The Bermuda Federation of Musicians and Variety Artists and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Social Rehabilitation are hosting a 'Jazz Command Performance' at the new Berkeley Institute on August 31. In addition to being a major fund-raiser to send The Unit, winners of this year's Father's Day jazz session at the Leopards Club, to the Havana Jazz Festival in Cuba next year, the event will also honour Bermudian singers who have contributed significantly to the local music scene over many years, as well as well-known emcee, host of the jazz radio programme 'Downbeat' for more than 20 years, and co-owner of FM station KJAZ Derick (CJ, formerly Cousin Juicy) Symonds.

"This is a major fund-raiser, and we have been working very closely together to send The Unit to the 25th anniversary celebration of the Havana Jazz Festival in February, 2009," Minister of Cultural Affairs and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler said. "It is all part of the development of local music, and to provide and stimulate interest in local bands. The Havana Jazz Festival is a golden opportunity to play overseas, and is all leading to the renaissance of local music. The Ministry doesn't have the budget to finance The Unit's participation in Havana, so 'Jazz Command Performance' is a major fund-raiser for that."

Members of The Unit jazz band are Lionel Edwards (saxes), John Lee (bass), Ben Lusher (keyboards), Dennis (Chic-Conga Caisey) Moniz (percussion) and Andwele Simons (drums).

Releasing details of the August 31 programme, Minister Butler said the first half would feature "all women" — Darlene Hartley (emcee), Sabor Dance School, and four singers: Rickeisha Binns, Aimee Bento, Lavette Phillips-Fuentes and Sia Spence.

"We will also be honouring Jean Howes, Marlene Minks, Norma Brown-Raynor, June Caisey, Thelma Tucker, Mildred Blyden and June Lindsay," he said. "These are women who played a critical part in local music in the '50s, '60s and '70s."

Of Mr. Symonds' decades of contributions to the local jazz scene, the minister said: "We are really excited to be in a position to honour a man who has given a sterling performance and been a steward of jazz in Bermuda for many years. Without him jazz would have died."

The programme will feature a command performance by 'The Unit', with a special jam session for any musician who brings along his or her instrument and buys a ticket.

"There is a possibility that a Cuban band may be visiting, and if so they will be joining in also," Mr. Butler said.

Upon entering the event, guests be given a card and asked to identify the faces of jazz musicians displayed on bulletin boards, with the winners being eligible for various free prizes.

Ballot sheets will also be distributed on which guests will be invited to choose who next should be inducted into the music hall of fame.

In addition, Mr. Butler revealed there would be a raffle draw for either a ticket to Cuba or $1500, two tickets to either the Beyonce or Alicia Keys concert, and a variety of gift certificates.

• 'Jazz Command Performance' will begin at 6 p.m., and tickets ($100) are on sale at Hot 107.5, the People's Pharmacy, the Music Box, and Shine's Music Studio.

Cheques should be made payable to the Bermuda Musicians Federation.

For further information telephone: 505-3409 or 292-1681.