14 Years of Music History in Bermuda

2009 marks a historic year for the Bermuda Music Festival. Not only is the fest moving to a new venue – the Keep Yard at the Bermuda Maritime Museum – it’s helping the recently renovated, majestic and storied oceanfront landmark celebrate its 200th anniversary. Since 1995 the Bermuda Music Festival, which began life as a jazz event, has played host to performing luminaries including Beyonce, Smokey Robinson, Alicia Keys, Earth Wind and Fire, UB40, Patti LaBelle and Seal. The Bermuda Department of Tourism underwrites the event as a dynamic way to bring world-class entertainment to the island, to the delight of residents and visitors alike.

In 2009, however, 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.

Beyonce dazzles at Bermuda Music Festival 2008

Inspired by the exotic, wild beauty of the island, Beyonce electrified her audience at the 2008 Bermuda Music Festival. The dynamic performer took the packed house on a musical journey, traveling back and forth in time with renditions of her early chart topper with Destiny’s Child, “Say My Name” to more recent hits like “Dangerously in Love”. Beyonce gave the mesmerized crowd in Bermuda an extra treat – a preview of her take on the classic Etta James ballad “At Last”, two months before millions around the world would watch her perform the love song at President Barack Obama’s Inaugural ball.

Alicia Keys Loves Bermuda

“I love being in this country,” Alicia Keys told the audience at Bermuda’s national football stadium when she took to the stage in 2008. The smooth and stylish New York Native lit up the night sky with her hits including “You Don’t Know My Name” and “If I Ain’t Got You”. Beyonce and Alicia were joined by a star-studded list of performers including UB40, Aaron Neville and more, taking the Bermuda Music Festival to new heights. The 2008 Bermuda Music Festival smashed all previous attendance and revenue records for the 13 year old island songfest.