[Dixielandjazz] What do musicians get from the union?

[Stephen G Barbone]

I think the answer depends upon individual circumstances.

For me, no benefits. My last 3000 gigs have been non-union and well  
paid.

However, those musicians who work in major orchestras (NY  
Philharmonic, Phila Orchestra, et al) get plenty of benefit. Much  
higher salaries than if they were independent contractors.

Same for those who work in the NYC theaters. Same for those who work  
the Christmas show at Rockefeller Center.

I have a friend of mine who in addition to touring with name acts also  
plays the Radio City Music Hall Christmas show gigs. He says that he  
makes over half his yearly earnings from those month and a half  
Christmas shows. He is grateful to the Union for that pay rate.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband