FREE All-Day CMJ Showcase at Urban Outfitters

As you’ve probably noticed already, the city has been officially taken over by CMJ. Similar to SXSW Festival, except without all the cowboy boots and barbeque (unless you count Dallas BBQ). With hundreds of shows taking place at venues scattered across the city, it can be an overwhelming task just to catch a band you like. Especially since it’s technically a showcase for industry people, who make your regular NYC show-goer’s look like a bunch of teenage Beatles fans in their steely coolness. But besides all the bullshit and crowds, there’s still a lot of free music to be seen out there, so wear some comfy shoes and prepare to have beer spilled on you, it’s all part of the “experience”.

If you just want to sampling of the festival, head over to Urban Outfitters in Soho for a FREE  in-store performances by a whole slew of buzz bands. The line-up includes:  Royal Bangs, First Aid Kit, Chapel Club, Gold Panda and Theophilus London.  I highly reccomend checking out Swedish duo First Aid Kit. These adorable sisters managed to silence a raucuous crowd at the Delancey Thursday night and play an acoustic set without microphones. Their talent trancends twee, and I’ve been a huge fan since their first covers on youtube started spreading around the web like wildfire last year. Get there early to carve out a space for yourself and check out Brokelyn’s excellent CMJ cheat sheet while you’re at it, for more venue-hopping fun.

CMJ In-Store Performances
Urban Outfitters
Saturday October 23, 1:00-6:00pm
628 Broadway
Between Bleecker & W Houston [Soho]
FREE

Photo courtesy of: Bay Area Native