today in a bid to silence foreign rivals.

They will descend on the Labour Ministry to lobby for a work permits ban for overseas musicians.

They hope a November-March freeze will dramatically boost job prospects for local entertainers.

The move follows a meeting between Immigration officials, nightspot managers, and the Bermuda musicians union.

It is understood Government may come up with a new policy on the local music scene.

Yesterday musician Mr. Tony Brannon said many Bermudian entertainers were struggling to find work. And he pointed an accusing finger at bars and nightspots for favouring foreigners.

He slammed complaints that local musicians were not as good as their foreign rivals. "We don't want some third-rate overseas piano player or beer swilling guitarist coming here,'' Mr. Brannon exclaimed.

He added several expatriates had other jobs, and were playing the bars to top up their incomes. Mr. Brannon stressed, however, he was not against big-name groups coming to the Island to play concerts.

But yesterday bar owners defended their hiring practices.

Mr. Chris Regittnig, manager of the Cock & Feather, said his only concern was talent.

"We want musicians to keep people interested and involved. We are also looking for a variety of music,'' he stressed.

The Cock & Feather has two local groups playing, and one from abroad.

Mr. David (Tinny) McCann, owner of Show Biz Cafe & Bar, said his only aim was to keep the public entertained.

"Ideally we want a mix of foreign and local musicians,'' he explained.

Bar owners are awaiting the outcome of a recent meeting between themselves, Immigration officials and the musicians' union.

Mr. McCann, who attended, said Show Biz currently only featured local talent.

But he said a problem with local entertainers was that they performed in groups, which was expensive.

Mr. Brannon, a Bermudian guitarist and pianist, said between 30 and 40 musicians would take part in this afternoon's lobby.

He added they would include Mr. George Smith, Mr. Victor Chambray, Mr. John Dobson, Mr. David Faries, Mr. David Fitzsimmons, Mr. Dennis Fox, Mr. Mike Fox, and Mr. Jay Fox.

"We are all very concerned about the ongoing neglect of Bermudian musicians, and the discrimination by a lot of pub owners.

"We want a moratorium on foreigners -- a cessation of all work permits during the off season.'' Mr. Brannon, who plays with the groups, Hopping Penguins and Island Fever, said he knew of foreigners playing six or seven nights a week on top of their other jobs.

"Basically we want the moratorium on work permits to last between November and March. We want to protect our future. There are a lot of kids who want to form bands.'' One local musician, however, yesterday voiced opposition to Mr. Brannon.

Mr. Kevin Ingham, who plays with Welshman Mr. Steve Evans in the duo, Seventh Heaven, accused Mr. Brannon of trying to eliminate competition for himself.

And he claimed Mr. Brannon wanted to split up Seventh Heaven.

"It is totally hypocritical, for Mr. Brannon plays with a Canadian drummer in the Hopping Penguins.'' Labour Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman was yesterday off the Island and unavailable for comment.

Culture Minister the Hon. Leonard Gibbons said last night: "Obviously we would like to employ local musicians.

"But Government does not employ them. As far as I know the Labour Ministry is working closely with the musicians union.''