climax to this year's Kidfest when they appear at City Hall this weekend.

Sharon, Lois and Bram, whose `Elephant Show' is seen seven days a week on Nickleodeon, consistently places No. 1 or 2 in the monthly ratings. Their popularity is reflected in their record and disc sales -- they have 12 Gold, and two double Platinums, besides receiving two Gold Awards for the `Elephant Show'.

Their list of awards is almost endless, earning the Parents' Choice Award year after year and the New York International Film and Television Silver Award for children's programming in 1989. They are equally admired, however, for their influence on social issues, acting as National Ambassadors for UNICEF since 1988 and receiving the Danny Kaye Award for their work. The Trio has also established `KidsEAT', their own foundation aimed at channelling commitment and money to various organisations that are fighting child hunger.

Besides their TV shows and recording success, the Trio tours annually across the US and Canada, playing to "standing room only'' for family audiences.

Each are fine musicians in their own right, as Kidfest producer and Bermuda resident, Mrs. Paula Maguire, would be the first to testify. She should know -- the former dancer appeared on their `Elephant Show' for ten years before she gave up her career for marriage and children.

"They are wonderful musicians who have a real gift for establishing a bond with their audiences -- whether that audience is children, or their parents!'' she says.

Sharon Hampson says that she grew up with the songs of Paul Robeson, Peter Seeger and other politically and socially active artists. Although she studied piano and cello at school, she actually made her professional debut as a folk singer in a Toronto coffee house when she was only 17 years of age. "Somebody stuck a guitar in my lap and said `Sing!' So what else could I do?'' She has been singing ever since.

Lois Lilienstein is known as the member of the Trio who "never sits still''.

Her love of music surfaced when she was very young. She says that by the time she was five, she was singing all the pop songs of the day and then playing them on the piano. After studying tap dancing, she joined her mother in a unique mother-and-daughter team who provided popular family entertainment at special social events in the community.

Lois graduated with a bachelor of music degree from the University of Michigan. She became a children's entertainer almost by accident, when she began working as a volunteer at her son's nursery school in Toronto. In 1979, she established that city's first pre-school music programme.

Bram Morrison is a former school teacher who became a professional folk singer. His first theatrical experience, however, was acting in high school and university drama productions -- which probably accounts for his comic timing, narrative skills and gift for mimicry.

As guitar accompanist to noted folk singer Alan Mills, he became more and more interested in working with and performing for children. This led to teacher's college and a seven-year stint in the Toronto school system, before he became a professional entertainer.

One of the highlights of Sharon, Lois and Bram's meteoric career occurred last year, when they were invited to perform at the White House Annual Easter Egg Roll and Hunt concert and had breakfast beforehand with President and Mrs.

Clinton.

Sharon, Lois and Bram will be appearing at City Hall on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Mrs. Maguire says that this show is geared toward children aged between three and nine. Tickets are available at Pirate's Port and the Phoenix Centre on Friday between 12 noon and 5 p.m. For further information, telephone 236-1085.

TOP TRIO -- Sharon (left), Lois (right) and Bram will provide the grand climax to this year's Kidfest when they appear at City Hall this weekend.