CMJ Music Marathon Hit With Ebola Scare

As New York City deals with the news of its first confirmed Ebola patient, organisers of the annual CMJ Music Marathon have been left to stem potential panic among attendees after reports emerged the individual had attended a venue being used by the showcase earlier in the week.

As Stereogum reports, the patient, Dr Craig Spencer, went to New York venue The Gutter on Wednesday evening, with Thursday night's Goodnight Records showcase (which was to boast performances from international acts such as Heaven, Big Sleep, Friend Roulette and Sun Club) being cancelled as a result of his infection and patronage coming to light.

Although early reports had suggested Dr Spencer had attended fellow bowling alley the Brooklyn Bowl, officials have since dismissed that assertion; the venue has consequently pushed ahead with its CMJ event for Flood Magazine, featuring Beach Fossils and Small Black.

CMJ is currently playing host to a wealth of Aussie acts, including Courtney Barnett, Bad//Dreems, SAFIA, The Delta Riggs, DMA's and more, with several having showcase performances of their own yet to come. In addition to artists, there is a large number of local industry professionals in attendance at the event. theMusic.com.au has attempted to reach several Aussies presently over there; however, there has been no indication so far that the scare has affected the wider CMJ program.

New York City mayor Bill de Blasio has addressed the diagnosis and spreading concern over Dr Spencer's movements, telling a press conference, “Our understanding is that very few people were in direct contact with him.”

Check back in the near future for further updates.