Niagara Region Musicians' Association
8234 Lamont Avenue L2G 6V8 Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

The politics of the pandemic

The Canadian Federation of Musicians strongly urges the adoption of Bill C10. The adoption will not infringe on the fundamental freedoms of the every-day Canadian Citizen, nor is censorship of the internet a threat. Regulating the professional-level broadcasting activities of new and existing digital media platforms will ensure fairness between traditional and digital media broadcasters, and will ensure facilitate the promotion and protection of Canadian Content. Digital platforms also play a very important role in the discoverability of creative content, and creators and performers must be better valued. The CFM urges everyone to not be misled by opposing rhetoric that is purely politically based, and not in the best interests of all Canadians.

So honoured to be featured in the AFM International Musician Magazine! Thank you to my Local 180, and Megan Romer for writing this. I've been receiving this magazine for nearly two decades, so it's pretty sweet to be featured!

Strength in Solidarity!

I‘m sharing this to our page to show that we are in this together right across the country and that paying your dues has a wide ranging effect now and in the future.

During the period January 1st 2020 to December 31st, our estimates are for direct revenue losses for the Niagara Region Music Industry totalling $8.6 Million do...llars in compensation to Niagara Region Professional Musicians. Economic impact to our community extends far beyond this estimate , as figures DO NOT include losses for the following peripheral sectors, that are dependent on those musical performances: * Backline support * Sound Technicians * Lighting Technicians * Booking Agents * Publicists * Artist Management * Ticket Agents * Festival and Events * Recording Engineers * Travelling Musicians and Artists performing in our Region. * Server Gratuities enhanced by those performances * Venue revenue losses surrounding Cancelled Performances * Part Time/Casual We are hopeful for an improved outlook for 2021, but recognize that the challenges ahead are enormous for Niagara area Musicians and our partnering industries.

Day 278 of Covid in the Niagara Region

Over the next few weeks, we'll be out and about performing LIVE with our support partners Vermeer's Garden Centre, Southbrook Organic Vineyards and FirstOntario... Performing Arts Centre Come enjoy a little music and support your local business. Vermeer's Garden Centre Saturday, November 28th, Noon-3pm Thursday, December 3rd, 3-6pm Saturday, December 12th, Noon-3pm Thursday, December 17th, 3-6pm Southbook Organic Vineyards November 29th or December 6th Noon, 1pm or 2pm First Ontario PAC - Ron Sexsmith with the NSO December 5th For the holiday season, we are pleased to be partnering with Vermeer’s Garden Centre in Welland. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sending duos out to perform for customers while they do their holiday shopping! Vermeer’s has been good enough to add us to their holiday fundraising campaign so you can also support the NSO. Curbside pick up and home delivery (delivery charges apply) are available for your holiday greenery orders. To order, click and select Niagara Symphony as your preferred charity. https://vermeers.ca/product-category/fundraiser/ Southbrook has put a lot of care and added security measures into bringing their tasting program indoors, including enhanced ventilation and a maximum capacity of 20-24 people per hourly session. Tasting sessions start at $15 and can be booked here. https://www.southbrook.com/Wine-Tastings We are also working with the staff at Southbrook on an exceptional experience designed by Bradley Thachuk, so stay tuned for future dates. We know many of you are missing our wonderful home at the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre. It has gone by fast but our PAC is turning 5 and no better way to celebrate than with a multi-option fundraiser, with Niagara’s own Ron Sexsmith and the NSO. On Saturday, December 5th, you have the option to experience a beautiful dinner followed by in-person viewing of the show (hurry only 50 seats available for this option and selling fast) or enjoy it from the comfort of your home by digital livestream. Click to book your tickets! https://firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp We can’t wait to see you out in person. Whether digitally or in person we have a great suite of offerings in the coming weeks, so please enjoy all that Niagara has to offer.

This Veteran’s Day, we’re proud to honor the incredible musicians who have served our country. Our nation wouldn’t be what is today without the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Honoring all US Military musicians -- current, past, and future. Thank you for your service! #VeteransDay

In mid July 2020, the Niagara Region Musicians Association Executive Board recognized and further assessed the impact of the pandemic on the livelihoods of musicians in our Region. Although minimal performance opportunities were just beginning to appear, our industry had very little recovery, and that trend continues to date. Musician income that is derived from performances, for the most part continue in a state of decline. The vast majority of musicians are experiencing re...Continue reading

Information regarding expedited US Visa applications.

CSARN - Making Experience Count - Supporting Senior Artists invites all artists to our free annual conference. Maintaining Creativity V takes place online in No...vember in three two-hour sessions. Hear keynote speaker (and celebrated AFM member) Tom Jackson’s thoughts on The Economy of the Future: Knowledge and Love on November 16th Event is free, but registration is required. See more details at: https://www.csarn.ca/conference/ See more

Big shout out to James Corden for his recognition of the musicians on his show last night! ICYMI, here's some of what he said: "I don't know if anybody at home... may have read that the amazing live musicians, who play on all of the different television shows across all of the networks, every network where you see a live group of musicians on TV, have come together to demand better terms for the work that they do. They are using the hashtag #RespectUs. And their union is asking for all of the networks, for better pay, better health-care benefits, better residuals for the shows that they appear in. And look, this show, music is a massive part of this show, and the real reason for that is that musicians have been a massive part of my life... I truly understand the joy that musicians work brings to all of these shows. And if you'll allow me, I just wanted to say to our band here, how much I absolutely love you so much and value the work that you do on our show and what you bring to the show is indescribable. You elevate everything that we do. And it's not just the music, it's your presence here on screen. You lift everyone here, every single day. And I can honestly say we would be lost without you. I would be distraught without you and I feel so lucky to see every night and watch this incredible group of musicians. We salute you and applaud you now and every single day." You can watch the clip here (at the 16minute mark): https://www.cbs.com//the-late-late-show-10-22-20-josh-gad/ Respect Us: Live TV Musicians The Late Late Show with James Corden