THIS week sees Bartonka close its doors for good, but the farewell is guaranteed to be a goodbye in style. Solid Air will be presenting a free all-day event as it crams 12 performances across 11 hours. Bartonka's Last Stand will be taking place on Sunday, and all the fun begins at one, with the final act of the night, Dubheart taking to the stage at midnight.

IF you're in a band and want to get yourself out there playing at some of Bournemouth's top live venues but don't really know how to go about it, then getting yourself down to where events are taking place and doing a bit of networking may help you seal your first gig. Conrad Barr helps to promote bands in the area through Solid Air and Rubber Soul and through his own experience as a musician, has taken an interest in launching local talent. Solid Air is held at The Consortium every Monday, with each Monday presenting a different theme. To find out more visit www.solidairlive.co.uk or get in touch with Conrad at conniegoloopy@hotmail.com.

EPIC rock quartet, Bad Cops, will be playing their first headlining slot on Thursday October 14 at The Green Room in the Portman Hotel, Boscombe. You can sample tracks from the guys' EP by visiting www.bad-cops.co.uk.

IF you have any news to send in, you can email me: sarah.cartlidge@bournemouthecho.co.uk, phone me on: 01202 411251 (afternoons only) or send your demos to be reviewed, with a picture to: Sarah Cartlidge, Daily Echo, Richmond Hill, Bournemouth,BH2 6HH.