Here's a copy of a letter I just sent to a SESAC rep. I know this thread is already several pages long, but I find myself in what appears to be a unique position (both performer/songwriter and venue representative). Feel free to email me with any positive suggestions.

On 8 Jan 2004 at 10:20, David E Polosky <polosky@juno.com> wrote:

> Music License for: Walden's Coffeehouse
>
> Mr. Jeff Wilson:
> Please contact me in order to expedite the SESAC license to cover the performance of
> copyrighted music at your establishment .
> I encourage you to go to our website for detailed information in regard to the SESAC license.
> Our web address is: www.sesac.com . You may fill out your license on-line and make your
> payment by credit card if you prefer.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Dave Polosky
> Licensing Consultant
>
> Phone: 602-788-0573
> FAX: 602-953-8205

I have some questions about PRO (performing rights organization) licensing issues that I'm hoping you can help answer.

It is my understanding that the PRO's are in the business of securing royalties for their member artists on the use of works written by said artists. However, if a venue is not featuring any works by PRO (SESAC, et al) artists in any form, why would there be a need for a license?

It is true that Walden's provides a place for live music to be performed. There is no charge to the public for this music, and the performers are not paid to play. Further, Walden's has made a point of being the one place local songwriters can perform their own original works. It is, in fact, the main thing that sets Walden's apart from every other venue in town.

Walden's happens to be located in a casino town (Reno, Nevada, USA). There are lots of stages in this town that feature "cover material". Most of these venues won't give an aspiring songwriter or original band a chance to share their talents with an audience. From what I've seen & heard this is the state of live music in most cities, truly a dire prospect for amateur songwriters who just want to share their creation with those seeking something new & entertaining.

I have been performing music publicly since childhood, and I've been writing my own material nearly as long. At one time I did work with "cover bands" as a professional performer. Eventually I got tired of the grind and decided I was done performing other people's songs. This effectively ended my performance career, being that venues featuring original material are few and far between. Then the owner of Walden's opened the door for me and other amateur songwriters, thus providing a place for us to meet and share our creations with each other. This little coffeehouse has become a haven for the creative community in our region, indeed, a unique little bastion of originality and creative energy.

So, my question is, if a venue like Walden's is providing a place for original music to be heard, and the musicians are playing their own music for the love of doing so (no money changing hands), why exactly would Walden's need to pay licensing fees to your organization or, indeed, to any other PRO?

Sincerely,

Todd C. South
Entertainment & Internet - Walden's Coffeehouse
http://www.waldenscoffeehouse.com

Singer/Songwriter, Burning Peace
http://www.burningpeace.com ICQ 1943809