[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/radiostation09.jpg” caption=”93.3 CFMU has begun its annual fundraiser and community celebration, Raise Your Voice 2009. Image courtesy of 93.3 CFMU.”]Country, folk and rock artists will come together to keep community radio alive in Hamilton as part of Raise Your Voice 2009, CFMU 93.3's annual fundraiser and community celebration, running from February 28 until March 20.

Based out of McMaster University, CFMU, Canada's second oldest campus radio station, has remained true to its origins as a grassroots community broadcaster.

“Over the years, CFMU has provided a forum for many local artists,” says programming director Jamie Tennant. “We've also given a voice to those who need it the most – marginalized groups, multi-cultural families and the socially conscious.”

Brent and Liam Titcomb, Rae Billing, and James Gordon and Son will kick-off Raise Your Voice with The 14th Annual Freewheelin' Folk Benefit on February 28, followed by Big Bruce's Barn Dance, featuring Stompin' Tom's Mark LaForme on March 1. A rock show benefit is scheduled for March 20. CFMU will also be hosting an on-air pledge drive from February 28 to March 6 with the goal of raising $21,000.

CFMU 93.3 has been broadcasting to the Hamilton community for more than 30 years and has become a breeding ground for new talent and a popular medium for relaying ideas, news and views. In conjunction with Raise Your Voice, CFMU has also launched a brand new website at http://cfmu.mcmaster.ca that features album reviews, a community calendar, upcoming interviews, a simpler web stream, downloadable archives, real-time playlists and show details.