April 25, 2012 — WTJU, the University of Virginia's radio station, will hold its annual Folk Marathon and pledge drive April 30 through May 6.

"Our theme this year is 'Too Hard To Label,' and we'll be focusing on five of our favorite music labels: Smithsonian Folkways, Signature Sounds, Compass, Rounder and Rebel," said Peter Jones, the station's folk director. "Also, WTJU Folk DJs love Woody Guthrie, so we're celebrating his 100th birthday with several special shows."

The 2012 WTJU Folk Marathon will also feature live music and special guest DJs throughout the week. Scheduled shows include:

• Live performances by Charlottesville area bands Love Canon, the Virginia Ramblers, Buzzard Hollow Boys, Trees on Fire, Downbeat Project and Alligator;
• Guest DJ shows with local musicians Charlie Pastorfield, Beleza, the Honey Dewdrops, members of the Infamous Stringdusters, Alex Caton & Ned Oldham, Morwenna Lasko & Jay Pun, Jeff Vogelgesang & Grant Colby, and Joe Overton;
• The return of WTJU DJ alumnus Aaron Margosis (aka "The Eclectic Baboon"), who will host an all-Lucinda Williams show.

The full schedule of live performances and Folk Marathon specials is at WTJU.net.

"I am really looking forward to all the live music during this year's Folk Marathon," said WTJU General Manager Nathan Moore. "There's nothing quite like experiencing live music, and we have made that central to our programming. Over the last year, WTJU has aired live performances by the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Railroad Earth, Robin and Linda Williams and dozens of other great performers. It's one of the ways we serve as a cultural hub for this community."

WTJU encourages listeners to donate online at WTJU.net or by calling 434-924-3959 during the marathon. Donations are tax-deductible, and go a long way toward ensuring WTJU stays strong and independent.

WTJU presents original, rich and diverse programming of music and other forms of expression free from the direct constraints of commercial interests, reflecting the broadest educational goals of the University.