this month as Bermuda Institute's steel band tours the area.

The eight-member band, accompanied by band director Mr. Bill Linthwaite, parent Mrs. Cheryl King and drum maker/tuner Mr. Wilfred Harris, are set to perform at Sea World, Epcot Center, and Busch Gardens in Tampa among other places.

Mr. Linthwaite said the tour, to run April 16 to 26, is a reward for the band which has been performing well locally for the past two years.

And he thanked students, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, and many others who helped to raise money through various events for the trip which is expected to cost $4,700.

He said about $4,500 has been raised so far and the additional funds needed are expected to be raised at a concert this Saturday.

"We're grateful to all those people who helped us to get over the top,'' he said.

The band was granted permission to play in Orlando and Tampa after sending in a tape of its performances.

Band members will dress in Bermuda outfits, which include pink Bermuda shorts, navy blue knee-high socks, navy ties, and white shirts, when they perform in Florida.

"We're really looking forward to this,'' Mr. Linthwaite said.

Saturday's benefit concert begins at 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Seventh Day Adventist Centre on King Street.

The Bermuda Panasonic Steel Band, Neville Caines, the Choral Dynamics, and the Devonshire Youth Choir, will be among the performers at the concert. Mr. Glenn Caines will be the emcee.

Tickets for the concert are $5 and available at the door and at Bermuda Institute on Middle Road, Southampton.