Articles
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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.Posted Date: April 24 2024
Our Local Union has endorsed The Letter titled "The U.S. Labor Movement Calls for Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine." "We express... |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jazz Appreciation Month Emerging Artists Concert
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jazz Appreciation Month Emerging Artists Concert Posted Date: April 15 2024
AFM Local 433 April 15th, 2024 512-440-1414 info@austinmusician.org afm433.com Austin Federation of Musicians Holds Emerging Artists Concert for Jazz Appreciation... |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Musicians' Union Membership Drive
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Musicians' Union Membership Drive, AFM Local 433Posted Date: April 01 2024
March 28th, 2024 512-440-1414 info@austinmusician.org afm433.com Austin Federation of Musicians Holds Union Membership Drive Austin, Texas- The Austin Federation of Musicians,... |
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James Polk and The Brothers Were Indie Recording Pioneers in 1960s Austin
A Black History Month ProfilePosted Date: February 08 2024
by Aaron Lack |
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-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Musicians Win Music Commission Support of Parks And Rec Board Recommendation for Fair Pay for Artists at SXSW.
-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-Posted Date: August 08 2023
August 8th 2023 Musicians Win Music Commission Support of Parks And Rec Board Recommendation for Fair Pay for Artists at SXSW. Over thirty musicians attended the Austin Music Commission Meeting on Monday, August 7th at 6:30pm... |
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Musicians Win Music Commission Support of Parks And Rec Board Recommendation for Fair Pay for Artists at SXSW.
Over thirty musicians attended the Austin Music Commission Meeting on Monday, August 7th at 6:30pm holding signs that read, “FAIR PAY AT $x$w, PASS THE PARKS BOARD RECOMMENDATION!” The musicians included Posted Date: August 08 2023
members of The Austin Federation of Musicians AFM Local 433 (labor union), United...
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-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Musicians to once again speak out in favor of fair pay at SXSW at the Austin Music Commission meeting
Posted Date: August 06 2023
August 6th 2023 Musicians to once again speak out in favor of fair pay at SXSW at the Austin Music Commission meeting, August 7th, 2023, 6:30pm, Austin City Hall. The Austin Federation of Musicians... |
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Obituary - Steven “Mike” Collie
Posted Date: July 17 2023
Obituary Steven “Mike” Collie, 75, of San Antonio, TX, passed away on May 20, 2023 in Bulverde, TX. |
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Austin Music Commission Delays Vote on Fair Pay at SXSW
At their regular meeting on July 5th, 2023 at 6:30 at Austin Energy Mueller Headquarters, The Austin Music Commission, a body comprised of commissioners appointed by each elected Austin City Council Member, voted to delay their consideration of the Austin Parks and Recreation Board’s...
Posted Date: July 11 2023
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-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Musicians to speak at Austin Music Commission Meeting, July 5th
Posted Date: July 04 2023
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Recommendation at Austin Music Commission Meeting, July 5th, 6:30pm Austin Energy Mueller Headquarters....
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Musicians Win Parks and Rec Board Resolution for Fair Pay at SXSW!
The Austin Parks and Recreation Board passed a Resolution for Fair Pay at SXSW at their meeting, Monday, June 26th 2023 at 6pm. The Austin Federation of Musicians along with United Musicians and Allied Workers and other music organizations, rallied outside of City Hall before the meeting to...
Posted Date: June 27 2023
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For Immediate Release - Musicians Rally on the steps at City Hall Monday June 26th 2023 at 5pm
For Immediate Release - Posted Date: June 26 2023
Musicians Rally on the steps at City Hall Monday June 26th 2023 at 5pm 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Musicians from The Austin Federation of Musicians AFM Local 433 (labor union), and United Musicians and Allied Workers (advocacy... |
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Austin Parks & Rec Board Meeting on Pay at SXSW
Posted Date: June 22 2023
Meet on the steps of Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd STREET, Austin, TX, Monday June 26th, 2023, 5pm in preparation for the Austin Parks and Recreation Board meeting at 6pm inside. Make Your Voice Heard! @afmlocal433 @atxmusicians @weareumaw #SolidarityRocks
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Open Coalition Letter to Austin Parks & Rec Board on Pay at SXSW
–For Immediate Release–Posted Date: June 14 2023
The Austin Federation of Musicians’ Executive Board and Festival Committee, along with other organizations, have each elected to endorse an open letter to the Austin Parks and Recreation Board, in support of their March 27th 2023 Proposed... |
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AFM Local 433 Tabling At Events
Posted Date: May 16 2023
In addition to several radio and podcast interviews, Local 433 members have participated in community...
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Songwriters and Composers Workshop on Digital Mechanical Royalties and The MLC
Posted Date: April 03 2023
Is your music streaming? Then the MLC may have money for you! Join us NEXT WEEK and learn how you can claim your digital mechanical royalties. Members of the @mlc_us team will be walking independent songwriters through the registration process step by step. We'll see you there!...
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Spring Forth: A Note From The President
From the March 31st, 2023 issue of Austin Musician, Newsletter of The Austin Federation of MusiciansPosted Date: March 31 2023
Siblings, Sisters, and Brothers, Worker Power is on the rise and Musician Power is no exception. As corporate greed is exposed, workers are realizing that... |
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Leafleting at The Big Festival 2023!
Posted Date: March 31 2023
Shout out to Austin Federation of Musicians Vice President, Russell K. Shores, who led our annual leafleting campaign at the Big Festival last week! Organizing conversations with Musicians from New York to Vancouver to Los Angeles were started and the sounds of solidarity rang out... |
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Popular Anti-Union Talking Points and How To Combat Them, A Citations Needed Podcast Episode
Citations Needed is a fantastic media-criticism podcast that deals with how certain narrative frameworks are twistedPosted Date: March 31 2023
and/or reinforced to maintain and justify the political and economic status quo. On their most recent episode they masterfully break down some of the most common... |
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Rally for Fair Pay at SXSW
Posted Date: March 31 2023
From the March 31st, 2023 issue of Austin Musician, Newsletter of The Austin Federation of Musicians for Fair Pay At SXSW organized by UMAW (Union... |
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Local 433 Secretary-Treasurer Speaks At City Hall!
Austin Federation of Musicians Secretary-Treasurer, Blair Robbins, spoke on behalf of thePosted Date: March 31 2023
Local 433 Officer Team, including themselves, President Aaron Lack, and Vice President Russell K. Shores, on the topic of Fair Pay at SXSW (South By South West) Music Festival. The City Of... |
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Announcing The 2023 Juneteenth Celebration Concert at The Union Hall
The Austin Federation of Musicians, The Music Performance Trust Fund, and other co-sponsors are preparing toPosted Date: March 05 2023
present The 2023 Juneteenth Celebration Concert at The Union Hall on Sunday, June 18th 2023. Contact your Austin Federation of Musicians Office for more...
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Austin Federation of Musicians Holds Fall Union Membership Drive
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Austin Federation of Musicians, AFM Local 433Posted Date: August 29 2022
August 30, 2022 512-440-1414 info@austinmusician.org afm433.com Austin Federation of Musicians Holds Fall Union Membership... |
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Greater Austin Music Census
More time to make your voice heard: Extended to September 9thPosted Date: August 16 2022
The Greater Austin Music Census is a community-led initiative to gain a better understanding of the current needs of the Austin-area music community. This marks the first time in almost a decade that the music...
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July 29th Newsletter
Austin Federation of Musicians members check your INBOX today for the latest issue of our newsletter, Austin Musician! #Afm433 #union #SolidarityRocks also available in the Members section of our website.
Posted Date: July 29 2022
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Juneteenth Celebration Concert - June 19th, 2022
Posted Date: July 29 2022
Juneteenth Celebration Concert - June 19th, 2022 The Music Performance Trust Fund created a special initiative to celebrate Juneteenth. This new U.S. federal holiday is to commemorate the end of slavery and to celebrate African American culture. The Austin... |
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International Workers Day
Posted Date: May 06 2022
Local 433 President, Aaron Lack, spoke about The Labor Movement and The PRO Act at an International Workers’ Day Celebration in Austin on May 1st. Union act, @AmaTheBand headlined the music portion of the event. The Butterfly Bar and Austin DSA hosted the event. #SolidarityRocks...
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United We Bargain, Divided We Beg. A Note From The President
A Note from The PresidentPosted Date: April 15 2022
Siblings, Brothers, and Sisters, The Labor Movement has experienced some incredible success in recent weeks that demonstrates the power of workers. The first Amazon workplace to win union recognition birthed a new union in New York. Starbucks... |
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Ernie Durawa's new Memoir
Posted Date: April 15 2022
Ernie Durawa's new Memoir was featured in International Musician Magazine in March! |
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An Intolerable Situation in San Antonio
The following article appeared in the December 2021 issue of Senza Sordino and is reprinted with permission. Senza Sordino is the Official Publication of the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians, an AFM Players' Conference.Posted Date: January 19 2022
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From The Musicians of the San Antonio Symphony
From The Musicians of the San Antonio Symphony,Posted Date: December 22 2021
Dear Supporters, We've received many messages recently from people wondering how they can help. Here are some of the things you can do: - Contact symphony leadership and city officials to share your thoughts: Kathleen... |
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Austin Symphony Musicians Donate to Musicians Of the San Antonio Symphony
The Orchestra Committee of The Austin Symphony Orchestra Musicians’ Association voted to present The Musicians of the San Antonio Symphony with a check, in solidarity and support of their efforts to secure a fair contract. Austin Federation of Musicians Members Jonathan Rouse, Julianne Webner,...
Posted Date: November 19 2021
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The Get Back Committee Report
We began this committee in March of 2020, as the pandemic was sweeping across the world. The members of the committee have been Kaz Kazanoff, Russell Shores, Floyd Domino, John Arthur Martinez, Jonathan Rouse, Daisy O’Connor, Aaron Lack, and Felicia Hellems, plus some guests. We formed the...
Posted Date: November 19 2021
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San Antonio Symphony Musicians - ON STRIKE
Posted Date: October 15 2021
from KENS5 News October 12th, 2021 SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Symphony members struck a pessimistic tune Tuesday. If performers and the symphony board cannot reach a new compensation agreement, musicians say there's a possibility San Antonio loses its orchestra... |
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2021 Labor Day Concerts
The 2021 Labor Day Concert located at the Dime Box Distillery at 325 West Railroad in Giddings, Texas, was a huge success and a great time was had by all that attended.Posted Date: October 15 2021
The City of Giddings, Green Stone Music, and Michael Liedel, the owner of the Dime Box Distillery, welcomed the... |
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Local 433 Executive Board Member, JW Riza, Meets with Students in Lee County
On June the 15th 2021, American Federation of Musicians, Local 433 Executive Board Member, JW Riza met with the Student Musicians of the Festival Hill Music Fest in Giddings, Texas. The Giddings Chamber of Commerce and GreenStone Music partnered to sponsor a Texas BBQ for this group of...
Posted Date: August 03 2021
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Texas Legislative Session Actions
Posted Date: August 03 2021
Austin Federation of Musicians Member, Willie Nelson, performed at The Texas Capitol as part of The Moral March for Democracy on Saturday, July 31st, in opposition to legislation that limits Voting Rights in Texas.
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Live At The Union Hall Streaming Concert Series a Success!
The Live At The Union Hall series ran from January '21 through April '21 (Series One) and May '21 through July '21 (Series Two). Local 433 Musicians used the series to achieve a variety of goals including:Posted Date: August 03 2021
- Returning to performance after a period of musical... |
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Important Office Updates
As Austin-Travis County continues to open slowly, the office is now openPosted Date: May 26 2021
Monday - Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm with the following updates: - Secretary-Treasurer Bogatz is now operating out of the office - The office is open for in-person appointments only. You... |
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Turn Up The Volume On The Senate!
We need your help protecting our retirement and the retirement of tens of thousands of our fellow musicians! Across the country, AFM members have been emailing Senators calling for the Emergency Pension Relief Act to be included in the upcoming Budget Reconciliation...
Posted Date: March 01 2021
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Austin Opera and Austin Symphony News - Big things are happening!
The Austin Opera will record it’s first performance of the season later this month to be streamed live for ticket holders and subscribers in the Spring. The program will be a series of arias and overtures from the standard operatic repertoire featuring singers of great renown from the great opera...
Posted Date: March 01 2021
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Welcome to Live at the Union Hall.
I'm Dylan Goodhue and I've been running the technical side of things for the livestream that Local 433 is presenting on Sundays: Live at the Union Hall. Live at the Union Hall is not just another livestream event. It's also a chance for musicians to play with one another again. It's a...
Posted Date: March 01 2021
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Local 433 2020 Year in Review
Local 433’s 2020 Year in ReviewPosted Date: December 14 2020
from The Secretary-Treasurer 2020 has been a unique year for us all. It has thrown so much into disarray, but the Local has been on the case. Check out some of what your Local has accomplished this year! ... |
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In Memory of our Union Brother, Eugene "Gene" Pinkham
Eugene "Gene" Pinkham, Age 62, of Cedar Park, passed away unexpectedly on October 31. He was raised in North Brunswick, NJ. Gene and his wife, Joan, moved to Cedar Park in 1988. Gene was a firefighter and EMT with the Cedar Park Volunteer Fire Dept. From 1993 to 1997. He was the owner of Pink Sound...
Posted Date: December 14 2020
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Austin Symphony Virtual Concerts a Resounding Success
After weeks of negotiations between the musicians and management over safe re-entry protocols, followed by several more weeks of preparation, The Austin Symphony has safely and successfully returned to work for their 110th season. The safety measures taken for these performances include, but are...
Posted Date: October 29 2020
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VOTE BY MAIL
Hey! Just a reminder that there's still time to apply to vote by mail for the November election, and it's so easy and you can print the application from home! Let me know if you have any questions, and please if you can help spread the word to folks who might not be safe to make it to the polls due...
Posted Date: October 29 2020
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Are We Non-Essential?
Posted Date: October 29 2020
I am a professional musician. Sometimes people get that confused and think it's a hobby; well, let me dispel that myth. |
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Navigting Texas Workforce Commission
AFM Local 433's Unemployment Compensation Advisory Committee continues to present an Interactive Panel Discussion on Fridays at 1pm to discuss Musicians' issues with applying and receiving Unemployment Assistance during the pandemic. All musicians are welcome to participate live on The Local's...
Posted Date: October 29 2020
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MUSIC VENUES GET FUNDING!
On Oct 1, after the musician and venue workers rally the previous Monday, the Austin City Council voted unanimously to approve a designated fund for music venues AND actually had the funding courses lined up. So, hopefully, the money will be distributed sooner than later. Unfortunately, they also...
Posted Date: October 29 2020
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Remembering Prolific Pianist Riley Osbourn
(Jan. 29, 1947-August 25th, 2020)Posted Date: October 29 2020
Riley Osbourn said he picked up guitar as a Fredericksburg teenager because "no one wants to date a classical pianist in a football town," according to his wife Bev Shaw. His rock band practiced after-hours in the local church, where... |
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Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers
$500.00 Emergency Covid-19 grant for musicians 55 years old and older.Posted Date: October 29 2020
Applicants must: * Be at least 55 years old * Have minimum of 20 years history as a working musician * Reside in Austin or within 50 miles of Austin / Travis County *... |
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Austin Symphony and Opera Working to Ensure Safe Workplace Re-entry
The Austin Symphony Orchestra and Austin Opera are working closely with their respective Orchestra Committees and AFM Local 433 to ensure a safe re-entry to the workplace this coming fall. The Orchestra Committees have been meeting regularly with Management to incorporate information from community...
Posted Date: August 24 2020
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A RoundTable Series: Empowering Union Women
Posted Date: July 27 2020
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Bassoon Blast Raises Money for Artist Relief Fund
Summer Bassoon Blast – Zoom Classes and Discussions for Bassoonists of All AgesPosted Date: July 20 2020
Co-hosted by William Short and Benjamin Kamins June 8 -12, 2020 $12,324.24 donated to “Artist... |
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Jackie Venson asks the Austin music scene: ‘What are you willing to do?’
Posted Date: July 20 2020
Before I jump into the difficult... |
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2020 AFM Southern Conference of Locals
Posted Date: July 20 2020
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The Music Performance Trust Fund’s Music Family Scholarship
(application deadline is 7 PM CST on Saturday, August 15, 2020)Posted Date: July 20 2020
A scholarship fund utilizing the assets of the recording industry's Music Performance Trust Fund ("MPTF") was established in June of 2020 to encourage the children of professional musicians to pursue higher... |
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Black Lives Matter
A Message from AFM President Ray Hair on the Most Recent String of Police Murders of Black Americans:Posted Date: July 16 2020
“The unconscionable displays of racism in the United States during the past weeks and months have prompted millions of people around the world to take to the streets in protest... |
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TEMPO: The AFM's Legislative Bipartisan Political Action Committee
In this election year, it is incredibly important for AFM members to be aware of the essential work of TEMPO. (Taskforce for Employment of Musicians Promotional Organization) Under federal law, all unions are restricted from using dues money for most political purposes, however it is necessary for...
Posted Date: May 23 2020
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Navigating the Texas Workforce Commission for Musicians
Posted Date: May 22 2020
AFM Local 433's new Unemployment Compensation Advisory Committee is presenting and Interactive Panel Discussion on Fridays at 1pm to discuss Musicians' issues with applying and receiving Unemployment Assistance during the pandemic. All musicians are welcome to participate live on The Local's... |
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AFM Musicians’ Relief Fund
The Musicians’ Relief Fund helps union musicians who work gig to gig and are confronting extraordinary financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note that you must meet ALL of the following five requirements to apply for financial assistance:Posted Date: May 21 2020
1.... |
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Sampled!
As a working musician, sooner or later, you will be faced with this issue: Sampling. What is sampling? Glad you asked. UrbanDictionary.com defines sampling as “the process of taking brief segments of sound (from a song, movie or elsewhere) and using that sound to form another sound...
Posted Date: May 20 2020
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Overexposure
Posted Date: May 19 2020
As many of us have been forced to move our talents and products exclusively online, I’d like to address something that has been on my mind the past eight weeks. I don’t want to tell anyone how to run their business, but here we go—¦ I’m joking, but the... |
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Unmployment Compensation Advisory Committee Begins Work
Posted Date: April 29 2020
AFM Local 433's Unemployment Compensation Advisory Committee will begin livestreaming an Interactive Panel Discussion on Friday, May 1st at 1pm on the Local's YouTube channel here:
Read More...
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Spring Fashion Update
AFM Local 433 Member, Ernie Durawa, shows how he makes his mask look cool when he takes his evening walks. Posted Date: March 29 2020
How are you adapting to quarantine restrictions? |
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It's Not Just Semantics
Posted Date: March 28 2020
When did the word “union” become an obscenity and why? This question came to mind as I was looking to interview an applicant for an intern position for our Union office. I realized we had a communication problem and not just semantics. I kept referring to us as a...
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The Austin Symphony Adopts IMA Side-Letter
Posted Date: March 28 2020
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis facing our community and nation, the Austin Symphony Orchestra has been forced to cancel all performances scheduled for the month of April. Thanks to the quick thinking of the national office of the AFM, we were able to ensure a way for...
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National Symphony Orchestra Gets $25 Million, Sacks Musicians Anyway
Posted Date: March 28 2020
Saturday March 28th 2020, Washington D.C. In a sudden move that has been called outrageous by AFM Officials, The Kennedy Center President, Deborah Rutter, notified NSO musicians yesterday, March 27th, that they would not be paid...
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6th Annual Feel the Love Expo
Posted Date: March 27 2020
Local 433 President, Aaron Lack and Secretary-Treasurer, Nicole Bogatz hosted a booth at the Austin Music Foundation’s 6th Annual Feel the Love Music Industry Expo on February 18th at Emo’s Nightclub. Local 433 Member and City Affairs Committee Chair, Tom Van Schaik also...
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AFM Local 433 Office To Close Temporarily, Continue Operations
Posted Date: March 16 2020
UPDATE 4/6/2020: The Austin Federation Of Musicians Office will remain closed to the public until further notice. The Austin Federation Of Musicians Office will close to the public for three weeks, Monday, March 16 - Friday, April 3rd. The labor union will continue...
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Social Media Marketing Workshop Postponed
AFM Saturday Sessions: Social Media Marketing for Independent Musicians, which was scheduled for Saturday, March 28th 2020, will be RESCHEDULED to a future date when concerns over COVID-19 recede. Watch this space for updates.Posted Date: March 13 2020
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Business Recommendations
Posted Date: March 12 2020
The Executive Board of the Austin Federation Of Musicians has a few business recommendations for musicians during these uncertain times. - Use a properly filed Union Contract so that your work can be protected and any cancellation will have to be negotiated...
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South by Southwest 2020 Cancelled
Although many Austin musicians are ambivalent towards SXSW because they tend to be displaced by visiting musicians, damage to the Austin economy will surely be felt by musicians and other workers, such as those in the service industry, and especially those workers that are not represented by a...
Posted Date: March 06 2020
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Tax Tips for the Self Employed
Posted Date: February 26 2020
Taxes are never the most exciting task of the year. Lisa Sretenovic, CPA/CITP/CGMA, always provides wonderful insight into the world of taxes. As a wife of a music producer/studio owner, Lisa understands the difficulties that surround musicians and their taxes. Lisa breaks down the basics,...
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Venuology: Musicians Review Venues
Did you know that the AFM has had a website where working musicians can anonymously share information about venues in cities throughout the United States and Canada since 2010? Venuology was created for all musicians to use and benefit from and includes...
Posted Date: February 18 2020
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Exposure or Exploitation
Posted Date: February 14 2020
So how do you know which is which? So when does exposure become exploitation? I'll answer that with a parable: My doctor and I are good friends. As a matter of fact we are on a first-name basis. We even hang out sometimes. You know why we are such good...
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RESCHEDULED TBA - AFM Saturday Sessions: Social Media Marketing for Independent Musicians
Posted Date: February 14 2020
This event will be rescheduled. Watch this space for details! Social Media Marketing for Independent Musicians Free to Attend! Open to All! March 28th 2020, 2pm-4pm in the Meeting Hall on the 3rd floor...
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Austin Music Foundation 6th Annual
Posted Date: February 03 2020
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AFM-TALA Tax Workshop with Lisa Sretenovic
Posted Date: January 27 2020
Free to Attend! Open to All! Tuesday, February, 25th, 2020, 6:30pm to 8pm, in the Meeting Hall on the 3rd floor of The IBEW Union Building at 4818 E Ben White Blvd, Austin TX 78741 Join The Austin Federation Of Musicians and Texas Accountants and...
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Musician Booking Scam Alert!
If you receive this (or similar) email inquiry, it is a scam. After googling I found other musicians and musical organizations that received booking inquiries from same person for wedding for same named couple. Upon sending contract and receiving his final response, we phoned the event center and...
Posted Date: December 18 2019
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Tell top Disney executives that it’s time to pay musicians and bargain a fair and just contract
Musicians’ livelihoods are under attack by greedy corporations determined to gut their wages. Like actors, directors and writers, musicians traditionally earn most of their wages as deferred income in the form of residuals. Among the most intransigent of these employers is The Walt Disney...
Posted Date: November 19 2019
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City Of Austin Music Commission Meeting, November 4th 2019
The music commissioners decided to form a committee on how to spend the upcoming HOT money. Each commissioner nominated someone from the community to serve on that committee which will include 11 or 12 people, 3 to 5 will be current commissioners. Cody Cowan, Executive Director of the Red River...
Posted Date: November 13 2019
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Jam Session Committee Begins Work
The Jam Session Committee is in the process of creating a listing of regularly occurring open jams, open mics, drum circles and other musical fellowship opportunities to assist local AFM members in connecting with one another while also serving as an "insider's guide" to other musicians who may be...
Posted Date: November 13 2019
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Campaigns Supported by the AFM
The AFM is always fighting for musicians' rights. Take a minute to connect with these two campaigns:Posted Date: November 12 2019
#BandTogether is musicians calling on the film and TV producers to negotiate a fair contract that includes streaming residuals. Rallies are being held from coast...
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Woodshedding Data Security
Posted Date: November 08 2019
At our November 4 meeting, it came (back) to the forefront of my attention that we are solidly working in the Digital Age. As musicians, we wear many hats from performer to promoter, booking agent to barista, manager to merch specialist, and the list goes on and on. At some point in... |
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Austin Jazz Workshop Presents 26th Season
Posted Date: October 14 2019
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Convention Center Expansion News
Posted Date: October 14 2019
From The City Affairs Committee, AFM Local 433 The Austin City Council voted to raise the hotel occupancy tax (HOT) to 9% intending to use the money to fund the Austin Convention Center expansion (The State collects another 6% and there is a 2% venue tax...
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Austin Symphony and Austin Opera to Begin Their Seasons
On September 13, 2019, the Austin Symphony Orchestra will open their 2019-2020 season with a performance at the Long Center, featuring pianist Jon Nakamatsu and Chorus Austin, with works by Mozart, Schubert and Duruflé. Austin Opera will open their season on Novermber 9...
Posted Date: September 11 2019
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You Can Say “No.”
You are a musician. Presumably, you have spent hours, days, weeks, and years working on your craft. Hopefully, independent of any market forces, you believe that your work has value. Maybe you play guitar in a Top 40 wedding band and nobody can get...
Posted Date: September 11 2019
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Local 433 Executive Board Takes Quick Action to support Bipartisan Legislation, Invites Membership To Do The Same
Over the summer, your Executive Board voted to endorse two pieces of bipartisan legislation before the United States Congress in an effort to quickly lend support to musician interests where needed. Posted Date: September 11 2019
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MusicianFest 2019 Is Underway!
The recent increases in Interactive Music Streaming Revenue negotiated by The AFM have resulted in a more robust Music Performance Trust Fund. The mission of The MPTF is to provide admission-free, live, quality music, performed by professional musicians to the public of all...
Posted Date: September 11 2019
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Obituary: Bob Alexius
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Dr. Robert "Bob" Alexius. He was a dedicated member of Local 433 for 50 years and AFM member for almost 70 years. He was an accomplished bassist playing in studios, clubs, symphony orchestras and concerts and with the likes of Jerry Lee...
Posted Date: August 16 2019
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AFM Applauds Proposed Tax Fix For Musicians
The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) applauded the introduction of bipartisan legislation to help ensure musicians and other working performers are not unintentionally hit with tax increases after the passage of the Tax Cut and Jobs act.Posted Date: August 14 2019
Many musicians...
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Obituary David Heath
Posted Date: July 14 2019
Obituary Our Union Brother, David Kenneth Heath, was born on July 21, 1949 and passed away on May 17, 2019. After getting his start in the music business at the tender age of sixteen, Heath moved from the relatively small market of Greenville, TX... |
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Emergency Resolution Condemning Baltimore Symphony
Emergency Resolution condemning Baltimore Symphony management just passed at AFM's 101st Convention. A lockout is among the vilest labor tactics that management may employ. We call on management to immediately end the lockout, restore salaries & benefits, and return to the table to fairly...
Posted Date: June 27 2019
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New City Affairs Committee Begins Work
A new Austin Federation Of Musicians City Affairs Committee has been appointed to monitor City Of Austin activity relevant to the music business sector. Members, Daisy, Tom, and Aaron will collaborate with other labor unions, music organizations,...
Posted Date: June 13 2019
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House Committee Approves Butch Lewis Act
Posted Date: June 13 2019
From Pension Notes June 13th 2019 Butch Lewis Act approved by House Education and Labor Committee On Tuesday, the House Education and Labor Committee approved HR 397, the “Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act.” Also known as the “Butch... |
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Local Governance Restored!
As of May 1st, 2019, local governance was restored to AFM Local 433, The Austin Federation Of Musicians, after two and a half years of Federation Trusteeship, wherein the local was governed by AFM Trustee, Steven Begnoche. Many thanks are due to Mr....
Posted Date: May 25 2019
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Local Musician Recovers From Injury
Posted Date: May 24 2019
May 24th, 2019 The AFM Local 433 Office is delighted to report on the recovery of one of our union brothers, David Greenfield Bowie. David was injured in a car accident in the...
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2019 Membership Drive Extended to July 31st!
It’s (Still!) A Great Time To Join! The Membership drive has been extended! AFM Local 433: The Austin Federation Of Musicians has been holding a Membership Drive during the months of February, March, and April of 2019. The Membership Drive has now been...
Posted Date: May 24 2019
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AFM Local 433 Marches in Solidarity with AFT Texas State Teachers’ Association
AFM Local member and now Secretary/Treasurer Elect, Nicole Bogatz and AFM Trustee, Steve Begnoche, marched with teachers and representatives of The Texas State Teachers’ Association at The Texas State Capitol Building on Monday, March 11th, 2019. Our local stood side by side with the...
Posted Date: April 26 2019
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Concert in front of AFL-CIO Building Sunday March 10th 2019
Musicians performed a concert for The Texas Democratic Party in front of the AFL-CIO building on March 10th, 2019 at 4pm. Local favorites, Walker Lukens and Tameca Jones, played to a large, enthusiastic crowd of concert goers. They displayed their new union...
Posted Date: March 30 2019
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Put Your Website To Work with Tony Edwards
The first installment of AFM Community Austin: Saturday Sessions was held at 11am on Saturday, February 23rd 2019 in the third floor meeting hall of the IBEW building in Southeast Austin. The Session began with brief networking and conversation among the...
Posted Date: February 27 2019
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Feel The Love Expo 2019
AFM Booth at Austin Music Foundation’s Feel The Love Expo Posted Date: February 26 2019
February 19th, 2019 Austin Federation Of Musicians members, Nicole Bogatz and Aaron Lack, staffed a booth at The Austin Music Foundation’s Feel The Love Expo held at Emo’s from seven to... |
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Registration now open for Put Your Website To Work!
Posted Date: February 16 2019
Online Registration is now open to all of the Austin music community! Put Your Website To Work! with Tony Edwards, founder of Artistry of...
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AFM Community Austin: Saturday Sessions
Saturday Sessions will be informational and networking events open to all Austin Musicians. The Saturday Sessions will include a brief but informative presentation on music business topics and leave time for networking, coffee, and light food to start your musical work day....
Posted Date: February 14 2019
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2019 Membership Drive
2019 Membership DrivePosted Date: January 25 2019
January 25, 2019 Our Membership Drive kicks off on February 1st! It’ a perfect time to join the AFM. New Members will be able to waive the Local and Federation Initiation Fees during this time. It’s a savings of $105.00! Don’t... |
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TALA TAX WORKSHOP
TALA Tax WorkshopPosted Date: January 23 2019
February 11, 2019 Location IBEW Office akgagka;kafhd;akjh
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Time to Get Organized
Time to Get OrganizedPosted Date: January 07 2019
My colleague, Aaron Lack, and I hopped on a plane to Washington D.C. at the beginning of December. We were headed to AFM Leadership Training. The American Federation of Musicians was hosting a 3-day training with leaders from the AFL-CIO...
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Austin Opera’s Ratified CBA
Austin Opera’s Ratified CBAPosted Date: November 12 2018
November 12, 2018 The Austin Federation of Musicians, AFM Local 433, is pleased to announce that The Austin Opera Orchestra’s Collective Bargaining Agreement for the next three years was ratified by The Orchestra Members, Austin Opera... |
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Support Mariott Workers
Support Mariott WorkersPosted Date: October 19 2018
October 19, 2018 Hardworking hotel employees tried to reach an agreement over months of negotiations, but Marriott refused to make significant progress on key issues like a living wage and safety on the job. Now more than 7,700 UNITE HERE! members... |
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Update: Ratified Agreement For The Chicago Lyric Opera On Strike
Update: Ratified Agreement For The Chicago Lyric Opera On StrikePosted Date: October 12 2018
October 12, 2018 UPDATE: The Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Musicians Union Local 10-208 representing its orchestra musicians have reached a contract agreement, just days after the musicians went on... |
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KOOP Radio Open House
KOOP Radio Open HousePosted Date: October 02 2018
October 2, 2018 KOOP Radio hosts open houses/membership drives in the Spring and Fall every year. They have a variety of local non-profit organizations together in the radio station to bring the community together, to gain members and to network. We had an... |
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Court Supports Musicians in Fight With Paramount Over Outsourcing
Court Supports Musicians in Fight With Paramount Over OutsourcingPosted Date: September 28 2018
September 28, 2018 A Ninth Circuit appeals court panel sided with AFM in our suit against Paramount Pictures Corp. (“Paramount”) for recording the score to “Same Kind of Different As Me” in... |
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Music Modernization Act: Update
Music Modernization Act: UpdatePosted Date: September 28 2018
September 28, 2018 The House of Representatives UNANIMOUSLY passed the Music Modernization Act because musicians strongly stood together. The bill is not the law of the land yet—but we are almost there! -American Federation of... |
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Respect The Band Campaign
Respect The Band CampaignPosted Date: September 28 2018
September 28, 2018 Musicians on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, The Voice and other live television shows are not paid when they appear on YouTube and network... |
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AFM Fair Play Fair Pay
AFM Fair Play Fair PayPosted Date: March 17 2018
March 17, 2018 While radio used to be one of the only ways we could hear music, times have changed. The explosive growth of streaming services, combined with the diversity of listening options have transformed the music landscape. Yet, the current laws governing... |
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Free Tax Workshop For Union Members
Free Tax Workshop For Union MembersPosted Date: March 02 2018
March 2, 2018 Date: Wednesday, March 7th, 2018 Time: 6:30PM-8:30PM Location: 4818 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 300, Austin, TX 78741 (Located in the IBEW Building) The Austin Federation of Musicians... |
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Artistry of Music
Posted Date: March 02 2018
Artistry of Music March 2, 2018 Artistry of Music was founded by timpanist, educator, programmer, and AFM Local 433 Member Tony Edwards. Artistry of Music helps musicians and music programs create a professional web presence and manage the... |
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AUSTIN MUSIC FOUNDATION PRESENTS: FEEL THE LOVE EXPO
Posted Date: February 06 2018
AUSTIN MUSIC FOUNDATION PRESENTS: FEEL THE LOVE EXPO February 6, 2018 Austin Music...
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2017 Congratulatory Year for Local 433 Fiddler Player
2017 Congratulatory Year for Local 433 Fiddler PlayerPosted Date: November 15 2017
November 15, 2017 David Varnado began playing fiddle at the age of 4. By the time he turned 12, he was playing in clubs. Over the many years, David’s love for the fiddle in Cajun, Country and Texas Swing has served him well. In... |
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Austin Jazz Workshop’s “Songs of the American Spirit”
Austin Jazz Workshop’s “Songs of the American Spirit”Posted Date: October 11 2017
October 11, 2017 Austin Jazz Workshop Presents 24th Season 115 Campuses to...
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Bud Light Summer Live Series Benefiting Austin Federation of Musicians
Bud Light Summer Live Series Benefiting Austin Federation of MusiciansPosted Date: July 19 2017
July 19, 2017 Bud Light Austin Presents Summer Live Series Featuring Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears Date: July 20th, 2017 Location: Austin American Statesman 305 S Congress Ave,... |
