P.O. Box 67, Runcorn WA7 4NL 01928 566261 11am -6pm E: jaki.florek@virgin.net www.loosemusic.org

In January 1997 Roy Jones rounded up local musicians, and a collective was formed to promote and support music and music-makers in Halton. Roy moved on, but LOOSE MUSIC COLLECTIVE is still going from strength to strength. We put on regular monthly gigs, also Ballistic Acoustic (singer-songwriter’s night) for a few years at The Vic in Widnes, which came to an end when the management changed. The people at Halton FM are now putting on local band nights around Halton – contact Kirsty Walker on 0845 450 7879 for info.

Ballistic Acoustic is now starting up again thanks to a grant from PRSF. Just turn up around 8pm at The Weaver Hotel in Weston Point, Runcorn, on the last Friday of each month – stand-up and poets also welcome. Stuart Joynson is organising this, with support from musician/landlord Barney.

With a grant to Loose from Awards For All in January 2002, we started putting on U18’s gigs at The Queens Hall Studio, Widnes. They were so successful we had to keep them going – which we did thanks to a generous grant from The Local Network Fund, lots of hard work from Loose Music Collective, and support from Martin Cox at Halton’s Arts Development Team. The FUSED U18’s gigs transferred to The Brindley Arts Centre in Runcorn in July 2004. These events give young performers the opportunity to gain experience in a supported environment, and Under 18’s can access live music locally as audience. Meetings are held prior to the gigs where the young people involved in this project can discuss their ideas, make decisions. There will be guest headline bands on at each event. All up to date info on Fused and Loose gigs on the website and in the Feedback arts and music magazine.

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In addition to putting on live music events, Loose has put together CD compilations and has had 11 releases on the Loose label – many tracks have had national radio airplay as well as local. The ‘Bridge Over Muddy Water’ CD is still available for only £5 – top class recording quality, 19 very diverse tracks all inspired by this area we all live in. There’s everything from bluegrass to rock, from classical guitar to dark electronica.

FEEDBACK also published ‘Bridge Over Muddy Water’ – a big shiny book crammed with photos and stories from local musicians and promoters from the last 70 years up to the Millennium, for only £9.99. It’s a slice of local history, and you or someone you know will be featured in it!! Book and CD are available in Curiosity Bookshop, Runcorn, and Widnes Library and Halton Lea Library – the same places that you can pick up your free copy of FEEDBACK ARTS AND MUSIC MAGAZINE. The book and CD is also available mail order from Feedback, P.O. Box 67, Runcorn WA7 4NL. (Cheque made out to LOOSE for £15 and you’ll get the book and CD through the post.)

The Feedback magazine is produced every 3 months and is absolutely packed with info, reviews, photos, poetry, creative writing, and is funded by HBC Arts Development Team. There may be some copies of the OCT/NOV/DEC issue still available and the new one comes out at the beginning of January. Contributions always welcome. Feedback is also available from Powerplay CD stall in Widnes market, and The Brindley.