Bermudian and international poets and vocalists will be peforming at the weekend at an event designed to showcase their talents.

Allied Sounds is holding 'Open Mic: Season I' at the Berkeley Institute Auditorium tomorrow when a host of artists will perform.

"It is a collaborative showcase of performance poetry, music and Rap," said Yesha Townsend, one of the founders of Allied Sounds.

"Everyone involved in the entire process of the One Mic series, from the behind the scenes crew, company owners to the performers, are all youth under the age of 30."

Saturday's event will feature three poets who have been apart of the Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam – Shanelle Gabriel, Rafael Casal and Mayda del Valle.

Miss Townsend added: "They will take the stage along with critically acclaimed overseas poets Aja Monet and Jason Reynolds."

Of the Bermudian talent, she said: "The local poets and performers include Daliesha Dill, Joy Barnum, Yesha Townsend, Candace Furbert, Shayla Woods and rapper KASE."

Shayla Woods, Shondi Woods and Miss Townsend, all 22, formed the Allied Sounds promotion company to benefit the artistic endeavours of young artists across the Island.

"In a time where the youth are growing in their artistic endeavours, it is becoming apparent that their talents need to be shown to Bermuda in a grand form," Miss Townsend added.

"This is the aim of the One Mic Series, to bring the young artists to light on a stage in front of an awaiting audience. This annual show will be a place to witness the newest Bermudian stars.

"Along with showcasing fine local talent, this show will allow them to share the stage with professional established artists, giving them the chance to experience their art with performers that they admire.

"The main aim of the event is to bring our young Bermudian artists into the spotlight."

Tickets $20 or $25 on the door are sold at Rock Island Coffee, Music World, www.bdatix.com or call 532-1387. Doors open at 7.30 p.m.