Do you fancy a great night of R&B music at which drummer Andy Newmark, regarded as one of the world's finest R&B musicians, will sit in? If so, earmark May 25 as a night not to be missed.

Perfectly timed to add a special kick to the holiday weekend, Howard and Lesley Rego, in association with the Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society, are presenting the fifth in their popular series of 'Music Quest' dinner and music nights at Daylesford Theatre.

The band, whose professional musicians have a long association with R&B, will comprise Wayne Davis on vocals and piano, Leroy (Tubby) Richardson on bass, George Kezas on tenor sax, Nicole (Lady) Tyson on vocals, and Mr. Rego on drums.

"We will be playing R&B tunes from the late '60s to the present day, and we intend to lay down some very funky, very danceable music - music that will make it impossible for people to sit still in their seats," Mr. Rego says. "In case anyone is not familiar with the term 'R&B', it means rhythm and blues - soul music or funk - a lot hipper version of Top 40 than many other styles of music out there."

Mr. Rego is particularly pleased with the group he has put together for the show, and says ticketholders are in for a real treat.

"If there is anyone left out there who hasn't heard of Wayne Davis, let me inform them that there is no finer talent in Bermuda. In fact, he has travelled extensively around Europe, playing his brand of R&B, with results that have taken him as far afield as Russia. As for Leroy (Tubby) Richardson, bass player extraordinaire, he is very much in demand on the music scene here, and has played extensively with Wayne and me, and Lady Tyson is a soul singer of the highest calibre. She will add excitement to the evening with her harmonies and lead singing of many soul and R&B songs."

Saxophonist George Kezas, who also plays flute, is a familiar figure on the local music scene, when he is not running the St. George's Club. In fact, he also plays in the quartet at Griffin's Bar and Grill at the Club, and sits in on various gigs. He has also appeared in several 'Music Quest' evenings.

"George is an inspiration to all of us, and we feel extremely fortunate to have him on the scene. As busy as he is, he is always ready to rehearse, which is the sign of a true, dedicated professional," Mr. Rego says.

As for the drummer himself, Mr. Rego was a member of the original 'Savages' band who ended up on some of the world's most famous stages playing with Sly and the Family Stone and Peter Frampton.

"It doesn't get much funkier than that," Mr. Rego quips.

Mr. Newmark's stellar career includes working with Sly and the Family Stone, George Benson, Carly Simon and Brian Ferry. He was also the drummer on John Lennon's 'Double Fantasy' album, and included in the Live Aid concert line-up, where he wore a Bermuda t-shirt. He also played in Bermuda, most recently at the Surf Club on Front Street with Nils Lofgren in 1998.

As always with the 'Music Quest' events, the entertainment will begin at 9 p.m. and be preceded by dinner - to be served from 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Tickets ($35) are now available from The Music Box and Daylesford bar (corner of Dundonald and Washington Streets) after 5 p.m., or by calling 232-1125. Since all previous theme nights have played to sell-out audiences, early booking is recommended.