Highlandman - yes, you are very right about certain organizers who get around the payment issue by only allowing performers to do "self-penned songs or trad songs, etc. Personally, I think that's why the
coffeehouse circuit has become so singer-songwriter oriented - it
eliminates the copyright fees. Unfortunately it also means that singers cannot perform songs at those coffeehouses (and other venues)written by those who have died and left songs under copyright to their wives and families. A few good examples might be the songs of
Stan Rogers, Harry Chapin and Steve Goodman - all great writers whose songs should be heard because they wrote some wonderful songs that should go on forever.

Hey, maybe somebody will start an ASCAP/BMI thread and we can all jump in and further confuse everybody. I'm sure the structure and policies have changed immeasurably since they last saw me driving one of their cars; and, while I'm certain that I know little or nothing of how they operate these days, I can say that there seem to be more ASCAP/BMI stickers on the glass in pubs and such these days.
Be safe. Cheers.