officials. This tool is crucial for our work at the local and federal levels to ensure that the interests of musicians and the art community are heard, protected and strengthened. To contribute, click here.

LOCAL 802 WINS FIRST PLACE!

Local 802's Allegro magazine is a top labor publication in NYC!

Allegro has won first prize in general excellence in the annual NYC labor journalism contest sponsored by the Metropolitan Labor Communications Council. Allegro is a great place to read compelling stories written by fellow musicians...as well as find the latest audition announcements! Thank you to all members who write for Allegro. To contribute a story to Allegro, click here for details.

MONEY FOR GIGS? YES!

If you can organize a performance that is free and open to the public (including nursing home gigs, clinics, etc), the Music Performance Trust Fund

may be able to help pay you and your band members. (Details apply.)

Hurry -- our fiscal year ends on April 30! For more information, contact Marisa Freidman at Local 802 by clicking here or call (212) 245-4802, ext. 130.

MAKE NEW CONTACTS BY ATTENDING A NETWORKING MEETING WITH US!

Would

you like to share networking tips with fellow musicians? Local 802's monthly Musicians Networking Group is ready for you!

Get inside information on our industry, connect with fellow musicians, and hear from special guests, including professional life coaches and Local 802 union reps. Refreshments are always served!

The next gathering is Wednesday, April 20, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. here at Local 802. It's free, but RSVP's are required*. Limited same-day registrations are available as space allows. Presented by Local 802 and the Actors Fund.

*To RSVP now or for more info, click here.

FREE PILATES CLASSES FOR MUSICIANS

Do you want to improve your endurance, stop masking performance pain, give your body a tune-up, and learn strategies for lifelong health?

Join bodyworker instructor Karin Fantus for a series of free classes! Registration is required. Classes fill up early. We offer a beginner body awareness class and a Pilates exercise class. (You must have taken a class with Karin previously in order to register for the Pilates class.)

Classes take place on Friday afternoons in midtown. To get full application information, contact Elaine Davenport by clicking here. Location and times will be given out once you apply. Classes fill up early!

TIME TO BUY A NEW INSTRUMENT?

SAVE THE DATE! The Actors Federal Credit Union announces a special Loan Day on Wednesday, June 1 for musicians at Local 802.

The Actors Federal Credit Union -- which is open to all Local 802 musicians -- has lowered its rates on musical instrument loans and is inviting members of Local 802 to its Loan Day on Wednesday, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Local 802. Rates for musical instrument loans range from 4.50 percent to 4.99 percent, up to a maximum amount of $250,000. Complete details are available here.

Members interested in financing with ActorsFCU must bring current government issued photo ID, proof of current income, and the top two pages of last year's tax return. Questions are welcome at (212) 869-8926. Press option 4.

(ActorsFCU serves nearly 25,000 members and has assets of more than $208 million. Any member of Local 802 may join the credit union. To learn more about membership and its benefits, see here.)

NEW DATE! NEXT MEMBERSHIP MEETING: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 at 5 P.M. AT LOCAL 802

NEXT NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION: THURSDAY, APRIL 21 AT 11 A.M. IN THE EXECUTIVE BOARD ROOM. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL (212) 245-4802, EXT. 111 OR CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE LATEST ISSUE OF OUR UNION MAGAZINE ALLEGRO.

DID YOU MISS AN ISSUE OF 802 NOTES? OUR ARCHIVES ARE HERE.

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Worried about your ears? We can help...!

GET A LOAN FOR THAT NEW INSTRUMENT YOU'VE BEEN WANTING!

Loan rates have been slashed at the Actors Federal Credit Union. All Local 802 members are invited to join the credit union. Click here for more information on loans.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO REACH THOUSANDS OF PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS? Paid ads in this newsletter support the union and help reduce costs to our members. To promote your product or service and reach thousands of musicians, click here for more info. Please visit our advertisers above and tell them you saw their ad in Local 802's newsletter.

Local 802, American Federation of Musicians
(212) 245-4802 | www.local802afm.org

Send us comments or questions by clicking here.