BMI and Illinois Restaurant Association Partner on Events Aimed at Education

BMI partnered with the Illinois Restaurant Association recently (6/28-6/30) on a series of events in the Chicago area aimed not only at educating restaurateurs on music licensing issues and the copyright law, but also at demonstrating the power of live music in driving traffic to a venue. BMI songwriter and American Idol finalist Paul McDonald helped BMI conduct an educational seminar at BMI licensee Chicago Prime Steakhouse in Schaumberg, IL for local restaurant owners and executives that focused on the legalities associated with publicly performing music in bars, restaurants and hotels. In addition, McDonald performed at a Firehouse Subs location in Stone Park, IL as part of the franchisee’s effort to examine the impact live music would have on its food and beverage sales. The BMI songwriter was also invited by the IRA to perform at Punch Bowl Social in Schaumberg, a new association member and BMI customer, as part of an evening celebration of the hospitality industry in suburban Chicago.