JAZZ fans will have the opportunity to hear a highly respected and accomplished saxophonist, David Sanchez, on March 7 and 8, when Charles Bascome presents his 12th Annual Evening of Jazz.

Mr. Sanchez, who is 34, was born and studied in Puerto Rico, but has lived in the United States for some years. The David Sanchez Group will be supported by locals the Toni Bari duo at the City Hall concerts. Proceeds from the shows will benefit The Charles Bascome Music Scholarship, a registered charity that supports the education of local musicians.

Mr. Bascome has been relentless in staging the annual City Hall shows since 2002.

"It's a lot of work," he said yesterday. "When we finish one series of concerts, we start to look for artists for the next one. It takes quite a bit of time. It can be difficult to find the right artists at the right price."

As well as paying the performers, Mr. Bascome must fund their airfare and local expenses, although one of the concerts' sponsors, Sonesta Beach Hotel, provides accommodations.

"What's really expensive is such items as the advertising, the programmes and posters," Mr. Bascome said.

He explained that he hopes to find more sponsors for the Scholarship programme.

"We would love to have more corporate sponsors or individual donors," Mr. Bascome said. "Putting on these concerts really only works for the Scholarship if you can fill the Hall.

"We have fortunately always been able to do that on the first night, but we haven't always been able to sell out the second night."

Under the patronage of Tourism Director Judith Hall-Bean and Gladwyn Bean, the two concerts will start at 8 on both nights. The first night, March 7, is Patrons' Night, and afterwards a reception will be held to allow concertgoers to meet the musicians.

Mr. Sanchez knows the value of musical scholarships, having obtained one to study at Rutgers University. He played with Dizzy Gillespie's Band, and also appeared with Roy Haynes and Elvin Jones, among a host of others. Mr. Sanchez regularly appears on Black Entertainment Television and won a Grammy nomination for his album Obsession.

"David Sanchez has successfully combined Latin jazz with American jazz, and done it very successfully," Mr. Bascome noted.

The Charles Bascome Music Scholarship hopes to raise $100,000 to educate Bermuda's future musicians. Donations may be sent to the trustees via Mrs. Joan K. Barnes, manager, Codan Services Limited, in care of Conyers Dill & Pearman, 2 Church Street, Hamilton.

Tickets for either show may be obtained by calling 234-0453. For the March 7 show and reception, tickets are $70, and for the Saturday night show on March 8, $55.