The Tradewinds bar in Cotati has hosted many benefit concerts over the years for a variety of causes, but this Sunday, Feb. 28, the beloved local saloon is throwing a fund-raiser for itself.

The Tradewinds hopes to raise at least $5,000 for legal fees, said Tony Davis, co-owner of the bar with his wife, Elizabeth, for the past five years.

The bar has been sued by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) in federal court for damages stemming from alleged copyright infringement over the performance at the Tradewinds of songs by James Brown and others.

BMI collects license fees from businesses that use music, which it distributes as royalties to songwriters, composers and music publishers.

Sunday’s “Save Live Music” benefit will run from noon to 6 p.m. at the Tradewinds, 8210 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati. Some half a dozen local bands will play, and barbecue will be served.  Tickets cost $10 at the door. Information: 795-7878, tradewindsbar.com.

“We’ll have most of the local bands that play here: The Pulsators, Levi Lloyd, Detroit Disciples, Blues Defenders, Sorentinos, the Bobby Young Band,” Tony Davis said.

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