The organisers of the Soundcheck project for up-and-coming bands are appealing for sponsorship and new venues. Soundcheck is one of dozens of special projects run by the Department of Education and Children’s Youth Service. The project has been running for 16 years and provides space for young musicians in school years 9 and above to rehearse and receive tuition from musicians. There are sessions in Douglas, Castletown and, most recently, Peel with plans to open in Ramsey and Laxey. With Douglas Youth Centre now concentrating on the arts, Soundcheck has been given more space and time and is offering recording sessions. A music video week will also be staged during the summer and it is also looking to produce a CD. Dave Hattersley, Youth Officer for the South and West of the Island, said: ‘Soundcheck bands are hoping to go on tour to different venues round the Island over the next few months so if you have a venue we could use, please contact me on 458301. ‘We are also looking for sponsorship for the whole project in order to purchase new instruments and equipment and expand still further, so we would be pleased to hear from anyone who can support this worthy project.’ The next Soundcheck gig is at the Promenade Suite at the Villa Marina next Tuesday (8th February) starting at 7pm and finishing no later than 10pm. Anyone over the age of 14 is welcome. Tickets are ?2 in advance from the Youth Service office on 01624 686057 or ?3 on the door and the cafe will be open for drinks and snacks. The line-up is MCXI, The Kinky Wizards, We Found Wally, Three Breaths Left and Our Final Hour from Douglas Soundcheck plus, from Castletown, Savage Tim and Bradley’s Sister. Ends