"The Songs of Solomon" wowed passersby in Hamilton yesterday as they performed their repertoire of inspirational songs from the steps of City Hall.

The Harlem-based 50-member youth choir were due to perform at Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts last night, tonight and tomorrow in addition to visiting schools and doing master classes.

The Ruth Seaton James concerts, which inaugurate YES!, a newly developed Youth Empowerment Series showcasing young people from various cultures, were also due to feature local acts such as United Dance Productions, TROIKA and spoken word artists along with the CedarBridge Chamber Ensemble.

The series is supported by Rise Above Bermuda and Kingdom Reign Ministries.

The Songs of Solomon is committed to performing inspirational music and preserving the integrity of music, reflective of the African Diaspora. They seek to foster musical excellence and provide a safe haven for youth of diverse spiritual, artistic and social experiences, in an environment free of prejudice and judgment.

Through their music, they strive to serve, uplift, educate and inspire the world community. The Ensemble has performed with Earth, Wind and Fire, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Ashford and Simpson, Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia Barrino, toured major cities in the United States and won competitions in the New York metropolitan area.

"It is our belief that this visit by the Songs of Solomon will not only expose Bermuda's youths to a variety of choral genres but will inspire them to excel in every area of their life through the example set by this extraordinary group of multi-talented young persons," said RSJ Centre director Dr. Emilygail Dill.

"On Saturday, night they will be in concert alone, and then on Sunday for Mother's Day the CedarBridge Chamber Ensemble will do a portion of the programme and they will do the other."

Saturday: Songs of Solomon in Concert. Tickets $50 or $30.

Sunday: Special Mother's Day Concert. Tickets $50 or 30.

Tickets are on sale at Fabulous Fashions, Heron Bay Plaza, the I Store, Reid Street, or visit www.bdatix.bm. For more information ring 296-5278 or email rsjevents@cedarbridge.doe.bm.