“People think jazz musicians can live on love and air. Please support using tax relief money to help the musicians.”
“It is time for those of us who love the music to honor those who make by pushing to get them the benefits they so richly deserve. Jazz fans get behind this drive. Let the club owners know that we support this action. ”
“How very shortsighted of these clubs! Jazz is a major part of the New York heartbeat at night. Most of these clubs will make some effort to claim they ’support’ musicians and jazz, then pull a stunt like this. Perhaps some shame will move them to reconsider their selfishness.”
“Jazz musicians are an endangered species. Please give them an opportunity to live with dignity.”
“It’s 2009… many things within our society needs to reform — especially the live music scene in NYC… this city sets the tone for the world and its about time we start taking better care of the people. Musicians are the gatekeepers to humanity, yet so many of us struggle to make it through the week financially… club reform would help us out immensely. It’s time for change.”
“All workers need benefits and pensions so they can live healthy lives with dignity. The work of people who enrich and add so much pleasure to our lives is just as valuable as all others. Music isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessary component of a full life! Thank you for your talent and commitment.”
“Is it really any surprise that the club owners are keeping the benefits of the tax relief to themselves? They have continuously made profits on the back of musicians, of all stripes, for centuries. What J4JA is doing is getting the word out and raising public awareness, just like the Broadway musicians do when they have their issues with the producers. Keep the faith!”
“I would like to urge all NYC jazz clubs to reap the positive publicity benefits of doing the right thing by the jazz artists that they employ for their livelihood!!!”
“I wish all the jazz musicians the best of luck in receiving the tax relief money for the benefit of all performing jazz artists. And, I agree that the jazz musicians need the security of a pension just like any other working individual residing here in the United States; and as well as those abroad. It is time for a change. Therefore, let us make it happen.”
“I support any constructive effort that will help jazz musicians. I am not one of the ’stars’ or part of the clique, however, I support constructive and improving the employment situation. What we need also is jobs for American musicians.”
“If you love the music, you have to support the musicians!”
“It seems to me that its about time for club owners to help musicians for all the hard work, low pay, suffering, paying for drinks, paying for food, short breaks, long sets, no parking, hard load in, ‘where are all the people’, crap that has been going on for years.”
“I joined the union in 1951. It was then only an organization that you had to join in order to get a job. No real benefits. I’m overjoyed that musicians have come this far — if only to have their voices heard. Now it’s time to go further and get real tangible benefits for a secure older age. Jazz musicians have always been the overlooked lot. Yes indeed, justice for jazz artists!”
“I have studied jazz and let me tell you, it’s a real art form that is impossible to master without total commitment. These players spend a lifetime honing their craft that audiences get to enjoy and it’s a crime to have no benefits at the end of their performing days. I fully support this tax money going to their pensions!”
“I am a NJ club owner (ROBIN’S NEST RHYTHM & BLUES, Linden, NJ) and I stand 100% behind this cause. When are we going to learn that we need to be able to preserve what we deserve!!!!”
“Club owners who make their living featuring jazz should be ashamed. They receive the tax relief we fought to get for them. Now we have to fight to get the benefit we deserve. Some things never change, i.e. GREED!!! Sorry I can’t be there for the rally. My prayers are with you.”
“All working people are entitled to a living wage and decent benefits, including pension! Jazz musicians devote their lives to making our lives more tolerable. They deserve to know that their futures are secure.”
“Musicians in general are so important to our culture (globally), and often so unappreciated. Jazz musicians are even more so, most of the time! They deserve the same opportunities for a livable income and benefits as any other profession in this country!!”
“The club owners and agents and non-profit arts presenters all have health insurance, retirement plans etc., but a lot of the artists that they live on don’t.”
“Thank you for your work on what many would view as a marginal issue. Hopefully it will bring about more awareness and real, positive change for the musicians.”
