KESWICK band Stooshie kicked off what could become a regular live music evening at the George and Dragon pub at Clifton infabulous style.

Formed in late 2008, Stooshie are fresh on to the Cumbrian music scene, but have already made quite a splash with their take on modern folk with a twist having gone down well at various summer festivals including Kendal Calling, Dent and MACfest at Ravenstonedale, near Kirkby Stephen.

Consisting of Rachel Swift (below) on fiddle, Pete Leeson on fiddle and guitar, Simon O’Hare on guitar and bass, and Dave Muir onpercussion, Stooshie manage to put a fresh slant on traditional roots music by addingelements of funk, rock and classical music into the mix.

Each a talented musician in their own right, they combined to create a fantasticatmosphere for the first night of live music in the pub since it was taken over by Charles Lowther last September.

Juno Leigh, of the George and Dragon, said the evening was a real success and the band were wonderful.

“They had so much energy and you could really tell that they just thoroughly enjoyplaying together,” said Juno, who added that she would really like to thank them for being their perfect “first ever band” at the pub and for helping to create such a welcomingatmosphere.

Having had such a successful start, it is hoped that the live music nights could take place on a monthly basis at the pub or perhaps every other month. Any bands interested in playing should get in touch via e-mail at enquiriesgeorgeanddragonclifton.co.uk or by telephone on 01768 865381.