Embrace the beat

MAKING music... (from the left) Jo Hilditch, Wakhar Mohammed, Muhait Choudhury, Mahmood Miah, Ron Atkinson (project manager), Stephen Ratcliffe and John Slater (percussionist)

AN open day aimed at finding future musicians has been hailed a huge success.

The session held at the Link Centre, Oldham, was organised by music mogul and project manager, Ron Atkinson.

He set up a new Oldham-based music initiative called Embrace Music to teach those who are disabled or disadvantaged about the music industry. The open day was aimed at signing up anyone interested in creating music at regular weekly workshops, which would eventually form new acts including bands, choir solo performers and DJs.

Ron has more than 30 years’ experience in music — starting his lengthy career with Island Records, touring with the legendary Bob Marley. He then went on to work for the Charisma label, tour-managing Genesis in the 1980s.

Ron, who has also been a music industry consultant at City College Manchester for the past eight years, now wants to pass on his knowledge at local level.

A spokesman for the open day said: “The event was hugely successful with around 70 visitors attending throughout the day.”

If anyone is interested in future music courses, call Ron on 07909-907 088.