Let’s bring the nation’s Labor Beat back!
A message from Workers Independent News:
For decades, the “labor beat” has been steadily disappearing from mainstream media sources. A systematic, and some would argue, intentional reduction in the perceived importance of the working class has created an environment of dismissal and even disdain for workers, as they are blamed repeatedly for America’s fiscal woes. Continue reading
Every April, the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. selects a jazz icon to feature on the annual Jazz Appreciation Month poster. This year’s poster honors performer, bandleader, and
composer “King” Benny Carter.
A Lifetime Member of Local 47, Benny Carter — known simply as “King” to his fellow musicians — was a largely self-taught artist who became one of founding fathers of big band swing music. Early in his career, Carter arranged and composed scores for Fletcher Henderson, Benny Goodman, Chick Webb, and McKinney’s Cotton Pickers, as well as for his own highly respected orchestras. Continue reading
John Clayton is a natural born multitasker. The multiple roles in which he excels – composer, arranger, conductor, producer, educator, and extraordinary bassist – garner him a number of challenging assignments and commissions. With a Grammy on his shelf and eight additional nominations, artists such as Diana Krall, Paul McCartney, Regina Carter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gladys Knight, Queen Latifah, and Charles Aznavour vie for a spot on his crowded calendar. His many musical pursuits include the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, which he founded along with his brother Jeff in 1986, and the Clayton Brothers quintet, which includes his son Gerald on piano. As a teacher, in addition to presenting individual clinics, workshops, and private students as schedule permits, he directs the educational components associated with the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Centrum Festival, and Vail Jazz Party. Continue reading
Kudos to all the talented artists involved in scoring these motion picture and TV shows AFM Local 47, Los Angeles in 2015!*
Continue reading
Today is Women’s History Day, and we’re celebrating by watching the Los Angeles-scored, critically acclaimed documentary, HE NAMED ME MALALA. Continue reading
Local 47 President John Acosta with Life Member Homer Archibald “Slim” Tanner displaying proclamations from the City of Downey and U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein in honor of his 100th birthday, March 7, 2016. (Photos by Linda A. Rapka)
Today, Life Member Homer Archibald ‘Slim’ Tanner enjoyed the celebration of the century, literally — March 7, 2016 marks his 100th birthday!
Local 47 President John Acosta, along with Communications Director Linda Rapka, visited Slim at his home in Downey to present him with a birthday card, balloon, and a special gift: a Certificate of Recognition signed by Downey Mayor Alex Saab, Mayor Pro Tem Fernando Vasquez, and Councilmembers Sean Ashton, Roger C. Brossmer, and Luis H. Marquez, expressing their “sincerest best wishes on this very special occasion.” Continue reading
The history of America’s working women is a history of advocating for the abolition of slavery, the right to vote, the right to unionize, the welfare of children, and the extension of human rights to all. Women were among the first workers to bear the hardships of the industrial revolution, and among the first to unionize.
Women have participated in the labor movement in both a lead and supportive role through its entire history, but the movement has not always been friendly in return. Continue reading
Ross de Roche, Liz Finch, Kim Richmond (photo by Tapia Corel)
The American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC) presented The Art of Music Preparation on Wednesday, March 2, 2016, hosted by Local 47.
Part of a new monthly series held on the first Wednesday evening of each month featuring a variety of topics of interest to arrangers and composers, the March 2 event included veteran music copyists Liz Finch, Ross deRoche and Kim Richmond, with a demonstration by Jim Ciancaglini, owner of Valle Music. Continue reading
In her new book “Don’t Stop the Music: Finding the Joy in Caregiving,” author and musician Nancy Weckwerth (horn) has created a “survive and thrive” manual for caregivers.
Based upon over 25 years of caregiving for her friend and partner, composer and trumpeter John D. Swan (trumpet), the book describes lessons learned and solutions on how to find the joy in caregiving. Although it is written specifically for caring for a stroke survivor, the message transcends that particular condition. The wisdom within is meaningful for any caregiving situation. Continue reading
The 88th Academy Awards honoring outstanding film achievements of 2015 took place Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, live at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. Televised live on ABC and in more than 225 countries worldwide, the awards show drew 34 million viewers. Continue reading