July 11 is the night when Bermudian poetry comes alive at City Hall. Local writers Alan Smith, Andra Smith, Laurel Monkman and Kim Dismont Robinson are uniting to present their original works in a programme entitled, `Crabs In A Bucket'. Each poet will perform a 15- to 20-minute set, during which they will use their art as a medium for exploring and expressing the fabric of Bermudian life, tackling such subjects as family relationships, sexuality, gender roles and childhood memories,with a creative mixture of irony, humour and beauty. The event is being sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the poets decided to hold it at City Hall because, having received individual recognition for high calibre of their writing, decided it was time for Bermudian literary arts to be accorded respect as a main atrraction rather than as peripheral entertainment.

The show follows on the heels of a highly successful Toronto performance by some of the same poets last November entitled, `Riot on Reid St.' `Crabs in a Bucket' expects to highlight aspects of the sometimes painful personal journeys of some of the poets.

Although their poetry reflects very different styles and approaches to writing, each has received awards for excellence in their craft. Mr. Simons, for example, was voted Bermuda Gold Best Thespian for 1999 by The Bermudian magazine.

The grounds of the St. George's Community Centre is where the action will be on Saturday as Eddie Ming's Rhythm Lab presents a day music and a jazz luncheon from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The event is being sponsored by the St. George's Community Centre, Rick's Repairs and Sabian Cymbal Makers and will feature a large line-up of local musicians and dancers of all ages. They will include Kevin Drummond's Percussion Camp, the Max Maybury Jazz Quintet, the Prospect Twirlers and Ensemble Band, Samba Drums of Destiny, Eddie Ming's Tiny Tots Drum School Drummers, The Somerset Brigade Band, Maubile Akoma Dance Company, Daniel Atwood's Percussion Sextet, calypsonian Duke Joell, and saxophonist Al Woods. There will also be a ti chi demonstration by Duran Dowling.

From 3 p.m to 6 p.m., under the `Families Together Community Unity Project' banner, a booth will be manned by experienced professionals and social workers, known collectively as the People's Counselling Programme, who volunteer their time and talents to promote family stability, and help individuals of all ages and families to develop and enhance their problem-solving skills and so prevent crises. They also assist individuals and families to become more aware of, and better able to serve, their communities.

Tickets ($8 including the luncheon) will be available at the gate. For further information (297-2874 or 297-8422.