A group of young Bermudians will literally be singing for their supper next month.

As part of the Showcase for Talented Teens, different school music groups will be performing at the Seabreeze Terrace at Elbow Beach, while guests dine.

The showcase, part of the Department of Tourism's Sizzling Summer programme, starts on May 2 and runs to June 13.

"It is on Sundays, and Bermudians can come and enjoy a great meal and entertainment as well," said organiser Dale Butler, who is a Progressive Labour Party (PLP) member of parliament. "Bermudians looking for local music — it is there.

"And for tourists looking for local entertainment it is there also. It is an opportunity to dance, or to sit, listen and enjoy."

He said having local music during the month fits in with May's heritage theme

"Last year we did three adult band performances and the tourists said 'what about your young people'," said Mr. Butler. "We contacted the schools and they were overwhelmingly in support."

About 135 students will be participating. They will all be renumerated in the form of dinner at the restaurant.

"The biggest group by far is Clearwater Middle School," said Mr. Butler. "They have a choir and a band and that is somewhere around 50 kids.

"Mount Saint Agnes Academy (MSA) are so excited they have four or five groups coming, twosomes and foursomes. I am delighted that the vast majority of schools said yes."

He said in one case he forgot to call a particular school. When he finally contacted them they jumped right in without complaint, despite having less time to prepare.

Mr. Butler said the showcase was an opportunity for the student musicians to develop their showmanship.

"Showmanship is very important," he said. "It is not just being proficient with your instrument. It is about getting in front of a group and not saying 'um' when you introduce a group, or not turning around and saying 'what are we playing next'."

He said the music teachers involved placed a lot of emphasis on decorum. "The students learn how to enter and exit a stage," he said. "They learn how to perform. I think that bodes well for the future, not just for music, but for life as a whole, because you never know where you will end up."

There is a prize, a contribution towards the winning school's music class. The best band will win $1,000 for first place and second prize will be $500.

There will be a group of secret judges circulating throughout the performances to make the final decision.

"We hope this will grow," said Mr. Butler. "The Department of Tourism saw the vision right away. They have always been keen to try to get more local entertainment."

The youth programme will be followed with an adult band showcase that will start on June 20 and run to July 25.

Bands include The Unit, Native Percent Band, Shine Hayward and Friends, 'Doc' Simons and friends, Toni Bari & Friends and The Atlantic Music Group.

"I am excited about the variety of adult musicians," Mr. Butler said. "They are being billed as the 'legends of jazz, rock & roll, reggae and soul'."

There will be a prize for the best adult band, also.

See the Bermuda Calendar in this newspaper for more information about the schedule of performances.