HOT local promotion company, 441 Productions, will be helping residents and locals get through the winter doldrums by developing a tribute band concert series starting in January.

The island is already starting to buzz about the highly anticipated performance of the Neil Diamond tribute group, Rob Garrett (pictured at right) & the King of Diamonds' Band, that is scheduled to perform at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel on January 16 and 17.

Direct from Las Vegas and billed as America's number one Neil Diamond tribute band, the group features nine musicians in a cabaret-style act. In an effort to market the concert to locals and tourists, the Fairmont Southampton is offering discounts on guest rooms at the hotel with the purchase of a ticket.

The second concert in the winter series features the Jamaican band Exodus, performing a Bob Marley tribute on February 6, which coincides with the late Bob Marley's birthday (he would have turning 64 if he was alive today). And, rounding out the seasonal event, the second annual Shamrock & Roll concert will be held on March 14 with returning favourite Elevation, the U2 tribute band, which will be accompanied by the Coldplay tribute band, Coldplayers.

Andrew Holmes, managing director of 441 Productions stated that the group is planning on presenting a winter, spring, summer and fall tribute concert series, with the ultimate goal of hosting a concert every month throughout the year.

"We want to bring down three completely different acts that appeal to separate audiences," said Mr. Holmes. "We want to stagger it, break it up, so that it's the not the same shows over and over again. We want to bring in what people want to see and hear. And, we are always open to suggestions."

They are already looking into the spring line up, which according to Mr. Holmes could feature tribute bands for The Police, ABBA, Bee Gees, Oasis and due to popular demand, The Eagles band, which performed earlier this year, will most likely make a return trip to Bermuda. Luckily for concert-goers, this band also does a Fleetwood Mac tribute.

Together with Paul Sofianas and John Burcher, Mr. Holmes and 441 Productions have been bringing many great acts to Bermuda over the years.

Just this past year they have brought down several tribute bands, including tributes of Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, The Beatles and U2. They also brought down Lucky 13, the cover band that kept people dancing throughout International Rugby Week.

Each seasonal event will incorporate a local act that will open the show - The Travellers, a long-standing local band, will open for Neil Diamond. Local groups like Secret PoPo and Mohawk Radio have opened for tribute bands in the past and it is expected they will be tapped for upcoming events.

According to Mr. Holmes, the production company is keenly interested in promoting promising local acts.

"I think increasingly young Bermudians are becoming more interested in performing live," he said. "And there are several promising acts out there. Using Great Sound Limited, which provides the sound system for all our shows, allows these young acts to hone their skills in front of large audiences with quality equipment."

Each show is also tied to a charity where a portion of the events' proceeds will go to help a chosen organisation. The group plans on picking a charity each quarter that will benefit from the seasons three concerts. They are accepting proposals now from charities.

That's great news for charities as 441 Productions' shows have become so popular over the last few years that they are looking to find larger space to hold events as Barr's Bay Park has become too small.

Most tickets for the concerts range between $50 and $70 depending on the size and the notoriety of the group, however, Mr. Holmes and partners are aiming to keep the prices low.

"We aim to keep ticket prices reasonable and with the help of sponsors we can continue presenting shows that are a good value," he said. "With the economy as it is, sponsors are not as forthcoming as they once where but we are forging ahead."

While 441 Productions does not yet have a website (it's currently under construction), the group gets the word out about their events to concert-goers via their media partners, e-Moo (online classified directory) and the radio station Mix106 FM.

Tickets will for Neil Diamond will go on sale later next week and can be purchased at All Wrapped Up, in the Washington Mall and the iStore, both in Hamilton. Should people be interested in the guest room offering for the show, they are encouraged to contact the Farimont Southampton.