A dissonant note

IN regard to the article on Wayne Newton [“A Shot of Old Vegas, On the Rocks,” Dec. 11], please note that our musicians refused to play with Mr. Newton at the Flamingo without a contract, to which they were entitled. As for the implausible concept that paid rehearsals reward incompetence, as Mr. Newton implies, the absence of a collectively bargained agreement also frees Mr. Newton from having to observe our wage scales and from having to pay pension and health plan benefits.

If this is about an entertainer who makes millions a year saving a few dollars, then it is sad to see professional musicians sacrificed for the first time in his career.

FRANK LEONE

Las Vegas

Leone is the president of the Musicians Union of Las Vegas,

Local 369, AFM.