Re: The Jam is Dead, Long Live the Jam
Either ASCAP or BMI. If a venue sponsors performances of licensed material, it's legally obliged to obtain a license from these organizations. "Performances" can include playing licensed music through an in-house sound system, as well as broadcasts, concerts, even jams or sing-arounds, if public access is allowed. There are exemptions for churches, perhaps others -- dunno.
Many places violate or ignore these requirements; ASCAP/BMI can't be everywhere, can't go after every neighborhood bar or Legion post. A higher public profile leads to more exposure. How many times are these warning letters followed by actual legal action? Again, dunno.
License fees are to some extent based on venue size, number of performances, admission charged -- so they may not be so high as to preclude obtaining one. However, a small venue will often decide not to risk it. Two sides to the issue -- composers should get paid for use of their work, but small, often non-profit venues need to be able to host music.
Allen Hopkins
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