HELLO again folks, Simon here once again with another Glasstown guide. This week we're starting a semi-regular feature where we'll be taking a look at venues we have in St Helens. What better place to start than one on the outer-lying areas of the town and a venue that's attracting attention not only on the local live music scene but is also rapidly becoming known nationally and internationally with performers and gig-goers from many parts of the UK, Europe and the USA. The Junction Inn, Rainford was originally bought by owner, manager, musician, sound engineer and all round nice guy Paul Draper to set up a professional recording studio. Paul had a change of mind and decided to turn The Junction into a live music venue, eatery and still keep some of local village pub atmosphere but bringing this small village pub into the 21st century and giving the customers something more than just another local pub.

It does take something different in this age to bring them out and the Junction provides this unique experience where you can see live music six nights a week, or have a quiet meal or drink during the day or early evening. The Junction is pretty unique to the borough whereas it offers all this under one roof.

Paul is also very much into encouraging the local music scene and and often provides recording facilities to local musicians and bands he books for the Saturday night slots and all the technical backup for all the live music in the pub.

2016 has already been a busy year for Paul and his staff with the Saturday evenings, the continually successful

open mic nights on Tuesday and Friday, and even a ukuele club on Thursdays!

Every genre of music is covered at the Junction and once we head towards the middle of the year the Junction also hosts theme weekends such as scooter rallies and classic car rallies in a large marquee on the field behind the pub. Many thanks to Paul Draper for taking the time out of his schedule last Sunday to be interrogated by Glasstown and we wish him all the best for the future.

Time for the gig guide.

Thursday, February 4

The Rendezvous Music Bar, Church Street, town centre - The Mad Hatters open mic night 9pm

Tank, Westfield Street, town centre - We Steal Flyers 9.30pm

The Junction Inn, News Lane, Rainford - Ukulele Group hosted by Frank Sidebottom 7pm

Friday, February 5

The Bull & Dog, Lea Green - The Lazzy Band 9.30pm

The Griffin Inn, Earle Street, Earlstown - Malarky 9.45pm

The Sefton Arms, Baldwin Street, town centre -Tricast (formerly The Swifty's) open mic night 9pm

The Junction Inn, News Lane, Rainford - Open mic night 9pm

The Rendezvous, Church street, town centre - Cold Turkey 10pm

True Blues Club, Earlestown Conservative Club, Earles street, Earlestown - After Hours blues band 9pm

Saturday, February 6

The Junction Inn, News Lane, Rainford - Sixshot 9.30pm

Bird I'th Hand, Prescot Road - Tricast 9pm

The Griffin, Earle Street, Earlestown - Sticky Fingers 9.45pm

The Bull and Dog, Lea Green - The Lazzy Band 9.30pm

The Sefton Arms, Baldwin Street, town centre - The Order 9.30pm

Sunday, February 7

Tank, Westfield Street, town centre - Jammzzzzzz with Greg Davies, Vint Wilcock and Danny Wellens. 7pm

The Breeze Bar, Duke Street, town centre - Roulette 8pm

Tuesday, November 9

The Junction Inn, News Lane, Rainford - open mic night 9pm

The Griffin, Earles Street, Earlestown - Jam night hosted by Harry Dunn 9pm

If you'd like a mention on the gig guide message the Glasstown Facebook music page or email simon.trubshaw2014@gmail.com.

Keep supporting local live music "Live in Glasstown".