The CMJ Music Marathon is a college radio rite of passage for many. I have fond memories of taking the train to New York City in order to attend my first CMJ event in the 1980s. The long weekend was jam-packed with shows (Fishbone at the Cat Club!), panels (yes there really was a panel about sexism in heavy metal music), and fun (I remember going to a dance club with friends and getting cheesed out by older men leering at the young girls). It was my very first trip to New York City and I had a blast. We all headed home with bags full of cassettes, vinyl (and perhaps one CD since it was a new form of media at the time), and music magazines, as well as with hopes that the label reps we met with would start sending free music to our tiny radio station.
A whole new generation of college radio kids will get the chance to experience CMJ this October 15th through 19th. Taking place at NYU, the music convention will include panels, music showcases, and a college radio specific College Day on Thursday, October 17. The day-long event is a great chance for college radio participants to talk about the ins and outs of doing radio, with a range of panels that get into the trials and tribulations of running a college radio station, but also discuss the ongoing relevance of college radio. College Day concludes with the 9th annual CMJ College Radio Awards. In addition to College Day, there will also be a College Radio Mixer on Tuesday, October 15. See more about the college radio events here.
