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2025 Art Of Taxes Workshop!

This year we have partnered with our friends at TALA to bring you The Art of Taxes, a virtual seminar structured with artists in mind.
Join us on Wednesday, February 26 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM Central as CPAs Lisa Sretenovic and Kathy Ploch walk you through your tax return, addressing common concerns for artists and important IRS regulations pertaining to creative practices.

This event is co-hosted by Art House Dallas, Austin Federation of Musicians, AFM Local 433, Fresh Arts, and Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. Free to attend! Livestreamed on YouTube!

Free Workshop: Beat Burnout!

Tuesday, February 4th 6:30pm - FREE to ALL MUSICIANS
Beat Burnout - The Secrets of Longevity for Musicians
4818 East Ben White Blvd, Third Floor Meeting Hall

Austin TX 78741

READ MORE HERE

AFL-CIO Applauds NLRB Decision to Ban Captive Audience Meetings

https://aflcio.org/press/releases/afl-cio-applauds-nlrb-decision-ban-captive-audience-meetings

TikTok avoids paying artists fairly

afm433.com/?page=newsdetails&id=553

Great news from AFM International President, Tino Gagliardi:

I am happy to announce a significant victory for all of us: the successful preservation of the American Federation of Musicians and Employers' Pension Fund (AFM-EPF). The AFM's application for Special Financial Assistance through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has been officially approved. The funding ensures that our musicians can continue to rely on a secure retirement income after years of enriching our communities with their talent.

As you know, the future of the AFM-EPF has been a source of concern for many members. However, through tireless negotiations, strategic planning, unwavering commitment, and the support provided by the American Rescue Plan Act, we have secured the fund's stability for years to come.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who played a role in this achievement. This includes the AFM Executive Board, our dedicated staff, and of course, each and every one of you, our valued members who reached out to your representatives to pass the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021. This is a testament to the strength of our union and the collective power we hold. Your unwavering support and belief in the AFM were instrumental in this success.

Read the full statement from AFM International President Tino Gagliardi at: AFM.org/2024/07/major-victory-for-afm-epf/

The Austin Federation of Musicians Joins Call for Ceasefire

The Austin Federation of Musicians, AFM Local 433, joins the chorus of calls for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict in Gaza and Israel.

Our Local Union has endorsed The Letter titled "The U.S. Labor Movement Calls for Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine."

"We express our solidarity with all workers and our common desire for peace in Palestine and Israel, and we call on President Joe Biden and Congress to push for an immediate ceasefire and end to the siege of Gaza."

During discussions at their recent union meeting, Local 433 Musicians expressed their involvement and solidarity with Musician Activism on this topic at the recent local music festival.

Read The Letter, "The U.S. Labor Movement Calls for Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine," here: https://secure.everyaction.com/w1qW7B3pek2rTtv9ny5bqw2

James Polk and The Brothers Were Indie Recording Pioneers in 1960s Austin

A Black History Month Profile

by Aaron Lack

Before Dr. James Polk became known as The Godfather of Austin Jazz; before his work with Lionel Hampton, Ray Charles and many others; before he was an IBM executive and University Professor; he was a working musician and primary school educator who pioneered independent recording in the Austin music scene of the 1960s with his band, James Polk and The Brothers.

READ MORE HERE!

Venuology

With Venuology, musicians can anonymously compare notes about music venues… Does the club treat musicians well? How was the sound system? How large was the room? Was there a good crowd? What was the pay situation?

https://venuology.org/