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.
October 3, 2018
IM -On September 27, Local 257 (Nashville, TN) member Ricky Skaggs was inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame during the International Bluegrass Music Awards in Raleigh, North Carolina. Fellow Local 257 member Marty Stuart had the honor of inducting Skaggs.
“He’s a radical revisionist, he’s a traditionalist, he’s a keeper of the flame, he’s an innovator, he’s always keeping his music moving forward, he’s invited so many people into the world of country and bluegrass music, he has become a universal touchstone to our kind of music,” says Stuart. “Tonight, it’s my honor to ask Ricky Skaggs to come up here and receive bluegrass music’s most coveted award. I induct Ricky Skaggs, gladly, into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.”
“I appreciate this award so much,” said Skaggs. “This means so much to me because it’s the music of my youth. It’s the foundation of everything I’ve ever recorded. I want to thank the IBMA and all those who voted for me.” Skaggs will also be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October.
After induction, the Hall of Fame plaques are installed in the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky. An Unveiling Ceremony takes place at the museum on Opening Day of the museum’s ROMP festival. Thereafter, the plaques are on permanent exhibit.
The brand new Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum facility will celebrate its grand opening October 18-20.