to support a local AIDS support group.

Kingsley and Suzanne Swan, Ras Giorges, Ayeesha Trott, Myrna Outerbridge and Connie Smith will be among the guest artists to perform at a free AIDS benefit concert at St. Paul's Centennial Hall on Court Street on Saturday.

The concert, organised by musician and producer Michael Fox to benefit STAR, will mark the end of the week of activities for World AIDS Day this year.

Special guest and local author Mr. Dennis E. Steede will also be on hand to sign his new book "Like It Is''.

Mr. Steede, who is a former drug addict, has written a book of poetry in memory of his friends who have died as a result of AIDS related illnesses.

In the book, Mr. Steede recalls his past, his friends who have died and he imparts words of advice.

"As you know AIDS kills,'' he notes. "They lived, they died. Some died in pain and some died happily. I happen to be one of them, and being one of them, I write these poems from my hospital bed, letting people know that if you do drugs, your life could end up the same way, wasted, without meaning.'' The concert will also feature poetry by Lee Edmead, the Suzette Harvey and Laurita Tucker dancers, and the Vernon Temple Youth Choir.