Hi, I'm Melissa Culbertson. You may know me from my days as a "Left of the Dial" DJ on KHSU, or have at least heard my voice overnight on 94.1 KSLG. I love music and everything to do with it, so I have chosen to spend my life finding new music and sharing it with anyone who will listen to me. Being as this is my life's purpose, I am going to attend this year's CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival in New York City this Oct. 19-23.

I'm sure you're asking yourself: Why I should care? This is why. I am going share all my newfound knowledge of music, film and the entertainment industry with you, the North Coast Journal reader. I'll be representing the NCJ for the five-day event, which features more than 1,200 live performances all over the city, blogging for the Journal and also calling into 94.1 KSLG with updates and happenings.

In addition to the music scene, there will be many panel discussions and seminars featuring recording artists, DJs, producers, promoters, college radio programmers, managers, industry executives, and journalists. These various industry leaders will share their thoughts with the next generation of entertainment professionals and hangers-on.

The festival is also chock-full of film. Festival Director Bonnie Gallenter describes it as "one of the premiere events to showcase thought-provoking films with an eye toward pop culture, political and social commentary, human rights and what CMJ has always been known for: music." Many important movies of our generation were introduced at CMJ, including Pulp Fiction, Fight Club and American History X.

New to the festival this year is CMJ Play, which is described as an intensive gaming and music seminar. Video games have become an important part of how people are exposed to new music. Millions of fans discover and engage with the music and musicians they enjoy through video games.

If you can't make it to NYC yourself, remember to check the North Coast Journal blog and tune into 94.1 KSLG for all of the updates, news and mayhem.