By John LeBlanc, Delegate to the Convention, Musicians’ Association of Hawai‘i AFM Local 677 This past June I had the honor of representing Local 677 at the 103rd International Convention of the American Federation of Musicians, held June 20–23 in Ottawa, Canada. It was the Federation’s first convention in Canada since 1973, and the theme, […]
The Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra (HSO) negotiations have concluded, and the new collective bargaining agreement has been ratified by the musicians. It took some time, it took some hard work, and there were some rough patches, but we got it done. The new agreement runs through August 31, 2029. There will be pay raises for both […]
Music Performance Trust Fund Overview, Summer/Fall 2026 MPTF continues to fund successful performances by Local 677 musicians in concerts at the MAH Studio 909 Performance Hall, as well as at retirement and care facilities (Arcadia, Pohai Nani, Kahala Nui, and others). In 2026, to date, a total of 76 gigs for our musicians were funded […]
The mission of the Music Performance Trust Fund is to provide admission-free, live, quality music events by professional musicians to schools, the senior population, and general public. Established in 1948 by a landmark labor action between the American Federation of Musicians and major recording companies of the day, royalties from record sales and, more recently, […]
MusiCares: Help for Musicians Founded by the Recording Academy, MusiCares offers various programs and financial assistance to musicians with relatively simple application requirements. Programs are updated and newly offered throughout the year. Please visit musicares.org. From the Winter 2021-2022 issue, Ke Ola O Na Mele
Winter 2021-2022 Studio Update 949 practice studios and Studio 909 are open for use by reservation only. COVID safety protocols remain in place. For reservations, email members@musicianshawaii.com. From the Winter 2021-2022 issue, Ke Ola O Na Mele
Labor Union Victories Unite Here, Local 5 Through unity, solidarity, and with the support of Hawaii’s labor unions, Local 5 reached agreement in November 2021 with Kaiser Permanente for 2,000 Local 5 healthcare workers. These heroes who work tirelessly in our hospitals are now assured of fair wages and more manageable workloads. This is a […]
IMPORTANT NEWS… Due to the ongoing COVID surge and reinstated restrictions on venues and performance opportunities, MPTF has extended 100 percent, fully-funded, live stream performance grants through December 31, 2021. These performances are paid at local scale and may include rehearsal, doubles, applicable cartage, plus a streaming fee. Email the office at members@musicianshawaii.com if you […]
IMPORTANT NEWS: Local TV/Film Industry, MPTF Live Stream Performances Continue to Thrive Good News for TV and film in Hawaii! A new television series, “NCIS: Hawaii,” has been confirmed, and “Magnum P.I.” continues its presence in Hawaii. Abiding by an AFM agreement with the TV/film industry, “Hawaii 5-0” provided many musician sideline opportunities for 10 […]
Mahalo and Aloha to Jamie Sanborn Jamie leaves MAH Member Services to take on a new position as personnel manager for the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Jamie has gone above and beyond and has done a stellar job for us at MAH. HSO gets a winner. Thank you, Jamie! From the Spring 2021 issue, Ke Ola O […]