THE Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts will play host to a summer-long series of concerts showcasing the very best of local talent in genres as diverse as spoken word poetry and jazz.

On Sunday, the series, the brainchild of centre manager Emilygail Dill, will officially begin with an evening of Sacred Music by Contralto soloist Tracey Richardson.

Ms Richardson is no stranger to performance, her gospel career having started at the Hamilton Seventh Day Adventist Church almost 20 years ago.

"I've been singing since I was 15 years old," Ms Richardson explained. "I started in church. We had a Pathfinder group. A group of girls got together and we started a singing group, singing a cappella. I ventured out on my own and did some solo work, and now here I am. I'm self-taught, so I guess you could say I have raw talent!"

While Ms Richardson will be headlining the gospel performance on Sunday, she will be supported by the same friends who encouraged her to embark upon a solo career as a teenager.

"I'm still singing with them, even now. They're singing with me in the concert," she said. "We've been singing together for almost 20 years now!"

Ms Richardson was approached months ago and asked to perform at the upcoming event, having been spotted singing her trademark gospel selections at the Ruth Seaton James Centre.

"I sang there for their Black History Month Concert. Emilygail Dill contacted me and told me about this pilot series entitled . She asked me if I would be interested in leading the solo showcase for the gospel section. Of course, I agreed!" Ms Richardson hopes her talent will inspire young Bermudians to take an interest in the arts. She advocates music instruction in local schools and hopes students have the opportunity to join choirs.

"When I was at Berkeley, they had a gospel choir," she said. "I don't know if they still incorporate that in school curriculums these days or if it's an extra-curricular event or a class.

"If they do have a music programme involved at each school, it would be a good stepping stone for youngsters who are interested in making singing their career.

"At the churches we have quite a few choirs and small groups: chorales for the men and children's choirs and so forth. There's a wide range of age group participation."

When she's not working as an administrative assistant at Cooper & Gardener or singing gospel music, Ms Richardson is busy taking care of her seven-month-old baby. Due to her schedule, gospel singing is relegated to the weekends.

"It's like my second career," she explained. "When I leave work I switch hats!"

Ms Richardson cites celebrated Christian artists Yolanda Adams and the Clark Sisters as her musical role models.

Tracey Richardson's May 30 performance will feature soloists Desiree Dill and Lloyd Holder.

"They will be singing duets with me and incorporating spiritual pieces and some other exciting things as well," Ms. Richardson said. "It's going to be fun, with a little bit of everything ? clapping, dancing, and singing. It's an event not to be missed!"

Other components of the series include What's the Word, a spoken word poetry performance on June 27, All That's Jazz featuring local jazz musicians on July 18 and The RSJCPA Young Artist Showcase on August 22.

n To purchase tickets call 296-5ART or buy online at http://www.ticketstation.bm d