Local and Federation sponsored booking/referral services

Local 30-73 assists potential live music purchasers in its jurisdiction area to find the right artist or group for their party, wedding, festival, corporate function or any other event that requires live music. Members of Local 30-73 can list their band for free on the “Live Music Marketplace” page of this web site (Live Music Marketplace Page).

In addition, the AFM provides an international on-line referral service (free of charge to all members and potential purchasers) that is quickly becoming one of the largest Internet resources of its kind. This service is available at http://afmentertainment.org.

Signatory Booking Agents

The AFM maintains an on-line list of franchised booking agents for the US and Canada. It is also available in booklet form by contacting Local 30-73 or the AFM. These agents are signatories to the AFM’s Booking Agent Agreement which sets standards for legally enforceable contracts specifying negotiated fees, working conditions, and commissions.

AFM Union Plus Benefits

The A.F.M. partners with Union Plus to offer these benefits:

  • Union Plus Mastercard offers special rates, travel insurance benefits, and a special payment provision
  • Hardship and help benefits
  • Auto buying services
  • Mortgage services
  • Negotiated rates for car and truck rental, hotel, vacation tours, and other travel services
  • Discounted rates for cell phones with certain carriers
  • Cash back shopping
  • Disability insurance
  • Much more

The money you save on these products more than pays for your union membership. Visit the Union Plus Web Site or contact the Local 30-73 office for details.

Musical Instrument Insurance

Only you know the value of your instruments and equipment. Just think of the amount of money it would take to replace them. Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance does not cover musical instruments used professionally. There are a couple of options for members to consider for instrument/equipment insurance.

  1. The AFM provides access to an “All-Risk” Musical Instrument and Equipment Insurance Plan underwritten by Mercer Insurance. Your instruments and music-related equipment are protected from vandalism, breakage, water, fire, lightning, and theft up to the full replacement value. If you are employed full-time, freelance, work out of your home, or are self-employed, this insurance protects the large investment you’ve made in your equipment. Mercer policies are suitable for musicians that travel a lot, play frequently in bars/restaurants and the type of music that has more exposure due to pyrotechnics/other entertainment with high risk exposure. Go to https://www.afminsurance.com/business-insurance/business-owners-insurance/special-risk-insurance/musical-instrument-equipment-insurance.html for details.
  2. Locally, contact Dolliff Insurance (https://Dolliff.com/instrument) to protect your valued musical instruments. Coverage is available for musicians with over $5,000 of values who play in orchestras, ensembles, churches, music teachers and other musicians who don’t travel a lot and play in controlled venues. To apply, contact Neil Trainor (952-593-7455; ntrainor@dolliff.com) or Steve Gillette (952-593-7421; sgillette@dolliff.com).

Web Hosting Services

  • AFM GoPro Hosting – Professional Web Hosting Services starting at $19 per year for the “Solo” plan (100 MB disk space) to $149 per year for the “Quintet” plan (2GB disk space) with 2 additional plans in between.
  • Free WordPress sites. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can build your own word press site that works on the hosting plan you buy. If you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, contact the local office for a referral to get one set up.
  • Work with the AFM Freelance Services to set up these services. Visit Go Pro Hosting to get started!

Pension Fund

Employers on many engagements make contributions to the AFM Pension Fund of up to 15% of wages paid on their behalf. Please contact the office for more information.

Immigration Assistance/Residency Work Visa Assistance

The AFM is an international union representing professional musicians in both the United States and Canada. On behalf of its members who accept gigs across the border, the Federation works with the governments of both countries to cut through the hassle of “red tape” usually associated with obtaining work visas in either location. This assistance is available for both US and Canadian musicians. There are specialized Canadian and US forms, both formats conform to the laws of the individual countries, are easy to complete, and provide comprehensive legal protection for either single engagement or touring dates. Contact the local office for assistance.

Claims on Default

In the event a purchaser defaults on payment to members for a contracted engagement, Local 30-73 and/or the AFM will work to resolve the dispute between the parties administratively. Should this prove unsuccessful, Local 30-73 will pay members scale wages for the engagement and the Local and/or Federation will pursue the claim through a variety of legal methods.

Pension Fund

 Members have the option of having the employer make contributions to the Pension fund of up to 15% of wages paid on their behalf. Please contact the office for more information.

Negotiated Agreements

International, national and local agreements covering all types of musical work ensure fair and timely payments as well as benefits and royalties (where applicable) for the reuse and new use of music recorded under these agreements.

Legal Contracts

A signed AFM contract offers you protection for individual engagements, steady engagements, and traveling work. The AFM has a standard form contract that all members are entitled to use. It contains the AFM seal and when properly filled out and filed with the Local, it allows the local officer to help collect payments in the case of a default. Forms are available for download from the AFM’s website, or at our office.

Legislative Representation

The AFM is actively involved at the national, state and local levels, advocating and lobbying for legislation that benefits the lives of working musicians including public funding for the arts.

International Musician Free Subscription

The International Musician is the official journal of the AFM. Published monthly and sent to all members, this informative newspaper delivers articles of current interest to professional musicians, such as educational resources, labor news, as well as audition notices and help wanted ads. The International Musician is also available online, beginning the first of each month, in the private members area of the AFM website. Members may also search online through past issues in the International Musician archives.

A Collective Voice

It is only through the combined efforts of members that Local 30-73 and the AFM are able to better the position of musicians in our society. As a collective unit, we not only have a strong voice in collective bargaining and government lobbying, but anywhere that musicians work. As a member, you will have a voice in deciding our collective future.