Appeal to musicians for BJ's marathon

April 21, Easter Monday, shall see the opening of the BJ's 14th Annual 10+ Hour Music Marathon. "This marathon has a two-fold purpose," BJ's manager Philip Fenech told The Sunday Times. The first is the preservation of live music through 100 hours (and more) of music showing no divide between styles - as long as it's live.

The second is the social aspect. Mr Fenech said that "during this time of reflection we should think of, and help, those who are worse off." In fact the past 14 events have raised a total of over Lm90,000, distributed among various philanthropic organisations.

Funds raised will, for the second year, be forwarded to Wishing Others Well (WOW), the social arm of the Millennium Chapel in Paceville. They shall also be used to help children who need medical treatment abroad.

Fr Hilary Tagliaferro started his project three years ago, and Mr Fenech thinks that expansion is necessary. The entertainment industry in Paceville is a bridge to identify people with social and financial problems and pass them on to Fr Hilary, Mr Fenech believes.

The music marathon gives upcoming musicians a "chance to play live to a selected audience that has been nurtured over the past 23 years. Every marathon new talent is discovered and they join the full-time BJ's musicians.

"It's amazing what a lot of talent there is in Malta with nowhere to express themselves," Mr Fenech added. At the marathon music is played throughout the day, with music adapting to the time of day, with a mainstream vibe through well-known bands and musicians at peak times - 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Generally free-flowing jamming sessions follow offering surprising, exciting combinations of musicians playing together, that have never been seen before - except maybe at the previous year's edition. Between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. jazz is to be expected while the afternoon is an acoustic/unplugged build-up to the evening.

"There have been times when I had to send musicians home as they were too exhausted," Mr Fenech reminisced, "and ended up filling in for them myself, playing the guitar."

This year will also be a dedication to two people who will be sadly missed by the music scene, two people who never failed to participate in the BJ's marathons - Sonny Monte and bassist Bernard Scerri, who was one of the organising team and regularly spent almost half of the marathon on stage.

Another tradition is for the Malta Song for Europe winner to open the event, and this year, Lynn Chircop will be no exception.

Various musicians who regularly help and participate at the marathon were contacted by The Sunday Times.

Adrian, one of the many musicians who regularly helps out, said that on previous occasions he has left the premises at 6 a.m. only to return at 8, "filling in the gaps at the least likely hours. I have played to an audience ranging from just a barman to over a hundred.

"This is most probably the least formal event in Malta which inevitably leads to a unique atmosphere and spontaneous expression. I have often planned to play for an hour and ended up spending the whole night jamming with different musicians."

Crosswalk guitarist Kenny D'Ugo and drummer Steve Bowman were full of praise for the event. "When we were just starting out, we started at the BJ's marathon... For a whole week you can find good music, ranging from rock to rap, blues.... it's good for any local band to participate.

"I suggest any band start here. The first time we played we performed three or four times." That was three years ago. They have now launched their fourth single, If I Knew...

Paul Giordmaina, who will also be performing this year, said that he "was always responsible for the jazz at the marathons," generally playing with Charles Gatt and George 'Pusè' Curmi. He also used to be accompanied by Bernard Scerri and claimed "it would be tough for us without him". He added that visitors should be there all day.

Joe Carr, who likewise will be performing this year alternates between singing and playing the drums and percussion. "I participate every year for a charitable cause. We always aim to raise more, and I appeal to people to visit," and adapt to the atmosphere.

Many musicians have already expressed their intention to participate: Crosswalk, Presedence, Mark Attard, Julian Casha, violinist George Curmi and many other including 'semi-professional' musicans - a band of doctors as well as journalists and other professionals as well as cardiac surgeon Alex Manchè.

However there are still a lot of blanks in the schedule and Mr Fenech is appealing to musicians to contact him on 9949-3534, 2137-7642 or in person at BJ's in Ball Street Paceville any day after 10 p.m.

Apart from donations at the door, people will this year be able to send contributions by sending a text-message through Go Mobile or Vodafone (further details to be announced later).