Author Archives: Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi

CD Review: Maria Schneider “Data Lords”

“In the digital world, data lords, who are in a race to amass the entire world’s information, hypnotize us with conveniences, endless information at our fingertips, limitless entertainment, “curated” content, and endless other enticements. While many of those things offer us wonderful tools that enhance our lives and societies in mind-bending ways, a vast number of the enticements numb our minds and lure us into submissiveness.” – Maria Schneider

Maria Schneider CD CoverArtist: Maria Schneider Orchestra
Title: Data Lord
Label: self published via Mariaschneider.com
Genre: jazz/protest songs

Featured photo above by Dina Regine

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“MFM Speaks Out” Podcast EP 13: Arturo O’Farrill on the Evolution of Latin Jazz

Arturo O'Farrill In this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Dawoud Kringle interviews master pianist, composer, producer, music educator, music activist, and MFM Advisory Committee Member Arturo O’Farrill. The topics discussed include the evolution of Latin Jazz, O’Farrill’s work as a composer, his recent CD release and collaboration with Dr. Cornel West “Four Questions,” his involvement with Musicians For Musicians, music activism, and his spiritual philosophies on music.

No PUA Payments Anymore…What’s Going to Happen With Us Working Musicians?

PUA“85% of people are more scared of financial ruin than dying of Corona.” – Keith Levenson

Text by Dawoud Kringle 

Yesterday, yes yesterday!, on July 31st, 2020, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) $600 weekly payments to individuals who are unable to work because of a COVID-19-related reason but are not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits expired. The Senate failed to agree on an extension.
Many of our members applied for it. Some of them – including our President Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi – got some help and assistance by brother Keith Levenson.

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MFM “Speaks Out” Podcast EP 12: Keith Levenson on Musicians Navigating Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

“85% of People Are More Scared of Financial Ruin than Dying of Corona?!” – Keith Levenson

In this episode of “MFM Speaks Out,” Adam Reifsteck interviews Broadway music director Keith Levenson, who’s a member of MFM, about the evolution of his music career over the years, how the pandemic has affected the livelihood of professional musicians, and the importance of coming together as a community to be advocates for change.