Some of the Island’s best musicians will be hosting an evening of jazz and vegan food to help raise money for Eddie Ming’s Rhythm Lab music school.

Jazz singer Sheila Smith will be accompanied by pianist Tony Bari to perform at the Rhythm Lab in St George’s Community Centre Complex on May 9.

There will also be performances by The Jade Minors Quartet.

Proceeds from the concert and dinner will go towards the drum school’s Educational Publication Fund that allows materials distributed to music students both in Bermuda and in Cuba where Mr Ming travels and teaches each year.

Ms Smith told The Royal Gazette: “Eddie has his drum/music school that he calls the Rhythm Lab because of the analytical way that he teaches children to play drums and read charts.

“It is not only in Bermuda, he has taken some to Cuba to build a relationship with them and it seems to be working. He has written some books which have been recommended by the Government of Cuba and the Cuba Centre for Arts for their contribution to education. He has also taken some Bermudian students to Cuba which has offered them priceless exposure. It’s a worthy cause and we in the music community will come out and give of our good time and talents.

“My influences are voices like Ella Fitzgerald, it’s that sort of music with a modern twist. I do have a specific sound that people are familiar with that is why I can trust those faithful followers will come and support this.

“Tony Bari has been in my life musically for 30 years that is a long time to be connected to musically. It is like a hand in glove type relationship. It always turns out to be musically beautiful.”

The concert begins at 7pm and all who attend will be asked to make a donation — general tickets are $30 and for patrons entrance is $50. The event will be held in honour of Dr Carl MacKenzie and his wife Deborah. To book a place, call 297-2874 or 297-8422.