Free Yr Radio & KEXP Present Free Live Performances during CMJ‏ [News/Times]

Marking its fifth consecutive year of supporting and promoting independent, non-commercial radio, Toyota’s Free Yr Radio and KEXP return to New York City to produce and broadcast interviews and performances at the CMJ 2011 Music Marathon & Film Festival live from the lobby of the Ace Hotel New York at 20 West 29th Street.

On October 19, 20 and 21, the public is invited to join KEXP in person or over the airwaves from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST for a FREE series of live and intimate performances. In addition to performances throughout the day, Free Yr Radio will also host nightly afterhours DJ sets and an art show featuring posters designed by graphic designer Art Chantry.

This year’s line-up for the Toyota Free Yr Radio stage at the Ace Hotel includes Atlas Sound, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Portugal, The Man, Zola Jesus, EMA, and the Dum Dum Girls, among others. In addition to experiencing Free Yr Radio at The Ace Hotel, fans can listen to the broadcast locally at 91.5 FM (or 90.3 in Seattle) or online at www.kexp.org.

New to the Free Yr Radio stage this year, fans are invited to stay for afterhours DJ sets from some of the most celebrated independent record labels in the industry. Matador and Group Tightener are among the labels that will be spinning live from 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. in the Ace Hotel lobby.

2011 Toyota Free Yr Radio Lineup from the Ace Hotel lobby:

Wednesday, October 19
10:30 a.m. — Zola Jesus
12:30 p.m. — We Are Augustines
2:30 p.m. — Portugal, the Man
4:30 p.m. — Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Thursday, October 20
10:30 a.m. — Widowspeak
12:30 p.m. — Givers
2:30 p.m. — Dum Dum Girls
4:30 p.m. — The Lonely Forest

Friday, October 21
10:30 a.m. — WATERS
12:30 p.m. — EMA
2:30 p.m. — TBA
4:30 p.m. — Atlas Sound

After Hours DJ Sets (5pm – 12am):
October 19: Matador, 4AD & Rough Trade
October 20: Acephale vs RVNG Intl.
October 21: Group Tightener

Schedule subject to change. For the final line-up and list of set times, visit www.freeyrradio.com or follow Free Yr Radio on Twitter and Facebook.

Fans are also invited to check out Thanks for the Memories, a poster show by celebrated graphic designer and poster artist Art Chantry, best known for his posters and album covers designed for bands, many of which have been previously exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Louvre. During CMJ a sampling of some of Art’s best work will be on display in the Ace Hotel Gallery and a limited-run, custom poster designed by Art Chantry will be available as a free gift to fans while supplies last.

“KEXP is thrilled to have the opportunity to return to the Ace Hotel in New York City for CMJ 2011,” said Kevin Cole, Senior Director of Programming and Host of The Afternoon Show. “Our partnership with Toyota Free Yr Radio allows us to host an exciting mix of artists and broadcast right from the lobby of the Ace Hotel, while giving music fans a chance to experience some of their favorite artists for free in a unique and intimate venue.”

Since the program’s inception, Toyota’s Free Yr Radio program has brought together scores of independent stations including KEXP, The Current, WTUL and WLUW with some of the country’s top artists including Yeasayer, Calexico, Jamie Lidell, and Sonic Youth, in a series of activities at music festivals across the country to build support of and access to independent radio.

“Toyota is proud to celebrate our fifth year of supporting non-commercial and indie stations across the country,” said Keith Dahl, Toyota National Manager of Engagement Marketing. “The Free Yr Radio program is a fun, engaging and meaningful way for stations to expand their reach and connect with new fans in an exciting environment.”

During this year’s national tour, Toyota’s Free Yr Radio has visited Lollapalooza in Chicago, Outside Lands in San Francisco, and Bumbershoot in Seattle. Following CMJ, Free Yr Radio will make its final stop on this year’s tour at the Voodoo Experience in New Orleans.