including Eddie Murphy and Dick Gregory, will fly to Bermuda next month to look at one of the Island's top comedians.

And Mr. Earlwin (Bootsie) Wolffe has told The Royal Gazette that he is preparing for the arrival of The Comedy Counselor -- stand-up comic Mr. Andy Evans.

Mr. Evans, who owns Washington DC's only black comedy club, Soul of Comedy, has helped open doors for such rising comedians as Damon Wayans, of In Living Color, and Martin Lawrence, who starred in the movie House Party and now has his own half-hour sitcom on Fox network.

Bootsie said that the well-known agent was coming to Bermuda to see his acts after hearing favourable reports from American comedians who have visited the Island.

And if Mr. Evans likes what he sees and hears, the clean-style local comedian said he could get the break he has been hoping for.

"They can start booking me into a number of clubs, theatres, or even movies, depending on the style and content of my material'' Bootsie said.

"I don't use any profanity, so I wouldn't expect to appear on shows such as Def Comedy Jam. "But these guys know what they are doing and they can put me in touch with the right people.

"They have opened doors for comedians such as Martin Lawrence and Damon Wayans. They also have a showcase at their place. And they have other agents coming in to take a look at me.'' Bootsie said he has had other offers to showcase his talent before, but none as serious as this one.

"I'm getting a bit nervous because I know this is it,'' he confessed. "It's time to really give it my best. And I feel good about it.'' In addition to praying that everything works out, the determined performer said he plans to spend a lot of time and energy rehearsing.

While Bootsie will continue his nightly gig at Sonesta Beach hotel, he will also make a guest appearance at the Spinning Wheel and perform at a fund raiser at St. Paul's Christian Education Centre tomorrow, and on the Bermuda Longtail cruise on Sunday.

On July 31 he will travel with Patrice Frith's Creative Perceptions to a week-long black theatre festival in North Carolina.

And Bootsie will be the highlight of another Bermuda Longtail cruise on July 23.

Tickets for this Sunday's cruise, which includes food, are $20 and available at 27th Century Boutique. The cruise leaves Albuoy's Point at 10 p.m. and is expected to return around 1 p.m. Comedian Mr. Tony D'Angelo from Southampton Princess will open the show.

FUN TIMES -- Bootsie's comedy act will get a boost.

LOOKING FOR TALENT -- Andy Evans will be checking Bootsie's hilarious acts.