American recording artist Melba Moore will perform at City Hall this weekend.

The Tony Award-winner will headline the eighth Annual International Diva Fest at City Hall on Saturday.

She was invited to the Island by female impersonator Mark Anderson.

The pair met at a gay pride event in New York about a decade ago Mr. Anderson, who performs as Sybil Barrington, thought the Grammy-nominated singer would be the perfect headliner for his show.

"It was always my idea to bring in the celebrities that I worked with over the years and as you know, last year I had Melissa Morgan and this year it's Melba Moore," he said.

The show will also feature six international and local acts.

"We have Tyra Colbair again this year, and then I have Nicky Chin, Safunda Cox, Chris Edwards, [the Miss Not Necessarily Miss Bermuda Beauty Pageant 2001 winner] Jade Electra he was also a member of my group The Illusions and we used to perform around Harlem.

"We were also in the film 'To Wong Foo' together."

The show will open with two numbers: 'Big Spender' will be performed by the entire cast; Sybil will sing 'Hair' from the best-selling Broadway musical.

"That is really a tribute to Melba, because she was in that show," Mr. Anderson said.

The show is dedicated to Bermuda's gay and lesbian community.

"Melba did not hesitate to perform for us. She just performed for the lesbian and gay community down there in Atlanta."

Part proceeds go towards the Centre Against Abuse.

"A lot of people don't realise that there are still a lot of women and men who are being abused in our community," he added.

Two performances are scheduled for Saturday, one at 6 p.m. and the second at 10 p.m. Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at www.bdatix.bm and Shannon's Boutique. Patrons must be 18 years or older.