Pianos (more by Tim Griffin)

"A bar or club isn't technically allowed to play a copy written song without first securing the appropriate licenses from the performance rights group--such as ASCAP or BMI--that represent songwriters. Enforcement has traditionally been pretty lax over the years, although every once in a while, the organizations file a lawsuit to remind venue owners that they exist. In 2007, for example, ASCAP filed suits against a handful of spots, including Jay-Z's 40/40 and Hiro at the Maritime Hotel. More recently, ASCAP and BMI slapped Cafe Wha? with a suit back in March.

This time around BMI is turning its attention to the Lower East Side and coming down on Pianos, claiming the venue caused "great and incalculable damage" for illegally playing such favorites as "Say It Ain't So" by Rivers Cuomo; the Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black"; and your fave hit from 1986, "Final Countdown"." [Cityfile]

Devo @ McCarren Pool (more by Zach Dilgard)

On Friday, March 20, performing right society BMI will partner with SXSW to present new wave progenitors Devo at Austin Music Hall (208 Nueces St). The show marks the climax of BMI's focused presence at SXSW 2009: Throughout the week, the organization will also stage indie rock showcases, orchestrate film and songwriter panels, and host its annual invitation-only mixers, the details of which will be announced soon.

SXSW also announced a ton of other bands playing SXSW this year. On that list, is....Sleep, BUT after a false alarm that included a minor Black Bubblegum freakout, we confirmed that in fact the band playing SXSW is a different Sleep. Oh well.

A few other bands playing SXSW this year: The Wrens, Peter Bjorn and John, Primal Scream, and Explosions in the Sky.