As the year draws to a close, as I reflect on the last year, I’m choosing to look at the successes, the good moments, the things that have improved for our musicians, the things that have made our corner of the world a little better. As musicians, we strive to improve, but sometimes, it’s a […]
AFM Instrument Insurance The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) announces the return of instrument and equipment insurance, offered at special rates exclusively for members. The AFM has entered into an agreement with HUB International as its new U.S. group membership insurance program administrator, replacing AMBA. In addition to instrument and equipment insurance, HUB offers other personal […]
As I am writing this, 1,800 hotel workers, Unite Here Local 5, are on strike for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Some of our members have participated on the picket lines, and we recently sent a band to play at Local 5’s action at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We received words of appreciation from […]
After over a year of meetings, the musicians and Diamond Head Theater management came to agreement on a new contract. The per service rate will increase from $92 per rehearsal or show to $109, an increase of $17, over the five-year term of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Participation and unity by the musicians playing the […]
To fight for fair wages and staffing, on Sept. 24, 1,800 hotel workers went out on strike against the Hilton Hawaiian Village. They include housekeepers, restaurant and banquet workers, maintenance staff, front desk staff, bell personnel, and others, joining 4,000 hotel workers on strike against Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt hotels in San Diego and San […]
On May 20, 2024, a Nominations Meeting was held to determine candidates for officers, board of directors, and delegates to the AFM Convention. As nominees were unopposed in all positions, an election was not needed. Nominated officers and delegates began a three-year term on Aug. 19, 2024. They are: Jim Moffitt, President Steve Flanter, Vice President […]
What a Blessing — Remembering MAH attorney Allen Hoe’s son, Lt. Nainoa Hoe, on National Memorial Day 2024: Watch this moving PBS, Gold Star family tribute given by Tony-Award-winning actor BD Wong, posted May 26, 2024, presented at the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, DC to long-time MAH attorney/Vietnam vet/Gold Star father, Allen Hoe, […]
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, […]
Hawai’i lost two dear musicians this year: Hele Me Ke Akua, Aaron Mahi and Nyle Hallman When certain gifted, generous people pass on, they leave behind profound legacy — felt for generations. Such is the case with two beloved Hawaiʻi musicians: Aaron David Mahi and Nyle Annette Dufresne Hallman. “Uncle Aaron” passed away on July […]
Music Performance Trust Fund 75th Anniversary! The Music Performance Trust Fund’s (MPTF) mission is to enrich lives through music and to contribute to the public knowledge and appreciation of music. To this end, MPTF has, for 75 years, provided grants to pay musicians to provide professional-level, quality musical experiences to public school students, older citizens, […]