It's not just the temperature which is sizzling, but also Hamilton's summer entertainment scene, thanks to a new partnership between professional drummer Howard Rego's band, 'Beats Working', and Latin and Rumbaºr.

Tonight the Victoria Street bar will officially launch 'Hot August Nights', with dancing under the stars to the sounds of Mr. Rego, pianist Toni Bari, bassist Stan Gilbert, and tenor saxophonist Jade Minors.

The band will perform in the open air courtyard Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting.

The new arrangement has been spurred by the great success of previous shows at Latin/Rumbaºr, including Festival Latino featuring Grammy award-winning Willy Torres, which culminated in a Cinco de Mayo party, and one-off shows such as Sybil Barrington's 'Queen of Bermuda' Revue, which attracted positive international press coverage.

"During Festival Latino, guests were amazed at the design of the space, and commented that the courtyard area, with balcony dining, comfortable lounge-style seating, and an outdoor dance floor was like nothing else in Bermuda," said Latin and Rumbaºr manager Robert Saunders. "They asked us to do it again, and we are doing just that."

Sponsored by Bermuda Premium Spirits Ltd., Hot August Nights is designed to be a truly 'Bermuda-centric' experience.

Explaining the genesis of the name, Mr. Rego said it arose out of discussions he had with Philip Barnett, president of Island Restaurant Group Ltd., owners of Latin, about creating something which everyone in Bermuda could relate to and enjoy.

"We discussed how Hubie's had shut down, and how so many people were begging for someone to start up another rockin' drinks/dinner/dancing event which was just as much fun as Hubie's. Phil said he wanted something which, like the degree sign in Rumbaºr, hints at 'hot' which of course I can do."

As for the title of his band, the former Sly and the Family Stone drummer said: "'Beats Working' suggests, firstly, that playing music isn't really work at all (in the nine to five sense of the word working), and that those who play music are, in fact, at play rather than at work.

"The other word play in 'Beats Working' is a little more to the point. A beat is a rhythm that is applied to any and all types of music. Every song has a beat, and every beat makes up the rhythm of each song hence the name 'Beats Working'. Not to mention that I, the leader of the band, play all the beats."

The band will be inviting local and overseas guest artists to gig with them when they are in town, so patrons can expect an ever-changing playlist, not only of Latin rhythms samba, clave, montuno, etc. but also reggae, R&B, funky jazz and straight-ahead jazz.

"Man, I can't wait!" the drummer and band leader exclaimed.

Mr. Rego, an active supporter of live music in Bermuda, has enjoyed a long and successful career as a professional musician and promoter both here and abroad. Few will forget his hugely popular, sell-out 'Music Quest' series of fund-raisers for the Bermuda Society of Arts, including the 'The Booze Brothers', '1960s Live Rock and Roll Music Revue', and 'Motown Live Soul Revue'.

While Hot August Nights officially launches tonight, 'Beats Working' has already been playing at the Victoria Street venue for the past week or so, and all indications are that the new venture is proving a success. Indeed, Mr. Barnett hopes that public support will allow what started out as something for the month of August to carry on indefinitely.

"We hope enough folks come out to support the live music, and, as there is no cover, that means coming in for dinner and drinks, or just drinks - that we can continue this, and August Nights will be the launch of a regular offering," he said.

For further information, including dining options, telephone 296-5050 or e-mail latin@irg.bm