BJ's marathon goes into extra time

By popular demand, the BJ's live music marathon, which kicked off on Easter Monday, will run until 3 a.m. on Tuesday - and in the process break a record by clocking over a week of non-stop live music for charity.

The marathon, now in its 19th year, was originally launched as a 100-hour, fund-raising, jamming session at the Paceville nightclub, but was extended to run over a week. BJ's proprietor Philip Fenech explained that as tomorrow, Freedom Day, is a public holiday, musicians thought it fitting to carry on playing to raise more funds for WOW (Wishing Others Well) - the Millennium Chapel's social arm.

"We are extremely happy with the unity the musicians have shown," Mr Fenech said. "This year, even a German brass band turned up soon after landing in Malta and hearing about the marathon."

Fr Hilary Tagliaferro leads Mass at BJ's today at 10 a.m., before the marathon continues with a line-up including Carrie, Ozzylino, Denise Azzopardi and Norman Cristina, a Queen tribute band, Explicit, Metro Kween, and White Crimson.

To date, BJ's has collected over €279,000 (Lm120,000) for various charities. Donations are being collected at the door. To pledge a donation by SMS, send a blank message to 5061 8087 to donate €4.66 (Lm2), 5061 8930 (€6.99/Lm3), and 5061 9223 (€11.65/Lm5).