ticket refunds.

Ticket sellers have complained they are awaiting refund cash from organisers of the aborted event.

But yesterday the key Bermudian organiser of the concert featuring rappers Public Enemy and soul singer Isaac Hayes was off the Island.

Mr. Murray Brown was said to be in Jamaica. He could not be reached for comment.

Organisers -- Pro Exec Entertainment -- have, however, promised tickets will be refunded.

Meanwhile, it emerged yesterday a money row with the sound system company had posed organisers a major headache.

It came to a head last Saturday -- just hours before the Frog Lane Field, Devonshire concert was to begin.

Hamilton-based Great Sound Rent Fans want refunds als gave Pro Exec Entertainment a 10 a.m. deadline to pay them in advance.

But the company pulled out when no cash was put on the table.

Great Sound director Mr. James Fitzsimmons said yesterday: "It is customary practice for us to ask for money in advance.

"That way our money won't depend on the success of the show.'' Mr. Fitzsimmons added Pro Exec Entertainment had not given his firm much notice about helping with the concert.

"I do not know whether organisers found someone else to do the sound system,'' he said. "I couldn't say the fact we pulled out was the reason for the show's cancellation.'' The official reason for the cancellation was "poor ticket sales and inclement weather''.

The second explanation, however, triggered fierce controversy since there was very little rain that day.

But inquiries by The Royal Gazette yesterday confirmed tickets sales had been low.

Hamilton businesses Music Box and 27th Century Boutique said demand had been poor.

Now, however, they faced a different problem -- getting enough money to pay for refunds.

"We sold 22 tickets and have refunded most, but there are still some outstanding,'' said a Music Box spokesman.

"People have been coming in and asking, but we just tell them to try and be patient.

"One or two get upset, but Bermudians are normally very tolerant.'' The spokesman said organisers had given an assurance refunds would be available.

A 27th Century Boutique spokesman said: "It is driving me crazy with people coming in and asking for their money back.'' The boutique had only managed to sell about 10 tickets.

The owner of one business which sold tickets complained of poor organisation of the planned concert.

"I knew it was going to be a disaster. I did not think having Public Enemy and Isaac Hayes on the same bill would work,'' he added.

The picture of poor management is increased by another factor.

Some businesses, including True Reflections and Champion Sports, revealed yesterday they did not have any tickets to sell -- contrary to advertisements.

"I was as surprised as anyone when I saw the advertisements,'' said one woman, who did not want her company named.

Caribbean soca kings, Byron Lee and the Dragoniers, will perform at Tiger Bay, St. George's, on August 14. The concert begins at 8 p.m.*l