Musicians attending traditional international folk music session at Crown Inn, Long Load, Somerset boosted by local band musicians from Picketty Witch pub, Yeovil session after visit to recording studio

Last night, the numbers of musicians attending the traditional international folk music tune session at the Crown Inn, Long Load, Somerset received a late and very welcome visit from local band and members of the new tune session at the Picketty Witch pub, Yeovil, Somerset when Alex, Andy and Kat popped around to join in to play some traditional tunes after their visit to a recording studio.

Playing some of their music, which specialises in driving rhythms and tight harmonies, Kat on the violin, Andy on the double bass and Alex on guitar and fiddle demonstrated why they may well soon become a powerful force in the up and coming traditional folk music movement.

Whilst the Picketty Witch, Yeovil traditional pub session is only once a month currently on the third Friday, the Wednesday pub music session at the Crown Inn, Long Load, Somerset is fortnightly so the two sessions don't clash and, if more musicians start to attend both, the way could be clear for some really rocking sessions.

Beginner or experienced acoustic instrument musicians are always welcome at these pub sessions and all musical instruments are encouraged including guitar, melodeon, violin, viola, double bass, cello, piano accordion, jews harp, bodhran, clarinet, oboe, flute, piccolo, hammer dulcimer, banjo, mandolin, penny whistle or indeed any other musical instrument. Tuition can't be given but more experienced musicians can often give advice as to how to get started on the road to joining in with pub sessions and Martin Hughes is particularly helpful to beginners.

So, if you like listening to some free pub entertainment, or if you are an experienced musician looking for some fun playing tunes with other musicians, or a beginner musician looking for an opportunity to play your instrument in public, the traditional pub music session at the Crown Inn, Long Load, Somerset may well be worth checking out. (Or even if you like talking to a very friendly parrot - see photo right).

Finally, always phone ahead to the pub to ensure the traditional joining in pub session is happening as there have been a lot of changes to local venues recently. The Crown Inn, Long Load session has only just moved to its present location after previously being held at The Bell Inn, Ash and before that at various other local pubs. If you are on Facebook and are a musician, it could be helpful to check out Martin Hughes Twitter account ( http://twitter.com/#!/martinrchughes ) or his website ( http://www.mrch.freeserve.co.uk/sessions/ ) and he can give you up to date news. I look forward to seeing you at one of these pub sessions :-)