A COLLECTIVE love of music by a group of committed enthusiasts is already bringing more music for Tavistock ? and could ultimately result in a recording and rehearsal facility being established in the town.

In recent years there has been a dip in live performance ? yet there is no dearth of potential venues.

Now a hard core of ten eager and altruistic invidivuals are determined to reverse the decline and put live music back into the spotlight.

Calling themselves Tavistock Music Live ? and with members ranging from music teachers, practitioners and promoters ? they have just set up three concerts for September.

This is, they hope, the first of an ongoing series of live events aimed at providing a platform for local artists and attracting performers with a national following.

?In parallel with the live programme, TML are involved in developing a permanent, state-of-the-art music, film and performing arts recording and rehearsal facility in the town,? said spokesman Martin Griffin, adding that they had been in consultation with Tavistock College.

?A location for the facility has been provisionally agreed and detailed plans have been drawn up for the actual centre.?

Martin said that on the local scene if a band was playing original music as opposed to covers or tributes it could be hard to get a platform.

?We know there are performers out there but we need to introduce them to audiences who are not in the habit of listening to original music unless they are familiar with it.?

He would like to see more pubs involved in promoting the live music scene but recognises there is the cost and need to have a public entertainment licence if there are more than two performers.

Martin is hopeful that the proactive enthusiasm of Tavistock Music Live as a facilitator for more gigs will create an upward spiral of performance and audience involvement.

?The population of Tavistock is, of course, demographically diverse and the first TML programme, the Three Evenings in September, reflects that diversity,? he said.

Ranging from acoustic folk, brass band, to high energy celtic folk and progressive metal, they have deliberately picked a range of styles.

Nominated Radio 2 Folk Awards best duo 2003, Sean Lakeman and Kathryn Roberts will play the Ordulph Arms on Friday September 3 supported by The Strawberry Thieves. At St Eustachius Parish Church Stannary Brass Band and the Blowzone Wind Band will present an evening of traditional and modern music on Saturday September 11.

The third evening is at the Kings Centre, Pixon Lane on September 18 when high energy folk outfit Mad Dog Mcrea will perform their inimitable brand of raw, celtic folk supported by progressive metal band Relentless.

?TML is a not-for-profit organisation and everyone involved is giving their time and endeavours freely,? said Martin.