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.
March 15, 2017
IM -After considering retirement last year, Paul Simon of Local 802 (New York City) has announced that he will hit the road again for a 17-city tour to benefit the Half-Earth Project, an initiative of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation. The singer says that he feels that actively supporting biodiversity through performing his music makes him feel like he’s making a “greater contribution than just putting more money in my pocket, or becoming more famous,” both of which he says he doesn’t need.
In Wilson’s book Half-Earth: Our Planet’s Fight for Life he proposes an achievable plan to save our imperiled biosphere: devote half the surface of the Earth to nature. Simon assures fans that his concerts will be music based saying they won’t be lectured to, though the book may be available.
Stranger To Stranger, Simon’s most recent solo album, was his first number-one hit on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums and Americana/Folk Albums charts.