We are American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 1000, the Traveling Musicians’ Union. We are specially chartered to represent acoustic musicians who perform most of their gigs away from the AFM jurisdiction where they live.
Unlike a traditional geographical local, we draw members from all over the U.S. and Canada, and we represent our members wherever they work. Sometimes we’re called the “Unlocal.”
Local 1000 was started in 1993 by a small group of folk musicians who believed in the power of collective action. They and their peers had the privilege of traveling throughout North America doing the work they loved; but the price they paid was isolation and constant risk — risk of illness, of instrument theft, of employers backing out on contracts, and especially risk of poverty, if age or disability stopped them from working.
Now we work together to make things better for all traveling folk, bluegrass, blues and acoustic musicians. (Our members also include performance poets and sign language interpreters.)
We perform under union contracts, with union power to back them up. Our instruments, computers and equipment are insured for replacement value, at rates we can afford.
Most importantly, we are secure in knowing that we will one day be able to retire with generous, reliable pension benefits. (In fact, our first member began collecting her pension in 2005.)
If you are a traveling acoustic musician we hope you’ll consider joining us. You’ll find that many of your friends are members already. You’ll have us along with you on the road, and we’ll be stronger with your support.
If you have questions that are not answered on this site, or if you simply want to talk to us, please contact us at office@local1000.com
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