A band paying tribute to the music of 70s rock group Queen, an engaging marionette show and a play showcasing the positive impact of African Americans in the Second World War are all on offer as part of the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts 2013.Since 1976, the festival has served to increase cultural awareness on the Island and share performing arts with residents and visitors alike. The festival is known to cover the entire spectrum of performing arts and showcases some of the world’s leading artists.Tickets go on sale November 19 for the 38th festival, which runs from January 18 to March 2.Organisers are confident this year’s line up, including a highly anticipated performance by Queen tribute performers Gary Mullen and The Works on March 1 and 2, “will rock you”.The British rock band was formed in London in 1971 and consisted of the late vocalist Freddie Mercury, guitarists Brian May and John Deacon and drummer Roger Taylor. Mr Mullen will give his rendition of some of the band’s greatest hits ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘We are the Champions’, ‘RadioGaga’ and ‘We Will Rock You’.According to a spokeswoman, the show “will transport the older listeners back to the heady days of their youth” and give younger members of the audience “a taste of what they missed”.Also on offer are two performances by Mexican-American singer and congo player Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band.On January 18 and 19, residents are invited to “feel the heat” as the musicians fire up a blend of Latin and South American rhythms. The first night is definitely the time to bust out your favourite dancing shoes, while night two can be enjoyed from the comfort of your seat.The Reduced Shakespeare Company will be on Island to show off their acting chops in a play “that has nothing at all to do with Shakespeare”. Instead they will be performing The Complete World of Sports.The spokeswoman said: “From the earliest cavemen playing Neanderthal in the Middle, to your own kid’s soccer practice, the entire history of athletic competition will be regurgitated in a ‘tour de france’ physical theatre performance at a level of sophistication and pathos that only the Reduced Shakespeare Company can muster.”The play will take place on January 24 and 25.The world renowned Nathaniel Dett Chorale, performers at President Barack Obama’s inauguration celebration and events honouring Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, will take the stage on January 30.Named in honour of the celebrated African-Canadian composer R Nathaniel Dett, and conducted by Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, the chorale is known for performing everything from gospel, to classical, jazz and blues music.They will be working with local singers on Island and the concert will include the fruit of that collaboration.Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ will be performed by LA Theatre Works on February 1 and 2.The Black Gents of Hollywood will take part in an uplifting and entertaining play based on real events from the Second World War on February 5 and 6. Currently in its third season off-Broadway, ‘Black Angels over Tuskegee’ is described as showcasing a “sensitive touch” and “great sense of comedy”.From February 8 to 10, The Cashore Marionettes will perform a collection of pieces set to beautiful music. It is a family-friendly performance, but only suitable for children eight years old and up.Pianists Duo Amal, compromising of Bishara Haroni, from Palestine, and Yaron Kohlberg from Israel will be playing on February 11 and 12.The festival spokeswoman said: “They share great musical aspiration, but also the desire to demonstrate that through shared experience and endeavour [to show] there is hope for strife-torn nations.”Sitkovetsky Piano Trio Alexander Sitkovetsky on violin, Wu Qian on piano and Leonard Elschenbroich on cello will share their “youthful, vibrant and talented” abilities with the local public on February 13.Another entertainment option for families is MOMIX Botanica, which is taking place from February 14 to 16. The dance-illusion company uses a “magnificent blend” of visual spectacle, inventive props and engaging music to create a new world on stage.MOMIX plays to sold-out audiences all over the world, so people are urged to get their tickets early.Back for a second time, Voces8, a young a cappella octet will be giving two performances, one classical and another with famous songs from the likes of David Bowie, Sting, Phil Collins and The Beatles.The Island will also welcome back the Duisburg Philharmonic Wind Quartet for an afternoon concert on February 24. The concert will feature music from composers from France, Austria, Germany and Russia.Ticket sales begin at 10am at Fabulous Fashions at the Heron Bay Plaza, Southampton, All Wrapped Up in the Washington Mall until November 30, and Sportseller in the Washington Mall from December 1. You can also visit www.bermudafestival.org or www.bdatix.bm to buy tickets online; or purchase them by phone for an extra $3 per ticket, by calling 232-2255.Useful website: www.bermudafestival.org