Hamilton Musicians Guild
Libretto April 2015
President’s Report
This edition of the Libretto may prove to be our finest effort yet. Packed with articles on songwriting/recording from Alan Willaert Vice President from Canada as well as an interview with Alan about session musicians (reprinted from the Globe Mail), tax filing tips, a report on the city’s Music Strategy Implementation Team and a feature on Maggie MacDonald (our first female 50 year member) should all prove interesting and informative. We’re trying to make the Libretto a useful and entertaining read for our members while keeping everyone informed about the issues they need to know about.
It’s been an eventful first quarter with much going on for Local 293. In our last Libretto we reported 533 members in good standing and as I write this report we now have 595 members. The JUNOS were held in Hamilton this year and we were pleased to see all the groups playing throughout town. The JUNOS were very hectic for us as we played host to Allistair Elliott (AFM International Representative), Liana White (Executive Director CFM) and Dan Calabrese (Contract Administrator). Along with Board members Janna and Brent Malseed, Reg Denis, Paul Panchezak and I we managed to catch several acts at different venues around town. It was very encouraging to see the city abuzz with music fans and bands everywhere. Our guests were very impressed with the high level of our local talent and Dan Calabrese wrote about it in this month’s issue of the International Musician which we’ve reprinted in this issue of the Libretto. The economic impact of hosting the JUNOS in Hamilton was very beneficial to all concerned-hotels, bars and restaurants as well as musicians all thrived with the influx of visitors. Local 293 gained much revenue through our agreement with CARAS and with INSIGHT Productions (TV).
Apart from checking out the JUNOS Allistair Elliott’s main reason for being in town was to do an office audit on Local 293. Needless to say we passed with flying colours and we discussed many ways to improve the website to better serve our members.
I’m happy to report that with the spring and summer season coming up we’ll be gearing up for the outdoor festivals sponsored by the MPTF. This year more funding will be made available and there will be support for the Downtown BIA Promenade, Jackson Square Rooftop, It’s Your Festival, Music by the Waterfront and the Pan Am Games. This will provide more employment opportunities for our members and serves as an incentive to join the Local. It goes without saying that one of our highest priorities is providing as many jobs as possible for our members and with the extra funding from the MPTF this becomes a reality. I hope everyone has a rewarding spring/summer season.
Yours in solidarity,
Larry Feudo, President
Secretary-Treasurer’s Report
At the time of writing this report, our membership stands at 595 members. Since our previous issue of the Libretto, our membership has increased by 61 new members plus an additional 7 members who have reinstated their membership. How have we accomplished this? Recruitment and Retention is a priority and we encourage self-contained bands and/or musical units to apply together to join the local and save money (as per the AFM Bylaws, a local may waive the LIF and FIF when members of a self-contained group join together). We focus on providing good service and advice to the members. We reach out and network with City Councillors, Labour Organizations and other organizations to promote Local 293 and live music in the community. I would like to take this time to welcome all the new and reinstated members (as listed in the “Membership Matters” section on page 9 of this Libretto). Due to the increase in membership, the office of Local 293 has become a hub of activity, and President Larry Feudo is now helping out in the office a couple of days a week.
The City of Hamilton hosted the JUNO Awards this year and Local 293 hosted representatives of the American Federation of Musicians including Allistair Elliott (AFM International Representative), Dan Calabrese (CFM Contract Administrator) and Liana White (CFM Executive Director). All were impressed with the musical talent in the Hamilton area during the various JunoFest events. Congratulations to Liana White who was selected by CARAS to be a judge for the JUNO’s.
The day after the Juno Awards, President Feudo and I gave a seminar to 2nd year music students at Mohawk College in the Business of the Music Course outlining the importance of membership to the Hamilton Musicians Guild and the benefits of membership to the Canadian Federation of Musicians. We were joined by Liana White and Dan Calabrese from the CFM office.
The issue of monies owed to the musicians of the Opera Hamilton Falstaff Orchestra is still very much alive and we are continuing active discussions with various individuals and organizations regarding the final payment of monies.
This summer, the City of Hamilton will be a proud partner of the 2015 Pan Am Games with all the soccer being played in Hamilton. Live music will play an important role during the games and Local 293 has been actively involved in promoting members of the Guild for the festivities. We will have co-sponsorship support from the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) for live music concerts during the two week of Pan Am Events. The Music Performance Trust Fund is funded via a royalty stream from the signatory record labels, led by the three major labels, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and the Warner Music Group, with the help of locals of the American Federation of Musicians.
After a presentation from the President (Anthony Marco) and Secretary (Tom Atterton) from the Hamilton & District Labour Council at an Executive Board meeting, Local 293 has decided to affiliate with the Hamilton & District Labour Council. I believe this will be a good partnership for the local and members of the Hamilton Musicians Guild.
In conclusion, I wish the best to all and a fabulous musical summer.
Yours in solidarity ,
Brent Malseed
Executive Board 2015 — Local 293 CFM
President Larry Feudo
1st Vice President Reg Denis
2nd Vice President Steve Sobolewski
Secretary-Treasurer Brent Malseed
Sergeant at Arms Paul Panchezak
Marshall Lorne Lozinski
Director Janna Malseed
Director John Balogh
Director Ron Palangio
Emeritus Officers: Matt Kennedy, Harry Waller
Local 293 StreetBeat
It was great to see Local 293 praised in the latest edition of “International Musician” the official publication of the AFM and CFM. In their coverage of 2015 JUNO week in Hamilton, AFM Canada Contract Administrator Daniel Calabrese made note of the great progress that our local has made of late. The article also included photos taken at JUNO festivities showing Secretary-Treasurer Brent Malseed and Executive Board member Janna Malseed along with Local 293 members Laura Cole and blues legend Rita Chiarelli. Laura and Rita were both featured in pre-JUNO performance showcases. By the way Laura’s musical career is in high gear. In the upcoming Hamilton Music Awards she leads the pack with the most nominations.
Elsewhere around town during JUNO week, drummer Dave King and bassist Colin Lapsley (both of Local 293) tore it up with JUNO nominee and former JUNO winner Steve Strongman at a blues concert featuring nominees in the “Blues Album” category. One of the best received concerts was hosted by Tom Wilson (Local 293). Titled “Blame It On Hamilton”, the event took place at the new performance space in the Hamilton Public Library. The show was a star studded affair that paid tribute to Hamilton’s long and illustrious musical heritage. Tom was nominated for a 2015 JUNO in the “Roots Album” category as part of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings for their release “South”. Other Local 293 Juno nominees included international recording artist and producer Daniel Lanois (“Best Instrumental Album” for “Flesh and Machine”} and Manic Drive (Shawn and Michael Cavallo and Anthony Moreino) who were not only nominated for “Best Christian Album”, in fact they took home the JUNO. Congratulations go out to all winners and nominees.
Congratulations are also in order for Local 293 guitarist Troy Harmer who recently won the “Rock Out With Randy Bachman” contest. Troy’s lead guitar work on a new song by Randy entitled “Heavy Blues” was personally chosen by Bachman himself from scores of entries. Troy wins a new guitar and a chance to perform with Randy Bachman at an upcoming concert. Way to go Troy!
Finally we close this edition of Streetbeats where we began – with the latest issue of “International Musician”. The cover story is a great feature on New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint. He also has a connection to Hamilton’s great musical history. I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting briefly with Mr. Toussaint at a recent Toronto concert. I mentioned that for many years I worked with someone who he had produced in the past – Richard Newell a.k.a. King Biscuit Boy. His eyes lit up at the mention of Richard’s name. “That cat was the real deal. I have nothing but fond memories of the record we made together.”, he exclaimed. Indeed Richard Newell was a great talent (and a former Local 293 member). Every year a group known as the “Friends of Richard Newell” stage a blues concert to honour their friend with proceeds going to a scholarship in Richard’s name in the music program of Mohawk College. Now in its thirteenth year, the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild is a proud sponsor of this event. This year’s concert, which takes place on Saturday June 6 at the Bay City Music Hall will feature Steve Strongman, Trickbag with special surprise guests and Jerome Godboo. Ticket info is available by calling Rob at 905-512-1717.
Yours in Solidarity,
Paul Panchezak
General Membership Meeting
Monday, May 11, 2015
7:00 p.m.
The Admiral Inn
York and Dundurn Streets, Hamilton
Membership Pin Presentations
Mikhail Brat – Life Membership
Peter Marino – Life Membership
Frank Chiarelli (aka Frank Rondell) – Life Membership
Peter Rihbany – Life Membership
Russ Weil – Life Membership
Brent Malseed – Life Membership
Susie Martens—25 Years
Carter Lancaster – 25 Years
Ken Smook—25 Years
David Manto—25 Years
Natalie Mysko— 50 Years
Congratulations To All
Musicians’ Rights Organization Canada (MROC)
Musicians’ Rights Organization Canada (MROC) distributes Neighbouring Rights and Private Copying Royalties to musicians and vocalists, across all musical genres, in Canada and beyond.
Most musicians know that songwriters collect money from SOCAN for radio airplay of their songs, but many musicians and vocalists remain unaware that they are entitled as musicians and vocalists to performers’ royalties for the radio airplay of their recordings. Since 1998, Canadian law has recognized the performer’s performance on a sound recording. As a musician or vocalist, you are entitled to Neighbouring Rights Royalties when a recording on which you performed gets radio airplay. These royalties are completely distinct from, and in addition to, any SOCAN royalties to which you as a songwriter are entitled.
Neighbouring Rights Royalties are paid to musicians based on tariffs covering commercial radio, satellite radio, pay audio and Canada’s public broadcaster CBC/ SRC; and the use of recordings as background music in commercial/public venues. Tariffs for additional royalties are continually in the works. In Canada, royalties are also generated by a levy payable on blank audio CD-Rs sold in Canada. Distributions are based on a blend of radio airplay and album sales.
Their website www.musiciansrights.ca provides useful information on neighbouring rights and private copying royalties and on other revenue streams available to performers. There you’ll find the forms you’ll need to get signed up. They can also mail you an information package and forms. You can contact them at: Musicians’ Rights Organization Canada (MROC),1200 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 505 Toronto, ON M3C 1H9; info@musiciansrights.ca or 1-855-510-0279.
Resigning in Good Standing
Moving out of the region? Got a great job somewhere else? Taking a break from the music scene? We are sorry to lose you, but before you leave, please send us a letter or an email to let us know when you’ll be ending your membership in Local 293. This will prevent any additional fees for both you and the Local. We can also help you transition into another Local if you are moving.
To alleviate any confusion regarding Resigning in Good Standing, please note:
You can only resign in good standing if you are indeed in Good Standing. Good Standing means that you have paid any back dues and/or penalties before resigning. To resign you simply write the Local (post or email) to inform the office of your intention to resign. To rejoin the Local there is a $15.00 fee. If you have any questions, please call contact the Secretary-Treasurer.
Life Membership Presentations
Arlene Wright
David Clewer
Joe Callura
Jack Mendelsohn
Frank Musico
Jacqueline Sutherland
Avis Romm
David Russell
Miss Maggie M. MacDonald
Member Maggie MacDonald
Recently Local 293 was saddened to receive the news that one of our most energetic, enthusiastic and talented members, Maggie MacDonald had suffered a rather serious health setback. Miss MacDonald is one of the local’s most distinguished members. In 2013 she became the first woman in the 110 year history of Local 293 to be awarded a fifty year membership pin.
A native of Scotland, Maggie began her musical career in her native land. After moving to Canada her talent was recognized immediately leading to work at the CBC on programs hosted by Elwood Glover, Gordie Tapp, Bob McLean and others. Miss MacDonald received instruction in the famed Bel Canto vocal technique from renowned voice coach Edward Johnson. Her musical development was such that Mr. Johnson encouraged her to become involved in teaching the Bel Canto method to young students thereby generously sharing her insights and talent with another generation of vocalists.
Of course her mastery of Mr. Johnson’s technique also opened up the possibility of Maggie pursuing a classical career in the operatic field. Instead she decided to follow her musical muse into the jazz and ‘pops’ realms where she has enjoyed enormous success. She is quite possibly the only member of Local 293 to perform before a president of the United States. In 1971 she appeared with Frankie Laine in Washington D.C. at the National Columbus Day Concert. At the concert in Constitution Hall, Miss MacDonald, accompanied by the United States Navy Band, entertained then president Richard Nixon, the President of Italy, the Spanish Ambassador to the U.S. and many other notables.
In her long career Maggie has appeared in countless venues including Hamilton Place and RoyThompson Hall, working the Paul Benton Trio, the George Rose Big Band, the Eddie Graf Orchestra and Michael Burgess among others. Added to her musical accomplishments are Miss MacDonald’s talent as a dancer and choreographer. She has appeared in a number of musical theatre productions including South Pacific, The Pirates of Penzance and Showboat. Also her work in television and film, including the feature film Superstar, brought Maggie membership in that other performing arts union, ACTRA.
Here at Local 293 of the Canadian Federation of Musicians we are proud to include Maggie MacDonald in our membership and to acknowledge her talent and her long and distinguished career. We wish her a speedy and complete recovery. Members of the local who wish to contact Miss MacDonald are advised to call the office at 905-525-4040.
In Memoriam: Harold Namaro
Life Member Harold Namaro passed away suddenly on Friday, February 20, 2015, in his 91st year. He is Survived by his daughters Cynthia and Maureen plus his grandson Drew. Harold was predeceased by his brother and fellow musician Jimmy Namaro. Harold taught music at Hillfield Strathallan School until the age of 75. He was a 32nd degree Mason with the Valley Lodge in Dundas as well as a member of the Scottish Rite in Hamilton. Harold had a successful career as a professional musician. Harold carried on a mechanics business on Main St. W. and Ewen Rd. for 25 years. Harold worked many local venues, such as the world renowned Brant Inn, the “Thursday Night Music on the Waterfront” series as The Harold Namaro Jazz Band as well as having played often at “Music in the City” series in Gore Park with The Harold Namaro Dixieland Band and the Burlington “Summer in the Park” series with the Harold Namaro Quartet. Harold really spiced things up at The Mustard Festival and was often enjoyed at Whitehern Historic House & Garden and the Cactus Festival, just to name a few. Harold was always asked back to any venue he played because folks loved his fine musicianship and charming manner.
Our Brother, Harold Namaro was born Sept.12,1922 in Hamilton. Harold came from a renowned musical family. Not only did he have his own bands in the Hamilton area, but, you might also remember that Harold was in the movie “Three men and a Baby”.
Harold was a true gentleman and was proud to be a member of the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild, Local 293, AFM/CFM.
Rest in Peace Harold
Hamilton Music Strategy
Music plays a role in a strong vibrant city. Music is part of Hamilton’s economic prosperity and its identity – locally, nationally and internationally. The Hamilton Music Strategy articulates a shared vision, purpose and pathway to strengthen music in Hamilton and includes the interests and aspirations of a cross section of the local music community. It builds on the announcement of a Province of Ontario’s Live Music Strategy and its goal to showcase the industry globally.
Hamilton has a long and resilient music legacy. The local music scene is a growing, dynamic and eclectic mix of performers, producers, products and performances.
The Hamilton Music Strategy’s success depends on multiple partners working together to realize a common vision. The City of Hamilton, the music industry and the musicians all have significant and different roles in implementing the Strategy.
Music in Hamilton has three core segments:
- Industry – music businesses and organizations
- Musicians – artists and performers
- Consumers – audiences and the purchasing public.
Together the activities and interaction of these segments create Hamilton’s “music scene.”
Hamilton’s music scene is founded on a long and established music legacy. The city’s current music scene includes a growing and dynamic eclectic mix of songwriters, musicians, producers, performers and live performances. Hamilton is increasingly known as a destination for music. And the city boasts a strong, collaborative and diverse music industry that offers a solid base for continued growth, collaboration and celebration.
VISION
A thriving music industry, creative music community and eclectic music scene. As a major player in the Canadian music industry, Hamilton attracts and cultivates talent. Music contributes to a diverse economy and enriches the lives of those who live, work, play and learn in Hamilton. The vision is: • A thriving, creative, eclectic music scene
MISSION STATEMENT
The Hamilton Music Strategy celebrates “all things music” in Hamilton. The Strategy will guide the activities of its partners to create and nurture an environment where music and the music industry flourishes, grows and prospers.
• Celebrate “all things music” in Hamilton
The Music Strategy’s four goals are to:
1. Strengthen the local music industry
2. Grow audiences and appreciation of music
3. Increase access to music experiences
4. Cultivate music creation and talent.
The anticipated outcomes of the Music Strategy are:
• Strong music identity for Hamilton
• Sustainable music industry
• Increased economic activity.
Some of the ways success could be measured include:
• Growth in the number of jobs in Hamilton music industry
• Attraction of music businesses/musicians to Hamilton and new business start-ups
• Number of venues for live music
• Growth in audiences at live music performances
• Number of students participating in music education programs
The Hamilton Music Strategy’s success depends on multiple partners working together to realize a common vision. The City of Hamilton, the local music industry, and Hamilton’s musicians, who are at the centre of it all, have significant yet different roles in implementing the Hamilton’s Music Strategy. It is, however, a general consensus within Hamilton’s music community that Hamilton is a “City of Music.”
I am honoured to be a voice at the table of the Music Strategy Implementation Team representing Local 293 Hamilton Musicians Guild members.
Since appointment of the Music Strategy Implementation Team (MSIT) in September 2014, a number of meetings have taken place and a number of significant events have occurred:
The coordination of the JUNOs in March 2015
The creation of ‘JUNO House’ at the Visitor Centre
Opening of the Music & Film Office
Development of a tag line/slogan for JUNOs which will now be used for Music & Film – TURN IT ON
Continued development of the Strategy Action Plan and determining of priorities for first actions
Hiring of Hill’s Strategies to do some initial research about the Hamilton Music Industry and to develop a Music Venue Survey which will be implemented in May 2015. Next step: host a meet and greet with the venues and administration of the survey with help from MSIT
Reaching out to other ‘Music Cities’ across North America and the world to identify best practises – this action continues.
Respectfully submitted
Janna Malseed,
Board of Directors
Exciting news!
Ian Thomas will be performing”RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES” live with members of the Hamilton Philharmonic on “CANADA AM”, Friday, May 1st between 8 and 9 AM!
Hamilton Musicians Guild members’ Ian Thomas and Darcy Hepner will appear on CTV’s Canada Am on Friday May 1, 2015 with members of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra to perform and discuss this new project. Please tune in and support Ian.
Ian and Darcy conceived the idea of a full-blown orchestral recording project and live performances with orchestra to follow. This will include some charts from the original recordings by the late Milan Kymlicka and new arrangements Darcy Hepner and film composer, Paul Intson.
Ian Thomas – “A Life In Song”
http://www.ianthomas.ca/Ian_Thomas/Home.html
You and Your Money
What they don’t teach you in music school!
This is the first of a series of articles that I have been asked to write to assist fellow musicians with managing their money. All musicians work hard for their money and my aim is to help you learn how to manage it and keep. Easier said than done!
No one is born knowing how to manage money – even Warren Buffet had to learn from the beginning. I expect that most of the readers of this newsletter will ignore it and continue to spend beyond their means as most Canadians do. If I only get one, and perhaps two readers, to implement the ideas after reading the article, then I will consider that I’ve been very highly successful – mission accomplished. Going forward the points that I will make will come from my own experiences both as a working musician, as a corporate controller, and from the interactions I have had with my tax clients. In later articles I will discuss my personal viewpoint that it is better to owe the money to the government on April 30 then it is to apply for, and expect, a refund.
You have just received the tax refund – so what? What are you going to do with it? Most of us will treat the money as a free gift and go out and buy a treat for ourselves – some personal indulgence – whatever it is we think we need to purchase now. If you’re starting out in your career – perhaps you just graduated from music school – and you have not moved into a lucrative position right away, then you have a financial learning curve to surmount. No one is going to throw gobs of money at you and you better get used to the idea fast. You may be rich in 10 years but in the interim you have to manage your earned money and manage it well.
If you have a day gig and you work for a T4 some issues will be taken care of: your unemployment insurance premiums will be paid for you, your CPP (Canadian Pension Plan premiums) will be paid for you and perhaps there’s a bit of an employee savings plan that’s available. If you do not have this steady daytime gig or if you do have one and you have employment income from self- employment as a musician then money management requires a little more effort on your part.
When you are just starting out in your career and trying to piece together a reputation you are probably doing gigs with many groups and playing several types of music. Money is not coming in in gobs and you’re most likely you trying to get by from week to week. Still there is something that you can do to begin managing your money and there is no better time to start than now. Contributing amounts to the normal investments like RRSPs, buying some stocks or bonds, and so on, may be beyond you for a while. I do encourage everyone to start saving as soon as possible and I contend that it is never too late to start – no start no savings.
If you do not have an RRSP savings plan and if you have not contributed substantially to one or you are not in the process of doing so then consider opening a TFSA a tax-free savings account. If money is tight try to find a way to put just five dollars away every week. I understand that it can be very difficult. The point is: you need to get into the habit of saving and the only way to get in the habit of saving is to start and do it and stick to it no matter how hard it gets. Five dollars a week is a couple of designer coffees a week or maybe even just one. If you are scraping by trying to get your career off the ground and you are drinking designer coffees then shame on you. Keep those coffees for celebrating key points in your life over the year – like when you achieved a personal milestone or goal, played a difficult performance past your expectations, or when that lovely person that you have been courting finally agreed to become your spouse – well perhaps something other than a designer coffee is more appropriate in this case.
Get someone to set up a tax-free savings account for you. While contributions to a TFSA will not generate deductions on your annual tax return any earnings that your deposits generate do not attract income tax when you make a withdrawal. What the TFSA does is give you a buffer that you can use as an emergency fund should a real emergency arise – not an impulse buy – I said a real emergency. My elderly uncle told me more than 20 years ago that when he was married with two young kids he used to set aside three months of living expenses in a savings account for emergencies in case he lost his job. With the structural changes in the Canadian economy over the past few years that living expense buffer is probably more like six months. If you have not started any financial planning or savings program there is no better time to start than now. Take your tax refund and start now.
When the musical chairs in the game of life stop, will you have a financial chair to sit on?
Any comments or viewpoints expressed in this article are those of PMG Business Services Inc.
Copyright PMG Business Services Inc. 2015.
Kevin Mann CPA, CMA, MBA is a performing bassist and the President of PMG Business Services Inc. He has provided extensive financial and managerial expertise to a wide range of organizations in not-for-profit and for-profit service oriented businesses including being a Board Director and Member of the Mississauga Symphonic Association and The Oakville Symphony.