I have worked with two venues that have had to deal with both ASCAP and BMI, and in each instance the performance rights organizations were ready to negotiate reasonably modest fees based upon seating capacity, price of admission, number of shows presented, and whether or not the venue had not-for-profit status. Nevertheless, while ASCAP and BMI were willing to accept affordable fees, neither would accept, "We only play traditional music or original material" as an answer. Instead, they warned that that would closely monitor what was performed. It was easier to pay each PRO what came to about $10 a week to make them go away. --- Steve
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