Industry and Local News

The Arsht Center in Miami has announced the launch of Jazz Roots, a monthly concert series and educational program tracing the history of jazz. Performers on the series include Local 655 members Arturo Sandoval and Nestor Torres.

Florida arts funding is in jeopardy as legislators look to trim $3 billion from the state's $70 billion budget. The Florida Senate is proposing $10 million for the arts, and the Florida House is proposing $4.5 million. These figures are down from the $12.5 million allocated last year and $32.7 million allocated in 2006-7.

Three plans have been crafted to reopen Coconut Grove Playhouse, but there is still no timetable for reopening. All three plans include a 600-seat main stage and a 200-seat theater, in addition to office, retail, and residential space and room for a parking garage.

The Beatles have won their case against Miami Lakes based Fuego Entertainment. Fuego had attempted to release historic recordings of the band made at Hamburg Star-Club in 1962 made surreptitiously without the Beatles' permission.

Local 655 member Matt Corey has won another Carbonell Award, this time for his sound design of Talk Radio at Mosaic Theater.

Recording

SonyBMG is planning a subscription service with unlimited music downloads for a fixed monthly fee. They are in talks with companies including Apple and Nokia regarding distribution.

The Justice Department has approved the buyout of XM Satellite Radio by rival Sirius Satellite Radio. Shareholders have already approved the merger and the final step is to secure approval of the FCC.

MySpace has announced the summer rollout of MySpace Music. MySpace Music, which has the support of SonyBMG, Universal, and Warner Music, will offer free full-length streaming music and videos, as well as music downloads, ringtones concert tickets, and band merchandise for purchase, all through each band's profile page.

Symphonic

Royal Opera House productions will be broadcast across the U.K., Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland thanks to a deal with Arts Alliance Media, Digiscreen Corporation, and The Pillar Group. Live and pre-recorded performances will be broadcast in digital cinema, including Royal Ballet and Royal Opera productions.

The Metropolitan Opera, meanwhile, will expand its broadcasts from 8 to 11 productions next season, including the opening night gala with Renee Fleming. The Met expects that 900,000 patrons will see this season's broadcasts.

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