Recently it was brought to my attention that one of my favorite open mics here in Las Vegas has come under fire from the city reguarding Entertainer and Promoter licensing. I have always wondered about the laws here but am shocked at the reality of the situation. Here is what I have learned thus far:
The scenario: Suppose I schedule a show at a local coffee shop. No payment is offered by the establishment but I am allowed to sell my CDs and accept tips. I typically sell 3 CDs at $5 each and possibly make $10 in tips. Gross income: $25 Net: approx. $17.50 due to travel and food costs.
Licensing fees as the performer: Entertainer license-$25 Processing fee-$30 Vender license-$5 This is per show. Not to mention, the yearly business license fees just to call myself a professional musician which is an additional $25 license fee, $30 processing fee and $50 minimum income fee which will be adjusted and paid according to my income every 6 months. Also, because I function from my home there is an additional fee to do business out of my home. (I am unsure about the actual amount.) Total costs to do one show per year under the current policy: $170 plus the additional home business fee.
Costs if caught in violation: up to $1000 per day/show, and/or up to 6 months in jail.
It is hard enough to continue creating music without this kind of extortion going on. My hopes are that this is something the city has not had brought to their attention and through changes in policy can be rectified.
What can you do?
PLEASE GET INVOLVED! Tune in tomorrow, November 10th, on http://www.xradio.biz/ from 8 to 10 AM with DJ Jefferson Montoya as he calls the city offices to get to the bottom of this. You can also contact your city council to ask for changes in policy to keep original music, like mine, alive and well.
Your support would mean the world to me...Thanks.
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