Licensing: Who Is Responsible?

 

Because businesses and/or events use music to attract customers or improve ambiance, music can help profits.  Whenever an establishment uses live or recorded music they are required by law to obtain a license.  Sometimes establishments that are sponsoring these events attempt to assign the responsibility of obtaining clearances from ASCAP and BMI to the musicians.  This isn’t just a “big-city” question.  It happens here too.

 

No matter what any agreement says that an organizer might draw up, under the current policy, ASCAP and BMI licenses establishments or events which use music, not the performer.  It is the owner or organizer who is responsible for securing the proper license.  Please contact the Local if you have questions concerning licensing or other legal issues.

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4^th Quarter Meeting and Holiday Dinner

 

Join us for the 4^th quarter general membership meeting at King Ying Low’s, 212 4^th St., on Sunday, November 19, at 5 pm following the Des Moines Symphony concert.  Your meal is provided.

Notice of Proposed Scale Change: Included on the agenda will be a proposal to cap mileage for Des Moines Municipal Band performances at $25.00 per day.

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Flu Shots for Union Members on November 18

 

Flu shots will be provided again this year to all South Central Iowa Federation of Labor (SCIFL) members and their families on Saturday, November 18, at the Machinists Hall, 2000 Walker (between E. University and Hubbell).

The cost of a flu shot is $10; however, no Union member who is unable to pay will be turned away.

Bret Porter 1959 - 2006

 

Bassist/vocalist Bret Porter passed away unexpectedly on September 9, 2006.

Bret, along with members Kurt Bowermaster and Gene Doss, formed the rock trio Hold On.  Bret had been a member since 2005.  His last gig was when the band represented Local 75 at the annual SCIFL Solidarity Fest at the Fairgrounds over the Labor Day weekend.  The band was just coming of a successful engagement opening the new casino in Riverside, near Iowa City, and was a smash hit at Solidarity Fest.  Bret and Hold On also entertained at the final Music Under The Stars concert this year.

Bret is survived by his wife and two daughters.

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Volunteer Opportunity

 

If you’re looking for a nice opportunity to do something for families in need in our community, every year SCIFL partners with the Food Bank of Iowa to provide gift baskets for those in need.  This year the date is Friday, December 8 from 9 – 1 at the Food Bank’s offices at E. 17^th & Guthrie.  Please contact the Local at 255-1398 for more information.

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Check the Unfair List

 

The Unfair List is printed each month in the International Musician, and is updated on the AFM web site www.afm.org.  As of this writing, Wayne Newton, dba Erin Miel, Inc., is still on the list, due to a primary labor dispute with Local 369, Las Vegas, NV.  He is scheduled to perform in the Midwest next spring.  Members may not perform with any group listed on the AFM Unfair List.  

 

Des Moines Musicians’ Association

Local 75, American Federation of Musicians

5817 Walnut Hill Ave.

Des Moines, IA 50312