Everyone loves a good summer party, so CMJ is throwing one to celebrate the announcement of our initial artist line-up for the 2012 CMJ Music Marathon. Get off the beach and brush the sand from your toes, as the event will take place at the Mercury Lounge on Tuesday, August 21 from 6-9PM.

The party is presented along with Champion, the official apparel sponsor of CMJ Music Marathon 2012. It will feature two live performances, including Brooklyn synth-pop duo Tanlines, who will follow up their appearance at the 2011 Music Marathon. Tanlines will be joined by Sinkane, the psychedelic solo project of Ahmed Gallab, who has played drums/percussion for a variety of bands including Of Montreal, Yeasayer, and Caribou.

…Anyone wondering what they should wear is in luck—winners of our giveaway will get two Champion official CMJ 2012 T-shirts, which have been created for CMJ by designer and Les Savy Fav frontman, Tim Harrington.

Don’t fret if you’re unable to attend, as we will post the full list of artists appearing at CMJ Music Marathon the day after the party. [CMJ.com]

So tonight (Aug 21) will be the first wave of CMJ music announcements, but if history is any indicator, there more will be more to come. They have already made two rounds of panel announcements for this year’s conference.