An impressive line-up of talent will be on hand this week when Charles Bascome presents his sixth annual Evening of Jazz at City Hall.

Headlining this year's event is the USAir Special Edition Band, featuring Ken Kennedy and backed by the Big Band sound of Galvin Crisp (sax), Leroy Robertson (bass), Herb Stevens on guitar, Calvin Napper (drums), Jenny Kennedy (percussion) and Allison King providing vocals.

As usual, a select group of hand-picked Bermudians will be adding their talents to the musical proceedings -- with the talented young pianist James Richardson on piano, John Lee (bass), Steve Dupres (steel drums) and, of course, Mr. Bascome on drums, with Derek (Juicy) Symonds as the Master of Ceremonies.

"We are actually having two evenings of jazz,'' Mr. Bascome explains, "Friday being Patrons' Night with a reception afterwards. I am very happy that this has become a regular fixture in Bermuda's jazz calendar and, once again, I am proud to invite some of our talented local musicians to share in the limelight and make it a great night of jazz.'' Ken Kennedy, who organised the USAir Special Edition Band some 15 years ago, has entertained audiences across America with jazz and R&B favourites. Mr.

Bascome, who studied at prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, is planning to donate part proceeds from this year's event to Berkeley Institute in recognition of their centenary year.

"Next year, however, I am planning on creating a scholarship fund to send a Bermudian to study at Berklee College, which has produced some of the world's best jazz musicians -- Wynton Marsalis among them, as well as many of Bermuda's leading artists.'' Since returning to Bermuda, Mr. Bascome has worked extensively at various overseas promotions for the Department of Tourism, as well as in Jamaica, representing Bermuda as an arranger and composer in the Carifesta. When he played with the Gandhi Burgess Band in the golden years of the Forty Thieves Club, he worked with such stars as Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Nancy Wilson, Cab Calloway, Benny King and Chuck Jackson. At present, his trio is a regular attraction at Cambridge Beaches.

Pianist James Richardson, who is due to graduate from Berklee this year, is already being hailed as one of the brightest hopes on Bermuda's musical horizon.

In New York, he has performed his own original solo, "Panache'' at the famed Apollo in Harlem and has toured the world as pianist for Up With People. He was the featured pianist on the C.D., "A Bermuda Christmas'' and participated in Wendell (Shine) Hayward's special Berklee alumni event, the 10th Annual Jazz Supper at the Southampton Princess's Empire Room. He has also acted as musical director for the Department of Youth and Sport's annaul Road Shows.

An Evening of Jazz takes place at the City Hall Theatre on March 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. Tickets (includes reception) are $35 for patrons on March 14 and $30 general admission. Tickets are available from 27th Century Boutique, People's Pharmacy, Jeans Plus or directly from Charles Bascome.

MUSIC IN THE AIR -- Ken Kennedy (second from left) with the USAir band.