Associated Musicians Releases Statement on Cabaret Law Repeal

President of the Associated Musicians of New York, Local 802, AFM, Tino Gagliardi released a statement on yesterday's passage of Intro 1652 which repealed New York City's antiquated cabaret law:

"The musicians of New York City are thrilled with the repeal of this unreasonable and damaging law, which over the years has limited performers' freedom of expression and has no place in the cultural capital of the world," said Tino Gagliardi, President, Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802 AFM. "This law, steeped in racism and bigotry, has long run contrary to values New Yorkers hold dear-inclusion, diversity and creative freedom. Its repeal is an important part of the ongoing work to support our creative and nightlife community, and we thank Councilmember Espinal and City Council for their leadership. This is a great day for musicians and music lovers across New York City."

At the press conference after the bill signing, Local 802 Recording Vice President Andrew Schwartz said the following:

"I want to applaud Council Member Espinal and the City Council - for your commitment to repealing this repressive law, one that has no place in New York City, the cultural capital of the world.

Thank you also to Mayor de Blasio for your strong support of the repeal. Local 802 is the largest local union of professional musicians in the world. We perform in every style, we come from every nation, we are of every ethnicity and the music venues of NYC are where we make it all happen. Music and dance are always joined together as one, so we are happy to stand here today in this great alliance - and today we feel like dancing!

Our city has taken bold action - to get this discriminatory law off the books and send a signal that our arts and culture are an important part of our identity. The Cabaret Law was about exclusion. It was a law that could easily be exploited as a tool of suppression, often on the basis of race. This was especially true - historically and reprehensibly - for jazz musicians in New York. The terrible impact of losing a Cabaret Card on the lives and careers of Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Chet Baker and Jackie McLean among many, many others is part of the history of this law. While the Card was done away with in 1967 the devastating effects remained and the law then became a burden upon businesses that prevented musicians and New Yorkers alike to enjoy the passion of live music and dance. This is why so many musicians, artists and advocates have been seeking repeal of the Cabaret Law for many years - and we applaud the City Council today on finally getting us to this point.

This achievement compliments the great work being done on behalf of the arts on the part of the Mayor and Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin and Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl. All of the musicians of Local 802 look forward to continuing to work closely with Council and the City - to open up even more opportunities for musicians and artists to thrive in the cultural capital of NYC! Thank you!"

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