No Rock And Roll Fun

PARTY DOWN WITH THE RIAA: Interesting report on the Creative Coalition party at the Conventions:

The Creative Coalition, a group representing Hollywood artists and musicians, is putting on some of the most sought-after events at the convention along with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), including a gala last night that featured the popular rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The group has legislative priorities as well. One is support for federal funding for the arts — a cause that has long been championed by Democrats but has been threatened at times by congressional Republicans.
The Creative Coalition also is trying to head off House-passed indecency legislation that would increase the fines on performers who spread obscenity over the airwaves from $11,000 to $500,000 for the most serious violations. [...]
Huey said that members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers would be talking about the importance of free-speech issues at the concert, which will be attended by some of the most important lawmakers and best connected staffers in town for the convention.[...]
The RIAA has sponsored some of the convention’s other A-list parties, including one Tuesday night featuring the hip-hop band the Black Eyed Peas. The RIAA’s president, Mitch Bainwol, served as Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist’s (R-Tenn.) chief of staff, but the group’s legislative goals have bipartisan support.