festivals at Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts or Dockyard this week need not despair.

Between the Corporation of Hamilton, Spanish Town Productions, and the Bank of Butterfield, there are no less than three opportunities to enjoy the talents of local artists jazzin' it up in the open air this week -- and all for free.

Tonight, the talented young Bermudian group Mahogany will be the star attraction at Heritage Night in Hamilton. Directed by the inimitable woodwind magician Wendell (Shine) Hayward, the group will comprise Mandela Fubler (leader/pianist), Russell Butler (guitar), Warren Simmons (percussion), Ryan Swan (keyboard/bass) and Machel Charles (guest violinist).

"The group will use this performance as a warm-up for Friday, when they open the prestigious Jazz Festival at Dockyard,'' Mr. Hayward says.

Since its debut in December last year, the young men who comprise Mahogany have enjoyed great success both here and abroad. Their gigs have ranged from the Premier's Concert to a convention dinner hosted by TWA and Bermuda's Department of Tourism in Milwaukee.

Tonight's performance at the Flagpole begins at approximately 8 p.m.

Par-la-Ville Park is the venue and tomorrow is the day for a sparkling lunchtime jazz jam featuring four of Bermuda's top musicians in a never-before-heard combination. Beginning at 12.30 p.m., Kevin Maybury (drums) Wenceworth Woolridge (bass), Randy Lambert (guitar) and Tony Bari (piano) will perform for a full hour.

On Sunday, the Bank of Butterfield/Corporation of Hamilton-sponsored Jazzmatazz of Jazz concert in Victoria Park will bring the week-long jazzfest to an end.

Once more, top local talent will shine as the Howard Rego Trio, the Kevin Maybury Trio, the Bermuda Youth Jazz Ensemble (fresh from their UK triumph) and Legacy delight the evening audience with three hours of their best, beginning at 6 p.m.

Mahogany: Tonight, the talented young Bermudian group will be the star attraction at Heritage Night in Hamilton. Directed by the inimitable woodwind magician Wendell (Shine) Hayward, the group will comprise Mandela Fubler (leader/pianist), Russell Butler (guitar), Warren Simmons (percussion), Ryan Swan (keyboard/bass) and Machel Charles (guest violinist).