The Department of Tourism recently kicked-off a New York Times ad campaign offering four day, three night air-inclusive packages to October's Bermuda Jazz Festival.

The quarter-page ads running in the Times' entertainment section boosts the festival's star-studded lineup of George Benson, Gladys Knight (Pip-less), Herbie Mann and Lee Ritenour, and contains a subtext reading "Hey, hedonists need music too.'' Tourism's Pat Phillip-Bassett yesterday told The Royal Gazette people shouldn't read too much into that line, after all it is New York City.

"It's basically just an ad line. The ad was designed in conjunction with (New York based) DDB Needham,'' she said.

The ad however does contain some fine print. At $549. the Bermuda Jazzscape package does not include performance tickets, which cost an extra $45-55 per night, Ms Phillip-Bassett confirmed.

The cost quoted is also the lowest price possible; it could cost more depending on what hotel arrangements are made.

"When you put a package together as a wholesaler you always lead with your lowest price,'' she said.

A disclaimer further stating "Artists subject to change,'' is actually legal standard practice.

"That's for circumstances beyond our control. I think it would be unfair to penalize the promoter for things they cannot control,'' she said.

The October 11-13 festival will hold daytime performances at Dockyard and King's Square, St. George's, and night performances at the National Stadium.

At press time yesterday schedules and local ticket prices were unavailable.