STOURBRIDGE singers and songwriters have joined forces to put together an album to help support struggling musicians and those taking their first steps towards a career in music.
Stourbridge Foundation 4 Music, has been born out of a series of 'Born, Bred, Believes' gigs held at Katie Fitzgerald's, aims to offer support to Black Country musicians who find themselves in difficult circumstances as well as provide advice, guidance and practical help to young musicians just starting out.
To help raise money for the Foundation, many artists who have played at the monthly gigs have donated tracks towards a new 'Born, Bred, Believes' album which will be launched in the cellar bar at Katie's this weekend.
Copies of the new recording will be on sale at the launch, taking place from 3pm until 11pm this Sunday February 22, and a digital release will follow.
The launch party will also feature live music from Eddy Morton, The Humdrum Express, Vix & Her MsChiefs, Jess Silk, The Empty Can and many others who have played at Born, Bred, Believes over the past year.
There will also be a performance by Councillor Pete Lowe, leader of Dudley Council and Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Stourbridge, who said: "Music has always has always played an important part in my life and I was thrilled when Eddy invited me to get involved in a monthly music night and now the Stourbridge Foundation 4 Music.
"The aim of Born, Bred, Believes is to bring together people of similar attitudes, values and beliefs regardless of their political affiliations.
"We have supported some great local charities and causes raising money and their profile.
"No money has been raised for my political campaign.
"We have hosted some great musicians and helped provide exposure to local artists - and now, through The Stourbridge Foundation 4 Music, we aim to help and support local musicians in any way we can."
Eddy Morton, of Katie Fitzgerald's, said: "The Foundation will provide the opportunity to give something back to musicians."
Admission to the launch party is £5 and the album can be bought for £10 with all proceeds going to the Stourbridge Foundation 4 Music.
To find out more about the new group go to www.stourbridgefoundation4music.co.uk/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here