[Dixielandjazz] Musician's Union

[Mike]

Was that during the time when you had to have a cabaret card in addition 
to being a union member?

Mike



Steve Barbone wrote:
> When, in 1950, I first joined Local 802, AF of M in New York City, like Don,
> I had to take a test. I did come with some help from clarinetist Hank
> D'Amico and trombonist Charlie Butterfield, both of who were studio
> musicians and had some clout. Plus, I had recently joined a band that had
> just gotten a 6 month steady weekend gig under union contract rules.
> Otherwise, I think I would not have passed the first time.
> 
> The local was VERY STRONG back then. You couldn't work a NYC gig (in almost
> any venue) without being a member. The business agents would come around and
> check your card, as well as the contract which had to be on file at the
> venue. If a club was not in line, they would picket and/or send Guido around
> to persuade the owner to book union musicians.