A NEW live venue has opened in Atherton for established and up-and-coming bands.

The club, Atmosphere, in Market Street, opened this week. Friday, will see the first weekend live act, The Nick Jackson Band.

Singer/songwriter Jackson and his cohorts have broken off from recording their second album to perform. Their set will include a mixture of classic covers, including songs by Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, Coldplay, Paul Weller, Bruce Springstein, David Gray, and Crowded House, as well as songs from the Jackson band's first album Miracles.

Nick said: "The opening of this venue is very important for lovers of live music in this area.

"It's a wonderful facility, with a high quality in-house PA system and lights, and it has what its title suggests -- a great atmosphere."

The venue's new owner Richie Martin said: "I am aiming to put on high quality live acts for the people in the area to enjoy.

"I have always loved live music myself, and running a club like this has always been a dream. Now, it is a reality."

The Nick Jackson Band is on stage at about 9pm and there is a DJ late until 2am.

And on Thursday Bolton Evening News sub-editor Nick's colleague -- down to earth columnist Fred Shawcross -- will be performing there live with the band Jeriatric Jazz at the new over-25s club.