Yes, hallenbecks does not allow for cover tunes... It served them well as they did not pay any fees, but it was also only music written by the people performing it.

Unfortunately all good things wind down. Hallenbecks is slowly moving out of live music, no longer 5+ nights a week, they are down to 2 or an occassional 3. At least that's what I'm told now.

This is not the first venue to put a stink. It's also not the first time that ASCAP has strong armed someone. For some reason, I don't think I've ever heard about BMI or SESAC doing this type of thing. It's usually only ASCAP that I've heard doing this.

I'm gonna pose that question about the value of music to a venue to my SESAC rep and see if he's willing to bring something up about it. I'll get back to you on that. But I do want to clarify about point two and the PRO's profit status. It is true that ASCAP and BMI are non-profit, but SESAC is a for profit PRO.

Thanks,
Jody

Jody Whitesides
A Funky Audio Lap Dance For Your Ears!
www.jodywhitesides.com