Now that live music venue BJ’s is back in business after having closed down for extensive refurbishment, the management is gearing up to revive the popular music marathon, which had been held annually at the Paceville venue for at least two decades. This year’s edition will kick off at 5 p.m. on April 9 and run non-stop for a week before ending at 4 a.m. on April 16.

As has been the case from the very first edition, the marathon will be raising funds for a philanthropic cause, namely WOW (Wishing Others Well), which is the social arm of the Millennium Chapel in Paceville and does sterling work in helping people with all sorts of social problems. The music event will also be promoting awareness of the preservation of live music as a form of entertainment.

In the years that the marathon has been held, more than €300,000 has been collected for different philanthropic and charitable causes, while BJ’s stage has provided a platform for bringing together musicians of all ages, veterans and new faces, to use their talents collectively for a noble cause.

Occasionally, some foreign musicians also swing by to participate and help support the marathon. A few years back, US rock star Jon Bon Jovi, in Malta to shoot a movie, swung by to perform an hour-long set during the marathon.

Bands and musicians interested in participating in this year’s BJ’s music marathon should contact Philip Fenech on 9949 3534 or e-mail bjslivemusicvenue@gmail.com.

Alternatively, they can pop by at BJ’s after 9 p.m. for a look at the new layout, which is not only bigger but now also has an improved stage with backline, full in-house sound system and lighting.