CFM - Chicago Federation of Musicians

06/12/2026

📣CALLING ALL ARTISTS & PERFORMERS: Chicago Transit Authority is seeking proposals for temporary public artwork, performances, and community-driven cultural activations at CTA rail stations to bring arts and culture programming to the community. The purpose of the activations will be to create more welcoming, inclusive, and safer spaces for riders and employees. Artwork and performance should be temporary in nature; lasting no more than 1 year in length.

🚌LEARN MORE AND APPLY:

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06/10/2026

🎤Check out these fun, family-oriented, FREE concerts being given by two of our GRAMMY NOMINATED members, Wendy and DB! Don't miss the chance to see them LIVE in Wilmette on June 13 and June 20. Presented with generous support from the Music Performance Trust Fund!

06/09/2026

✊We were proud to host the Musicians of the Chicago Sinfonietta in our hall last night, as they discussed the uncertain future of the ensemble, amid a planned "strategic renewal period" away from regular concerts next season.

Check out their page to get to know the Musicians of the Chicago Sinfonietta, and learn what they're up to while performances are on hiatus!

🎻Last night, musicians from the Chicago Sinfonietta met at the Chicago Federation of Musicians hall to discuss the Sinfonietta’s uncertain future, as the organization embarks upon a “strategic renewal period” without regularly scheduled performances next season.

✨While we don’t know what comes next for us, we are hopeful that Chicago Sinfonietta leadership is dedicated to preserving the legacy of founding music director, Maestro Paul Freeman. We are ready to return to playing with the ensemble as soon as we are able.

06/05/2026

📣When the Illinois State AFL-CIO shares your Secretary-Treasurer's podcast appearance, you know they're doing incredible work! If you haven't yet had a chance to tune in, we hope you'll give it a listen.

👏Special thanks to Karen Suarez Flint for all of the important advocacy she does on behalf of independent musicians in Chicago and beyond!

The music industry has a streaming problem.

While Spotify generated roughly $19 billion in revenue last year, artists earned about $0.003 per stream — less than a third of a penny. Even worse, streaming platforms use algorithms that can bury artists' work unless they accept lower royalty rates in exchange for promotion.

That's not innovation. That's exploitation.

Hear from IL AFL-CIO Vice President and CFM 10-208 Secretary-Treasurer Karen Suarez-Flint on the America's Workforce Podcast: 🎧👇

https://ow.ly/gBVj50Z7nEn

06/03/2026

🎉 CFM Comms Director Megan Elk is kicking off Pride Month in Minneapolis this week by attending the convention as a member of the Pride at Work Illinois Executive Board alongside their sibling board members, Evan Southwell (TWU) and Zoe Karns (IBEW).

🌈 Delegates were addressed by President Liz Shuler, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and an incredible roster of 2SLGBTQIA+ Union activists from across the country.

If you’re interested in joining the Pride at Work Illinois chapter and organizing for Q***r worker power, drop us a DM!

06/02/2026

🎙Tune in to the latest episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast to hear Secretary-Treasurer Karen Suarez Flint discuss the injustices touring and recording artists face as a result of ticketing monopolies and exploitative streaming models.🔗⬇

06/02/2026

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️Happy Pride Month!!

06/01/2026

✨President BJ Levy was honored to attend a special preview tour of the Obama Center today with the Chicago Federation of Labor and looks forward to this incredible resource being opened to the community.

“Hope is the bedrock of this nation; the belief that our destiny will not be written for us, but by us.” - Barack Obama

Today, the CFL was joined by our Executive Board for an inspiring tour of the Obama Presidential Library, learning about Black History, women’s rights, and the civil movements that lead to the election of our 44th president.

05/29/2026

🚨CFM stands in solidarity with the Musicians of the Dayton Philharmonic

Recently, the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) announced plans to scale back programming for the 2026-2027 season. These cuts harm the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra's artistic mission, reduce community access to live orchestral music, and devalue the years of training and dedication of artists and musicians.

Dayton deserves better! Short-term cost-cutting should not come at the expense of artistic excellence or musicians' livelihoods. Please take a moment to follow them on social media and sign the petition in support! 🔗⬇️

Your Musicians.Your Orchestra. Thank you for your support! Please sign our petition to protect the arts in Dayton and the musicians of your Dayton Philharmonic!Click here to sign! Saturday, after the Pops, join the musicians of the Dayton Philharmonic to keep the party going!  📍Bistecca (137 Nor...