PORTLAND – Seven Portland-area musicians and music groups will have a rare chance to play in front of radio tastemakers, music industry professionals and the press during the CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival taking place in New York City from Oct. 18 to 22.

The Portland Music Foundation, an organization focused on promoting local music and assisting aspiring Portland musicians, selected the seven artists after reviewing submissions to their 2011 CMJ contest, which will put the locals on stage at Sullivan Hall on Oct. 20, starting at 7 p.m.

The seven contest winners are Spose, Sunset Hearts, Billy Libby, Kurt Baker, The Milkman’s Union, The Mallet Brothers Band and The Toughcats.

Contestants were judged by the Portland Music Foundation’s CMJ committee on both songwriting skills and Web presence, and the winners each receive a spot in the CMJ showcase, transportation and accommodations, a consultation with a national public relations agency and a daily stipend.

Admission to the showcase is $10. Tickets can be purchased online.

Attendees must be 18 or older.

The CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival fills 80 venues, nightclubs and theaters in New York City from Oct. 18 to 22 with 1,300 artist performances and films. The festival also includes panels, seminars, Q&A sessions, parties and premiers and a platform for the discovery of new music.

Local music supporters who aren’t able to make the trek down to New York City for the showcase can watch it streaming live at Bayside Bowl in Portland.

Staff Writer Shannon Bryan can be contacted at 791-6333 or at:

sbryan@mainetoday.com