The performing arts will unite with the visual arts this week when the Dunbarton School of Music combines forces with the Bermuda National Gallery to stage a joint fundraiser at City Hall on Thursday.

Called "The Art of Jazz: Jazz Masters plays Jazz Masters,'' the event, a combination champagne reception and multi-period jazz concert, will feature the talents of the so-called Jazz Masters, a Dunbarton ensemble that is "dedicated'' to playing the work of the musical style's greats.

"Each era had its masters,'' Mr. Jack Kripl, Dunbarton's deputy fundraising director, said in a recent statement.

"Jazz Masters will recreate and explore the musical purity of masters from the late '60s to the early '80s. The evening's programme promises to be an unforgettable entertainment.'' Among the artists that the ensemble will spotlight during its performance are Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker from the 1944 to 1955 bebop period, Miles Davis and John Coltrane of the 1955 to 1964 modal era, Stan Getz, Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock from the Latin-influenced postmodern period of 1965 to '75 and the Brecker Brothers, Weather Report and Spyro Gyro from 1975 to 1985, the period of so-called jazz fusion.

"In the span of less than a century, the remarkable native American music called jazz has risen from obscure folk origins to become a most significant art form, loved and played in nearly every land on Earth,'' Mr. Kripl said.

"The now historic music of these jazz masters serves as a vehicle for our present-day interpretations. We are interpreting the music, giving it life and striving to preserve it as an art form.'' In addition, Mr. Kripl said, jazz lovers will have a chance to show some much-needed support for both Dunbarton and the National Gallery by attending the concert.

"We hope that people will take this opportunity to help out two important local cultural organisations,'' he said, adding: "This is all a necessary part of Dunbarton's ongoing fundraising effort. We are trying to raise enough money to cover a major deficit in the operating expense budget.'' Anyone who is interested in purchasing tickets, at $40 or $75 for patrons (with champagne reception), may do so by calling the Dunbarton School at 295-5284 or the National Gallery at 295-9428.

The event will be held in the National Gallery between 5.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

on April 20.

On Saturday, the Bermuda Folk Club is to present a concert by folk-blues singer Anni Clark.

The entertainer, whose songs were described by Face magazine as having "character and power,'' will play at the Old Colony Club at 8.15 p.m.

Tickets for the event cost $10 for club members and $15 for non-members. They can be purchased at Opus One on Reid Street.