Dear Friend,

Some of you know me as a music director, pianist, producer and arranger.

I’d like to introduce myself to you as Ray Chew, proud AFM member for over 30 years. As a union musician, I understand how we all depend on the gig work we receive through the year to support our families and communities. As the country adheres to stay-at-home orders—the opportunities disappear.

I have never seen my musician brothers and sisters struggle like they are struggling right now.

The coronavirus pandemic has shut down live concerts, theatrical productions, festivals, and club dates. But our creativity is still alive and well. To that end, I’m rolling up my sleeves and bringing people together to raise critical funds for freelance AFM members.

Ray Chew Live is a four-week virtual music series to raise money for union musicians. It is our opportunity to shed light on how working musicians are directly affected by this pandemic.

Join me this Thursday, May 7th at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET as I engage in musical performances and conversations with some of my friends who are artists and thought leaders. This is our chance to mobilize together during this time of isolation and separation to support the women and men who make music such an intricate part of our lives.

For those of you able to give at this time, please donate to help freelance musicians who are not working.

Look for new episodes every Thursday in May. Let’s support freelancers!

In Unity,
Ray Chew