the Island plans to host some of the best in the field.

Tourism Minister David Allen yesterday revealed that Jazz greats Al Jarreau, Patti Austin, George Benson, Oleta Adams, and Joe Sample featuring Lalah Hathaway will be among this year's Jazz Festival line-up.

The two-day event will combine some of the finest talent that the US and Bermuda have to offer.

The event -- scheduled for Friday, October 15 and Saturday, October 16 at the Royal Navy Dockyard -- is looking to build on its growing popularity with tourist and locals.

In addition to the overseas artists, the festival will include local talents Andrew Chamberlain and Deletta Gillespie.

And, for the first time, it will showcase the Bermuda All Stars Jazz Band.

Mr. Allen said: "As a marketing tool for tourism there is nothing more powerful or impactful than special events. And certainly one of the things that has continued to make Bermuda a popular vacation choice is the plethora of special events that occur throughout the year, something that the new Government is fully building on.'' "We have already pointed out that much of our overseas advertising and public relations in the months to come will be pegged to such special events leveraged to convert inquiries into bookings.'' Being sponsored by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, the festival is also sponsored by travel publication Conde Nast Traveller, with official airline sponsor American Airlines, and hotel partners the Sonesta Beach Resort and the Canadian Pacific Southampton Princess.

Mr. Allen also noted that local area restaurants will be serving pre-show dinners and food concession stands will be available around event grounds.

There will also be discount ferry services from Hamilton and buses from the hotels available.

New York-based Track Entertainment will be producing the festival for the second year.

Local talent Ms Gillespie said: "It's really an honour.

"I hope I do a really good job representing Bermuda.'' And Mr. Chamberlain said he was looking forward to a really outstanding show.

"Not only does it attract the finest artists, but it has allowed us to send a message directly to that traveller who might not otherwise think about Bermuda,'' Mr. Allen added about the festival.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to broaden the horizons of local talent.''