The musician, actor and human rights activist Harry Belafonte is coming to Bermuda to host a student workshop on Wednesday.

The event - sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism - has been organised by BET, producers of this year's Bermuda Jazz Festival.

Mr. Belafonte was the first black performer to win an Emmy and is well known for his work in the fight against racism, violence and world hunger.

He will be on hand at the student jazz workshop at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium on October 8 at 1.30. At the two-hour event he will discuss the importance of education, and music in general, as an essential cultural and educational tool for young students.

There are 125 spaces available in the workshop for students between the ages of 12 and 18.

The Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz has coordinated the workshop which will feature saxophonist, Mike Phillips. Mr. Phillips will conduct the workshop and demonstrate concepts integral to jazz, including instrumental technique, improvisation, basic music theory, chord/key relationship, ensemble playing and jazz history.

Mr. Phillips debuted on the professional music scene in 1993 at Wilson's nightclub in New York. Since then he has shared the stage with Jonathan Butler, Rachell Farrell, Babyface, Brian McKnight and Boyz II Men. In 2001 Mr. Phillips toured with Jill Scott during her sold-out "Words & Sounds" tour where he was the opening act.