In an effort to unite freelance musicians in Northeast Portland, the Freelance Musicians Guild has kicked off “Solidarity Jams,” a monthly event that combines music with activism. Held at the Musicians Local 99’s union hall in the Kerns neighborhood, these sessions aim to foster community among local musicians while addressing key labor issues in the music industry.
The initiative, which began in February, is a creative take on traditional union meetings, designed to attract musicians who may otherwise remain disengaged from labor discussions. Hunter Buen, an organizer with the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 99, emphasized the dual nature of music as both an art form and a demanding job during the April 29 Solidarity Jam.
“What we try to do is not only make music and have fun, but educate folks about their labor,” Buen said, encouraging musicians to reflect on the value they bring to their performances.
Held in the rehearsal space at 325 NE 20th Ave., the Solidarity Jams invite musicians of all levels and backgrounds to partake. At the recent April jam, participants ranging from seasoned performers to beginners shared the stage, jamming together on various instruments including guitar, saxophone, and even the rarely heard oboe and xylophone.
The atmosphere was celebratory, with cheers erupting for each contribution, be it an original song or a classic cover. Organizers Dan Kaufman, a long-time Local 99 member, and Geebs Rojas, who works for Oregon AFSCME, are part of a dedicated group that believes in the importance of both musical creativity and activism.
Kaufman, who began his professional music journey in high school, expressed his frustrations about the stagnant pay levels that musicians face today, stating, “The scene is difficult. Some people are practically paying to play. And I just think that’s not okay.” He emphasized that solutions will only come through collective discussion and organization around the various challenges musicians face.
The Freelance Musicians Guild, formed in early 2024 with the backing of Local 99, focuses on empowering musicians classified as independent contractors. These performers lack the collective bargaining rights enjoyed by traditional W-2 employees, which marginalizes their voices in negotiations with club owners and venues.
Through the guild, musicians collaborate to advocate for favorable government policies, warn peers about exploitative venues, and underscore the importance of contracts for live performances. “We get folks to walk in the club, we get folks to dance, to get thirsty, to patronize, to get an appetizer,” Rojas explained, highlighting the economic impact musicians have on local venues.
Among the guild members is Santiago Ortega, who aims to tackle the dire need for health insurance and better living conditions for musicians. He expressed a desire to see change in the support system for musicians, saying, “We need to be supporting the whole musician.”
The community’s involvement has been instrumental in enhancing the environment for the Solidarity Jams. Local contributions, such as rugs and lighting, have transformed the rehearsal space into a cozy venue for shared musical experiences. While not extravagant, these improvements make the area inviting and conducive to collaboration. The group is actively seeking funds for further enhancements to the space.
Scheduled for the last Tuesday of every month from 7 to 10 p.m., the Solidarity Jams are more than just musical gatherings; they represent a movement for change within the local freelance music scene. As participants come together to share music, they also come together to support one another in a shared struggle for fairer treatment and recognition in the industry.
In a spirit of solidarity, attendees of the jams have even shared their favorite union songs, reflecting the interconnectedness of artistry and labor rights. The Freelance Musicians Guild thus serves as a vital conduit for building a supportive community of musicians ready to advocate for better working conditions and recognition of their craft.
image source from：https://nwlaborpress.org/2025/06/solidarity-in-song-portland-musicians-jam-as-they-dream-of-fairer-pay-and-better-working-conditions/
