According to a recent article in The NY Times – The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers is making an example out of 21 bars, nightclubs and restaurants by filing copyright suits against each establishment.  While I agree that these organizations need to run a tight ship and get artists paid this seems oddly RIAA like for the performing rights organization.

I was unaware prior to reading the article that it is in fact a federal offense to perform copyrighted music without permission.  I am all in favor of getting the artist paid but it really seems more like a misdemeanor and a heavy fine kind of violation to me.