The Jean and Gene Show (Jean Howes and Gene Steede) celebrates its tenth anniversary with the first of three screenings of its annual Christmas show on ZBM Channel 9 tonight, beginning at 7.30 p.m. Future screenings will be on December 18 and 25.

This popular television special again features an all-Bermudian cast which ranges from children to seniors, and includes the much-enjoyed country and western segment.

Youngsters in the cast include singers Kamara Fubler and Jeremy Drover, violinists Mairead Hickey (accompanied on banjo by father Mick), and the Allison sisters, as well as a children's choir from The Nursery School, including Mrs. Howes' grandson Aaron Nelson, and saxophonist Aaron Daniels. Adult performers are the Hope Homes choir with Mrs. Ellen Douglas on Q-cord, St. Theresa's choir, and Chris Broadhurst on guitar singing satirical songs. Singing and playing in the country and western segment will be Mrs. Howes, Jock Whitney, Donald Johnson, Joel (Joey) Cassidy, William (Cheese) Ray, Frank Alves and Bobby Barton. As always, the show will pay tribute to a special group of people through photographs accompanied by background music. This year's spotlight falls on local sportsmen and women.

During the November 27 taping of the Jean & Gene Show at St. Andrew's church hall, Mrs. Howes' friend Jean Kelly organised a delicious hot luncheon for the audience, which raised $600 for the Salvation Army.

Today's lunchtime presentation at the Bermuda National Gallery is the video, ‘The Wyeths' - the story of illustrator N.C. Wyeth through the eyes of his five children. Screening is at 12.30 p.m. and admission is free.

Bermudian artist Von-Rica Dickenson will begin exhibiting her paintings at the Eden Salon on Reid Street on Friday. The salon aims to encourage young Bermudian artists as well as add visual impact to its walls. The opening marks the artist's first exhibition in two years. Miss Dickenson is also planning her biennial show for April, 2003. It may also be Bermuda's last chance to see her work for some time because she has applied to Britain's Royal College of Art for entry into its Master of Fine Arts degree programme. Meanwhile, her Eden exhibition will feature an eclectic mix of subjects, and she will also be offering hand-made Christmas ornaments. The busy young woman teaches at Sandys Secondary Middle School, as well as dance exercise classes in the Community Education programme and at the United Dane Productions studio. For further information call Miss Dickenson at 235-1170 or 234-1842.

For Christmas shoppers looking for “something special” for the film buffs on their list, the Bermuda International Film Festival has the answer: gift certificates redeemable for film or party tickets for the 2003 film festival or for BIFF merchandise. The certificates are available for film festival passes ($65 for seven individual films, $125 for 14 individual films), as well as in $20 and $50 denominations. Pass holders have the advantage of selecting their films before the box office opens on March 31, 2003. Selection forms will be available from March 21. To order (394-3456 or e-mail bdafilmibl.bm BIFF 2003 will take place from April 11-17.

A Christmas Cantata will be performed in front of the Bermuda Library on Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with balloons and cookies for the children.