BMI Discusses the Legal Issues Behind Music Licensing with Chicago Restaurant Owners

BMI, in partnership with the Saper Law Office and the Illinois Restaurant Association, sponsored a session recently (8/26) in Chicago on music licensing with the aim of helping to educate restaurant and bar owners in the Chicago area on how to legally play music in their establishments. BMI’s Dan Spears discussed when a restaurant or venue needs a public performance license, how licensing fees are calculated and where the money goes. In addition, award-winning BMI songwriter Dylan Altman was on hand to talk about the role that a performing rights organization plays in a songwriter’s career and how much he appreciates the restaurant industry for supporting his career and allowing him to continue to create music. To wrap up the seminar, Dylan performed a few of his #1 hits, including Jake Owens’ “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” while telling the stories behind his songs.