Press Release: AFM Local 257 and Lower Broadway musicians present work standards and move forward
Nashville, Sept, 11, 2026 — In the wake of recent developments that have hurt Lower Broadway musicians, the Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257, has stepped up to help the musicians who are the heart and soul of Nashville’s tourist industry. The recent development and expansion of third-party electronic booking systems now being used by many of the downtown clubs, has caused many problems for musicians, who are far too often left at the bottom of this economic business model.
Problems at the core of the crisis include insufficient base pay, short notice cancellations, backwards bidding wars creating a race to the bottom, and a compromised booking process in which additional fees are taken out of musicians’ pay. Also, bands are often being told what songs to play and not play.
Local 257 held five Lower Broadway Town Hall meetings recently and found a consensus that these new technological and logistical challenges have had a very negative impact on the ability of Lower Broadway musicians to get gigs and make a living wage. As part of Local 257’s Fair Trade Music Nashville campaign, we have collaborated with Broadway musicians to create a “Work Standards for Lower Broadway” list as a starting point to address these issues and continue our mission to promote respect for Nashville musicians.
Work Standards for Lower Broadway Musicians
- Musicians deserve a Base Pay that is a living wage - $100 minimum base pay per musician per 4 hr. shift.
- Performers can keep ALL their tips and use their own tip jar method. No exceptions.
- No more “Race to the Bottom” bidding wars for shifts.
- Proper compensation for short notice cancellations of previously booked shifts.
- Transparent and prompt payment process taking no more than 5 business days from the day of performance is expected if musicians are not paid immediately after the show.
The Nashville Musicians Association has been in communication with club owners and third-party bookers, including Jam Juice, regarding these concerns. One result is that Jam Juice has committed to several changes:
- As of Sept. 1st, Jam Juice will no longer deduct 2.5% from musicians’ payments.
- Booking flexibility: Bands signed up with Jam Juice may book gigs outside of the Jam Juice app model.
- Musicians have a choice: Musicians may now remove themselves directly from the Jam Juice app if they choose to do so.
- No more race to the bottom: The bidding/offer selection process has been eliminated, and all shift pay rates are now set in advance.
- For clubs that have the Jam Juice Pro level service, there is a 14-day cancellation payment guarantee. Jam Juice has committed to maintaining its policy of 100% payment if a club cancels a shift within 14 days.
Dave Pomeroy, President of Local 257, commented, “This collective effort to get Lower Broadway musicians the respect they deserve is already making a difference. Thanks to all the musicians who have participated in this ongoing process, and to all those who are willing to help fix this important part of Nashville’s music economy. Lower Broadway would not be the huge revenue source it is for Nashville without the work of musicians and performers. Stay tuned for further developments as we continue these discussions with musicians, clubs, and employers.”
contact Dave Pomeroy at 615-244-9514 office 615-579-5227 cell - email: davepomeroy257@gmail.com