Organisers behind the ‘Friends of Shine Concert’ have set up a dynamic entertainment line-up to raise funds for musician Wendell (Shine) Hayward.

The concert will be held at Somerset Cricket Club on Monday from 1 to 4pm, with an open jam session scheduled to continue for as long as it lasts.

The hastily arranged event has been organised by Dexter Flood and Carol Smith in the wake of an impromptu radio marathon sparked by donations from well-wishers to help pay off rental arrears incurred by Shine’s House of Music.

Mr Hayward was presented with a cheque, made out to his landlord Rego Realtors, for $13,407.57 on October 15 by radio host Sherri Simmons and colleagues at Magic 102.7FM.

Both Ms Smith and Gina Davis, whose stage name is Gina Love, agreed their main goal is to “assist a musician in trouble”.

Together they have put together “a concoction of residential musicians and entertainers with a variety of styles of music”.

The family-oriented, inexpensive event is also geared toward providing another platform to showcase local talent.

Meetings were held last week to finalise the line up. The club’s concession will also be open on Monday.

“The artists participating are not just the old school guard. There are some young people who are coming in,” said Ms Davis.

“This is a nice family-oriented event that’s not too costly. Tickets are $20 at the gate, children under the age of 12 are free.”

Ms Smith is hopeful the concert “will show people that live music is alive and that Bermuda has a wealth of talent”.

“We should support this. We’re not just aiding a musician, but reminding the country of its rich roots in live entertainment.

“I remember going to Club Nine, Disco 40, the hotels, places where you would go to see local entertainment.

“We want to let the hotels and restaurants know that we have lots of local acts.

“Shine’s was a place where we expected to see local acts. It is unfortunate that it was not successful, but there needs to be a venue.”

The audience will see a variety of genres from gospel to hip hop. The show will open and close with gospel artist Toni Robinson.

Other featured artists include Jade Minors, a saxophonist with Joy Express, students from the Bermuda School of Music, the Piece of the Rock Band, Mr Hayward and one of his students, Aaron Spencer.

“If you have not heard Aaron play that saxophone, you have not heard anything,” said Ms Smith. “He is quite young, but he plays like he was born with that saxophone.”

Hip hop artist Lil JJ and his pop artist brother B-Boy are set to “bring their unique and original works to the stage”.

Hip hop artist Marvo and band Sonique Sanctuary are also due to appear, while The Gina Love Band, featuring “a unique combination of teenagers and experienced musicians”, will perform with Hugh Murray.

All-girls band Fire, comprised of Tiffany Fox, Rayneika Brangman and Francine Browne will perform with reggae artist Stagger Lee and other singers.

Further performers lined up are Shawnette Somner, Lisa Trott, Jahee Blaque and Sybil Barrington.

“Bermuda is loaded with talented people,” said Ms Davis. “You want to see people who take their craft seriously. This is an event not to be missed.”

Proceeds will go to Mr Hayward’s creditors.

For more information, call 236-9318 or e-mail clsmith@logic.bm.