Welcome, and thank you for your interest in Local 2-197 of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. The International AFM is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. Local 2-197 represents the finest professional musicians in eastern Missouri. AFM members, who number over 90,000, perform all styles of music—alternative rock, classical, pop, gospel, jazz, country, folk, rock, big band, reggae, contemporary Christian, etc.. With such active members as Bruce Springsteen, Roberta Flack, Santana, Yo-Yo Ma, Sheila E, Suzanne Vega, The Goo Goo Dolls, Willie Nelson, and Branford Marsalis, there is a strong representation of major recording individuals and groups.
The AFM has been promoting and protecting professional musicians for over 150 years. Local 2-197 has been serving the St. Louis area musicians since 1862 and continues to be an effective advocate for musicians’ rights in the workplace (be that a nightclub, a symphony stage, in a recording studio, or on tour). The AFM and Local 2-197 protect the recorded works musicians produce from being exploited, and protect our members’ live performances by providing several types of benefit programs that help them to build successful careers.