volume 18 number 3 august 2017

the official journal of the calgary musicians association - local 547 AFM

P2 VISA PROCESSING UPDATE CFM INITIATES ACTION AGAINST Regular Processing: Submit your P2 package WESTERN CANADIAN MUSIC ALLIANCE to CFM at least 75 calendar days prior to MUSICIANS IN LABOUR DISPUTE WITH WCMA first performance. US Immigration reports a processing backlog for Regular Processing FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, ON May 30, 2017 - Canadian Premium Processing: Submit your P2 package to Federation of Musicians (CFM, the Canadian National office of the AFM) CFM at least 30 days prior to first performance. has entered into a labour dispute with the Western Canadian Music Alliance NOTE: When you submit a P2 application; you (WCMA), which has offices in Winnipeg, Manitoba. do so at your own risk. AFM does not have The WCMA operates the Breakout West Festival, an event which features control over the decisions U.S. Immigration an industry conference, presentation of the Western Canadian Music makes on their processing times. Therefore, Awards and live performances of musicians in various public venues. USCIS processing times may increase/decrease at The WCMA is refusing to bargain a successor agreement with the CFM, “Without a collective agreement in place, the musicians are not guaranteed any time, without notice. The AFM’s suggested reasonable fees. In addition, there would be no pension, and no language processing timelines are based on an internal to prevent the WCMA or broadcasters from recording and exploiting the weekly, observance of the average turnaround performances, anywhere and in perpetuity,” said Alan Willaert, Vice- time from submission of application to receipt President from Canada, American Federation of Musicians of the United of approval. States and Canada. “Despite receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars www.cfmusicians.org/services/work-permits in government grants and corporate sponsors, they have stated that musicians should not consider Breakout West a gig; they should consider it a ‘networking opportunity’. Where is all that money going? Musicians MUSICIANS PENSION FUND CANADA have to pay the rent, like everyone else.” Numerous attempts have been made by the CFM to reach out to the ANNOUNCEMENT WCMA representatives, who were served with a Notice to Bargain, but, they continue to stonewall. Therefore, as a last resort, the WCMA has been placed on the AFM’s International Unfair List, naming them as an entity that refuses to negotiate a fair and equitable agreement for performances in May 23, 2017 association with this year’s Breakout West Festival in Edmonton, Alberta. This has the effect of prohibiting members from accepting engagements Dear Plan Member/Local Officer from any organization so designated. You may have read the recent article by AFM CFM on ׀ For more information please visit us at www.cfmusicians.org President Ray Hair in the May 2017 International .CFM on Facebook ׀twitter Musician regarding the conditions of the US Pension -30- Fund (AFM-EPF). Please be advised that this article is not relevant to the Musicans’ Pension Fund of Canada. 2017 - 2018 The Musicians’ Pension Fund of Canada is a completely separate fund from the American Federation ANNUAL DUES and WD BUYOUT of Musicians and Employers’ Pension Fund. It is (Sep.1/17 - Aug.31/18) administered by a separate Board of Trustees and governed by Canadian legislation. Annual Dues $195 (Sep. 1) * If you have any questions about the Musicians’ Pension Fund of Canada, please visit our website Life Member $97.50 www.mpfcanada.ca or contact the Fund office by (*) $6.00 late fee per month overdue email [email protected]. Installment options: Quarterly $60 (4 payments) Sincerely, Semi Annual $115 (2 payments) Annual Dues and Life Membership dues must be remitted with your Work Dues Ellen M. Versteeg-Lytwyn Buyout payment Executive Director Visa/Mastercard and Interac (office) calgary musicians page 2 august 2017

Chicken or the Egg? they in the business of? A callous response might be if they t’s not often that, in the midst can’t afford to pay musicians then they shouldn’t be in the of summer, the local board entertainment business. gets drawn into a lengthy I Would a musician turn down a fee if one was offered? Would and passionate discussion about an issue. Summer is usually a a club owner not accept a musicians’ services for free? In both pretty quiet time of year for our cases, highly unlikely. So how do we bridge this gap? Jo Cox, musicians, save for Festivals and a a British Labour politician who was murdered for her views theatre run. What prompted this on accepting mid-eastern refugees had this to say about a was a query from a long-standing much more serious problem: “Isis and Assad are not separate member about the board’s position problems to be chosen between, but are action and reaction, on tip jars. For those of you who regularly play clubs you’ll cause and symptom, chicken and egg: impossible to untangle know what I’m talking about: the practise of tip jars being no matter how much we might like to.” However, I believe it the sole source of income for the musicians rather than is possible to mitigate this issue through communication and a club owner paying forA their services, either through a education on both sides. Even if musicians are just starting cover charge or some other arrangement. Not being a club out, if an employer wants to hire you then you should be player, I hadn’t realized this was a common and apparently paid. If you want to get your name known there are ways to (long-standing) practise. In any case, the Board fell into a achieve this: play for a contractor, conductor, band leader, long debate over what was the cause of this: club owners teacher, club owner, festival organizer, etc. but do it in a or musicians? closed setting. In other words, there is no public, paying or not paying. Make cold calls, send out resumes, create social Why are musicians willing to play for free or just tips? media profiles. Follow up afterwards - what was successful, Part of our challenge is we have a community made up what needs improving? Be business-like. The local has venue of musicians which are coming at the business from very listings with contact numbers. Visit the venues and talk to differentdirections: non-members, weekend warriors who the owners. As to non-members, each and every one of you have day jobs in other fields, young members who are just can be a membership drive to get them to see tha value of starting out and of course members whose primary source joining; minimum standards, contract defence, possibility of of income is performing. How can our tariffs reflect this pension, vendor discounts and a professional office that can diversity? I daresay the local has done a pretty good job offer advice and information. at trying to create tariffs which are the MINIMUM which a musician receives for playing fairly specific type of work/ For venue owners we need a paradigm shift away from venues. We have set standards which in our view are thinking that exposure is enough of a reward in lieu of actual reasonable in the current economic environment. And yet payment for playing. Musicians should be viewed like any still musicians are willing to dive to the bottom in order to other service the owner requires. The club owner may think get any kind of work, paid or unpaid. Perhaps we should he doesn’t need music to fill the space; but what puts bums in create tariffs that reflect the musician’s profile: weekend seats to buy food and beverage? I daresay the venue is fuller warrior, newbie, established pro? Our tariff booklet would when there is live music versus when there is none. Paying turn into a New York phone book. musicians needs to be viewed as part of the cost of doing business. The board would be happy to discuss ways to make And what about the club owners? They are in the this work. Lets be part of the conversation and find solutions entertainment/hospitality business. Why is it that they to make it work for everyone. know and understand that they have to pay the food ROB MCCOSH, PRESIDENT and booze suppliers; the taxes, the trades that repair [email protected] whatever. None of these people are going to offer their 403.475.7531 services for the “experience.” In various conversations over the years about paying the musicians at least the minimum - and don’t get me started on including

pension - their response is something like “paying the musicians would put me out of business.” Well what are Ma-Me-O Music Professional calgary musicians association musicalgary editors RECORDING STUDIO #5 - 606 Meredith Rd NE Doug Kuss/Karen Martin (since1997) Calgary, AB T2E 5A8 780.361.3684

TOLL FREE: 1.888.796.8742 executive committee Rob McCosh president Miles Jackson 24 hr/fax 403.264.6610 / 261.0783 www.ma-me-o.com Kit Johnson vice president [email protected] [email protected] Doug Kuss sec treasurer www.calgarymusicians.org “ Doin’ it right on the Beach ” association hours Jim Scott, Jeremy Coates, 9am - 4pm Monday-Friday Mike Little, Tricia Edwards

august 2017 page 3

’d like to touch on some important 2018-2019 issues now on the books. We, CALGARY MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION Ithe AFM, are currently in a labour dispute with the Western Canada Music Alliance, the organization the produces NOMINATION OF OFFICERS Breakout West, a regional showcase If you wish to run for any of the Association Offices event that moves from province to for 2018-2019 the Nomination form below must be province. They represent all of the completed and returned to the office by October 6, Provincial Music Industry Associations across the Prairie Provinces and the 2017. Nominees must have been in good standing for western Territories. This year it takes 1 year prior to being nominated. A list of nominees will place in Edmonton. The Canadian be published in the October Musicalgary. The offices office has been in ongoing negotiations open for nomination are President (and delegate to the with them to come to an agreement that pays musicians for Vice President showcasing and performing during their awards shows as well Canadian Conference & AFM Convention), , as any streaming broadcasts. To date the group has refused to Secretary Treasurer (and delegate to the Canadian bargain an agreement. Conference and AFM Convention), representatives to In Canada, the CFM represents all musicians including non- the Executive Committee (4). members under Status of the Artist legislation. It is our mandate to ensure that musicians are paid fairly for their work, whether it be live performance or broadcast. This group receives funding Calgary Musicians Association from multiple sources including various levels of government, but refuses to pass some of that money on to the musicians, who Local 547 - AFM they say they support. In fact, they are paying some of the bands OFFICIAL NOMINATION FORM 2018-2019 (mostly headliners), but not others. It seems to be contradiction in philosophy. As you can see on page 5 of this newsletter, several I, HEREBY AUTHORIZE NAME OF NOMINEE (PRINT) Local 547 members are up for awards at the conference for their work in the business. I congratulate you all on your achievements THE PLACING OF MY NAME IN NOMINATION FOR THE and I ask that you support your Union by refusing to perform for no fee and talking to your peers to apply as much pressure as OFFICE OF AND IF you can in that specific circle to bring them back to the table to OFFICE (PRINT) negotiate a fair wage for musicians. We are only as strong as ELECTED, I AGREE TO SERVE IN THAT CAPACITY. our members are!!! This fall, there will be elections for all positions on our Executive NOMINEE’S SIGNATURE Committee. This is an important part of building a strong and NOMINATED BY: democratic Local and it happens every two years. If you feel you have something to offer the Association and would like to serve your fellow members, fill out the Nomination Form on this page NAME (PRINT) NOMINATOR’S SIGNATURE and submit it prior to the deadline. If you have questions about SECONDED BY: the time commitment and responsibilities, contact me for details. The Executive Committee is now looking at ways to increase the value of your membership by adding relevant member discounts. NAME (PRINT) SECONDER’S SIGNATURE I’m looking for input from the members regarding what types of discounts would best suit your needs; personal or professional. IN ORDER TO BE VALID, THIS NOMINATION FORM MUST BEAR AN ASSOCIATION DATE STAMP OF OCTOBER 6, 2017 OR EARLIER. This would be helpful in providing us with direction on targeting precise merchants or services. FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Lastly, I encourage the members to register on the ‘Backstage’ Members Only Access of our website and to create a profile for yourself, band or teaching. This will help to promote not only the membership and their abilities, but it will also promote the Association to the public. The ‘Find a Band’ and ‘Find a Teacher’ has worked well for members who are looking for referrals from the public. It is also the tool the office uses to direct inquiries for hiring bands or teachers. We are located at www.calgarymusicians.org Likewise, if you want your website listed on the Local Artist links, please send me your URL. As always, your participation is important and appreciated.

DOUG KUSS, SECRETARY TREASURER [email protected] 403.264.6610 page 4 august 2017

Projects Approved – (MAY - AUGUST) Leader Location Date #Mscn

Norbert Boehm Southminister Church May 23-25 (4) 7 Johnny Summers Bishop O’Byrne June 1 16 Mike Eastep East Village July 29 5 Don Glasrud Kimberley Care August 23 1 Julie Jacques Staywell Manor August 31 2 German Vega Kerby Centre September 23 1 Brad Mahon Kerby Centre September 23 1 Johnny Summers Kerby Centre November 11 2

Requests for Project Funding (RFPF) for the current MPF allocation year, which ends April 30th, 2016 are now being accepted. The Fund has allocated $6500 in grants available for Alberta. Requests are considered on a first come first serve basis. Make sure you allow for proper timelines for approval. The Principal Sponsor minimums have been set at: 70% for all musical concerts; 60% for hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities; 50% for schools. Please contact the Sec-Treasurer with the details of your proposed project and to submit requests.

^ Dail Croome (bass/voc), Brayden Tario (drum/voc), Brandon Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Video of the Year. Maddi- Haddow (gtr), Liam Croome (key/organ/pno/voc) and Patrick son was also CMT’s Fresh Face Feature Artist for her single “Pink Croome (gtr/bass) – are the rock’n’roll band, Daring Greatly. Roses” music video. On the release day, the EP reached #6 on the Fronted by powerful, 3-part, “blood harmonies”, the combination iTunes Country Album charts. Maddison is the winner of the 2nd of familiar voices, each with their own unique tone and melody, annual ‘on the spot’ contest and has signed to an Ole-Red Dot create a magical vocal tapestry, like no other. The real chemistry in Development Agreement with the prestigious rights management this band comes from their competitive attitude from the sport of company, Ole. www.facebook.com/maddisonkrebsmusic Hockey. This competitive mindset has allowed everyone in the band to continuously grow and raise the bar for the next IN MEMORIAM person. They released 1 EP, and a full-length “demo” album in early 2015. In July 2015, the band left their hometown of BOB ALLEN - CMA Life Member, well-known Calgary, Alberta and headed towards Southern California to Calgary musician, bandleader, and realtor passed th pursue their music dream. The band released their first fully away peacefully on April 14 , 2017 at the age produced album June 25, 2016, titled ‘Cornerstones.’ The of 96 years. Bob was born and raised in North message is simple; be free, be courageous, and fall in love Battleford, Saskatchewan. After graduating from with as many things as possible. Step inside the arena, take high school, he joined the R.C.A.F. in Vancouver, a chance – dare greatly. http://daring-greatly.com/theband/ where he served for four years. Following that, he entered the real ^ Don Somerville (keys/pno) – has performed with sev- estate business, and operated Allen Agencies. Bob was very active eral great artists throughout the years, but most recently in the music scene as a bandleader and sideman; and in 1971 he can be seen playing keys these days for the Grammy Award formed the Chinook Concert Band. Bob was also a very active winning vocal group out of Southern California, The Archers member of the Local. He acted as one of the Field Reps for many - in addition to travelling with lead member Steve Archer years. He was a Union Man and always stood up for the rights of on solo dates. He has also on occasion filled the same role musicians. Bob swam regularly until he was 94. Condolences can be with Gaither Homecoming artist Kevin Pauls, in addition forwarded through www.calgarycrematorium.com Rest in peace. to playing the role of Benny in a high-end ABBA tribute act called Bjorn Again for four years. Don had the distinct GREG THOMAS - passed away peacefully th honour of being the Music Director two successive years on July 19 , 2017 at the age of 76. From the for Presidential Advisor and Pastor Bill Hybels’ first Western 1950’s through today, from the Esquires to Canadian appearances back in 1999 and 2000 respectively. Studio City to Key Entertainment, Greg’s www.crystalteardropinc.com legacy lives on through those he worked ^ Maddison Krebs (gtr/voc) – is a singer/songwriter/ with and encouraged in the music industry welcome new members entertainer from Okotoks, AB. Her debut record “Your True and through the countless and lasting Love” was nominated for Alberta Country Music Association’s friendships he forged over decades. Greg 2014 Album of the Year. The record opened many doors for her, was one to celebrate and laugh and he and earned her appearances at a full slate of festivals including always seemed to find the good in all the Calgary Stampede, Big Valley Jamboree and Wild Mountain situations through his strong faith in God. It is with this positive Music Festival. With the release of 2016’s “Bulls-Eye”, Maddison spirit that a Celebration of Lifewill be held on Saturday, September th nd was one of six finalists for the Canadian Country Music Associations 16 (7:00pm) at the National Music Centre, 2 Floor Performance Discovery Program award. The lead single, “Pink Roses” earned Hall, 850 4 St SE Calgary, AB, to pay tribute to Greg and share 50 her three Alberta Country Music Award nominations for Female years of music memories in Calgary. august 2017 page 5 CMA MEMBERS IN THE NEWS CFM/GOODLIFE 2017 CCMA NOMINATIONS FITNESS Fans’ Choice Album of the Year (Beautiful Freakshow) Participation and input in the Goodlife Fitness survey showed Single of the Year (“Time”) significant interest levels, so Goodlife approved the program to Songwriter of the Year (“Time”) offer a corporate discount eligible only to currently active CFM Video of the Year (“Time”) members, plus their corresponding family/spouses. Country Music Program or Special of the Year (Coors Banquet One The enrolment is available online and requires you to enter Horse Town) your AFM Number for members. The AFM Member Number can Dean Brody be found in your AFM Portal and is a different member number Bass Player of the Year than the one assigned by the Local. If you do not know your AFM Chris Byrne Lisa Dodd Justin Kudding Member Number or need to update your membership to active status, please contact the office. Here’s to your health! Drummer of the Year Steel Guitar Player of the Year Register for your GoodLife Fitness Corporate Membership Ben Bradley Mitch Jay today. Select Canadian Federation of Musicians in the dropdown Fiddle & Specialty Instrument Player of the Year menu, then enter your AFM membership number www.corporate. Denis Dufresne - Banjo goodlifefitness.com Visit GoodLife online for a complete list of club locations and amenities. www.goodlifefitness.com Guitar Player of the Year Keyboard Player of the Year Matty McKay Mike Little Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee Paul Brandt 2017 YYC MUSIC AWARD NOMINEES Country Recording of The Year JJ Shiplett – Something to Believe In Industry Person of The Year Kodi Hutchinson – JazzYYC, Producer, Radio Host & Director Register at www.musiciansrights.ca Mike Little – Legion Lounge Studio, Producer, Musician & Mentor Jazz Recording of The Year The next GENERAL MEETING is scheduled for Al Muirhead – Northern Adventures – The Canada Sessions Vol. 1 Johnny Summers – When It’s Christmas Time wed. oct. 4th @10 AM at the Association office (bylaw changes). Male Artist of The Year Roots/Folk Recording of the Year deadline for TARIFF OF FEES & BYLAW SingerSongwriter f the Year SUBMISSIONS or CHANGES is September 22nd JJ Shiplett – Something to Believe In Matt Blais – Set Me Free Music Video of The Year JJ Shiplett – Darling, Let’s Go Out Tonight Matt Blais – Set Me Free

Single of The Year JJ Shiplett – Something to Believe In

2017 WESTERN CANADIAN MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES: Jazz Artist of the Year Pop Artist of the Year Al Muirhead (AB) Jocelyn Alice (AB)

Producer of the Year presented by Nimbus School of Recording & Media Russell Broom - Rebecca Lappa/David Bradford/JP Maurice/ The Static Shift (AB) 2017 WCMA INDUSTRY NOMINEES: Audio Engineering Award Russell Broom - JP Maurice, Amy Metcalfe, Chixdiggit Spencer Cheyne - Jocelyn Alice, Ruben Young, Hello Moth, Al Muirhead 2017 Hall of Fame Inductee: Paul Brandt * Please note that that the Canadian Federation of Musicians is in labour dispute with the WCMAs. AFM members are restricted from performing for the awards until an agreement is reached. page 6 august 2017 NEW MEMBERS CROOME, Dail ...... 760-637-4975...... ebass/voc EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES CROOME, Liam ...... 760-637-4979...... key/org/pno/voc ^^ Red Deer Symphony Orchestra CROOME, Patrick ...... 760-637-4964...... gtr/ebass PRINCIPAL TROMBONE - Local audition - Sep. 18, 2017 FONSECA, Tamara ...... 463-2576...... flute/piccolo SECTION FIRST VIOLIN - Local audition - Sep. 18, 2017 HADDOW, Brandon ...... 760-587-8576...... gtr email 1 page resume to Dean O’Brien [email protected] KOT, Alex ...... 606-8591...... ebass KOZAK, Rena ...... 620-9852...... audio technician MUSIC LIBRARIAN - 2017-18 season KREBS, Maddison ...... 982-5599/992-8430...... gtr/voc The music librarian will oversee and prepare all music required for 7 to MADRID, Ricardo ...... 710-1463...... gtr 10 concerts. This includes marking bowings, renting music and returning MARCHAND, Lacie ...... 587-436-9516...... clar/sax/voc MARTIN, Dylan ...... 587-434-9525...... euphonium/trombone rentals, organizing, distributing and filing in the music library. The aver- MOUNCE, Evan ...... 416-779-5803...... organ/piano/sax age number of musicians per service is approximately 30 and the time NGUYEN, Vy ...... 903-3058...... vocalist commitment will vary according to the program of each concert. The PERRON, Johanne ...... 514-941-9123/686-0910...... cello RDSO music library is located in Red Deer, Alberta. PORTER, Joe ...... 892-9381...... percussion Email resume and remuneration expectations to [email protected] or call SCHOLZ, Andrew ...... 587-889-8717...... trombone/viola 403-340-2948 SCHOLZ, Mark ...... 687-889-8714...... cello/trumpet SOMERVILLE, Don ...... 615-767-3071...... keyboard/piano ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER TARIO, Brayden ...... 760-587-8520...... drums TONGUR, Ilkim ...... 862-7212...... piano SAVE OUR TREES If you would prefer to have the RESIGNED in good standing newsletter delivered by email, GABERT, Landon GABERT, Logan PIETROVITO, Logan please call or email the office.

REINSTATED DEJONG, Natalie ...... 949-6414...... trumpet CHIU, Osmond ...... 246-3269/969-2268...... pno/viola Need to Withdraw your CHO, Jae ...... 969-8747...... ebass/bass CIONA, Andrea ...... 690-0674...... clar/cond/flute/sax Membership? DEGAMA-BLANCHET, Nic ...... 708-9007...... ebass/gtr Moving away, job relocation, music study or just taking a GUNHOLD, Neil ...... 700-8880...... ebass/gtr/key/voc HENDERSON, Scott ...... 874-5806...... pno/sax/voc break from the music scene - then you need to ‘Resign HILHORST, Geoff ...... 707-5446...... ebass/key/org/voc in Good Standing’. HUS, Tim ...... 869-6185...... gtr/vocals KIM. June ...... 454-1533/587-893-8877...... oboe Resignations require a letter or email to the office prior LAING, Ken ...... 903-1594...... trumpet to Sep. 30, 2017. membershipSEWELL, information Kirby ...... 589-7325/686-1986...... vocalist TURK, Morgan ...... 803-8549...... gtr/voc [email protected] Christopher Tilman Sandvoss Award Winning Maker Of Fine Violins, Violas and Cellos

"The tone of the violins was rich, full of character, consistent throughout the range of the instruments and powerful ... impeccable workmanship, beauty and artistry displayed in each of his instruments." Edmond Agopian Professor of Violin, University of Calgary

"Fine violas with a warm and sonorous sound." Gerald Stanick Professor Emeritus of Viola, University of British Columbia Professor of Violin and Viola, Vancouver Academy of Music

"An original and exquisite luthier ... not only do his instruments sound glorious, they are absolutely beautiful to look at." Shauna Rolston Professor of Cello, University of Toronto For inquiries call: 403.949.4194 By appointment only.

PO Box 603, Bragg Creek, AB T0L 0K0 [email protected] www.christophersandvoss.com