My dilemma is this! Up until a few years ago I was able, due to a complete lack of any type of family commitment to sit in on trad sessions all around North London (where I then lived) and back at home in Ireland when I made the occasional foray there. However at that time my involvement was limited to some pretty atrocious guitar accompaniment and a few unaccompanied songs (which always seemed to go down failry well). Since then two things have happened.

Firstly I acquired a few instruments in the GDAE family - mandolin, bouzouki and tenor banjo. I learnt a few tunes (many courtesy of the Mandolin Cafe site, mostly by ear from the playing of the Bothy Band, Planxty, etc.). I practised and practised until some of my playing is quite passable (to an uncritical ear).

Secondly, I "acquired" a family.

Without the latter I would undoubtedly now be doing the rounds of all those pubs where Irish trad players muster and try to give it a blast. However, now that I am "settled down", I find that I have no inclination to chase music through the dives and dens I used to frequent.

What I'd much rather do is get in touch with - or assemble - a circle of like-minded musicians who would like to get together occasionally in each others' homes to make a bit of music for friends and family. You know the score - a few drinks, a bit of friendly chat, a barbie in the summer, small kids running around their parents' feets - and the whole event rounded off by - or laced together by - those in the company who have the wherewithal bashing out a few jigs and reels.

Does this sound as if it might appeal to anyone? If so, please post a response to this bulletin board or drop a reply to personal e-mail address.

..... Aidan Crossey