Casual Corner

SFX Negotiations Update

The strike against Broadway-show presenter SFX continues as management refuses to bring a better offer to the negotiating table. They have also begun recruiting scab orchestras. If you are called to play, please contact the Local immediately. The latest information is available on the website at http://members.aol.com/sfma655/strike.

MPTF and Hollywood Sponsor Concert Series

With the assistance of South Florida Musicians Association and Freelance Rep Jake Luger, the City of Hollywood Department of Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Arts and the Music Performance Trust Funds are sponsoring a Big Band Concert Series at the Young Circle Amphitheater in Hollywood. The eight concerts will feature Local 655 members in the music of Sinatra, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Harry James, Tito Puente, and others.

These concerts amount to over $15,000 in wages on Union contracts paid to our musicians.

All concerts are at 7:30.

October 12: Jerry Fischer Jazz Orchestra

November 9: Teddy Mulet

December 7: John Branzer

January 11: Melton Mustafa

February 8: Dick Cully

March 8: Harvey Nevins

April 12: Dennis Noday Orchestra

May 10: Atlantean Driftwood Band

National Arts and Humanities Month

October was National Arts & Humanities month, and Broward Cultural Affairs reports that south Floridians are attending cultural activities in record numbers. Broward county is home to some 375 cultural organizations, and in 1998, 2.2 million people attended over 21,000 cultural events. The arts are becoming an important part of the south Florida community, for its effect on quality of life as well as its financial impact. A study done in 1998 shows that the arts support 3619 jobs in Broward county, with an economic impact of $187 million. That�s more than $512,000 a day and is higher, both per visitor and overall, than almost anywhere else in the nation!