CMJ Music Marathon a Possible No-Go While Former CMJ Organizers Plan for New Festival

They say all good things come to an end. Could the CMJ Music Marathon be one of those good things coming to an end? Pitchfork has reported that the annual fall festival may not take place in 2016, even though a rep from CMJ stated that marathon is still a go.

The marathon has been a staple for New York City for over thirty years, bringing together bands, college radio stations, and other industry sources for several days of performances and panels spread out across several New York City venues.

CMJ

As reported, several industry sources have told Pitchfork that the marathon will not take place at all in 2016. To further add to the speculation, the CMJ website hasn’t been updated in months, as it nears that time of the year when organizers announce the lineup for the event. Booking agents for various bands have stated that none of their acts are scheduled for CMJ this year.

United Talent Agency’s David Galea stated “100% not happening this year.” Galea was not sure whether it would return in 2017.

Other sources such as Stereogum have reported that booking agents, local concert promoters and longtime CMJ partners have stated that CMJ would not happen in 2016.

A rep for hotel that hosted CMJ last year, Dream Downtown, has stated that “As of right now, we have no agreement with CMJ to take place at our property for 2016.”

With all that being said, CMJ CEO Adam Klein replied to a question by Pitchfork stating “CMJ will absolutely happen this year.”

Billboard reported that the college-radio trade magazine changed ownership in recent years, and are fighting a nearly $1 million lawsuit with the trial possibly starting sometime soon in 2016. To add salt to the wound, former CMJ organizers have announced an alternative to CMJ, with a new festival called Mondo.NYC. Mondo will be held on Sept. 14-18, and will take place at CMJ’s former stomping grounds at New York University. Mondo will take over where CMJ has left off and feature live music and other attractions at venues in Manhattan, and Brooklyn, throughout the five day event.

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