Sound of the South West (From Gazette Series)

Sound of the South West

THE SOUTH West's musical community can get down to business at the third 'South West Sound' music convention.

This year, the event takes place at the Colston Hall, Bristol, as well as at its original home of Dartington Hall, Devon - from April 24 to April 28.

The unique, five-day convention mixes guest speakers, seminars, workshops and networking to provide almost 1000 delegates with practical and strategic skills, professional development opportunities and the chance to share ideas and forge new contacts.

It attracts speakers and presenters working at the cutting edge of their field, who provide nationally significant examples of best practice. Past speakers include composer Gavin Bryars, former Island Records MD Marc Marot, Music Manifesto Champion Marc Jaffrey and BBC Radio One DJ Steve Lamacq.

Organised by Dartington Plus, the region's music development agency, South West Sound is the definitive music event for people working throughout the music world, including musicians, educators, promoters, agents, directors, programmers and community groups.

Live music and showcases are being held on both sites.

Graeme Howell, Director of Colston Hall, said: "Colston Hall is immensely pleased to have the opportunity of working in partnership with Dartington Plus to bring the definitive South West music conference to Bristol. For anyone in the music world this event is not to be missed."

One participant in the 2005 event said: "The three days of South West Sound I attended, the people I met and the seminars I took part in were truly outstanding. The benefits to me as a musician are already tangible."

The event also includes a host of fringe activities taking place in the run-up to South West Sound, including showcase gigs for local bands and artists, a workshop on composition for film & television, a one-day symposium for young people, and an intensive three-day artist management course.

For more information or to book a place at the convention visit www.southwestsound.org.uk