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.
February 27, 2019
IM -This third album by percussionist Peter Kogan (Local 30-73, St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN) offers mainstream jazz that is challenging yet accessible, comprising seven of his originals and four classics. Kogan assembled a talented group for this project, including fellow Local 30-73 members Scott Agster, Jeff Bailey, Chris Bates, Dave Graf, Brian Grivna, Chris Olson, Gary Raynor, Sean Turner, Pete Whitman, and Cory Wong. There are musical nods to Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, and more. Kogan provides the masterful rhythmic pulse throughout.
In 1977, Kogan left a position as principal percussion and associate principal timpani with the Pittsburgh Symphony to move to New York City and explore his passion for jazz, blues, and rock. He returned to symphonic work in 1984, retiring from his latest position, as Minnesota Orchestra’s principal timpanist, in 2015. Kogan currently performs with the group heard on this CD, which he calls “The Monsterful Wonderband.”