A compilation CD featuring 17 of Pembrokeshire's finest acoustic musicians was launched last Thursday to raise more funds for the Asian tsunami crisis. The goal is to raise a minimum of £20,000. The CD has been produced by the Shire Initiative whose aim is to facilitate community and Shire based projects, ensuring local people carry out the project. Shire Initiative founder Peter Anderson said: "Now that DEC has stopped accepting donations, the monies raised will go equally to Tsunami Relief Cymru (a Wales-wide arts based charity initiative to support development programmes in the areas affected by the tsunami) and START - Sri Lankan Trust to Aid and rebuild Tangalle - which has been set up by local solicitor Paul Cowper and his family who were holidaying in Tangalle at the time of the disaster." This was the first opportunity that Paul has had to meet the artists and volunteers involved in the CD. "START is delighted by the support of the Pembrokeshire musicians for the charity's cause," he said. "By focusing on one small area of Sri Lanka, we really believe we can make a big difference to people's lives. We hope that individuals and businesses in Pembrokeshire will follow the musicians' lead," he added. The CD features local musicians Charlie and the Mole (Fred Herring Band) who are booked for the Big Cheese Festival, Nicci Miles and Lee Mason, Mudras, Ryan Jones (Daisychain), who's through to the finals of the National Student Bands Awards, Robin Benson, Halflight (former members of Jylt-West Wales power pop outfit) Nick Evans, Dai Crowther, Lowri Evans (voted best live act in West Wales 2004), Guy Maile (touring with Bob Geldof and Three Men in Black later this year) Jess Ward, Nagus and Peter Anderson. Frank Hennessy, of Radio Wales, said: "It's absolutely excellent. The quality is extraordinary. Technically the production is first class and the raw talent is very exciting. I will be interviewing Mike Chant, of Nagus, and featuring it on my programme Celtic Heartbeat this Saturday." All the tracks are original compositions and the music ranges from folk to acoustic jazz. They have been recorded live by Jens Schroeder at Dreamworld Studios, near Letterston. "We were all truly amazed at the standard of musicianship in the studio, so it is really great to have an endorsement from another professional in the industry." The CD is priced at £10 and to purchase your copy either order online at http://www.shireinitiative.co.uk">www.shireinitiative.co.uk or call Span Arts on (01834) 869323. The CD will also be on sale at Dales in Tenby, at Pembroke Dock's Station Inn, Welshman and the First and Last, and at the Carew Inn, as well as other local outlets. Some of these musicians will be featuring live along with a host of other local bands, at The Big Gig, a 999 capacity concert on March 5, to be held in the Texaco Marquee, North Arena, Folly Farm, Begelly, which will also benefit START and Tsunami Relief Cymru. The hotline for tickets is (01834) 869323, and local outlets, including Dales in Tenby, Walk on Water in Saundersfoot, The Bookshop in Pembroke, and others, or online at http://www.shireinitiative.co.uk">www.shireinitiative.co.uk.