Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.
As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.
The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.
Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.
September 1, 2019
IM -Thanks to renewed resources, an important and enduring community event—The Regina Folk Festival in Regina, Saskatchewan—has become a recipient of Music Performance Trust Fund grants in recent years. The connection came through the coordinated efforts of Local 446 (Regina, SK), the Festival’s leadership, and AFM International Representative Allistair Elliott.
This year marked the 50th anniversary of the two-day, three-night festival that is usually held the second week of August. After various venue changes through the years, Victoria Park has been its home for more than two decades. The MPTF sponsorship supports the free daytime musical events, while ticketing offsets much of the cost for the evening performances.
Similar to many community cultural events, the Regina Folk Festival attracts numerous vendors, as well as providing payments for the professional musicians who perform. The festival attracted 45,000 people this year. The efforts to produce the festivities is facilitated by a small staff, their board members, and approximately 650 volunteers, all under the Artistic Direction of Festival CEO Sandra Butel.
“The festival is one of the highlights of the summer and we’re proud to host an inclusive and diverse event that offers something for all ages and interests,” Butel says.
The Regina Folk Festival’s objective is to preserve and promote the folk arts in its traditional and modern definitions, and to educate the people of Regina as to folk traditions in the arts upon which their lifestyles are based. Special attention is given to create child-specific entertainment and activities with a dedicated children’s area and stage.
The MPTF is pleased to be a supporter of the Regina community, the musicians of Saskatchewan, and the Regina Folk Festival. Congratulations on using music professionals and the arts to enhance life in Saskatchewan for 50 years!