clashes -- parties at which rival audio systems are put to the test.

And the North Village Community Club wants to use its two-day sound clash at Bernard Park this week to be an example of how well controlled and popular the events can be.

The sound clash, which will take place at North Village Field on Friday and Saturday, will feature nine different sound systems in competition.

In the past, such sessions have triggered complaints to Police of excessive noise, fighting, drinking and drugs.

But North Village club president Mr. Rudolph Hollis is aiming to change all that.

"There has been a lot of negative publicity surrounding session music,'' he said.

"Many people blame the music for the problems that happen and it is not fair.

We are trying to see if we can make shows like this more organised.

"The club has taken on the responsibility of making sure the sound clash has enough security.

"For the contest, we have arranged floating security to prevent any abuse and they will keep an eye on people who are not eligible to drink alcohol. We will only serve beer.

"The Department of Youth and Sports and the Police both had concerns about the show, but we have been able to eliminate some of their worries.'' Mr. Hollis added that Youth and Sports Shadow Minister Mr. Dennis Lister would open the show.

"This is the music of the time for young people, and it's not going to go away,'' said Mr. Hollis. "If we as a community support young people, we could lead them in the right direction.'' "As long as these shows are productive and constructive I am optimistic that they can be done properly.'' Mr. Hollis is asking anyone who has comments or constructive criticism to contact the management of the North Village Community Club at PO Box HM 1802 Hamilton HMAX.