The Bermuda National Youth Jazz Ensemble (BNYJE), under the direction of Wendell (Shine) Hayward, is set to launch its annual fund-raiser, ‘Jazz Under the Stars,' on Saturday evening. Past concerts have been outstanding, and this year's line-up promises to be no less so.

Joining the BNYJE will be the New York Jazz Gents, a dynamic group of talented teen musicians whose performance at a local school concert last year mesmerised jazz buffs, and also professional saxophonist and international recording star, Najee.

The latter's 1987 hit, ‘Najee's Theme,' put the New Yorker on the road to stardom with the adult contemporary market, and he has since become a consistent favourite in the so-called ‘smooth jazz' markets. Often compared to Kenny G, George Howard and Dave Koz, Najee names Grover Washington, Jr. as his greatest influence.

As always, Jazz Under the Stars will take place in the beautiful amphitheatre of the Sandys Secondary Middle School, with a starting time of 8 p.m. Tickets (patrons $40, others $35) are available at the People's Pharmacy, Caesar's Pharmacy, and from Sandys Secondary Middle School. Proceeds will go towards the cost of sending members of the BNYJE to the Jamey Aebersold Music Camp, which is being hosted by the University of Louisville, Kentucky in July.

In addition to performing with the BNYJE and as a soloist, Najee will also conduct a special two-hour workshop for music students from the private and public schools tomorrow evening in the Sandys Secondary Middle School music room from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“This represents a unique opportunity for our talented young musicians to interact with such an outstanding performer, and we want to encourage as many as possible to attend,” chairman of the Bermuda National Education Council, Melvyn Bassett, said. “Interested students should contact the Sandys Secondary Middle School office for further details and to reserve a space. ( 234-0870 or fax 234-3331.”