Much like SXSW, the annual CMJ Festival in New York serves a far different purpose than it once did. While a few bands score record deals from showcases, and you can discover some fantastically named acts -- my personal new fave is Tiger! Shit! Tiger! Tiger!, a dour dance-punk band -- the vast majority of musicians playing CMJ shows are already signed or established.
St. Louis bands playing the fest this year all tend to be on the verge (or in the midst of) great things. Here's a day-to-day schedule of who's playing where in NYC this year.
Tuesday, October 21 DJ Andre Anjos (Knitting Factory)
Wednesday, October 22 (day party @ Rehab) Gentleman Auction House, So Many Dynamos The Pragmatic (Piano's) So Many Dynamos (Bowery Poetry Club)
Thursday, October 23 Cameron Matthews (Banjo Jim's)
Friday, October 24 Shame Club (Trash Bar) (midnight) One Lone Car, Banjo Jim's