Proceeds Will Benefit the Ed Ward/CFM Performance Fund at DePaul’s School of Music

Chicago’s music, education and union communities will gather March 16 to “roast, toast, skewer and celebrate” Ed Ward, president emeritus of the Chicago Federation of Musicians (CFM) Local 10-208, at Plumber’s Hall, 1340 W. Washington St., in Chicago.

The benefit honors Ward’s 20 years of service to the a CFM – including nine as the musician union’s local president – and will raise funds for his alma mater, DePaul University’s School of Music. Proceeds will be donated to the new Ed Ward/CFM Performance Fund, which will bring CFM musicians to DePaul to perform for, and with, students studying at the nationally recognized Lincoln Park music school. The event is sponsored by the CFM, American Federation of Musicians International (AFM), Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) and School of Music.

The toast to Ward begins with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by a dinner and “roast” of Ward by colleagues and friends at 6:30 p.m. The attire is business with a “touch o’green,” befitting the fundraiser’s St. Patrick’s Day eve date. Tickets are $75 per person. RSVPs are requested by Feb. 18. Call 312/362-5214 for information and reservations.

Ward announced late last year that he would not seek a fourth term as president of CFM, the 3,500-member local musicians union that represents Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), Lyric Opera Orchestra and show, studio and commercial recording musicians in Chicago. Prior to becoming president in 1996, he served as secretary-treasurer and vice president. Ward’s accomplishments included increasing CFM’s solvency and effectiveness through financial improvements; modernizing the union’s offices; negotiating contracts with the CSO, Lyric Opera and others to provide musicians with top wages; and forming strong relationships with Chicago’s labor community and the AFM that have increased recognition and respect for the CFM.

Before becoming a full-time union officer, Ward was a freelance trumpet player and conductor. He traveled extensively with name bands and touring theatrical shows and later played local shows and casual engagements in the Chicago area. Ward also owned and operated a school musical instrument company called Bandstand, Inc.

Although Ward will be the subject of good-natured ribbing during the evening’s roast, the program will acknowledge his lifetime commitment to championing live music and the welfare of Chicago’s musicians, according to event co-chair and CFM board member Rich Daniels, who conducts the City Lights Orchestra and is a fellow DePaul alumnus. “Ed leaves a legacy of success that will guide and help sustain the union for many years to come,” Daniels said.

That legacy will include helping the next generation of musicians learn from CFM members through the Ed Ward/CFM Performance Fund, said Donald Casey, dean of the School of Music and co-chair of the festivities. “We’re proud to sponsor a tribute to a distinguished alumnus and to launch the Ed Ward/CFM Performance Fund, which will provide students with valuable learning and performing experiences involving Chicago’s top musicians, as well as connections to the city’s professional music community.”

The Green Ribbon Committee sponsoring the event includes: Bill Gainer, director of governmental services, SBC; Dennis Gannon, president, and Tim Leahy, secretary-treasurer, CFL; Gary Matts, president, Terryl Jares, vice president, and Louise Thorson, board member, CFM; Tom Lee, president, AFM; Brian Hickey, president and business manager, Union of Operating Engineers Local 399; Bob Ingersoll, business manager, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 2; Sid Kleinman, Mark Mroz and Jim Quinn, advisory board members for the School of Music; and Melanie Dykstra, development officer for the music school.

Founded in 1912, DePaul’s School of Music is dedicated to excellence in music teaching and performance. The school offers high-caliber, challenging programs of study taught by 128 distinguished faculty members who bring a wealth of professional music experience and knowledge to DePaul. Faculty members perform in many of Chicago’s renowned music organizations, including the CSO, Lyric Opera, Chicago Chamber Musicians and Jupiter Trio.