FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFrom: Martinez, Eduardo [Eduardo.Martinez@asm.ca.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 4:42 PM
Subject: PRESS RELEASE -Legislature Approves Portantino Measure to Protect Consumers and Classic Live Musical Performers from Deceptive Imposter Groups

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Eduardo Martinez

September 5, 2007 916-319-2044

 

Legislature Approves Measure to Protect Consumers and Classic Live Musical Performers from Deceptive Imposter Groups

Bill to require musical performers to be who they say they are heads to the Governor

 

SACRAMENTO, CA – With unanimous support from the Assembly and only one dissenting from the Senate, the Legislature voted to approve AB 702 authored by Assemblymember Portantino. If signed by the Governor, AB 702 would make it unlawful for any person to advertise or conduct a live musical performance through the use of “false, deceptive, or misleading affiliation, connection, or association” between a live performance group and the actual recording group.

 

Shady promoters have used the music and originality of mostly 1950s African-American musical legends without proper authorization for several decades. These musical legends such as the Platters, the Drifters, and the Coasters, some of whom are available for performances, don’t work because imposter groups undercut their salaries and assumed their fame. Meanwhile, consumers are being ripped off by paying for imposter group concerns when they believe they are seeing the real thing.

 

“I’m pleased at the overwhelming support we’ve enjoyed on this bill to date,” said Portantino. “This measure is important not only for consumers of live music, but to protect the artistic integrity of these legendary entertainers whose likeness has been fraudulently misused.”

 

Under the legislation proposed under AB 702, individuals would be prohibited from performing live musical performances under the name of a recorded group unless the performers hold a trademark, at least one member of performing members was a member of the original group, the event is advertised as a “tribute” performance or the performing group has prior authorization.

 

Other states such as Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Michigan have enacted similar legislation, while states such as New York, Florida, and Nevada have pending legislation.

 

Assemblymember Anthony Portantino was elected to serve the 44th Assembly District in November of 2006. The district encompasses Altadena, Duarte, La Canada Flintridge, Pasadena, South Pasadena and Temple City. It also includes portions of Arcadia, Monrovia, Mayflower Village and the Northeast Los Angeles neighborhoods of Glassell Park, Hermon, Highland Park, Mount Washington and Eagle Rock.

 

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