Saskatoon Musicians' Association

AFM-CFM Local #553 "Live this Week", Upcoming Events, Billboard News/Updates/Announcements & Dues Renewal Reminder

AFM-CFM Local #553 "Live this Week" to September 30, 2024:
Wednesday, Sept. 25 – Joe Callahan CFCR Fundraiser w/ Christopher & the Saints @ Citizen Café & Bakery located at 18-23rd Street East – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 26 – Larry Krause / Jewel of the North Open at Christopher Lake
Friday, Sept. 27 – Lewis & Salkeld @ D’lish by Tish – 7:15 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 30 – Larry Krause / NE Metis Cultural Event at Porcupine Plain

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Thursday, Oct. 3 – Jack Walton @ Mr. Mikes (Prince Albert) – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 3 – Larry Krause / Jewel of the North Open (emcee) at Christopher Lake
Friday, Oct. 4 – Skaravan @ Capitol Music Club – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 5 – Saskatoon Symphony / Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets @ T.C.U. – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 5 – Larry Krause @ Legion Hall at Estevan
Thursday, Oct. 10 – Local 553 Gala Showcase @ The Bassment – Doors at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 10 – Larry Krause / Jewel of the North Open (emcee) at Christopher Lake
Friday, Oct. 11 – Tucker Lane / vs The Pretenders @ The Bassment – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 12 – Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra / Trumpet Triumph with Wayne Bergeron @ Broadway Theatre – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 16 – Saskatoon Symphony / Phantom of the Opera silent film with live music @ Roxy Theatre – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 16 – Tess McKenzie / Sculptures for String Quartet @ Mayfair United Church – 7:30pm
Thursday, Oct. 17 – Saskatoon Symphony / Phantom of the Opera silent film with live music @ Roxy Theatre – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 17 – Larry Krause / Jewel of the North Open (emcee) at Christopher Lake
Friday, Oct. 18 – Kathi Lewis / Mad Love for Linda Ronstadt @ The Bassment – Doors @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 20 – Brenda Moats with Gillian Lyons (piano) / A Flute Extravaganza @ Emmanuel Anglican Church 607 Dufferin Avenue – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 24 – Larry Krause / Jewel of the North Open (emcee) at Christopher Lake
Saturday, Oct. 26 – Dan Silljer band w/ Geoff Assman, Jim Balfour, Sheldon Corbett @ Somewhere Else pub – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26 – Larry Krause @ Legion hall at Wynyard
Saturday, Oct. 26 – The Northern Pikes @ Broadway Theatre – 8:00 p.m. Tickets available online at: https://broadwaytheatre.ca/events?p=event&event=3005
Thursday, Oct. 31 – Larry Krause / Jewel of the North Open (emcee) at Christopher Lake
Saturday, Nov. 30 – Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra / Vocal Elegance w/ Caity Gyorgy @ Broadway Theatre – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21 – Eileen Laverty / A Magical Christmas @ Broadway Theatre – 7:30 p.m.

***To be listed please send your gig, date and particulars with the Subject labelled "Local 553 Live" to: [email protected]

BILLBOARD NEWS & UPDATES:

Congratulations to Local #553 Member Ross Neilsen: Winner of the local, preliminary round of the International Blues Challenge (IBC). The IBC competition hosted by the Saskatoon Blues Society, was held at Bud's on Broadway, Monday, September 16, 2024. The local contest win sends Neilsen to Memphis in January 2025 to compete in the finals. Last year's local IBC winner was Regina's Jack Semple (CFM-AFM Local #446). Fans wanting to see Ross Neilsen perform are in luck. He will perform a set as part of the Saskatoon Musicians' Association's annual Gala Showcase on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the Bassment in Saskatoon. Contact either the Bassment ticket hub, or call the Local 553 ticket hotline at 306-477-2506

Congratulations to Local #553 Member Trent Schmidge – The Blue Mules lead singer showed his union pride by wearing his 553 T-shirt to the Saskatoon & District Labour Council (SDLC) Labour Day picnic on September 2, 2024. Trent won the draw with all the other Local 553 members, who wore their shirts to the event. He will take home two tickets to the Gala Showcase (a $60 value) on October 10, 2024 at the Bassment.

Performer P2 Visa Processing Alert – In recent weeks the Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM-AFM) was notified that one of the service centers responsible for adjudicating CFM member petitions has been experiencing vast processing delays “up to 6-months”. The other service center which adjudicates member petitions is still processing within about the 90-day time frame that most are accustomed to. This problem is exasperated by the fact that we are required to send all petitions to the Texas Service Center, which appears to be more of a sorting house than an adjudication center. The CFM P2 office does not know which service center any given file has been sent to until a Receipt Notice is issued, which takes approximately 30-45 days. The P2 staff has been quite diligent in contacting CFM members with petitions in process to notify them that their Approval may not be issued on time and to consider premium processing or reschedule performance dates where possible. Going forward, members who do not have 185 days before their first gig, may still file a P2 application but should prepare themselves for the possibility that there will be a premium fee of $2,805 USD. If so the CFM office will notify the applicant within about 35 days. The normal projected processing time for members applying for a P2 Visa was 90 days but that is no longer the case. To ensure you have enough time to get your visa well before your gig, be sure to have your membership dues all paid up.

Calling all Local 553 Recording Artists – We need to stock our Local 553 Jukebox. If you have a few CDs left from your last recording project email us at: [email protected] with the subject line “Jukebox” and we’ll do some business.

Protect Yourself with AFM Contracts – Federation members are obligated to file an LPCC (contract) with the Local at least one day prior to the performance. When a signed contract is filed, Local 553 is obligated to defend the contract in court if the purchaser defaults. This is just another benefit of membership in the Federation.

AFM Venue Reviews: by musicians, for musicians – Knowledge is power. Musicians on Venuology anonymously review venues at which they've played. Armed with info about sound quality, room size, pay and vibe, we can collectively pressure clubs to improve!
https://venuology.org/

Musicians’ Pension Fund – To remain vested in the MPFC, you must make at least two contributions per year. Don’t forget to send your paperwork and pension cheques to the Musician’s Pension Fund of Canada. For more details on how you can get vested in the pension fund, please contact Local 553, att: President Skip Kutz at [email protected]

Local #553 Musician Gear Exchange – Join our Facebook group Saskatoon Musicians 553 Gear Exchange. List the gear you are looking for &/or no longer need.

A Guide to Flying with musical instruments – https://www.hamiltonmusicians.org/.../CAD-Flying-Guide...

Local #553 Members Contact Information – For the purpose of referring gigs, or sending cheques through regular mail, Local 553 needs to have correct contact information for members. If you have moved address, or changed your email, or phone number within the past two years please send the current information to [email protected]

Live Music Worker Support Fund – UNISON was formed in 2010 with one simple but important goal in mind: to ensure that the people who make up the Canadian music business never face times of crisis alone. Created by the industry, for the industry, we deliver life-saving emergency financial services and professional counseling that offer much-needed hope to those in need. Website address: https://unisonfund.ca

Instrument Insurance – As a member of the AFM-CFM you are able to apply for instrument insurance with HUB International. Musicians’ rates are 2% of insured value with a $100 deductible for members only.

AFM-CFM Recording Scales – AFM-CFM members who record must use the Federation B-4 form. The minimum scale sheet for recording projects in Canada shows the current rate for 15 minutes finished product is $434.21 plus 12% pension. Call our office for more details.

Local #553 Price List – The Saskatoon Musicians’ Association’s new price list (as approved by members at the January 2023 AGM) was formally ratified by the Local 553 Executive Board in February 2023. The tariff of fees covers everything from musical instruction, adjudication, arranging, to live performances and more. To receive a PDF copy, please email Local 553 at: [email protected]

DUES RENEWAL REMINDER (2024): Many members will have their 3rd quarter dues expire as of September 30, 2024. If you are not certain whether your dues are current contact Warren the Local 553 office at (306) 477-2506 or email us at [email protected] Local #553 annual and quarterly memberships can be paid by any of the following ways: e-transfer your payment to the office e-mail address; drop by the office to pay your dues in person; or mail a cheque to the Local #553 office (we do not accept cash). Local 553 allows a generous grace period of 3 months to pay membership dues for the upcoming year. However if your dues are not paid (in arrears), you may be suspended, or expelled. Bylaws specify that expelled members must pay a reinstatement fee of 20% (of annual dues) PLUS their membership dues. Our annual membership dues rate is $155.00 and life memberships are $102.50 – Contact Warren at the Local #553 office if you have questions, or wish to arrange payment.

AFM-CFM Local #553 "Live this Week", Upcoming Events, Billboard News/Updates/Announcements & Dues Renewal Reminder

AFM-CFM Local #553 "Live this Week" to September 14, 2024:
Friday, Sept. 13 – Paul Suchan / Piano Fridays @ The Bassment – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14 – Heidi Munro & The Real Groovy Band @ The Bassment – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14 – Skaravan w/ The Love Handles @ Amigos Cantina – 10:00 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, Sept 20 – Oral Fuentes band @ The Bassment – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 21 – Saskatoon Symphony / ENIGMA with pianist Sara Davis Buechner @ T.C.U. – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 – Joe Callahan CFCR Fundraiser w/ Christopher & the Saints @ Citizen Café & Bakery located at 18-23rd Street East – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27 – Lewis & Salkeld @ D’lish by Tish – 7:15 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 4 – Skaravan @ Capitol Music Club – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 5 – Saskatoon Symphony / Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets @ T.C.U. – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 10 – Local 553 Gala Showcase @ The Bassment – Doors at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11 – Tucker Lane / vs. The Pretenders @ The Bassment – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 16 – Saskatoon Symphony / Phantom of the Opera silent film with live music @ Roxy Theatre – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 17 – Saskatoon Symphony / Phantom of the Opera silent film with live music @ Roxy Theatre – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 18 – Kathi Lewis / Mad Love for Linda Ronstadt @ The Bassment – Doors @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 20 – Brenda Moats with Gillian Lyons (piano) / A Flute Extravaganza @ Emmanuel Anglican Church 607 Dufferin Avenue – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26 – Dan Silljer band w/ Geoff Assman, Jim Balfour, Sheldon Corbett @ Somewhere Else pub – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26 – The Northern Pikes @ Broadway Theatre – 8:00 p.m. Tickets available online at: https://broadwaytheatre.ca/events?p=event&event=3005
Saturday, Dec. 21 – Eileen Laverty / A Magical Christmas @ Broadway Theatre – 7:30 p.m.

***To be listed please send your gig, date and particulars with the Subject labelled "Local 553 Live" to: [email protected]

BILLBOARD NEWS & UPDATES:

Congratulations to Local #553 Member, Trent Schmidge – The Blue Mules lead singer showed his union pride by wearing his 553 T-shirt to the Saskatoon & District Labour Council (SDLC) Labour Day picnic on September 2, 2024. Trent's name was drawn from all the Local 553 members, who wore their shirts to the event. He will take home two tickets (a $60 value) to the Local 553 Gala Showcase taking place on October 10, 2024 at the Bassment.

Performer P2 Visa Processing Alert – In recent weeks the Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM-AFM) was notified that one of the service centers responsible for adjudicating CFM member petitions has been experiencing vast processing delays “up to 6-months”. The other service center which adjudicates member petitions is still processing within about the 90-day time frame that most are accustomed to. This problem is exasperated by the fact that we are required to send all petitions to the Texas Service Center, which appears to be more of a sorting house than an adjudication center. The CFM P2 office does not know which service center any given file has been sent to until a Receipt Notice is issued, which takes approximately 30-45 days. The P2 staff has been quite diligent in contacting CFM members with petitions in process to notify them that their Approval may not be issued on time and to consider premium processing or reschedule performance dates where possible. Going forward, members who do not have 185 days before their first gig, may still file a P2 application but should prepare themselves for the possibility that there will be a premium fee of $2,805 USD. If so the CFM office will notify the applicant within about 35 days. The normal projected processing time for members applying for a P2 Visa was 90 days but that is no longer the case. To ensure you have enough time to get your visa well before your gig, be sure to have your membership dues all paid up.

Calling all Local 553 Recording Artists – We need to stock our Local 553 Jukebox. If you have a few CDs left from your last recording project email us at: [email protected] with the subject line “Jukebox” and we’ll do some business.

Protect Yourself with AFM Contracts – Federation members are obligated to file an LPCC (contract) with the Local at least one day prior to the performance. When a signed contract is filed, Local 553 is obligated to defend the contract in court if the purchaser defaults. This is just another benefit of membership in the Federation.

AFM Venue Reviews: by musicians, for musicians – Knowledge is power. Musicians on Venuology anonymously review venues at which they've played. Armed with info about sound quality, room size, pay and vibe, we can collectively pressure clubs to improve!
https://venuology.org/

Musicians’ Pension Fund – To remain vested in the MPFC, you must make at least two contributions per year. Don’t forget to send your paperwork and pension cheques to the Musician’s Pension Fund of Canada. For more details on how you can get vested in the pension fund, please contact Local 553, att: President Skip Kutz at [email protected]

Local #553 Musician Gear Exchange – Join our Facebook group Saskatoon Musicians 553 Gear Exchange. List the gear you are looking for &/or no longer need.

A Guide to Flying with musical instruments – https://www.hamiltonmusicians.org/.../CAD-Flying-Guide...

Local #553 Members Contact Information – For the purpose of referring gigs, or sending cheques through regular mail, Local 553 needs to have correct contact information for members. If you have moved address, or changed your email, or phone number within the past two years please send the current information to [email protected]

Live Music Worker Support Fund – UNISON was formed in 2010 with one simple but important goal in mind: to ensure that the people who make up the Canadian music business never face times of crisis alone. Created by the industry, for the industry, we deliver life-saving emergency financial services and professional counseling that offer much-needed hope to those in need. Website address: https://unisonfund.ca

Instrument Insurance – As a member of the AFM-CFM you are able to apply for instrument insurance with HUB International. Musicians’ rates are 2% of insured value with a $100 deductible for members only.

AFM-CFM Recording Scales – AFM-CFM members who record must use the Federation B-4 form. The minimum scale sheet for recording projects in Canada shows the current rate for 15 minutes finished product is $434.21 plus 12% pension. Call our office for more details.

Local #553 Price List – The Saskatoon Musicians’ Association’s new price list (as approved by members at the January 2023 AGM) was formally ratified by the Local 553 Executive Board in February 2023. The tariff of fees covers everything from musical instruction, adjudication, arranging, to live performances and more. To receive a PDF copy, please email Local 553 at: [email protected]

DUES RENEWAL REMINDER (2024): Many members will have their 3rd quarter dues expire as of September 30, 2024. If you are not certain whether your dues are current contact Warren the Local 553 office at (306) 477-2506 or email us at [email protected] Local #553 annual and quarterly memberships can be paid by any of the following ways: e-transfer your payment to the office e-mail address; drop by the office to pay your dues in person; or mail a cheque to the Local #553 office (we do not accept cash). Local 553 allows a generous grace period of 3 months to pay membership dues for the upcoming year. However if your dues are not paid (in arrears), you may be suspended, or expelled. Bylaws specify that expelled members must pay a reinstatement fee of 20% (of annual dues) PLUS their membership dues. Our annual membership dues rate is $155.00 and life memberships are $102.50 – Contact Warren at the Local #553 office if you have questions, or wish to arrange payment.

AFM-CFM Local #553 "Live this Week", Upcoming Events, Billboard News/Updates/Announcements & Dues Renewal Reminder

AFM-CFM Local #553 "Live this Week" to September 6, 2024:
Monday, Sept. 2 – Summer of George featuring Kathi Lewis @ SDLC Labour Day Picnic – Victoria Park Avenue F South & Spadina Crescent. Show your union pride and wear your Local 553 T-shirt when you attend the Saskatoon & District Council's LABOUR DAY PICNIC IN THE PARK today, today from 11 am – 1:30 pm. Lots of food and fun for the kids. Music by Local 553 members, "Summer of George", featuring Kathi Lewis. Wear your Local 553 shirt and have a chance to enter a draw for 2 tickets to our 2024 GALA SHOWCASE at the Bassment.
Thursday, Sept. 5 – The Whiskey Jerks open for Petunia & the Vipers @ Capitol Music – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 6 – The Whiskey Jerks open for Petunia & the Vipers @ Capitol Music – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 6 – Jay & Danica @ D”Lish by Tish – 6:45 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Sept. 6, 7, 8 – DOYLEFEST featuring The Blue Mules, Elisa Doyle, Clayton Linthicum & the return of Gary Walsh aka Humphrey Dumptruck

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, Sept. 13 – Paul Suchan / Piano Fridays @ The Bassment – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14 – Heidi Munro & The Real Groovy Band @ The Bassment – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14 – Skaravan w/ The Love Handles @ Amigos Cantina – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept 20 – Oral Fuentes band @ The Bassment – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 21 – Saskatoon Symphony / ENIGMA with pianist Sara Davis Buechner @ T.C.U. – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 – Joe Callahan CFCR Fundraiser w/ Christopher & the Saints @ Citizen Café & Bakery located at 18-23rd Street East – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 4 – Skaravan @ Capitol Music Club – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 5 – Saskatoon Symphony / HARRY POTTER & THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS @ TCU – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 10 – Local 553 Gala Showcase @ The Bassment – Doors at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11 – Tucker Lane / vs. The Pretenders @ The Bassment – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 16 – Saskatoon Symphony / Phantom of the Opera silent film with live music @ Roxy Theatre – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 17 – Saskatoon Symphony / Phantom of the Opera silent film with live music @ Roxy Theatre – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 18 – Kathi Lewis / Mad Love for Linda Ronstadt @ The Bassment – Doors @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 20 – Brenda Moats with Gillian Lyons (piano) / A Flute Extravaganza @ Emmanuel Anglican Church 607 Dufferin Avenue – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26 – Dan Silljer band w/ Geoff Assman, Jim Balfour, Sheldon Corbett @ Somewhere Else pub – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26 – The Northern Pikes @ Broadway Theatre – 8:00 p.m. Tickets available online at: https://broadwaytheatre.ca/events?p=event&event=3005

***To be listed please send your gig, date and particulars with the Subject labelled "Local 553 Live" to: [email protected]

BILLBOARD NEWS & UPDATES:

Performer P2 Visa Processing Alert – In recent weeks the Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM-AFM) was notified that one of the service centers responsible for adjudicating CFM member petitions has been experiencing vast processing delays “up to 6-months”. The other service center which adjudicates member petitions is still processing within about the 90-day time frame that most are accustomed to. This problem is exasperated by the fact that we are required to send all petitions to the Texas Service Center, which appears to be more of a sorting house than an adjudication center. The CFM P2 office does not know which service center any given file has been sent to until a Receipt Notice is issued, which takes approximately 30-45 days. The P2 staff has been quite diligent in contacting CFM members with petitions in process to notify them that their Approval may not be issued on time and to consider premium processing or reschedule performance dates where possible. Going forward, members who do not have 185 days before their first gig, may still file a P2 application but should prepare themselves for the possibility that there will be a premium fee of $2,805 USD. If so the CFM office will notify the applicant within about 35 days. The normal projected processing time for members applying for a P2 Visa was 90 days but that is no longer the case. To ensure you have enough time to get your visa well before your gig, be sure to have your membership dues all paid up.

Calling all Local 553 Recording Artists – We need to stock our Local 553 Jukebox. If you have a few CDs left from your last recording project email us at: [email protected] with the subject line “Jukebox” and we’ll do some business.

Protect Yourself with AFM Contracts – Federation members are obligated to file an LPCC (contract) with the Local at least one day prior to the performance. When a signed contract is filed, Local 553 is obligated to defend the contract in court if the purchaser defaults. This is just another benefit of membership in the Federation.

AFM Venue Reviews: by musicians, for musicians – Knowledge is power. Musicians on Venuology anonymously review venues at which they've played. Armed with info about sound quality, room size, pay and vibe, we can collectively pressure clubs to improve!
https://venuology.org/

Musicians’ Pension Fund – To remain vested in the MPFC, you must make at least two contributions per year. Don’t forget to send your paperwork and pension cheques to the Musician’s Pension Fund of Canada. For more details on how you can get vested in the pension fund, please contact Local 553, att: President Skip Kutz at [email protected]

Local #553 Musician Gear Exchange – Join our Facebook group Saskatoon Musicians 553 Gear Exchange. List the gear you are looking for &/or no longer need.

A Guide to Flying with musical instruments – https://www.hamiltonmusicians.org/.../CAD-Flying-Guide...

Local #553 Members Contact Information – For the purpose of referring gigs, or sending cheques through regular mail, Local 553 needs to have correct contact information for members. If you have moved address, or changed your email, or phone number within the past two years please send the current information to [email protected]

Live Music Worker Support Fund – UNISON was formed in 2010 with one simple but important goal in mind: to ensure that the people who make up the Canadian music business never face times of crisis alone. Created by the industry, for the industry, we deliver life-saving emergency financial services and professional counseling that offer much-needed hope to those in need. Website address: https://unisonfund.ca

Instrument Insurance – As a member of the AFM-CFM you are able to apply for instrument insurance with HUB International. Musicians’ rates are 2% of insured value with a $100 deductible for members only.

AFM-CFM Recording Scales – AFM-CFM members who record must use the Federation B-4 form. The minimum scale sheet for recording projects in Canada shows the current rate for 15 minutes finished product is $434.21 plus 12% pension. Call our office for more details.

Local #553 Price List – The Saskatoon Musicians’ Association’s new price list (as approved by members at the January 2023 AGM) was formally ratified by the Local 553 Executive Board in February 2023. The tariff of fees covers everything from musical instruction, adjudication, arranging, to live performances and more. To receive a PDF copy, please email Local 553 at: [email protected]

DUES RENEWAL REMINDER (2024): Many members will have their 3rd quarter dues expire as of September 30, 2024. If you are not certain whether your dues are current contact Warren the Local 553 office at (306) 477-2506 or email us at [email protected] Local #553 annual and quarterly memberships can be paid by any of the following ways: e-transfer your payment to the office e-mail address; drop by the office to pay your dues in person; or mail a cheque to the Local #553 office (we do not accept cash). Local 553 allows a generous grace period of 3 months to pay membership dues for the upcoming year. However if your dues are not paid (in arrears), you may be suspended, or expelled. Bylaws specify that expelled members must pay a reinstatement fee of 20% (of annual dues) PLUS their membership dues. Our annual membership dues rate is $155.00 and life memberships are $102.50 – Contact Warren at the Local #553 office if you have questions, or wish to arrange payment.