Karaoke Forums

The church I go to is planning a benefit to raise money to re do their kitchen. They want to do a show ( about 1 hour) using my Karaoke rig and backing tracks. Probably be 8 to 10 singers all from the church choirs, etc. Do we have to have a license or pay royalties on the songs we perform?

Technically, yes. Now the question is would BMI or ASCAP bother chasing down a one time gig that was performed for charity, my guess is no.

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DJ Tony
Let It Rip Karaoke

Just copied this from ASCAP's website:

If our organization is nonprofit,
are we required to obtain
an ASCAP license?
The non-profit status of an organization that
promotes or presents concerts does not automatically
exempt it from the license requirement. While
the United States Copyright Law provides a limited
exemption for certain performances by non-profit
organizations, that exemption is very narrow.
Specifically, Section 110(4) of the Copyright law
exempts public performances of copyrighted
musical compositions from liability if all three of the
following conditions are met: 1) there is no purpose
of direct or indirect commercial advantage; and
2) there is no payment for the performance to the
performers, promoters or organizers; and 3) there is
no direct or indirect admission charge or, alternatively,
if there is an admission charge, the net proceeds
are used exclusively for educational, religious or
charitable purposes. In cases where there is an
admission charge, however, under the statute copyright
owners may nevertheless serve a notice of
objection to the performance, which negates the
exemption.
Because application of any statutory exemption
always depends on the particular facts of the musical
performance, you should contact your attorney
or ASCAP to find out whether your particular performances
qualify for exemption.
SERIOUS CONCERT 1/5/05 10:17 AM Page 15

Like Tony said.

Just do it.

Manu's wont bother you.
That would be bad press.
A Church.

Lots of churches that regularly do music have made arrangements with ASCAP/BMI. I think it is usually no charge, as it is for schools and other true non-profits.

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

We have karaoke by request, make $0 money from it, never charge an entrance fee, most often we barely break even on a night when we have karaoke, ascap, bmi and sensa said "Doesn't matter, you can seat 50 people you must pay $XXX dollars a month or we will fine you............................. maybe they're not going after you because you're doing it for God, but they sure as hell get there approx $2000.00 a year between the three of em combined........ of course, one is extremely mad at me currently, I'm holding their check until they provide us with a list of artist's and song's that they represent, figure why should we pay em if no one sings their songs................ been 2 months and they've yet to send us another "Bill" or return a phone call.......................... But I'm Sure they are working hard in the Best Interest of the Artist/Writer........................... Peace, S.

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"I think people should be allowed to do anything they want. We haven't tried that for a while. Maybe this time it'll work." George Carlin R.I.P (May 12, 1937 – June 22, 2008)

If you held it as a private party only open to church members I don't think anyone would complain to BMI or ASCAP, but maybe that won't suit your needs?

Yep, just do it. I trust God will be on your side.

Yes, you do have to pay royalties...to God. After all, none of the songs could have been created if God hadn't created us. We should be thankful for His gift of creativity, and be sure to mail your love gift of thanks to:

Church of the Divine Offering
38400 W Bopp Road
Tucson, AZ 85711

God, of course, accepts, cash, checks, stock certificates, jewelry, rare coins, and gold and silver bullion, including teeth with gold fillings.

Praise His Holy Name-muh!

-denise

Please.

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KingBing Entertainment C'mon Up! I have a song for you!!! [font=MS Sans Serif][/font]

WHAT!!!

After what you have posted.