Brammy Awards.

The four-hour show, which will take place at the Sonesta Beach Hotel, resembles the American Grammy Awards and aims to encourage local talent.

Producer of the show Mr. Darren (Butch) Burchall yesterday told The Royal Gazette : "The show which is the only show of it's kind in Bermuda, honour local artists for their performances throughout the year.

"The Brammy Awards, which is being put on by Country Cartel Productions, started out strictly as a reggae awards show but now we have extended it to gospel, calypso, Rhythm and Blues, jazz and reggae.'' Mr. Burchall explained that there will be several different categories with three nominations for each, and the show will consist of top local entertainers.

Winners of the awards will receive an engraved glass platter. There will also be entertainment between the handing out of awards.

The most prestigious award will be Entertainer of the Year.

Nominees for the coveted award are singer Mr. Gene Steede and comedian Mr.

Earlwin (Bootsie) Wolffe.

Mr. Burchall said the show, which is in its third year, started at the Ruth Seaton James auditorium.

"We moved to the hotel because it is a more prestigious location,'' he said.

"Part of our long-term objective is to get talented Bermudians performing in the hotels. We want to get them playing for tourists. There is nothing more Bermudian than these artists.'' Mr. Burchall said local artists have complained about being chosen only as opening acts when promoters bring in international singers.

Tickets for the awards, which begin at 8 p.m., can be purchased for $15 at Sabrina's, Kriss Kross Records, and The Country Candy Store.

They can also be bought, for $20, at the door which opens at 7 p.m.