| News From the Office IMPORTANT: Membership We sincerely thank all members who have paid their membership fees for this year—your ongoing support is invaluable. Your contributions enable us to meet our daily financial obligations, keep our union offices operating smoothly, and maintain strong services for everyone. If you have not yet paid your 2026 membership fee, please do so promptly before March 31st, when we finalize accounts and may have to suspend unpaid memberships. MPTF Our Music Performance Trust Funds have been fully allocated for the current granting period. The next granting period will commence in May 2026. We are accepting applications for grant funding; however, grants may only be requested up to 50% until further notice. We recommend that members cultivate partnerships with sponsors who can assist in supporting performances at 50% or higher. Please review the guidelines regarding temporary memberships when engaging non-union members, as outlined in the current 2026 pricelist. Former members who have resigned, been suspended, or expelled should contact the local office for reinstatement to ensure their membership is in good standing prior to being included on any live performance contract. General Meetings The following dates have been scheduled for our General membership meetings. Please plan to attend. March 15, June 7, September 13 and November 29. Time: 6:00 pm Meetings will be held at the RCHA club 193 Ontario St Kingston K7L 2Y7 These meetings will also be available via the following Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87233356088?pwd=i3R0pA6jYhT6I5b6BVAFaHCeg9IKEB.1 Pizza will be provided at the in-person meetings in Kingston. RSVP A car pool will be leaving from 403 McDonnel St, Peterborough, for the meetings, with room for three passengers. Members can reserve their spot at sean@upmlocal518.org or 705 775-4246. Members We’ve Lost Linda Roedl We recently learned of the passing of Linda Roedl, a valued member who moved to our area after years with Local 149. Linda dedicated her life to music as a performer, composer, and teacher. Despite vascular dementia later in life, her passion for music never waned. Linda studied at Oklahoma University and earned a Bachelor of Music in piano from the University of Colorado. Dr. Kenneth G. Mills described her as a diligent pianist and enthusiastic pupil in his memoirs. After relocating to Canada with her husband James Roedl, she became involved with the Star-Scape Singers, first as a pianist and then as an alto vocalist. She also contributed to Dr. Mills’s work by documenting lectures, assisting with administration, and maintaining the philosophical library. In recent years, Linda taught piano in Prince Edward County and was music director and organist at St. George’s Anglican Church in Trenton, Ontario. Linda passed away peacefully in June, surrounded by her music, her partner Richard Leach, and her dog Poochini. See Linda’s Celebration of Life Film here. Richard is looking for homes for some of Linda’s instruments and equipment, including a student grade French horn, flute, violin, a Lambda Lexicon 2.0 recording Interface, and two keyboards (Studiologic SL-880 & Roland U-20). Contact Richard rleach@creative-edge-design.com Paul Leclair Dear Friends and Colleagues, It is with great sadness that I share the news that Paul Leclair passed away on February 16, following a brief stay in hospital. Paul’s dedication to the AFM spans decades. He was first elected to the AFM Canadian Conference Executive Board in 2001, serving until 2003. After a short time away from the Board, he was re-elected in 2007. In 2010, Paul was elected Vice President of the AFM Canadian Conference, and in 2011 he became President of the AFM Canadian Conference, a role in which he served with distinction until his passing. Paul’s service to AFM Local 276 – Sault Ste. Marie Musicians Association began in the mid‑1980s, and he remained a dedicated leader throughout the years. He was an active participant on the AFM Small Locals Committee and served on the MROC Board as the Canadian Conference representative. Paul’s unwavering commitment, steady leadership, and deep passion for musicians’ advocacy will be profoundly missed. |
| Jazz Appreciation Month Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) is back this April, and venues across the city of Kingston will open their doors to Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) events, filling Kingston with the sound of live jazz. Many of our local musicians will be performing in neighbourhood spots to community stages. It’s a celebration of the rich history of this music we love.We’re thrilled to kick things off on Thursday, April 2nd from 7–9pm at the RCHA Club with a special evening focused on women in jazz. Headlining the night is Alison Au, a JUNO Award–winning saxophonist based in Toronto whose original compositions are both lyrical and boldly contemporary. Joining her is international double bass competition winner Jared Beckstead-Craan based out of Brooklyn, NY, alongside some of Kingston’s local jazz musicians. Kingston-based vocalists Chantal Thompson and Nathalie Craan will join Au and Beckstead-Craan alongside Rich Bannard on drums and Dave Beckstead on guitar for an evening of duets and solo features. The program blends original works by Alison Au with beloved jazz standards—and the event is free for all to enjoy.On Friday, April 3rd, Alison Au will be joined by Dave Beckstead and Jared Beckstead-Craan at Kingston Secondary School where they will present a concert for high school students followed by a Q&A session with members of the school’s music program, led by music teacher Kelli Caravan. It’s a wonderful opportunity for young musicians to connect directly with professional artists and perhaps imagine their own futures in jazz.Jazz Appreciation Month is more than a series of concerts—it’s a reminder of the music’s power to bring people together, spark conversation, and celebrate the diverse voices shaping its future.To find the complete schedule of all events being held throughout the month, please visit: https://upmlocal518.org/calendars/ We hope you’ll join us. |
Member News
The Big Phat Horn Band, Kingston, Ontario’s premier big band ensemble, is thrilled to announce an upcoming concert celebrating their Top 10 hits. The special evening will feature the extraordinary talents of guest vocalist Deborah Feeley, bringing a dynamic new dimension to the band’s most beloved arrangements.
Under the direction of founder Rick Flanagan, the Big Phat Horn Band has become a cornerstone of the Kingston music scene, delighting audiences with their powerful performances and sophisticated arrangements for over 12 years. This energetic ensemble combines virtuosic musicianship with infectious energy, delivering a sound that honours the classic big band tradition while embracing contemporary styles.
The Top 10 Hits show will take audiences on a nostalgic musical journey through chart topping classics from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and beyond. From beloved pop standards to timeless rock and soul favorites, the concert will showcase the Big Phat Horn Band’s ability to transform these iconic hits into fresh, exciting big band arrangements.
Deborah Feeley, an acclaimed vocalist known for her remarkable range and expressive interpretations, joins Michael K. Myers and the band for this special engagement. Her collaboration with the ensemble promises to deliver unforgettable performances that highlight both her vocal artistry and the band’s signature sound.
Event Details: Saturday, February 28, 2026 8:00 PM RCHA Club Kingston Ticket reservations available now by calling the RCHA Club at (613) 542-8152.
Big Phat Horn Band – February 28th
The Big Phat Horn Band, Kingston, Ontario’s premier big band ensemble, is thrilled to announce an upcoming concert celebrating their Top 10 hits. The special evening will feature the extraordinary talents of guest vocalist Deborah Feeley, bringing a dynamic new dimension to the band’s most beloved arrangements.
Under the direction of founder Rick Flanagan, the Big Phat Horn Band has become a cornerstone of the Kingston music scene, delighting audiences with their powerful performances and sophisticated arrangements for over 12 years. This energetic ensemble combines virtuosic musicianship with infectious energy, delivering a sound that honours the classic big band tradition while embracing contemporary styles.
The Top 10 Hits show will take audiences on a nostalgic musical journey through chart topping classics from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and beyond. From beloved pop standards to timeless rock and soul favorites, the concert will showcase the Big Phat Horn Band’s ability to transform these iconic hits into fresh, exciting big band arrangements.
Deborah Feeley, an acclaimed vocalist known for her remarkable range and expressive interpretations, joins Michael K. Myers and the band for this special engagement. Her collaboration with the ensemble promises to deliver unforgettable performances that highlight both her vocal artistry and the band’s signature sound.
Event Details: Saturday, February 28, 2026 8:00 PM RCHA Club Kingston Ticket reservations available now by calling the RCHA Club at (613) 542-8152.
Leave You Like This
February 26th marks the anniversary of the release of Cassie Noble’s music video for Leave You Like This (from the album Nowhere to Go but Everywhere) written as a “goodbye” song for her dad, Mike Noble.
The video was shot over many months in “stop-motion” photographs and depicts a puzzle being completed. The image of her father in the centre is missing at first. If you can spare a few minutes, it’s a very cathartic and satisfying watch and listen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTB7VlbjA1Y