01-17-2020, 06:30 PM
graylocks wrote:
what you describe is very much like the format of a house concert though i couldn't quite tell if the venue was a bar/restaurant in its main life.
At any rate, you might have them look into what the Folk Alliance International has worked out with the PROs (ASCAP/BMI) for house concert venues.
FAI House Concert Performing Rights Organizations (PRO) Agreement
FAI negotiated an agreement with ASCAP and BMI on behalf of member House Concert presenters who meet the terms of the agreement - to hold events in private homes with an invitation list only with no public marketing - to ensure they are not subject to any PRO fees. There is NO additional fee to qualify for this member service.
PRO House Concert Agreement
FAI is in process of working out a similar agreement for small venues so if it doesn't apply to their situation now they might still keep this on their radar. btw, FAI has a very broad definition of "Folk" music.
Also, you or the venue are misunderstanding the issue. it's not about copyrights it's about Performance Rights. songwriters/publishers register their work with the PROs in order to be paid when the music is publicly performed. This covers things like radio, television, some internet streaming, and any live music venue be it a stadium or a club. If that venue had a performer who agreed not to sing any songs registered with ASCAP or BMI they'd be fine even if they had taken the time to copyright their original songs.
Interesting. Thanks for the correction!
