big band sounds turned out in force to take in legendary blues crooner Ben E.

King and the USAir Band.

Fans staked out their patches of grass as early as 2 p.m. for the "Concert in the Park'', sponsored by the Corporation of Hamilton and The Bank of Butterfield.

"It's been about eight or nine years since I've been here,'' Mr. King told The Royal Gazette as he sat inside a taxi waiting for the USAir Band to warm--up the crowd.

"I worked the 40 Thieves, the Clayhouse and the Southampton Princess,'' said the ex-Drifter, singers of such classics as "Stand By Me'' and "Under the Boardwalk.'' For veteran music lover Charles Tucker, however, it was a night long in coming and one he'll well remember.

"I've been to every concert as long as there's good weather and tonight I'm here to see Mr. Ben E. King.

"I've listened to Ben E. King since the 50s and it's a real honour to have a man like him here. I never thought that I'd see it,'' he said from his front row piece of turf.

Corporation of Hamilton secretary Roger Sherratt could hardly contain his joy as he estimated the crowd to be 4,000 strong.

And aside from a few minor parking tie-ups Mr. Sherratt told The Royal Gazette there were no problems of any kind.

The USAir Band, said Mr. Sherratt, was instrumental in arranging Mr.King's visit.

The idea was first presented to him at a National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People banquet earlier this year and Mr. King agreed to come to Bermuda.

"He volunteered to come and we are absolutely delighted with USAir. We jumped at the chance to have him,'' Mr. Sherratt said.