PHOTOS FROM DAY 2: STARS COLLABORATE FOR “WE ARE THE WORLD” & QUINCY JONES IS AWARDED AFRICAN DIASPORA AWARD!!!!!

Siedah Garrett, Kenny Rogers, John Ingram, Michael McDonald, Pattti Austin, and Gita come together for a special edition of “We Are The World”:

Kenny Rogers charms the crowd and sings his hit “The Gambler”:

Quincy Jones conducts the Big Band orchestra:

Gita serenades Quincy Jones and sparkles on stage:

Quincy Jones accepts the African Diaspora Award from the Premier of Bermuda Ewart Brown:

Michael McDonald rocks out on the piano while he’s “Taking It to the Streets”:

Patti Austin and James Ingram collaborate for “How Do You Keep the Music Playing”:

Patti Austin sings gracefully to the people of Bermuda under the stars:

James Ingram showing us “One Hundred Ways” of love in Bermuda:

Photo Credit: Rob Loud for Gibraltar

DAY 1:  NATURALLY 7, ERYKAH BADU, AND WYCLEF JEAN KEPT PEOPLE ON THEIR FEET UNTIL AFTER 1 IN THE MORNING…

Photo Credit: Rob Loud for Gibraltar

Photo Credit: Rob Loud for Gibraltar

Photo Credit: Rob Loud for Gibraltar

]]> http://www.bmf09.com/this-is-it-premiere/feed/ 0 http://www.bmf09.com/chris-tucker-added-to-bmf09-lineup/ http://www.bmf09.com/chris-tucker-added-to-bmf09-lineup/#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:23:27 +0000 Tanya http://www.bmf09.com/chris-tucker-added-to-bmf09-lineup/ WATCH THE THIS IS IT BERMUDA PREMIERE LIVE RIGHT NOW AT:

www.livestream.com/thisisitpremiere

DON’T MISS IT!!!!

New York, NY, October 6, 2009 – In the fourth of a series of LIVE webcasts leading up to the Bermuda Music Festival, October 29-31, 2009, six-time Grammy award winner, recording artist, musician and actor, John Legend speaks with festival producer Rock Newman LIVE via webcam today at 7pm ET / 4pm PT (Tues. Oct. 6) at www.BMF09.com.

Live Webcast with John Legend

Legend was chosen personally by Quincy Jones to join him in Bermuda for a rare collection of performances, billed as “Quincy Jones & Friends”. He will perform on the final evening of the Festival, Saturday, October 31. Earlier this year, Jones penned Legend’s profile for the 2009 TIME 100 Most Influential People issue (http://tinyurl.com/ckckjk), where he honored Legend for his “complete understanding of where he comes from, musically and spiritually.” Legend recently finished a recording for an upcoming album that pays tribute to Quincy Jones.

Tune in LIVE at 7pm ET / 4pm PT on Tuesday, October 6 at www.BMF09.com.

Other stars of the music world joining Quincy Jones at the Bermuda Music Festival include: Patti Austin, Erykah Badu, James Ingram, Wyclef Jean, Michael McDonald, Kenny Rogers, Naturally Seven, and a World Orchestra led by musical director Greg Phillinganes..

NOTE: As of the time of this release, a limited number of tickets are still available at www.bmf09.com and www.bdatix.bm.

Acclaimed Singer & Grammy Winner Erykah Badu in Exclusive LIVE Video Webcast TODAY at 5pm ET / 2pm PT at www.BMF09.com; Badu Talks about Headlining Opening Night of the Bermuda Music Festival, celebrating “Quincy Jones and Friends”, October 29-31, 2009

Festival Producer Rock Newman Chats Live with Badu About Her Performance at BMF, Quincy Jones’ Influence on her Music, and her Upcoming Album

New York, NY, September 23, 2009 – In the third of a series of LIVE webcasts leading up to the Bermuda Music Festival, October 29-31, 2009 acclaimed singer and multiple Grammy winner Erykah Badu speaks with festival producer Rock Newman LIVE from her Dallas studio via video today at 5pm ET / 2pm PT (Wed. Sept 23) at www.BMF09.com.

There is growing excitement amongst the stars chosen personally by Quincy Jones to join him in Bermuda for a rare collection of performances, billed as “Quincy Jones & Friends”. Badu was recently referred to by Jones as “Unbelievable!,”(see video posted on 9/16/09 at www.quincyjones.com). In today’s exclusive webcast, Badu is expected to discuss her creative process and preparations for her headlining performance on the Festival’s opening night, Thursday, October 29, 2009.

Tune in LIVE at 5pm ET / 2pm PT on Wednesday Sept 23 at www.BMF09.com .

Other stars of the music world joining Quincy Jones in Bermuda include: Patti Austin, James Ingram, Wyclef Jean, John Legend, Michael McDonald, Kenny Rogers, Naturally 7, and a World Orchestra led by musical director Greg Phillinganes.

NOTE: As of the time of this release, a limited number of tickets to the Thursday night’s performance are still available at www.bmf09.com and www.bdatix.bm.

About Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu, best known for her eccentric style and cerebral music, is a Grammy- award winning American soul singer and songwriter, whose sound — a concoction of soul, hip hop and jazz — can not be contained to a single genre. The Texas native, who prides herself on being a “mother first”, is a touring artist, teacher, community activist, holistic healer, vegan, recycler, and conscious spirit. Her current album, New Amerykah, Part I, 4th World War makes way for Part II, Return of the Ahnk which releases in February 2010. Visit: www.erykah-badu.com

About Gibraltar Promotions, LLC
Gibraltar Promotions, LLC is a full service marketing, promotions and event production firm headed by Rock Newman, former manager to Heavyweight Champion, Riddick Bowe. Dubbed by Jet Magazine as the “Renaissance Man,” Mr. Newman now uses his experience and expertise to spearhead and manage numerous international entertainment events. This is the second year in a row that he has produced the Bermuda Music Festival. Gibraltar Promotions is headquartered in Las Vegas, with offices in New York and Washington D.C. Visit: www.RockNewman.com & www.GibraltarPromotion.com.

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For More Information, contact:
Lisa Amore, AMORE PR for Gibraltar Promotions, Office: 202.506.3056, lisa@amorepr.com

Alexis Denny, Normandy International, international marketing agent for Gibraltar Promotions: +336 9873 9597, alexis@nextthing.tv

Check back often for all the latest news, interviews and artist videos.

QUINCY WILL TALK WITH FESTIVAL PRODUCER ROCK NEWMAN ABOUT HIS WEEKEND-LONG COLLABORATION WITH SOME OF THE MUSIC WORLD’S BIGGEST STARS AT THE BERMUDA MUSIC FESTIVAL, OCTOBER 29-31, 2009

In an exclusive LIVE webcast, Quincy Jones will speak about his unique way of combining the musical styles of a wide range of rare talents including:

Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson

Patti Austin
Erykah Badu
James Ingram
Wyclef Jean
John Legend
Michael McDonald
Kenny Rogers
Naturally 7

On the last evening of the Festival, Halloween, Quincy will unveil a heretofore unseen performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” – 25 years after he first produced the best-selling album of all-time. Quincy’s collaboration with Michael on “Thriller,” “Off the Wall” and “Bad” produced some of the most memorable music in history.

What will he create in Bermuda to honor those memories? Tune in LIVE at 2pm PT/5pm ET on Tuesday, September 15 at www.BMF09.com.

Local loop at “This is It” Premiere provided by BTC.

Lightning fast bandwidth in Bermuda provided by Northrock Communications.

Special thanks to the Information Technology Office of the Bermuda Government.

LIVE WEBCAST WITH WYCLEF JEAN – THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10
 at 5pm EDT www.BMF09.com/chat

LOS ANGELES, CA, September 10, 2009 – Legendary producer & composer Quincy Jones (or “Q” as he has come to be known amongst fans and friends alike) and boxing–turned–entertainment promoter Rock Newman today unveiled the growing group of award-winning musicians that will assemble to perform with Quincy for one weekend only at the 14th Annual Bermuda Music Festival.

 ”Quincy Jones and Friends” will be staged over three days from October 29-31, 2009, in a spectacular setting on the tip of the island of Bermuda, surrounded by crystal blue waters and performed under the stars.  On the final night, October 31st (Halloween) there will be a special performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” – 25 years after the best-selling album of all-time was first produced by Quincy Jones.

During this historic weekend of performances, Bermuda’s Premier Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown will honor Quincy Jones’ lifetime contributions to culture and humanity with the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Award.  Jones changed the way music and philanthropy interact through his star-studded collaboration “We Are the World”, the best-selling single of all time.  Produced and arranged by Quincy Jones, this single raised $63 million for Ethiopian Famine Relief and shined a much-needed spotlight on the Ethiopian drought.
He continues his worldwide philanthropic efforts through music, in collaboration with institutions such as Harvard University, entertainers including Bono and Oprah Winfrey, and through his personal foundation, The Quincy Jones Foundation.

“It is my distinct honor to receive the African Diaspora Award from Premier Brown and the people of Bermuda and to join with them to celebrate the beauty and wonder of Bermuda during the 14th Annual Bermuda Music Festival.  The line-up of artists that we have assembled for this year’s festival are some of the most talented performers of their generation and, like me, understand and respect the diverse musical and spiritual influences that are reflected in Bermuda’s rich cultural history.  I promise that this year’s festival will be one that you definitely will not want to miss… it’s going to be hot.”

The Bermuda Music Festival, sponsored by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, broke all attendance records last year when Beyoncé and Alicia Keys performed on the island.   
This October, the Festival will take its musical presentation to another level by showcasing the many talents of living legend Quincy Jones – a 27 time Grammy Award winner, with a record 79 Grammy nominations.  The prolific Jones will conduct, arrange and perform with artists who share his passions, many of whom he has mentored or guided at different points in their careers.

Today at 5pm EDT, festival promoter Rock Newman and Wyclef Jean – recently in the studio recording a song for the yet-to-be-released Quincy Jones Tribute Album – will make an exclusive LIVE appearance on www.BMF09.com/chat. Quincy described Wyclef’s performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival this summer as “a show that nobody in the world could follow.”   Wyclef will share his insights with Rock into Quincy’s magic, their shared musical history, and what can be expected from this star-studded orchestra of “Friends” in Bermuda in October.

The lineup – like Quincy’s own career – mixes a broad variety of talent, range and style.  The elite group of musicians share both musical roots and – in some cases personal ties – with the man who has collaborated with talents as diverse as Frank Sinatra, Will Smith and Ella Fitzgerald.   The 2009 Bermuda Music Festival artists, with over 45 Grammies between them, are:

• 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.

• 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 – Michael is known around the world as a founding member of both the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan.  A gold and platinum-selling American R&B/soul singer and songwriter, he 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.

• 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 Seven – 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.

The artists will perform with an international orchestra, assembled by Quincy and comprised of some of the music world’s most respected talents: Greg Phillinganes, music director, writer, arranger, producer and 34-year veteran musician; R&B guitar phenom Paul Jackson Jr.; and John Robinson, Q’s drummer since 1979 and the drummer for Barbra Streisand from 1993 through the present. Local Bermudian musicians will also join these global talents for a truly unique collaboration.
The 2009 Bermuda Music Festival is once again being produced by Gibraltar Promotions LLC., in association with Yhoshi Productions LTD.  The producers would like to thank Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Bermuda for their support as the host hotel sponsor for the 14th Annual Bermuda Music Festival.
Tickets for the Music Festival are on sale now, and are available at the iStore and Fabulous Fashions at the Heron Bay Plaza.  Tickets are also available online at www.bdatix.bm.  For more information please visit www.bermudatourism.com or www.BMF09.com.

About Gibraltar Promotions, LLC
Gibraltar Promotions, LLC is a full service marketing, promotions and event production firm headed by Rock Newman, former manager to Heavyweight Champion, Riddick Bowe. Dubbed by Jet Magazine as the "Renaissance Man," Mr. Newman now uses his experience and expertise to spearhead and manage numerous international entertainment events. This is now the second year in a row that he has produced the Bermuda Music Festival. Gibraltar Promotions is headquartered in Las Vegas, with offices in New York, Washington D.C. and Bermuda.  For more details, visit:  www.RockNewman.com & www.GibraltarPromotion.com.

About Bermuda
Bermuda, just under two hours from East Coast gateway cities, stretches for 21 miles along turquoise waters and is surrounded by a 200-square-mile coral reef plateau.  Bermuda’s diverse activities offer an array of vacation options, including more wreck dives than anywhere else in the world, championship golf, horseback riding, world-renowned deep sea fishing and smooth pink beaches to rest on by day’s end.

Accommodations range from luxury resorts to intimate guest cottages and family-run inns, which all incorporate the sophistication and hospitality unique to the Bermuda experience.  For more information, visit:  www.bermudatourism.com.
###
For More Information, contact:
Lisa Amore, AMORE PR for Gibraltar Promotions, Office: 202.506.3056,
Mobile: 206-954-8006, lisa@amorepr.com

Alexis Denny, Normandy International, international marketing agent for Gibraltar Promotions: +336 9873 9597, alexis@nextthing.tv

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.