Concert to benefit musicians union emergency fund

When disaster strikes a local musician or a vocalist, the musical community has been known to rally in support.

A concert titled "A Chamber Orchestra," planned for 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Community Lutheran Church, 3720 E. Tropicana Ave., is part of that support.

"A Chamber Orchestra" is set to feature the talents of orchestra members from "The Lion King" and "Phantom ---- The Las Vegas Spectacular." Laraine Kaizer-Viazovtsev is scheduled to perform as special violinist.

Donations will be accepted to help replenish the Las Vegas Musicians Union Local 369's Emergency Relief Fund.

Summerlin resident Lee Richey conceived the concert and will conduct it. Besides performing in the "Phantom" orchestra, Richey teaches privately at the Nevada School of the Arts and is an adjunct professor at the College of Southern Nevada.

Why did Richey decide to put the fundraiser together?

"For two reasons," he said. "One, I wanted to share some wonderful music for chamber orchestra with the audience and the performers here in Las Vegas. And two, I know from experience that musicians and artists often struggle for work ... when the economy is normal and healthy, but particularly so when the economy is in the struggling shape it's in now. And what better way to fulfill both goals than to organize and perform a concert that attempts to do both?"

The fund is administered through the union, but member dues do not contribute to it. All the money is raised through donations.

Thom Pastor is secretary/treasurer of Musicians Union Local 369. He told of two musicians, both men, battling Stage 4 cancer at about the same time.

"We helped them out, not just once but a number of times," he said. "They had to travel to Southern California to see specialists. For a while it looked promising ... Unfortunately, they both succumbed."

Another case was a local man working on Broadway when he fell ill and died, leaving behind his wife and two teenage boys.

Some people require only a one-time payout. Others' situations may require ongoing help. The union does not question how the money is used, Pastor said, but it does ensure there is a need.

Those requesting medical help have to provide a doctor's statement before funds are released.

Musicians can get health care through the union, but they have to meet certain work parameters, which can be difficult in a business where people often work on a freelance basis. Those who work continuously for three months, for example, qualify. Others have to prove employment that totals a certain amount of time over a year.

While many times a medical need is the basis for the fund's help, it's also there for other types of emergency needs.

"If you don't have steady employment, you do 'casuals,' " Pastor said "Or, in Boston, they call it a GB ---- general business. You'd go, 'Hey, I got a GB call last night.' "

Richey said he and his fellow performers are more than happy to participate in worthy causes.

"Performing musicians are sensitive people already, and sensitive people understand what it's like to suddenly be in a big pinch once in a while or even a serious catastrophe," he said. "The earthquake in Haiti is a prime example."

He referenced the song "We Are The World" as an example of artists donating their time to raise money for an important cause.

"The Emergency Relief Fund is on a much smaller scale, of course," he said, "but the attitude of the players toward participating for no compensation is in the same category."

Kaizer-Viazovtsev had another reason for participating: playing the music she loves without worrying about pulling in money; paying each musician properly, etc.

"For me, personally, preparing a serious classical program helps me improve as a musician," she said. "If it helps the public broaden their horizons and if it helps other union members in need, it is a big plus. But serious classical musicians need to practice and perform serious repertoire to keep in shape and reconnect with their craft."

For more information about the concert, contact Richey at 292-2293 or email leerichey@mac.com.

Contact Summerlin/Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 387-2949.