The proceeds from specially priced tickets to the 2004 Bermuda Music Festival will be donated to Age Concern, the only local advocacy group for senior citizens.

On Saturday, 78 tickets went on sale for $125 each. The proceeds from the tickets are expected to raise more than $9,000 for Age Concern.

?We are thrilled with the response that we have received thus far, particularly with the sale of tickets and vacation packages,? said Tourism Minister Ewart Brown.

?In the true spirit of community support, we at the Department of Tourism have embarked on an initiative to aid the very dedicated volunteers and clients of the Age Concern charity.?

People who buy tickets at the $125 price are assured select seating at the concert, which features performers, Seal, Anita Baker, and Isaac Hayes. Tickets to the festival range in price from $65 for general admission to $85 for reserved seating. Three day passes range in price from $160-$230.

?By purchasing these tickets you are doing your part in supporting an organisation that is dedicated to providing for the needs of senior citizens and acknowledging the contributions they have made toward laying the foundation for a better Bermuda,? said Dr. Brown.

Age Concern executive director Claudette Fleming said the money would be put towards restructuring the organisation and bringing on additional staff to increase the organisation?s presence in the community.

The Bermuda Music Festival, formerly the Jazz Festival runs from October 7-10. The Ministry of Tourism said last week that already more than 1,000 tickets had been sold.

The tickets go on sale at 27th Century Boutique starting today.