Agenda full for ASCAP meet

By ADAM SANDLER

The state of the American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers and its long-term goals will be among the topics discussed at the org's annual membership meeting, to be held Wednesday at the BevHilton Hotel.

In addition to focusing on progress made since adopting its new agenda in September, the meeting will, for the first time, feature a member-to-member showcase presenting well-known and up-and-coming ASCAP members.

Veteran scribes Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, the writing duobehind singles "Like a Virgin" and "True Colors," among others, will perform, as will singer Brian McKnight and singer/songwriter Vonda Shepard.

ASCAP president Morton Gould will host the gathering, which will also discuss changes in eligibility requirements for Board members and in the performing rights organization's payment and collection system.

Much of the meeting will center around a Q&A session aimed at ASCAP management and its board of directors.

ASCAP began restructuring last month, laying off 42 of its 842 full-time employees nationwide.