Posted by Addendum on August 11, 2003 at 16:51:54:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Tuba Compilation posted by Performance on August 11, 2003 at 16:44:08:
There is a very narrowly-defined exemption to performance licensing, according to BMI:
A: Yes. The copyright law applies to for-profit and not-for-profit performances alike. Though there is an exemption when there is no payment or other compensation to the performers, promoters, or organizers of the event, there must also be (1) no direct or indirect admission charge of any kind; and (2) all proceeds for the performance, after deduction of the reasonable costs of producing the event, must also be used exclusively for educational, religious, or charitable purposes. Only in these narrowly-defined circumstances is an exemption granted.
However, be careful--there are some gotchas. Suppose your group plays at a fundraising dinner, where there is a cover charge that includes dinner. This technically violates (1) and may leave your group (or the facility or both) open to legal action.