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A guide to Boston bands at CMJ

Print | Comments () Posted by Michael Brodeur October 13, 2011 10:27 PM

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It's the closest, most monstrous music festival for Boston music acts to partake in -- and for local fans to commute to. It's the College Music Journal Music Marathon
(CMJ) and it kicks off on Tuesday.

Here's a sampling of Boston artists playing in the Big Apple during the 5-day fest.

Berklee CMJ Music Marathon 2011 Showcase

Sarah RabDAU and the Self-Employed Assassins

A prominent display of local talent at CMJ, the Berklee showcase is in its 5th year at the festival, and displays some of the school's best talent. Here's the lineup:

6:35 Da'Rayia
7:15 Particle Zoo
8:00 Julia Easterlin
8:40 Electric Touch
9:20 Bleu
10:05 Sarah RabDAU and Self-Employed Assassins
10:50 Endangered Speeches

[Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery, Friday, 6:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Tickets: $10, free with CMJ badge.]

The Outlaw Roadshow

Gentlemen Hall

This locally booked unofficial showcase is hosted by the Boston-based music blog Ryan's Smashing Life, along with publicity companies AnnieRock and Green Light Go, and indie label Tyrannosaurus Records. Bands from across the country are booked for this lineup, including two from Boston: indie dance rock band, Gentlemen Hall(who recently won the Billboard & Chevy Battle of the Bands), and "old soul rock n' roll" act Oldjack.

[Arlene’s Grocery, 95 Stanton St. Friday, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Free.]

Other Boston bands to watch out for at CMJ:

Gem Club - Twins from Gem Club on Vimeo.

Gem Club

The Boston-based minimalist pop band Gem Club will play Lame Fest II: Eclectic Boogaloo (presented by Sub Pop and Hardly Art Records) on Thursday night.

[Mercury Lounge, 217 E. Houston St. Thursday, 8 p.m.]

Bearstronaut

Boston based electro-pop group Bearstronaut plays its official CMJ Showcase on Saturday.

[Kenny's Castaways, 157 Bleecker St., Saturday. 8 p.m.]

Mercies

Connecticut-based pop duo Mercies, made up of former members of the Dear Hunter, will play the Big Picture Media Showcase on Friday night, along with Boston solo rock act Grygiel.

[Sullivan Hall, 124 Sullivan Street. Friday, 8:05 p.m. Tickets: $10, free with CMJ badge]

For full official showcase schedule, check out the CMJ Music Marathon website.

To find out about other CMJ unofficial showcases, check out this list compiled by myfreeconcert.com.

- ANNA MARDEN