Sold right out seems to be synonymous with concerts produced by Howard Rego as fundraisers for the Bermuda Society of Arts.

Tickets for last year's two-night production, 'The Booze Brothers', were snapped up in short order, and played to packed houses.

The story is the same for this year's event – 'Motown Live Soul Revue' is also 'souled' out, but this time Mr. Rego made contingency plans in case a third night was needed, and so it has proved.

But the good news is, that while tickets for Friday, July 17and Saturday, July 18 are 'sold right out', a third performance has been added for Sunday. Tickets, costing $40, are available from the Bermuda Society of Arts (BSoA) on the upper level of City Hall (292-3824), and are already selling quickly.

As with the other performances, doors will open at 7 p.m., with show time beginning at 8 p.m.

Mr. Rego said he was "surprised" that people were responding to a Bermudian production with such enthusiasm, and to know that they were "trusting enough" to attend in such numbers in the expectation that they would enjoy a high calibre show.

"I don't take the people who buy tickets for granted, and I am elated that they are responding in such a positive way," the professional drummer said. "I can assure them that we will deliver a high calibre performance."

The Motown theme has struck a chord with the public, given that the legendary Motown Records label is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, coupled with the recent death of its top-selling recording artist Michael Jackson.

"It is very important to pick a theme which piques people's imagination," Mr. Rego said. "We are trying to create positive curiosity where people will say, 'This looks interesting. Let's go'."

The Live Soul Revue will feature classic hits made famous by artists from Berry Gordy's former Detroit-based recording company, and include a special tribute to Michael Jackson, whose 'Thriller' is the world's top-selling album.

Joining Mr. Rego will be Bermudian vocalists Lamont Robinson and Nicole Burgess, while lead guitarist and former Bermuda resident Tim De Huff, bass guitarist David Livoisi and keyboardist Nicholas Bariluk are coming in from overseas.

BSoA curator Lesley Rego is appealing for "a few strong men to help set up and break down stage, chairs, etc., as well as volunteers for Sunday night, so please call 292-3824 if you are ready and willing to help in any way".

In conjunction with the show, the musicians will be giving a Rhythm Section Master Class on Saturday, July 18 from 12.30 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. at the gallery.

"Admission is free to all interested students of music, and anyone else who would like to see how the rhythm section of a band works.

"Please call 292-3824 for more information and to reserve a spot for this unique session," Mrs. Rego said.

Proceeds from all three performances will go to the Bermuda Society of Arts, a registered charity.