Can a little bit of Latin and reggae music unite the community?

That's the hope for organisers putting on tomorrow's Sunday in the Park event.

"It is definitely an event that has proven to pull the community together," said Eugene Dean, of Spanish Town Entertainment. "The events thus far have drawn different segments of the community, young and old, persons of various persuasions and backgrounds. We have had various religious groups attend, so it is definitely a success from that angle."

Tomorrow's event called 'The Rhythm Section' will feature a mix of reggae and Latin music, including performances from local artists: Home Grown, Ground Zero, Ras Giorgis, Jules & Astwad and Lady Tyson and Friends. Also due to appear are the Sea Breeze Salsa dancers and special guests Troy Anthony and Zion.

The free event, held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., will be the forth in the Summer Sunday in the Park series, produced by the Corporation of Hamilton.

Danilee Trott, event project manager for the Corporation, explained why after a four to five year hiatus they decided to bring the event back to Victoria Park.

She said: "It was basically to give back to the community and have live entertainment in the city". It was also a great way to show-off the newly refurbished band stand, which is only restored every 100 years, and to celebrate the Island's 400th Anniversary.

As many as 400 to 700 people have shown up for previous events, which also have featured a fun castle and face painting for the kids.

"Everything is free and in a time of recession it's a great way for people to be able to go out and enjoy entertainment without putting a dent in their social budgets," she said.

Tomorrow's event is expected to be one of the most successful.

"It is no surprise that reggae is the most popular genre of music in Bermuda and the Latin or salsa community has continued to grow at a very rapid pace," added Mr. Dean. "This event brings those two elements together.

"And with people like Troy Anthony and Zion who are now performing overseas in the UK, that has only added more punch and lure to an already impressive line-up of local musicians and entertainers."

But even last month there was no problem getting locals to come out for a gospel concert. Mr. Dean explained: "There was a large crowd and they were engaged for the entire time. It is no easy task to hold people's attention for five hours straight and thus far we have been able to achieve that every month."

Tomorrow's performances will be no exception, he believes. "This weekend (people) can expect to be on (their) feet, dancing and singing along because we have some of the top reggae and Latin artists on the Island performing.

Some who are at home visiting because their career has taken them overseas. And the theme is 'The Rhythm Section' so this whole production is designed to make you move."

Though the public only get to see the finished product, Laurel Burns, in charge of Coordination and Management for Spanish Town Entertainment, told The Royal Gazette about the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. She said: "It is a lot of coordination on various levels.

"From the entertainment aspect it is locating quality artists; and even when you do that, because not everyone is able to (perform) on a full-time basis, scheduling has its challenges at times," she said.

To enjoy the live entertainment and activities planned, people are encouraged to be at Victoria Park tomorrow afternoon from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.