In 2009,  the Festival’s wildly enthusiastic audiences will welcome their most honored artist ever: the incomparable Quincy Jones. “Q”, as he has become known to many, has been nominated for more Grammies than any artist in history (79 nominations), produced the best-selling single of all-time (“We Are The World”), and for decades has been known for his pioneering work both in philanthropy and with musical legends ranging from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson. This year, Bermuda Premier Dr. Ewart will honor Quincy Jones’ lifetime achievements and contributions to humanity with the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Award. To cap the event, Jones will bring into his performance a group of stellar artists from around the globe to create a singularly unique World Orchestra.

Halloween night, October 31, will feature a special tribute to Michael Jackson including Bermuda’s treasured Gombey dancers. Come be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime event!

Quincy has also arranged for a number of his superstar friends to perform as well:

Patti Austin – A beloved singer and member of Quincy’s extended family, Patti has worked with Quincy since she was 4 years old. Proud to be Patti’s godfather, Q produced her #1 hit “Baby, Come to Me” – a duet with James Ingram. She later teamed up with Ingram once again for chart-topper “How Do You Keep the Music Playing”. Patti’s other work with the Quincy “family” includes collaboration with both Quincy and Michael Jackson on “Off The Wall” and “The Wiz”.

Erykah Badu – Acclaimed, multiple Grammy winner who is known as the “First Lady of Neo-Soul”. Her work blends many musical genres – something which Quincy will do in Bermuda – and includes elements from R&B, hip hop and jazz, weaving unusual musical influences together to create a rich texture of sound. In many aspects she remains the quintessential Hip-Hop B-Girl, although she no longer rhymes.

Siedah Garrett – Garrett has enjoyed tremendous success as a songwriter, co-penning songs for everyone from the King of Pop, to the Queen of Soul, and many, many artists in between.  But she’s also had some amazing successes as a recording artist in her own right.  Garrett’s first Billboard Top 5, solo single, “Do You Want It Right Now”, with former Temptation, Dennis Edwards, exploded onto the national and international scenes.

James Ingram – Versatile soul musician and acclaimed vocalist, James and Quincy have collaborated in many ways, including their stunning “cold open” of the 1984 Grammy Award telecast, performing “Just Once.” He co-wrote “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)”, recorded by Michael Jackson on his blockbuster Thriller. James and Quincy’s other hits include “Secret Garden” (written and produced by Quincy), which hit #1 on the Billboard AC chart and “One Hundred Ways” for which James won the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal.

Wyclef Jean - A multi-platinum Haitian-American musician, actor, producer and social entrepreneur. He recently performed at the 2009 Montreux Jazz Festival, where he was introduced by Quincy Jones, and dedicated his set to Quincy. The two musicians share a deep commitment to philanthropy and Wyclef is a Haitian Goodwill Ambassador. Through the foundation he created, Yéle Haiti, Wyclef supports projects that are making a difference in education, health, environment and community development. Wyclef has just finished recording for the upcoming Quincy Jones Tribute Album, out shortly on Interscope Records.

John Legend – Six-time Grammy award winner, recording artist, musician and actor, Quincy just penned John’s entry in the 2009 TIME 100 Most Influential People issue (http://tinyurl.com/ckckjk), where he stated that Legend has “a dedicated work ethic born of (his) desire and God-given talents to be the best at (his) craft that (he) could be.” Jones and Legend recently recorded the ballad “Tomorrow,” which will be featured on Jones’ forthcoming tribute album.

Michael McDonald – A gold and platinum-selling American R&B/soul singer, songwriter and 5-time Grammy winner, Michael McDonald teamed up with James Ingram on the album “It’s Your Night”, produced by Quincy Jones. His duet with Ingram, “Yah Mo Be There” won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo. Michael is also known around the world as a former member of both the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan.

Kenny Rogers – One of the first four artists to appear in “We Are the World”, the best-selling single of all time, produced by Quincy Jones. With an instantly identifiable raspy voice, Rogers’ songs “Lady,” “The Gambler,” “She Believes in Me,” “Islands in the Stream,” are beloved around the world. Though theoretically a country singer, Rogers has delivered chart-topping memorable songs for more than five decades to fans among rock, pop, soul and country audiences.

Naturally 7 – An innovative R& B music group with a distinct a cappella style that they call “Vocal Play”. Quincy is currently working on contemporary remakes of the songs “Relax Max” and “Soul Bossa Nova” with Naturally Seven. This past summer, they stunned audiences new to their work with their special tribute to Michael Jackson at the Quincy Jones 75th Birthday Celebration during the Montreux Jazz Festival.