Unity. Strength. Power.

The Musicians Union, Local 99 serves and represents professional musicians in Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas. We are affiliated with the American Federation of Musicians of the US and Canada (AFM). Use the links above to learn more about the benefits of membership and find out how you can get involved.

View the Musicians’
Performance Calendar

. . . and click on event for performance details.

This calendar is updated daily.

Meeting hall rentals available for small- to medium-sized private events. Contact the office for more information.

Announcements & News

New Radio Station

May 22nd, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Rob Brading, CEO
MetroEast Community Media
Phone: 503-667-8848 ext. 318
Fax: 503-667-7710
rob@metroeast.org
www.metroeast.org

    OR

Bruce Fife
President, AFM Local 99
Phone: 503-235-8791

 

METROEAST COMMUNITY MEDIA AND COALITION OF COMMUNITY GROUPS ACQUIRE RADIO LICENSE

 

GRESHAM, Ore., May 16, 2008-MetroEast Community Media, in collaboration with a coalition of community groups, received word this week that its application for a non-commercial educational (NCE) radio station has been approved by the Federal Communications Commission. With its transmitter located on Mt. Hood, the signal of the new station - 91.1 on the FM dial - will reach most of the East Metro area as well as much of Portland east of the Willamette.

The license was granted as part of a rare opening of non-commercial radio licenses available to non-profit organizations.  The coalition has been working for more than a year to acquire the construction permit. According to Common Frequency representative Todd Urick “This is a once in a generation opportunity. This may well be the last time we have a window like this where community organizations can get a full power non-commercial FM radio license.” Common Frequency assists non-profits in acquiring NCE radio licenses.

 

As a non-commercial station, 91.1 will run no advertising and will be supported by its listeners and underwriting.

 

While decisions about the new station’s format are still being made, Bruce Fife, President of Musicians Local 99, said, “We’re hopeful that Portland’s diverse and vibrant local music scene will be well-represented on this new station.  It’s long past time for these talented musicians to share valuable space on the air waves.”

 

Jeff Simmons, of the web-based Portland Radio Authority, looks forward to hearing local music on the FM dial.  “Portland has one of the strongest independent music communities in the country. We have an international reputation for our music, but you wouldn’t know it listening to FM radio in Portland.  91.1 will give access to this vibrant cultural asset, and will open outsiders’ ears to the amazing things happening in Portland.”

 

Rob Brading, CEO of MetroEast said, “We’re thrilled to have acquired this license on behalf of the community.  Other than our founding, this license is probably the most important event in MetroEast’s 25-year history.   We’re very excited with the opportunity to offer radio with an east side emphasis and to give voice to the vibrant local music scene.”

 

Brading expects the station to go on the air sometime in 2009.  “Next year is MetroEast’s 25th anniversary.  What better way to celebrate than by going on the air with this new station?”

Club Musicians’ Survey

May 16th, 2008

We’re conducting a survey of local club musicians in order to better understand the conditions in our local scene and what people would like to see changed. Please take a few minutes to fill out this 9 question survey and ask your friends to do the same.

Club Musicians’ Survey 

Thank you for helping to improve your club scene!

Ross Lampert
Organizer
American Federation of Musicians
Local 99

OLCC Victory

April 22nd, 2008

Local 99 scored a victory at the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) Friday, April 18, 2008 when the Commissioners voted unanimously (4 of 5 present) to changes in the minor posting rules. The new Minor Posting #VI makes it possible for minors to be present at a show if the venue has an approved (by the OLCC) control plan to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors. This has been allowed under certain conditions already, such as at a Blazers game or at the Crystal Ballroom, but this new ruling formalizes the process and opens up the all ages potential for more mixed use facilities. Generally speaking, straight up bars such as Dante’s will still probably not qualify for all age’s events.

 

Since June 2007, Local 99 and Cary Clarke of PDX Pop Now! have worked hand in hand on this issue. Together, we worked with OLCC staff on the rule itself, raised awareness for the potential of these changes amongst musicians, venue operators and promoters. Letter and email writing campaigns to the OLCC showed strong support for the rule, and many attended and testified at the hearings.

 

The rule will take effect June 1, 2008. For more information, please contact Bruce Fife at Local 99.


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