[Dixielandjazz] ASCAP Performance Fees and Enforcement

[James O'Briant]

> >>>Item: "(Bass Player) I heard that one of the tricks that the ASCAP
> goons use at 'original music' and 'public domain only' gigs 
> is to approach the band at some point and say,'It's my 
> friend's birthday today, could you please play Happy 
> Birthday?' It is still copyright- protected somehow! Hoping 
> for a gratuity, the band often complies and....GOTCHA!"<<<
 
> Only the lyrics, not the music.  As long as the band doesn't 
> sing, they're safe.

Just to be safe, I wouldn't announce the name of the tune, either. If
there's a question, you were playing "Good Morning To You," the public
domain tune to which the copyrighted lyrics were set.

Jim O'Briant
Gilroy, CA
Tuba & Leader, The Zinfandel Stompers