“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!!!”
