29 YEAR RESPONSES / ERDODY EMAIL / DALLAS CANNED MUSIC / GRAMMY / COMMENTS / EVENTS
I. RESPONSES TO 29 YEAR MEMBER
II. EMAIL ROM MR. ERDODY
III. DALLAS BALLET MUSICIANS REPLACED BY RECORDINGS
IV. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
IV. COMMENTS
V. CONCERTS AND EVENTS
=================
I. RESPONSES TO 29 YEAR MEMBER
COMMITTEE,
Wow… that comment from the “29 Year Member”
describes how many of us feel,
EXCEPT: We don’t want to lose our pensions.
Our Union must be run like a modern business.
“29 Year Member” is right - our main problem is
LACK OF LEADERSHIP.
Excuse my rant:
Is anybody else sick of the President’s Report in
the Overture being filled with “Tales of the good
ole days of Jazz?”
We get it, Vince, you miss the Big Band Jazz era.
You miss performing for a living.
It’s nice to reminisce… but every month? That
is not a “report.”
We have such pressing issues, it’s unthinkable
you would even mention “Jazz”.
- Nothing about our health insurance crisis - not
one word of direction to the many members who
are left in the lurch. Only the FMA is providing any
suggestions on what we should do to stay afloat.
Why isn’t our Local giving us the facts, or helping
us understand our options?
- Nothing about what you are doing to restore our
Recording Studio. Everyone is so demoralized they’re
not even bothering to speak up.
- Nothing about the AFM’s winning the latest PMG/RMA
case, or what a waste of our dues money that whole
fiasco was.
We need our President to address the career life-and-
death issues we are facing.
Where is your vision and direction for our local?
Get on with the identity and the job you have NOW.
Show us you are working for solutions.
Or go play the sax, let Leslie play the bassoon, and
let someone who wants to do the job, do the job.
Anonmyous
[Editor's comment: The recording musicians' lawsuits
aren't over. Their lawsuits, which were both dismissed,
are being appealed.]
——
In response to the 29 year member:
I joined the union at about the same time & I am
having the same thoughts. Whether it be the AFM
or the RMA, the only thing that seems to have been
accomplished is that work has been driven away
from Union musicians.
Why belong to any Union if you are not making a
living at work derived through said Union. If someone
were a Teamster & then became an accountant,
would they still remain a Teamster? While it is not
the responsibility of the Union to find us work individually,
isn’t it their responsibility to NOT drive work away from
us?
I am also considering leaving the Union & just going it
alone. After all, I’m pretty much there already, why pay
dues when very few employers want to work with
Union musicians?
=======================
II. COMMENT FROM MR. ERDODY
To: The Committee
In a recent e-blast issued by the Committee - the Committee
published a false factual statement about my private affairs.
Specifically, the Committee published, as a factual truth,
an imagined and purely fictional account of a non-existent
discussion of which I was the subject and that placed me in a
very unflattering light. I am, therefore, demanding that
the Committee, in a separate e-mail blast sent to your entire
recipient database: (a) publicly retract the false statement
about me that was published by the Committee and (b) issue me
a public apology for any embarrassment or damage(s) that I have
suffered as a result of the false statement that was published by
the Committee. Please note that I reserve any and all legal claims
I may possess against you and the Committee based upon the
Committee’s publication of the false statement of fact I refer to
in this e-mail.
Stephen J. Erdody
———–
Mr. Erdody,
With the exception of listing you as a defendant in one of the
recording musicians’ lawsuits, which you are (COMM MAILING
9/6/09), every other mention of your name has been in our
comments section.
As a reminder, here is our disclaimer:
“The comments below and elsewhere in this mailing represent
the typically uncensored views of the readers and not necessarily
those of the COMMITTEE. In the faith that freedom of expression
allows for the birth and ascendancy of the most beneficial ideas,
all sentiments expressed are welcome, subject to the bounds of
good taste and decorum. If you disagree with an opinion expressed
by any contributor, we encourage you to rebut it here.”
- If another members’ comment showed you in an unfair light,
we’re happy to post rebuttals or defenses you may send in. The
membership themselves can decide what to believe. We do,
however, endeavor to verify what is sent to us before posting.
THE COMMITTEE
==============================
III. DALLAS BALLET MUSICIANS REPLACED BY RECORDINGS
Here is a press release from Dallas-Fort Worth Professional
Musicians Association. Though obviously too late to take
part, we found it important to let you know of this situation,
in case a similar situation develops near you!
MUSICIANS TO PROTEST CANNED MUSIC TONIGHT
PATRONS PAID FOR LIVE MUSIC, BUT WON’T GET IT
ORCHESTRAS VANISHED AFTER TWO BALLET BOARD
MEMBERS GOT $700K
WHO: The Dallas-Fort Worth Professional Musicians Association,
affiliated Local 72-147 of the American Federation of Musicians,
which represents more than 1700 professional musicians across
North Texas and Southern Oklahoma, including musicians of the
Dallas and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestras and The Dallas
Opera Orchestra.
WHAT: Professional musicians will protest Texas Ballet Theater’s
canned music policy by forming picket lines and distributing
informational leaflets at the company’s season opening performances,
October 2, 3 and 4 in Fort Worth.
WHERE: Bass Performance Hall, 4th and Commerce Streets, Fort
Worth, Texas.
WHEN: Friday, October 2, 2009, 6:30pm - 8:00pm; Saturday,
October 3, 2009, 6:30pm - 8:00pm; Sunday, October 4, 2009,
12:30pm - 2:00pm.
WHY: Texas Ballet Theater shafted its live pit orchestras for the 2009/10
season, saying it will use pre-recorded “canned” music tracks instead. The
company boasted that it saved between $600,000 and $700,000 by emptying
its orchestra pit last season and outsourcing local musicians with recordings,
some it made in China at a cost of $30,000. Prior to the company’s fiscal
collapse in August 2008, two of Texas Ballet Theater’s Board of Directors
received six figure annual sums totaling more than $700,000, which went
unreported in the company’s IRS filings.
“WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT - THE POCKETBOOKS OF BALLET
BOARD MEMBERS OR LEGITIMATE BALLET WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA?,
SAID MUSICIANS’ UNION PRESIDENT RAY HAIR. “THE COMPANY
HEADS ARE STEPPING ON OUR MUSICIANS,” HE SAID.
Board members of non-profit organizations are generally expected to serve
without compensation. The Ballet company has traditionally employed the
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra to accompany its seasonal performances
at Bass Hall in Fort Worth, and used the Dallas Opera Orchestra for holiday
Nutcracker performances in Dallas. The company’s decision to replace
live orchestra with recordings deprives audiences of a legitimate ballet
performance and has eliminated the jobs of hundreds of professional musicians.
“Texas Ballet Theater is fleecing the public by charging full price for half a
show. Patrons paid for live music. They should get it,” said Hair. “With
canned music, Texas Ballet Theater presents artificial, fake ballet,” he said.
The Union will protest the ballet’s canned music policy at all 2009/10 season
performances.
For further information, visit www.musiciansdfw.org or contact Local 72-147
President Ray Hair.
Release #10, October 2 , 2009 9:00 am
==============================
IV. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
Colleagues,
There are many of our fellow musicians going for Grammy
Nominations this year. They are in various categories.
If you are a voting NARAS member, these CD’s are for your consideration.
—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—
-Jonathan Winters - “A Very Special Time”
On November 11 Jonathan will turn 84 years of age.
What a wonderful honor a GRAMMY Award would make
to bestow upon this legend of the entertainment industry.
Perhaps our last chance to recognize him for his fine
performances here. Recorded during a crucial time in the
legendary actor’s life: his wife of 60 years, Eileen Schauder
Winters, passed away only a week or so after he completed
this album.
Hear selected tracks from the new album at
www.myspace.com/jonathanwintershimself
or hear all tracks for purchase at:
http://mp3.rhapsody.com/jonathan-winters/jonathan-winters-a-very-special-time
—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—
“Nigun” from the October 2008 CD released on Laurel Records ‘Music for
Viola by Ernest Bloch’
Karen Elaine, solo viola & arranger
Kathleen Robertson, 1st violin
Cameron Patrick, 2nd vioin
Darrin McCann, viola
Matthew Cooker, violoncello
Bruce Monical, engineer and producer
Aaron Walk, Protools editing
John Gilbert, producer
Recorded August 1, 2008 at Capitol Records in Studio B
—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—
- From artist FAWN SONGIRL
GRAMMY/NARAS members For your consideration “Wish You Love” By Fawn
Winner of JPF Award Best Dance Song 2009.
https://www.masterbeat.com/#release/hd014
Thank you for listening and for considering!!
—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—
- Charles Fernandez’ new CD “Sentimental and Animated”
Several Tracks on my new CD, “Sentimental and Animated”, will
be eligible for Grammy nominations this year. You can hear snippets
of the eligible works and the rest of the CD at CD Baby.
You can listen to snippets at CD Baby:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/fernandez2
The works eligible are:
- RATSO SCHERZO
for Piano and Orchestra
Alan Steinberger, Piano; Charles Fernandez, Conductor;
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
and
- ANIMATUS EVENTUS (Suite in a Cartoon Style); Charles Fernandez, Conductor
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
It’s a three movement orchestral homage to cartoon styles of the
last 70 years. While it certainly stands on it’s own, if you really
know cartoons you’ll hear a lot of references.
Thank you so much for taking the time to listen and please pass it on!
Musically yours,
Charles Fernandez
—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—
Please consider the debut album of Courtney Fortune “SPEAK LOVE”:
This album, produced and arranged by Chris Walden, is a diverse
mix of original songs written by Fortune and Walden as well as
standards, stylistically ranging from jazz and folk to pop.
Accompanied by such accomplished musicians like Dean Parks,
Christian Jacob, Kevin Axt, Gregg Field, Till Brönner, and many
more. Hailing from the small town of Bellingham, Washington,
twenty-one year old Courtney Fortune began cultivating her
musical niche and crossover style at an early age while performing
at venues in Seattle. As her music blossomed she found a loyal and
enthusiastic following in Japan and the UK, playing sold-out shows
in Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe and an array of clubs across London.
For sample tracks please visit: www.courtneyfortune.com.—
—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—
About JUMPIN’ & JAMMIN’
“JUMPIN’ & JAMMIN’ keeps the party going starting with the first
track and title song JUMP & JAM.Kids will be clapping along and
stamping their feet to the great rockin’ feel that will have parents
dancing along too… But what stands out to me on this recording
is the outstanding musical arrangements and world-class musicians
who keep things interesting and enjoyable for the adults listening.”
CHICAGO PARENT 2009 - Fred Koch
About GREG & STEVE
With the release of their 18th album, Jumpin’ & Jammin’, Greg &
Steve will soon be celebrating their 35th year of entertaining and
educating young children. They have sold over 4 million recordings
and received numerous awards including 9 Parents’ Choice Awards.
They have played in front of millions of children, parents and
teachers. If you have children, or nieces and nephews, they have
probably heard Greg & Steve’s music in their schools or seen them
perform.
What people are saying:
“The duo’s beat heavy, infectious tunes demand waving, shaking,
stomping and singing along… Teachers say the key to Greg & Steve’s
music is the physical interaction their rock-flavored songs virtually
require.”
TIME MAGAZINE - Jeffrey Ressner
“In the great tradition of Simon & Garfunkel and the Everly Brothers,
Greg & Steve play to sold-out crowds of 4 to 9 year olds… which
allows the two Los Angeles based musicians to teach principals of
reading, writing and ‘rithmetic through rock and roll.”
THE WASHINGTON TIMES - John Wall
NARAS Members may preview song clips at
http://www.gregandsteve.com/store.php
—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—
I am very excited to share the good news that DOUBLE GRANDE
with Deborah Johnson & Wayland Pickard is a GRAMMY CONTENDER.
All are accessible from the front page of the websites
www.DoubleGrandepianos.com
www.DJWorksMusic.com
and can be downloaded at
iTunes, Amazon.com and CDBaby.com
Thank you for your consideration and support!
—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—
-Hi All!
MESSAGE FROM ROSS WRIGHT
If you are a Voting member for the Grammy’s you should have
received your ballot within the last few days. Elvis Schoenberg’s
Orchestre Surreal and other of Rue de la Harpe artists will be
running in many categories.
You can hear some tunes at: http://www.myspace.com/osurreal
Much thanks!
Ross Wright AKA Elvis Schoenberg (on behalf of RDLH Records)
CDs:
The ORCHESTRE SURREAL: Manic Voodoo Daddy
THE SLOW CLUB QUARTET
===============================
IV. COMMENTS
The comments below and elsewhere in this mailing represent the
uncensored views of the readers and not necessarily those of the
COMMITTEE. In the faith that freedom of expression allows for the
birth and ascendancy of the most beneficial ideas, all sentiments
expressed are welcome, subject to the bounds of good taste and
decorum. If you disagree with an opinion expressed by any contributor,
we encourage you to rebut it here.
——————————–
Can I post a “musicians wanted” ad on this List? We’re
trying to start a wedding/casual group for holiday work
and have not received the expected response from a
47 post on its site. Pls advise asap.
Cheers!
[Colleagues,
We'll be happy to post any "musician wanted" request
from our readers.]
——————————–
Brother Musicians of Local 47 AFM,
I enjoy keeping up with L47AFM. I’m glad that I am on the e-mail
list. Stephen Foster wrote better when he drank. Following his
footsteps I’ll respond to what I just read. There is one thing that
is constant…..change! If you do not like what is happening at
L47AFM build a power base and defeat the incumbents. If you can’t
do that then walk away with your tail wagging. That is my answer to
the member of 29 years who has been loyal. I went through loyalty
longer than 29 years. I paid work dues longer than 29 years. I formed
a slate and defeated the incumbents that were hogging all the MPTF
gigs. So, it can be done, if you deeply desire to upset those who
control that you feel are incompetent.
Regard to RMA. You need not play King of the Hill with the AFM. That
is a disastrous decision to follow that path.
L47AFM musicians who have been accommodated by a rehearsal room. Fine
and dandy but if you were a member of Local 336 AFM……you wouldn’t
have a rehearsal room. Even Local 77 Philadelphia sold their white
elephant and L77AFM members lost a place to rehearse. We had a trio.
We rehearsed at each other’s homes, once a week. We managed and incidentally
we didn’t live in the same town. We traveled 45-60 minutes to get the
rehearsals in. Stop crying and find another place to rehearse instead
of fighting with each other.
Be not babies! If you do not like what is going on at L47AFM, do something
about it! Defeat all the incumbents.
Bob Bell [ 18 AFM Conventions]
President Emeritus Local 336 AFM
Burlington, NJ
————————–
No wonder producer’s dont want to work in LA if they hear about
a number one cellist making 375,000 (before taxes) in one residual
check - I mean why are guys blabbing out their incomes like this?
- word gets out and employers are never gonna want to work here
in LA with the uppity attitudes of the so called YO cats.
no name
====================
VI. CONCERTS AND EVENTS
——————————–
GRAMMY Nominee 2008
“Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album”
Dear Friends:
Lisa Haley & the Zydekats will be performing a special
show next Saturday:
Event: GRAMMY Museum “What Is Zydeco?”
Date: Saturday, October 3
Time: 10-11AM
Location: GRAMMY Museum Sound Stage,
800 W. Olympic Bl, L.A., CA 90015
Phone: 213.765.6800, ext. 6
Email: family@grammymuseum.org
Info: Once a month, the Education Division offers highly
engaging and interactive opportunities for families to
enjoy and learn about music together.
Learn about the history of your favorite genre of music.
Programs are intended for families and children ages 5
and up. For more information about attending a family
program, please visit:
http://grammymuseum.org/interior.php?section=education&page=familyprograms
——————————–
10/3/09
THORNHILL-LEBOW-MEYER TRIO
Dear Friends,
I’d like to invite you to an evening concert of chamber
music by the Thornhill-Lebow-Meyer Trio
MARGARET THORNHILL clarinet, ROGER LEBOW cello, TWYLA
MEYER piano Romantic, Classical and Contemporary Trios
by Zemlinsky, Beethoven, and Daniel Schnyder
Saturday, October 3 - 8PM
Santa Monica Unitarian Universalist Community Church
1260 18th Street (at Arizona)
Santa Monica, CA 90404-1206
Street parking.
Program:
Alexander von ZEMLINSKY Trio, Op. 3 (1896)
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN, Trio in B-flat, Op. 11 (1797)
Daniel SCHNYDER (b. 1961) “A Friday Night in August” (1996)
TICKETS: $20 general - $10 students and seniors, at
the door, cash or check only.
ADVANCE PURCHASE online through Brown Paper Tickets (available
through 10.02.09, credit card ok), specially priced:
$10 general - $5 students and seniors (plus $1.99 service charge.)
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/82875
——————————–
10/4/09
Richie Hayward - Little Feat drummer - benefit concert.
To let everyone know there is a Benefit Scheduled on October
4th 2009 in Agoura Hills at the Canyon Club to raise money
to assist Richie Hayward in his medical expenses. Richie has
been diagnosed with cancer of the liver, the website
www.richiehaywardbenefit.com has been created to help.
Also, Bruce Barber and Leslie Butts have contacted a number
of companies to get involved with door prizes and other items
for the auction.
Companies that are already involved are, Drum Workshop,
Sabian, Zildjian, Pearl, Gretsch, Yamaha, Tama, Mapex,
DDRum, Guitar Center, Modern Drummer, Drum! Magazine,
LA Weekley, Southland Blues Magazine, and many others
and more to be named.
Please forward this email to those musicians you think might
want to know about this event. The website is updated continuously.
As you receive this email and you want to find out about
possibly playing at the benefit or have additional questions,
please feel free to email either Bruce or Les or call them at
the information below. Time is critical so please don’t wait.
I thank you and look forward to seeing everyone there on
October 4th.
All The Best
-Garrison
Bruce Barber
Drums4hire@sbcglobal.net
310-493-5302
Leslie Butts
ljbutts@roadrunner.com
818-559-2992
——————————–
10/7/09
Relax during your lunch hour with live music.
Light lunch created by ANGELA’S BISTRO available for $6 after concert.
LOCATION:The Chapel at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF GLENDALE
209 N. Louise St. (at Wilson)
Glendale CA 91206
818 242 2113
Map & venue info http://www.fbcglendale.net
More info email teena.frazier@fbcglendale.net
************************************
OCTOBER 7, 2009
Works for BASSOON & CONTRABASSOON
including selections from
ALLEN SAVEDOFF’S NEWEST CD
STANDING ON CHAIRS
Allen Savedoff- bassoon & contrabassoon
Timm Boatman - percussion
Artist website:
http://www.savedoff.com/
OCTOBER 21, 2009
In Recital:
Works for VIOLIN by J.S. BACH & ANTONIN DVORAK
Johana Krejci - violin
CONCERT UPDATES:
http://www.glendalenoonconcerts.blogspot.com
——————————–
Latest upcoming shows with Lisa Haley and the Zydecats
LISA HALEY
on BLUE FIDDLE RECORDS
GRAMMY Nominee by the grace of God
www.lisahaley.com
www.bluefiddle.com
SUN 10/11/09: COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA - ORANGE
COUNTY ACCORDION FESTIVAL! -
12:45PM
at Orange County Marketplace
http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/2990016/
————————
Canoga Park Bowl and the San Fernando Valley
Symphony Orchestra present:
CONCERTS AT THE BOWL
Wednesday Evenings at 8:15 pm
In the Royal Room
Oct 7th:
James Domine and the Symphomaniacs
Ruth Bruegger, violin, Glen Grab, cello and
Larry Muradian, bass
Oct. 14th:
Agnes Schwartz, violinist with Matthew Alcazar, pianist.
Beethoven: Sonata, op. 47 in A major (Kreutzer)
Oct. 21st:
Chamber Music
Oct. 28th:
Tamara Gyulnazarova, violinist
with Zhanna Gyulnazarova, pianist.
Paganini: Violin Concerto #1 in D major
Nov. 4th:
Jennifer Bliman, French Horn
Nov. 11th:
Jazz at the Bowl
Nov. 18th:
The Screaming Clams Tomahawk Reunion Show
Featuring Members of the Original Cast
Admission Free
20122 Vanowen St., Winnetka, CA
Persons under 21 years of age not admitted.
Visit our web site: www.sfvsymphony.com
————————
MESSAGE FROM GRAMMY WINNING SONG-WRITER MICHAEL SILVERSHER
Hello, everyone,
Silversher Productions has been having a lot of fun working
with the Jim Henson Company this past year.!
This Monday, September 7th, PBS/Kids is premiering a new
Jim Henson show, “Dinosaur Train”.
The show will air on your local PBS station with a two-hour,
eight episode mini-marathon, and then in a regular half-hour
time slot Tuesday-Friday. The following week it’ll be on
Monday-Friday in its half-hour time slot. Check your local listings.
PBS has already had 2.7 million hits on the DinoTrain website
and the reviews so far have been great!
So, check it out and listen real closely to the score; composed,
arranged and produced by Michael Silversher, beginning with
the fifth episode “Flowers For Mom”.
—
Also check out the new release of Henson’s “Pajanimals” soundtrack!
All songs written and produced by Michael and Patty with
additional lyrics by Alex Rockwell and Judy Rothman Rofe.
Available for purchase as a CD or individual download-able MP3s
exclusively from Amazon.com.
==================
UNTIL NEXT TIME,
THE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47
Visit us at www.responsible47.com
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