American Federation of Musicians

 Local 174-496 New Orleans

Presents

 
     
Musician's Corner
 
An Online Showcase of Our  Members
 
 Vol.1 No.2                                                                                              February 2014 
It's Carnival Time! Welcome to our monthly series of online showcases presenting our fellow union musicians. Our featured musicians for February are:
 
Al "Carnival Time" Johnson & Ernie Vincent
 
Alvin Johnson, Sr., best known for his famous song, "Carnival Time," has been a New Orleans Mardi Gras icon for over 40 years.
 
Funk and blues living legend Ernie Vincent, who has been on the music scene since the mid 1960s, is a product of New Orleans rhythm and blues.

We hope you enjoy our local legends! Be sure to like us on Facebook to keep up with the latest union news.

 

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Al "Carnival Time" Johnson     Union Member since 1977
"Alvin Johnson, Sr., best known for his famous song, "Carnival Time," has been a New Orleans Mardi Gras icon for over 40 years. A Rhythm & Blues performer, Al is a New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival veteran and has worked with the likes of Aaron Neville, Oliver Morgan, Bobby Lonero as well as (the late) Tommy Ridgley, Jessie Hill, Bobby Mitchell, Eddie Bo & Ernie K-Doe. 

Al has performed on the "Louisiana Jukebox" TV program and been the star of a highly successful Louisiana Lottery Mardi Gras campaign. Al has also been the subject of numerous articles in Mardi Gras Guide, New Orleans Magazine, Offbeat Magazine, The Louisiana Weekly, The Times Picayune, and Gambit Weekly.

Al's newest song, the critically acclaimed "Lower Ninth Ward Blues", appeared in the Oscar nominated film "Rachel Getting Married", and Al has been honored with induction into The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame."

 

Why Are You A Union Member?: "I wanted to be part of a professional musician's organization and to be supportive of as many musicians as possible."
 
YouTube: "Carnival Time" (Time: 5:04)
 

Ernie Vincent                           Union Member since 1975
"Ernie Vincent is the embodiment of a unified field theory of American music. His work mines the strains of blues, country, zydeco, R&B and funk of his native Louisiana. As a local bandleader, he backed touring stars like Joe Tex, Solomon Burke and Percy Sledge, as well as New Orleans legends like Ernie K-Doe, Irma Thomas and Johnny Adams. Meanwhile, he reached worldwide fame with "Dap Walk," directing his own band, The Top Notes. As an independent writer, composer and arranger, Ernie also created a legacy of New Orleans talent on KOLAB Records, as well as other micro-labels like Justice, ForDom and Solid State."
 
Why are you a Union member?: "As a former longshoreman, I know the value of the union. When I began performing with Tommy Ridgley, he insisted I join the union, which I did and learned about being musically connected with professionals. You had to be in the union to get the good gigs, especially out of town."

YouTube: Hear Ernie Vincent at the Kennedy Center. This video was taped before a live audience at the Kennedy Center on April 21, 2013. (Time: 61:38)

 

Where'yat, union members? We have so many excellent musicians in this local and we hope to let our members and others see and hear what's going on musically right here in your own local. Featured artists' You Tubes will also be posted on our new Face Book page. 
(See requirements below to apply).
 
YOU may be featured in our March issue!
 
Here's How It Works: 
trumpet-lady-silhouette.jpg
1. You must be a member in good 
    standing in Local 174-496.

2. Email to this office:
  • a quality photo
  • a short bio
  • your best YouTube link 
  • a website link
  • the reason why you are in the union 
Email this information to office@NewOrleansMusicians.org
or call us if you have questions (504) 947-1700.
Toot Your Own Horn!

AFM Local 174-496

2401 Esplanade Avenue

New Orleans, LA 70119

504-947-1700 Office

504-947-6667 Fax

Email: office@NewOrleansMusicians.org

Website: www.NewOrleansMusicians.org 

 

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