We’re having a rally today, Tuesday, at 2pm at Judson Memorial Church in NYC. If you live in the New York area, it’s very important that you be there to support Justice for the Jazz Artists! campaign. If you can’t be there, spread the word to those that can.
We have over 2,500 signatures on our petition — now we’re translating that support into action. Be there and bring a couple friends.
Judson Memorial Church
55 Washington Square South (West 4th Street)
Greenwich Village, New York City
2PM today (Tuesday)
We’ll hear performances by Jimmy Owens, Benny Powell, Keisha St. Joan, Bob Cranshaw, Sean Lyons, Bernard Purdie, Rudy Lawless and others. Amiri Baraka will speak. MUSICIANS: Bring your instruments! After the rally we will march on the clubs.
Endorsers
Our 2500+ signers include Mayor Dinkins, William Thompson, Christine Quinn, Amiri Baraka, Judi Silvano, Chris Lightcap, Maria Schneider, Dr. Billy Taylor, Marc Ribot, Regina Carter, Jame Carter, Jason Moran, Wycliffe Gordon, George Cables, Andrew Cyrille, Stanton Davis, Andrew Farber, Paul Motian, Arturo O’Farrill, Reggie Workman.
Summary
Two years ago in New York, Justice for Jazz Artists! (a project of AFM Local 802) succeeded in getting a tax break passed, benefiting NYC jazz clubs like Birdland, the Blue Note, the Village Vanguard and the Jazz Standard. The savings were supposed be directed into pension payments for the musicians that perform at these clubs.
In other words, at NO COST to the clubs, musicians can receive pension contributions for retirement.
Unfortunately, despite early support for the tax break, most clubs have since refused to even discuss the issue with the J4JA! campaign. That’s why we are holding the rally today. We need you to be there and make it real.
Now’s the time!
