MUSICIANS can share skills and network with people at a new group which has been launched in Topsham. Singers, instrument players and composers of both a professional standard and those aspiring to make it to such a level of competency, can join the Tops

MUSICIANS can share skills and network with people at a new group which has been launched in Topsham.

Singers, instrument players and composers of both a professional standard and those aspiring to make it to such a level of competency, can join the Topsham Music Connective community group.

The venture was founded by Ben Beeson, who lives on The Strand. Ben, a musician himself, also helps out as a tutor for the town's rock school.

He said: "We set out to make the Topsham music connective as relevant to musicians as possible and our regular meetings and gigs will play a key part in that."

The group, who will meet at the Globe Hotel, will give people an opportunity to attend workshops and exchange industry contacts.

Funding for it to be set up has been provided by local businesses.

An inaugural gig took place at the Route 2 Caf� Bar, on Monmouth Hill, last month when a number of musicians turned up to play a mixture of Latin jazz and funk.

A short video of the event can be found on the group's MySpace web page at: www.myspace.com/topshammusicconnective

The connective is to hold a 'Big Music Weekend, consisting of gigs at Turf this Saturday and the Passage on Sunday.

For more information about the Topsham Music Connective, contact Chloe Clarke on 07968 139020.