Text by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi
I really got annoyed by what happened to the pianist Andy Costello at the Cornelia Street Cafe, Sunday March 26, 2013. And I believe what Adam Tendler and Marina Kifferstein were saying in their blogs (read below) must be true. Why? Because being a musician myself I have had to deal with club owners or their managers or so called curators for many, many years. Not all are mean but some of them can be really mean or unfair. Especially those ones who work in established or famous clubs. Business makes them forget that musicians need the same respect like any other working person.
I have never had any problems with the clubs in NY because I know their business mentality. Believe me I’m not willing to adjust to their policies. In fact I take care of my own business trying my best to get as many people to my shows. And you know why? Because I have to pay my band no matter what happens. After any show no club owner or manager can complain to me that I didn’t draw enough people to the concert.
And here is another reason why I’m not afraid of clubs: I belong to New York’s musicians’ union Local 802. When I’m trouble I make them go to fight for me. So my advice to Andy, Adam and Marina is please go to Local 802 a.s.a.p.!!! – even if you’re not a member they will welcome you and listen to your complain. Make your voices heard through the power and intelligence of the union! At least they can get an apology from CSA and they might invite Andy back.
