As Bermuda celebrates its 400th anniversary, and as the United States and Bermuda celebrate 400 years of friendship, it is time once again to welcome to the Island three of Harvard University's finest close-harmony singing groups.

The Harvard Krokodiloes, the Din and Tonics and the Radcliffe Pitches are giving a free concert today from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the Anglican Cathedral. These internationally-beloved glee clubs have a long-standing tradition of touring, and — lucky for us – they have scheduled a stop in Bermuda again this year.

For the third year in a row, in a collaborative effort with the American Consulate, the Harvard clubs will sing in aid of charity — Bermuda's own Habitat for Humanity.

The program has been scheduled for the lunch hour — from 12 noon to 1 p.m. – to enable visitors and Bermuda residents to drop in for five minutes or an hour for some good clean fun. Admission is open and free to one and all. No tickets or reservations are required.

The Harvard Krokodiloes, Harvard University's oldest and most prestigious a cappella singing group, perform popular music from the 1920s, '30s, '40s, '50s, and '60s. They sing jazz, swing, ballads, and rock from America's Golden Age.

The Harvard Din & Tonics are Harvard University's signature all-male a cappella singing group, whose repertoire centres on the American jazz standards of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. They are known for their impeccable musicality, snappy choreography, and hilarious antics.

Radcliffe Pitches are Harvard's oldest female a cappella singing group, composed of 12 to 16 undergraduate women who love to sing. Their singing is inspired by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.

As a Harvard alumnus, it has been a great pleasure for me personally to host the Harvard glee clubs while they tour Bermuda. As the U.S. Consul General to Bermuda, I am especially proud that these young men and women — goodwill ambassadors from the United States — chose to incorporate a benefit performance into their schedule, thereby building yet another bridge between the United States and Bermuda.

This year marks 400 years of mostly positive relations between the United States and Bermuda, and this annual concert is yet another example of our shared history and culture. It has become a much-anticipated tradition on the Bermuda calendar, one that the Consulate looks forward to continuing.

Everyone is very welcome. Come alone or bring your friends and family to enjoy today's noontime concert at the Anglican Cathedral. Remember, 100 percent of any voluntary donations go the Habitat for Humanity Bermuda.

I hope to see you there!

Gregory W. Slaton is the Consul General of the United States of America to Bermuda