Thurrock's new music column Ok, so, it's been a while since the Gazette has had a dedicated music section, and as a local music enthusiast and a wannabe journalist, it seemed apparent that this was a niche that needed filling. Something of a second coming for me, as I wrote something along these lines for the Gazette a few years back, and now seems the right time for the resurrection; there's a real buzz in the local area, with bands, venues and punters creating a genuine vibe, so it's only right that there should be a forum allowing people to interact, exchange views and add to what's already a vibrant and lively scene. Occasionally there'll be room in the newspaper itself, but for regular news, views, previews, reviews and competitions, keep watching this space. In the meantime you can email me directly at andrew_sl@tiscali.co.uk Feel free to offer suggestions, reactions, details of any local events I should be aware of, recommendations or indeed anything music-related. ANDY SLOCOMBE Listen and like..... 11:27am Fri 11 Jan 08 NEW year, new music; eyes down for the first few standouts coming out in the next few weeks... Return of Unplugged 9:59am Thursday 10th January 2008 UNPLUGGED, the show that gives young people the chance to perform their own music at Grays' Thameside Theatre, has returned for five confirmed dates in 2008. The best of the year.... 2:56pm Thu 20 Dec 07 IT'S that time, so here's mine. Email me yours, however much it might differ from my own; you don't need to add the flannel justifying each one like I have, though you can if you want... Reader comment (1) Quiet nights at the fat Surfer! 1:14pm Thursday 20th December 2007 GRAYS Fat Surfer doesn't only do alternative rock nights, you know - there's something to cater for the more refined and reserved musicians and clientele... More to consider 2:52pm Monday 17th December 2007 SOME more ace new releases to check before compiling your end of year charts - you never know, they might make the cut... Riding the wave 1:20pm Tuesday 27th November 2007 ACTIVE as an indie/rock venue for some time now and seemingly growing in popularity, The Fat Surfer in Grays is the place to be on a Friday evening - and these bookings guarantee capacity crowds in the coming weeks... More than one for boys.... 1:12pm Tue 27 Nov 07 WHEN one of the biggest acts in the UK visits two venues in Essex within half an hour of Thurrock it surely qualifies as local interest, so I see it as my duty to inform you of the Sugababes dates in March 2008 in Brentwood and Southend. Bitterscene in the spotlight 12:54pm Tue 27 Nov 07 THE quest to keep you up to speed with the most interesting nights out in the area continues, with the spotlight this time falling on Chelmsford's monthly Bitterscene night. Animals magic at Civic Hall 2:55pm Fri 23 Nov 07 SIXTIES band The Animals will treat fans to renditions of their classics during a show at the Civic Hall, Grays, this month. Rave on with Lust Lust Lust 3:41pm Mon 19 Nov 07 THE RAVEONETTES 'LUST LUST LUST' (FIERCE PANDA): More ... Most read Comments 1 Hammers fight back for super victory 2 Thurrock targeted in immigration and fraud crackdown 3 Community meeting over Ockendon landfill site 4 Grays boss Woodward forced to pay up in Sestanovich case 5 Kidnap case goes to trial 6 Purfleet was atom bomb target 7 Urgent call for your blood in Thurrock 8 MP tells of 'cosy carve up' in honours system 9 Grays boss Woodward forced to pay up to convicted Sestanovich 10 Mod revival at Cafe Blue before scooter rally Today | 7 Days 1 Jailed Grays factory worker had 50 bank accounts in tax fraud 2 Renewed call for new access to London Gateway superport 3 C'est le vie says deposed Gordon 4 Thurrock targeted in immigration and fraud crackdown 5 Max's signal of hope 16 days after attack 6 MP tells of 'cosy carve up' in honours system 7 Car gutted in garage blaze 8 1,500 new homes plan in Tilbury eco-community project 9 Stan, 81, gets on his bike for St Luke's 10 MP steps into wages row over jailed footballer