Next Saturday the Hamilton Lions and Lioness Clubs will be kickin' up their heels to a little country music in an effort to raise money for two charities.

The Number One Shed will be decorated in country-western style with bales of hay, wagon wheels and murals depicting southern scenes.

"The whole purpose is to raise money for charity and we are trying to raise a total of $30,000,'' vice president of the Hamilton Lions and chairman of the country night committee Chris Hopkins said.

He added: "We have been working on this since last June. I basically surveyed different charities on the Island to find out where the most need was and I decided on two main recipients -- Patience Assistance League Services (PALS) and the Salvation Army.'' The donation will go towards purchasing another van for PALS nurses and to assisting with the purchase of a Harbour Light truck for the Salvation Army.

Money will also be given to Meals on Wheels and the WindReach Recreational Village.

Mr. Hopkins added: "Number One Shed on Front Street will be completely decorated and transformed into an appealing and wonderful atmosphere.

"We have a few canvases that we will hang all over the place and we are also going to dress up the stage to make it look huge.

"We are going to transform the whole place into an appealing environment with a real country look.'' He added: "There will be live country music all night and we will feature a band called the Travellers. The main act will be a band called Phoenix -- they are an incarnation of past local favourites Southern Comfort.'' Mr. Hopkins said the night will also see some guest stars from Canada -- recording artists Catherine McKinnon who has 10 CDs under her belt and Don Harron -- who is a multi-talented entertainer/actor/comedian and author. He will be doing a half hour skit using his stage personality Charlie Farquharson.

"There will also be some other local entertainment from Cheese Ray who will open the night and old time favourite Sammy Moniz Sr. who will do a set joined by his son Sammy Moniz Jr. on the drums.

"For people wanting to dance, we will have a square dancing demonstration,'' Mr. Hopkins added.

He also said there will be great food for those who get hungry while dancing.

"Although there will be some country-style food, the majority will be things like hamburgers, French fries and potato chips. There will be a bar and coffee and tea will be free all night long.'' Along with having a good time the Hamilton Lions and Lioness Clubs will also be promoting safe driving by providing free sodas for designated drivers.

"Designated drivers will get a pin when they come in the door and they can drink sodas for free all night. We wanted to promote responsible partying,'' he said.

He added that a special prize will be given to the couple `best dressed'' in country duds.

On why the clubs chose another country theme for their fundraiser Mr. Hopkins said: "We chose the theme because there is a large country following in Bermuda. It's huge, like a sub-culture, and there are not a lot of venues for people to go. They are hungry for a country music spot.'' Tickets for the event, which are $30, can be purchased from the Music Box, Music Box East in St. George's and Pianos Plus on Front Street. For more information, call 292-6374.

"Two years ago this event was a complete sell out so I advise people to get their tickets soon and there will be no reserve seating,'' Mr. Hopkins said.

COUNTRY NIGHT -- The Hamilton Lions and Lioness Clubs of Bermuda will be having a Country Night next Saturday at the Number One Shed on Front Street.

From left are Hamilton Lioness Club vice president Joan Munro, Wendy Powell in a Lion's costume, and party organiser Chris Hopkins.

Graphic file name: REDNECK