Riverside Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 We went to see Clapton last week at the Gibson Amphitheater (horrible venue, BTW. That's another topic) - great show, terrible venue. But I was struck by the presence of two "buskers" (I'll bet they had to pay someone): One guy playing a sax over some smooth-jazz backing tracks (Kenny-G wannabe) and a rapper/comedian doing his thing over Michael Jackson tunes blaring from a boombox. I wonder how ASCAP/BMI dealt with that? Or do you suppose that Universal gets a pass? Both were right in the middle of the "City Walk". Both were really bad. (oops - wrong forum.... meant for the lounge, but...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milod Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 Ascap-bmi don't see deep pockets or anybody to intimidate and to ask a park operator to have "private" people stop playing music if it's not creating a nuisance is impractical and probably of questionable legality. Although it wouldn't surprise me if the question hadn't been asked and the answer returned that a lawsuit wouldn't be cost-effective on any level. Now if they were hired by the property owner... a different game. m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverside Posted March 15, 2011 Author Share Posted March 15, 2011 I'm pretty sure they were there with permission. They performed as buskers, but Universal City Walk is not the kind of place where you can just walk up and set up a table with your CDs for sale, and plug into their electricity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L5Larry Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 I'm not familiar with the venue in question, but licenses are issued as a "blanket". If the venue operator, or concert promoter, has a license for the concert, it covers all performances in the venue or on the property for the licensed period. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyK Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 I doubt the Amphitheater had anything to do with it. If the buskers were outside on the side walk, they were on public property. Permission to be there depends on the municipality. Some municipalities, ignore it, some ban it, some embrace it, some tax it. ASCAP? I'd just love to see them try it. If they have any sense about them, they'd leave it alone. But, the way they go after hole in the wall joints, with a net worth less than 5 figures, with a weekend cover band, tells me they ain't got much sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverside Posted March 15, 2011 Author Share Posted March 15, 2011 I'm not familiar with the venue in question, but licenses are issued as a "blanket". If the venue operator, or concert promoter, has a license for the concert, it covers all performances in the venue or on the property for the licensed period. That makes the most sense. FWIW, apparently Universal City Walk holds auditions for "buskers". They don't just show up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyK Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 That makes the most sense. FWIW, apparently Universal City Walk holds auditions for "buskers". They don't just show up. Universal CITY. Ah that is a beast of a different color. Kind of private corporation, kind of unincorporated, kind of city, kind of not.... I suspect Universal Studios can do pretty much as they please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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