RIP: Bermuda Music Festival

I guess it’s true: All good things must eventually come to an end. Such is the fate of the Bermuda Music Festival, an annual three-day concert that featured artists such as Alicia Keys, Beyonce Knowles, Lionel Ritchie and more recently, Ziggy Marley and Wyclef Jean. The cut was one of several made on Friday, which helped reduce Bermuda’s Department of Tourism budget by $7.9 million or 21 percent. Said Tourism Minister Patrice Minors about the cut, “[the festival] was not attracting enough visitors to our shores to justify the spending,” a direct contrast to former Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown who often said the festival provided “excellent value for the exposure.” Truth is, over the past three years the government has spent $5.7 million on the event while recouping approximately $2.5 million on ticket sales, according to the Royal Gazette. And while that doesn’t sound like a smart investment, the music festival—or at least some form of it—is definitely going to be missed. It certainly will be by me. What ever happened to having a concert for the people? You know, us folks who live on the island and enjoy hearing live music? I’m not saying $3 million needs to be spent on a blockbuster performer, but I do think the lack of a local music festival will be a glaring omission on the cultural calendar. So in the spirit of problem-solving here’s what I propose: A one-day gathering featuring local acts throughout the day with Bermudian reggae singer Mishka as the headliner. It’d be a fraction of the cost of prior festivals since local reinsurance companies would want to sponsor such a community-building event (hey decision-makers, you did consider getting corporate sponsorship, didn’t you?) plus it’ll celebrate everything that’s great about Bermuda, that is, its people. Have it on the beach like last year’s festival, where local artists can sell their crafts and island cooks can whip up popular dishes (or even better, compete against each other in a fish chowder cook off). Gosling’s could sponsor a rum swizzle competition where island bartenders could make their version of the popular drink to be crowned Sizzle King. Then everyone could gather happily around the waterside stage to watch Mishka—otherwise known as Bermuda’s latest and greatest contribution to the world of music—perform his blend of conscious reggae. I’ve even got a name for it: The Best of Bermuda Fest. Sound good? I thought so. Now, let’s make it happen Bermuda. Do it for the children. Heck, do it for me.

BMF 2010: Reggae Review

You know when you wake up with a song in your head? Maybe it’s random, maybe it’s from the night before—whatever the reason, you just can’t shake it? For me that song is Love is My Religion, one of the many reggae hits played by Ziggy Marley at the Fairmont Southampton beach club last night. So you see, I really don’t have much to complain about. As expected the first night of the Bermuda Music Festival was off-the-charts good. At least Ziggy was, but I’ll get to him in a moment.

The night kicked off with a performance by Uzimon, Bermuda’s own self-described “reggaelutionary.” If you don’t understand what that means, well, that’s just the point. With a faker-than-fake Jamaican accent, Uzimon was squarely at the crossroads of comedy and reggae, performing songs like “Nasty Foot Gal” and “Steven Seagal,” purportedly about his childhood idol. Some of it was amusing, some off-putting, but at least I could sit through his schtick. Unfortunately the same couldn’t be said for the next Bermuda-based act—an abrasive group of dance hall wannabes called Homegrown. Now before you go jumping down my throat for trashing local artists let me say this: Ziggy Marley was the headliner. Ziggy Marley plays what’s called conscious reggae. So why not tap an opening act that has a similar style? Was Mishka not available? He’s from Bermuda. And he plays the exact same style of reggae Ziggy does, which really would’ve been perfect. Instead, the crowd endured the tired rap of another lead singer with a faked Jamaican accent plus a tweaked out bass that was so loud and so uncomfortable I physically had to leave my seat.

Ahh well, they all can’t be as good as Ziggy.

And so we get to the main act: the legendary Son-of-Bob. To say he didn’t disappoint would be a vast understatement. Ziggy rocked it, on a stage dare I say, is Bermuda’s finest open-air venue. Note to concert promoters: Putting ticket holders on the sand, under palm trees, next to the ocean is a very good thing. Job well done. As for Ziggy, he played just about every hit in his collection including True to Myself, Tomorrow People and the aforementioned Love is My Religion, which is still in my head in case you’re wondering. Of course, the reggae superstar couldn’t leave the stage without performing a few of his father’s tunes, and for that, the crowd roared. We got This Is Love, Get Up Stand Up and about a half dozen others that kept the audience swaying on its feet. All in all a fantastic start to the beachside festival, but if anyone has any suggestions for a new song to stick in my head, I’m all ears.

Got Ziggy?

It’s Monday, which means you’re probably angling for something to do this weekend. If you’re into warm weather, cool drinks and reggae superstars like Ziggy Marley then why not consider Bermuda? That’s right folks, it’s time for this year’s Bermuda Music Festival, a three-night event that kicks off on Thursday with none other than the world-renowned son of Bob. Those who were reading last year might remember my report from the 2009 festival’s first night, which included an electric performance by Wyclef-I-wanna-be-president-of-Haiti-Jean and Erykah-neo-soul-diva-Badu. (Wanna see for yourself? Watch this 50-second YouTube video for a small taste of Wyclef’s high-energy act). Then there was night two when Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Michael McDonald, Patti Austin and Siedah Garrett were joined by the Bermuda Mass Choir for a rousing rendition of We Are the World. And finally, night three when Siedah Garrett, who wrote many of Michael Jackson’s tunes, got the crowd to its feet with her performance of the MJ hit Man in the Mirror. This year’s lineup is solidly in the R&B corner—after Ziggy on Thursday, singers Angie Stone and Estelle perform on Friday, then Grammy-Award winner Toni Braxton takes the stage on Saturday—and the festival will make its debut at a smaller, more intimate beachside venue at the luxurious Fairmont Southampton. So, how do you get your tickets? For single night, two-night or three-night passes check out BDATix. And if you’re flying in—because roundtrip airfare from New York is $289 on American Airlines this week and gets only incrementally higher from other east coast gateways—visit the Fairmont Southampton’s deals tab for Bermuda Music Festival hotel packages (three-night stay plus three nights at the festival for $929). As for me, well, I'll see ya at the show!

Ziggy's Coming To Bermuda!

Big news from the world of music and entertainment today: Premier Dr. Ewart Brown announced last night that reggae superstar Ziggy Marley will be headlining this year’s Bermuda Music Festival, which is slated for a three-night run from Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 at the Fairmont Southampton. That’s right folks, the Grammy-award winning son-of-Bob will be performing right here in Bermuda and best of all, he’ll be doing it from an intimate beachside venue. Reggae? Sand in your toes? Count me in! According to local reports Ziggy will kick off the festival on Thursday then hand the mic to popular R&B artists Angie Stone, Estelle and Toni Braxton on Friday and Saturday nights. I don’t know about you, but if this year’s festival is anything like last year’s, everyone in Bermuda should definitely prepare for a good time. Have you seen this video I shot from Wyclef’s head-pounding performance last year? Holy smokes! And then there was the all-star We Are the World collaboration featuring Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Michael McDonald and Siedah Garrett, Patti Austin and Gita Blakeney with backup provided by the Bermuda Mass Choir. A soulful short video indeed. Tickets for the Bermuda Music Festival go on sale on Monday, July 26 at 9 a.m. at bdatix.bm. See ya at the show!

BMF VIDEO: Man In The Mirror

The big news from day three of the Bermuda Music Festival was supposed to be the special performance of Thriller on Halloween night. Sounds pretty incredible, right? After all the Keep Yard had all hands on deck: Quincy Jones and his orchestra, pop singer John Legend, even Wyclef was rumored to be hanging around backstage, no doubt still recovering from his now-legendary Thursday night performance (which for the record was the festival’s best show). The stage was set, but aside from spirited dancing from the Warwick gombey troupe and an average vocal performance by Siedah Garrett, the night’s finale was more like a sleeper than a thriller. Fortunately for us the aforementioned singer totally redeemed herself with an earlier performance of Michael Jackson’s Man In The Mirror, which had the entire crowd on its feet, clapping hands along with the soulful Bermuda Mass Choir (check out the video above to see what I mean). What? You’ve never heard of Siedah Garrett? Neither did I until I learned she wrote the popular Michael Jackson anthem and has paired with the late King of Pop for duets including I Just Can’t Stop Loving You from his 1987 album, Bad. Her resume gets even better: Garrett also wrote Love You I Do, the Grammy-award winning, Jennifer Hudson-sung tune from the 2006 film Dreamgirls and fronted the acclaimed London neo-funk group, Brand New Heavies. Gosh, it looks like Bermuda got its special Halloween night performance after all.

BMF VIDEO: We Are The World

Sure, this rendition of We Are the World from last night’s Bermuda Music Festival could’ve ended a bit sooner but at the time no one, including myself, really wanted the superstars onstage to stop singing. It was just that good. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie and produced by Quincy Jones—last night honored with an African Diaspora Lifetime Achievement Award by the Premier of Bermuda—the anthem was sung by none other than Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Michael McDonald, Patti Austin and Gita Blakeney with backup provided by the soulful Bermuda Mass Choir. All in all an uplifting ending to a stellar show. The festival’s final performance kicks off tonight at 6pm with Grammy Award winner John Legend and a special performance of Thriller by the Warwick gombey troupe (otherwise known as Bermudian folk dancers). Sounds like a perfect Halloween night to me.

BMF: Wyclef Rocked. Badu, Not So Much.

If my pounding head and still-ringing ears are any indication I think I had a really good time at the Bermuda Music Festival last night. Blame it all on Wyclef. The multi-platinum recording artist kept the crowd jumping until 1:30 a.m., an electrifying performance that included old-school Fugees hits (Fug-Gee-Laa), Wyclef classics (Stayin’ Alive, Gone Til November), and Bob Marley covers (No Woman No Cry, I Shot the Sheriff, Redemption Song). Want a taste of what last night was like? Check out this 50-second YouTube video. I guess yesterday’s workout at the Fairmont Southampton paid off. Holy energy Batman! Unfortunately the same can’t be said of Erykah Badu, who lulled the crowd with her smooth, sultry voice. Neither of which was a bad thing, but the two performances couldn’t have been more different. With her own brand of laid-back neo-soul, Badu was the potatoes next to Wyclef’s meat (wow, did I just write that? I must’ve had a rougher night than I thought!). And as I suspected, Naturally 7 was indeed the real deal, as the soulful septet blew away the crowd with their R&B and acapella stylings. Tonight’s lineup: James Just Once Ingram, Michael I Keep Forgettin' McDonald, and the one and only Kenny Through the Years Rogers. Call it a hunch, but something tells me I won't be dipping into my bottle of Excedrin tomorrow morning.

Working Out With Wyclef!

It's not everyday that a multi-platinum recording artist is working out in the same gym you are but I guess crazier things have happened during my time here in Bermuda (eating fish sandwiches alongside a now-adult Golden Child in June is certainly one that comes to mind). Anyhow, I was testing out the facilities at the Fairmont Southampton—for the record as a guest of one of its members—when in walked the one and only Wyclef Jean, which of course makes sense since the hotel is hosting most of the performers at this weekend's Bermuda Music Festival. Besides doing some bicep curls and a few reps on the bench press, he and his entourage of two tossed around the medicine ball in preparation for tonight's show. Wyclef is officially pumped and that officially makes two of us.

Bermuda Music Festival: DAY ONE

The stage is set and the stars have arrived, so welcome to the first official day of the Bermuda Music Festival at the Royal Naval Dockyard. The three-day event kicks off tonight with performances by multi platinum musician Wyclef Jean, neo-soul diva Erykah Badu, and Naturally 7, a groovy accapella-meets-R&B act recently discovered by Quincy Jones himself. Never heard of them? Well you will soon. Check out this YouTube video of the soulful septet beat-boxing Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight on a Paris subway. Amazing stuff. Keep an eye out for the Parisian lady at the four-minute mark. If that’s not genuine love I don’t know what is. Best of all, the concert will be held at Bermuda’s historic Keep Yard for the first time in its fourteen-year history (that’s it in the picture above, on a particularly cloudy day). Concertgoers will enjoy the show from the grass, alongside the limestone structure in the foreground, but that’s just not any ‘ol pile of bricks. Called the Ordnance Building and constructed in 1850, this vaulted-ceiling magazine once stored 4,860 kegs of gunpowder for the British Royal Navy and impressions of the powder keg racks remain on the non-sparking, bitumen floor to this day. If you’re anywhere near Dockyard, it makes for an interesting visit. As does the recently renovated Commissioners House and the rest of the Bermuda Maritime Museum. But I’ll save that for another time. This weekend it’s all about the music.

Now Playing: Bermuda Music Festival

Bermuda may be a small island in the middle of the Atlantic but it sure does see it’s fair share of star-studded events. Last month I told you about how Mary J. Blige and Robin Thicke rocked the National Stadium, a killer concert that had the crowd dancing in its seats. This month welcomes an event of an entirely higher magnitude: The three-day Bermuda Music Festival starring Quincy Jones, John Legend, Wyclef Jean, Erykah Badu, Michael McDonald, Kenny Rogers and more. The action begins tomorrow at the Royal Naval Dockyard—so stay tuned for concert updates over the next three days—but musicians have already begun to trickle in. Just last night I had dinner at Jasmine’s, a tapas lounge in the lobby of the elegant Fairmont Southampton, when none other than Quincy Jones himself strolled in with a small entourage. He ordered a thin crust pizza and sat in a quiet corner of the restaurant, no doubt charging his batteries for what’s sure to be a spirited show. That or he was gearing up for tonight’s big event, the world premiere of Michael Jackson’s “This is It,” which will be shown at Bermuda’s own Liberty Theatre after a pink carpet arrival (Yes, pink. This is Bermuda after all). High-profile guests include singers Patti Austin and James Ingram, plus Q himself—a worthy invitee considering he produced Michael’s Jackson’s Thriller 25 years ago. Tickets to the film's world premiere are sold out, but there’s still time to buy tickets to the music festival, which opens its doors at 6pm tomorrow. For more information, go to the Bermuda Music Festival’s official website. See ya at the show!

Deal of the Day

Assuming you pounced on yesterday’s airfare sale from JetBlue—in case you missed it roundtrip flights from JFK to Bermuda were around $160 for one day only—you’re Bermuda bound with no itinerary in sight. Right? Well, let the deals keep coming because as you’ll see nothing’s cheap here in Bermuda. (Side note: This is a painful fact of life that I quickly determined to be true after searching the island high and low for a six-pack of beer cheaper than $11.60. Ouch!). Last week I told you about the upcoming Bermuda Music Festival, a three-day star-studded event that will feature the likes of Quincy Jones, John Legend, Erykah Badu, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, and more. It’s sure to be a dynamite show and the good news is visitors can now buy discounted tickets: Travelers who book any flight or hotel package to Bermuda on Expedia.com between now and October 12 will save 30% off the purchase of a one-day ticket or a multi-day pass. That makes a $110 ticket to the festival’s final night, including a much-hyped performance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller on Halloween, a slightly more affordable $77. That’s the good news. The bad news? You’ll probably fork over around fifty bucks for a taxi from Hamilton to Dockyard (on the island’s western tip where the concert is being staged) but such is life in Bermuda. Of course you can always take the bus for three bucks—it's reliable, safe, and best of all, bubblegum pink. After all, the show must go on.

Ticketmaster

I remember it like it was yesterday. Two weeks before I moved to Bermuda I was sitting in my doctor’s office for a routine check up when he commented that he could never move to the island because, “there’s nothing to do, there’s no culture, no music.” Apparently he knew this because he’d visited Bermuda for a weekend conference a few months prior to our conversation—a whopping two-and-a-half days stuck in the ballroom of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. No disrespect to the good doctor, but he’s got it dead wrong, especially about that last part. No music? How about Mary J. Blige? It was just over a month ago when she performed at the National Stadium along with two-hit-wonder Alan, ahem, Robin Thicke. (Part of me was hoping Richard "Boner" Stabone might show up and yes, we were that close to the stage). It was a rollicking performance and one that kept the crowd on its feet for a good two hours. Best of all there’s more on the way. According to Urban Mecca, the Bermuda Music Festival rolls into town at the end of October—a three-day, star-studded gathering from the 29^th through the 31^th led by legendary musician/producer Quincy Jones. He’s bringing a slew of friends too including Wyclef Jean, John Legend, Erykah Badu, James Ingram, Kenny Rogers, Michael McDonald, and more. It’s sure to be a massive party and one that most Bermudians wouldn’t dare miss. The final night alone is bound to be a doozy. That's when Quincy and gang plan to perform Michael Jackson's Thriller 25 years after the best-selling album of all time was first produced by Q himself. On Halloween night, no less. I don't know about you but that sounds like a pretty good time to me. You hear that doc?