THE young people's music charity B Sharp is coming to Bridport to begin a new programme of music making.

Organisers are calling young musicians and music makers aged between 11-19 to come long to a free launch night of its new Bridport Jams on Monday April 18 at the Youth and Community Centre in Gundry Lane.

The launch will provide an opportunity to find out more, and register to take part in the summer term of weekly music-making sessions on Mondays from 6.30pm to 8pm every week in term time. There will also be an opportunity to check out the wider opportunities available through B Sharp including becoming a music mentor or young music leader.

Bridport Jams will be led by Matt Hartnell, B Sharp music leader and drummer with local dance band Mr Jean, and Sara Buchanan, support worker. Both will be there on the 18th with other musical guests to meet everyone and talk about the project.

Matt said: "We are looking forward to meeting young musicians who want to sing, DJ, drum, play guitar, saxophone, ukulele, violin, trumpet or any other instrument.

"The opening night will be a chance to find out more about Bridport Jams.

"As a teenager I used to attend B Sharp sessions in Lyme which exposed me to what felt like a whole new world of music.

"As well as giving me opportunities to perform, and inspiring me to develop aspects of my instrumental playing, it was the people I met through B Sharp that had the most impact on my life – many of them still friends and colleagues today.

“For aspiring young musicians, B Sharp offers performance opportunities at gigs and festivals. We are looking for young entrepreneurs, event organisers, designers and technicians who want to get involved and gain industry experience.

“Bridport Jams’ is an exciting opportunity for young people to share ideas, develop skills and make music – regardless of musical experience and status. There is a real buzz for this project and we already have a lot of interest from participants who want to play as part of a group and from professional musicians who would like to be part of this project. ”

The project is part funded by Dorset Music Service. There will be a charge for the weekly sessions running after the 18th but it will be fair and affordable and B Sharp do not exclude anyone on the grounds of hardship, say organisers.

There is also an instrument loan available.

Anyone who wants to know more about Bridport Jams should contact Matt Hartnell on 07955 551986 or Sara Buchanan on 07547 802718. To find out more about B Sharp see bsharp.uk.com.

B Sharp was formed in 2007 and based at The Hub youth centre in Lyme Regis.

It provides informal music making and performance opportunities to support young people in developing their creative and social skills.

Recent projects include large-scale events such as The Big Mix music festival and Coastal Voices where 220 young singers sang for the Olympics and more recently the Beer Quarry Caves concert at Exeter Cathedral with West Dorset and East Devon schools taking part.