Local and Industry News
Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) have proposed an increase to the Qualified Performing Arts deduction. The deduction, which allows performing artists to deduct performance-related business expenses directly from their income, rather than as itemized deductions, currently applies only to artists with a maximum income of $16,000 per year, a level that has remained unchanged since it was established in 1986. The proposed bill would increase the income cap to $30,000 per year and index it to inflation.
Arturo Sandoval is in negotiations with the Arsht Center to open a jazz club at the center. The proposed club would host late-night jazz performances, after mainstage performances have let out, in the B. and Donald Carlin Banquet Hall. If an agreement is reached, the club may open as soon as this fall.
Recording
The next Sound Recording Special Payments Fund (SRSPF) distribution will occur around August 1, and the deadline for making address or beneficiary changes is July 15. For more information, contact the Fund at 866-711-FUND or visit their website at www.sound-recording.org .
According to music representative company IFPI, sales of recorded music are at their lowest levels since 1985. In 2007, album sales were down 11 percent, to 1.86 billion. The decline is attributed to illegal copying.
The American Federation of Musicians is suing American Idol over a breach in a collective bargaining agreement. The AFM claims that musicians should have been paid royalties when the show was rebroadcast.
Symphonic
The Miami Symphony has appointed Daniel Andai as concertmaster. Andai, a Lynn University graduate, was a 2002 Local 655/Music Performance Fund Scholarship winner. He will be pursuing a doctorate in music at the University of Miami in the fall.
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