Now Jelani’s latest hits, ‘Studio @ 8’, ‘Bad Side’ and ‘We Made It’ have captured the attention of school children across the island.

During his most recent “tour” of Bermuda’s middle schools Jelani greeted fans, signed autographs and performed at Sandys, Clearwater and T N. Tatem.

On Saturday, May 19th, 2012, Jelani will be performing all of his latest songs and a few old favorites at “King of The Paradise” a full show and fundraiser starting at 8:30pm in the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium.

The show will feature special performances by Buzby, Fyah B and Krazed Ego and a Palm Tree Living Fashion Show. Each ticket holder will receive a free copy of Jelani’s new mix tape launching that night and one lucky guest will win a photo opportunity and personal autograph session with Jelani.

Tickets cost $35, and can be purchased at Caesar’s Pharmacy, Fabulous Fashions and the Ruth Seaton James box office. All proceeds from this event will go towards funding Jelani’s future plans to perform overseas at several music festivals across the U.S. this summer. His goal is to gain more experience on stage and increase his international exposure.

Everyday Jelani works diligently at his craft, and he looks to take his rapping career to the top. He strives to have his music played all over the world, and be signed to a major record label. For more information on Jelani, the show, his mix tape or ways you can support him please contact 504-0551 or info@plamtreelivingbermuda.com.

PlayList Management, is conducting their annual Developing Artist Program [DAP] which offers student musicians/artists the chance to work alongside professional musical artists, producers, and the like for a full week in Atlanta, GA.

“Many of Bermuda’s young musicians are unfamiliar with the “behind the scene” aspect of the music industry. PLM provides an opportunity for our budding musicians to be exposed to the inner workings of all aspects of this profession long before they reach the critical point of a career decision.”

“Most musicians only see the performance aspect and don’t realize the amount of energy it takes to make their performance successful,” stated Theresa Minors, CEO of PlayList Management. “We are excited about being able to provide them with the chance to work alongside professional artists who have dedicated their lives to their craft.

“We have organized for the students to receive instruction at Lion’s Share Cre8tiv, Atlanta’s #1 artist development company as well as gain knowledge from professional producers, managers, independent labels, and entertainment lawyers.

“This intensive covers types of industry contracts, music production knowledge, networking opportunities and experience with various recording studios and producers in the Atlanta area. This is an exciting opportunity for our students.”

Their schedule is jammed packed with vocal/music instruction, production sessions, and even a special artist “Q&A” session. Last year, the students had the opportunity to sit and chat with Director/Actor/Producer Tommy Ford from TV’s Martin fame [pictured above].

This year, the community is encouraged to be part of their experience – an online blog has been created to share their daily activities. The students will share their thoughts, videos, pictures and more for all to see.

Additionally, PLM is encouraging individuals, as well as companies, who may wish to help sponsor a student to contact Mr. D Minors at pr.playlistmanagement@gmail.com. All funds received are marked for that specific student and their instructional cost only.

The students this year are:

Berkeley Institute

• Jeron Clemendor (Percussion)
• Malaiyah Jackson (Vocals)
• Chinyere Nwasike (Vocals)
• Chiante Roberts (Vocals/keys)
• Delijah Symonds (Vocals)

Warwick Academy

• Justice Edness (Vocals)
• Dylan Hollis (Keys)
• Emma Keane (Vocals/guitar)

Home School/Other

• Jahroy Richards (Rap)
• Additional student – Shomari Warner (Producer)

The two artists, signed with Spotlight Talent Agency, will spend quality time at the Rehearsal Factory preparing to perform at popular downtown venue called Lambadina Lounge on Wednesday. They will perform on Friday May 18th at the same venue.

While in Toronto, Kombat and Mariore will also record music at Scarlet Sky Studio and work with film company, Flashfilment, to produce a promotional video for Kombat’s song, Astronauts, which has been played locally on Hott 1075 and Power 95. You may visit their website to learn more about the film company.

En Sound is an Independent Gospel Music Award Show which provides an outlet where independent and unsigned artists are recognized for their contribution to the gospel music industry.

The En Sound Awards are determined by a popularity vote which takes place online. Voting ends on June 8th, 2012, with the awards being presented on July 29, at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia U.S.A.

The nominations are for: Best Urban Female, Female Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Artist of the Year

Set at the show’s closing scene, personalities Susan and Keisha can be seen bouncing to the track while they play in the water with the Dolphins in Tahiti as the song plays in the background.

“I literally felt good when I got the news of the songs placement on the show” said Collie Buddz, “It’s nice to see Reggae profiled in such a big way!”

Basketball Wives is a reality television series that premiered on the VH1 cable television network on April 11, 2010, with Shaunie O’Neal — the ex-wife of former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal — serving as executive producer of the series

The “Bermuda Day” event was spearheaded by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, and also saw the first pitch of the game thrown by Shawn Caisey of the participating Gombey group.

In June 1980, John Lennon sailed to Bermuda on a yacht for an extended vacation. The experience sparked his musical genius and the resulting comeback album was entitled Double Fantasy, named for a flower he had seen in the Bermuda Botanical Gardens.

On Thursday, June 21, 2012 Bermuda is honouring this great music legend at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, located on the grounds of Bermuda’s Botanical Gardens with the unveiling of a memorial sculpture, an art exhibit and the grand opening of the “Double Fantasy Labyrinth.”

On Friday, September 21, 2012 Bermuda artists and artists from around the world will honour John Lennon with a tribute concert held at the Botanical Gardens Show Ring. The evening will also include the release of the “Bermuda John Lennon Tribute” CD and the launch of the book “Bermuda Fantasy – John Lennon’s Island Story”.

Guest artists for the tribute concert include: Heather Nova, Maxi Priest, Biggie Irie, Judie Tzuke, Roy Young, Chewstick, Rachel Brown, Joy Barnum, Paul Muggleton, Bailey & Tallula Tzuke, Robert “Sai” Emery, Christina Frith, Jonathan Frith, Bailey Outerbridge, Steve Easton, Michael Cacy and more. Previews of some of the songs by local musicians are below:

Watching the Wheels – Rachel Brown:

Revolution – Bailey Outerbridge

Beautiful Boy – Jonathan Frith Artwork

Norwegian Wood – Heather Nova

Julia – Christina Frith

Woman – Biggie Irie

Love – Judie Tzuke

The winner of the second season of American Idol in 2003, Mr Studdard received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “Superstar,” and is best known for songs including “Sorry 2004″, “Flying Without Wings”, and “I Need an Angel.”

Sub-Lieutenant Roger Burney [1919-1942] was the British Naval Liason Officer [BNLO] aboard the ill-fated submarine and 20 years after his death his friend, composer Benjamin Britten, named him as one of the four dedicatees of his War Requiem.

The War Requiem was commissioned for the reconsecration of Britain’s Coventry Cathedral on 30 May 1962 after the original 14th century structure was destroyed in a World War II bombing raid. As a pacifist, Britten was inspired by the commission, which gave him complete freedom to choose the type of music to compose. He conceived of setting the traditional Latin Mass for the Dead interwoven with nine poems about war by the English poet Wilfred Owen.

Owen, who was born in 1893, was serving as the commander of a rifle company when he was killed in action on November 4, 1918 during the crossing of the Sambre-Oise Canal in France, just one week before the World War One [1914-1918] Armistice.

The work was dedicated to four individuals, Roger Burney, Piers Dunkerley, David Gill, and Michael Halliday. Burney, Gill and Halliday all died in World War Two [1939-1945]. Piers Dunkerley, one of Britten’s closest friends, took part in the 1944 Normandy landings. Unlike the other dedicatees, he survived the war but committed suicide in June 1959, two months before his wedding.

Roger Burney was born into a military family but remained a committed pacifist until the German invasion of Poland in 1939 when widespread Nazi atrocities led to him joining the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve.

While on active service, he met Benjamin Britten in New York — where the British composer was then living — in 1941 before travelling to Bermuda where he joined the crew of the “Surcouf.”

None of the other dedicatees have known graves, but are commemorated on memorials to the missing.

The revolutionary “Surcouf” was launched on November 18, 1929. The vessel was named after the popular French naval hero, Robert Surcouf, whose bold exploits against the English in the Indian Ocean were legendary among his countrymen.

When launched, “Surcouf” was the largest submarine in the World. She was was 361 feet long and displaced 3304 tons when surfaced and 4318 tons when submerged. The two giant 3800-hp Sulze diesel engines could drive the surfaced vessel for 10,000 miles without refuelling at a speed of 10 knots. Maximum speed was 19 knots while surfaced and 8 knots while submerged. Her underwater duration was limited to just one hour and propulsion in this mode was provided by electric motors and batteries.

Painting of the “Surcouf” operating at sea off Bermuda

She was well equipped for the envisaged role with two massive eight guns mounted in a gun turret installed just forward of the conning tower. Two 37mm cannons, two Hotchkiss machine guns and six torpedo tubes fitted near the tail were also available for use when the vessel was surfaced. When submerged, the four internal torpedo tubes were deemed to be the principal method of attack.

The “Surcouf” was built with a cylindrical watertight hanger located behind the conning tower and where a Besson MB411-AFN seaplane was stored and could be rolled out and launched from a ramp to spot for enemy shipping.

From a strategic viewpoint, the existence of such a potent weapon served as a powerful deterrent during peacetime while presenting an awesome threat during war. Outwardly, she appeared as an exemplar of technological progress and innovation.

In reality though, the “Surcouf” was unreliable and suffered from several crucial design defects. She was prone to leaks, particularly within the gun turret, and which seriously affected the trim of the craft when submerged.

Her diesel engines, electric motors and other systems often broke down and spare parts were almost impossible to obtain due to her unique design. In some cases, the problems were an inherent part of the design and could not be resolved.

During World War Two “Surcouf” fled France for the United Kingdom just prior to the German conquest in 1940 and joined the Allied cause.

Sent to the Western Atlantic on convoy escort duties, she frequently operated out of Bermuda between 1940 and her disappearance in 1942 and was reported as representing a hazard to the shipss she was was supposed to protect.

On one occasion, she even reportedly attempted a botched attack on an American Task Force including the aircraft carrier USS “Wasp and the heavy cruiser USS “Quincy” and at a time before the US had even entered the war.

Short documentary on the writing of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem

On Christmas Day, 1941 — three weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour brought America into World War Two – orders were issued for “Surcouf” to proceed to Tahiti from Halifax via the Panama Canal. US and British strategists believed Tokyo was eyeing the French Pacific territory and might launch an invasion and thought “Surcouf” might act as a deterrent.

Roger Burney noted receipt of these orders in his report dated January 16, 1942.

On January 29, HMS Malabar — the Royal Navy’s Western Atlantic headquarters in Bermuda suggested that “Surcouf” should head directly for the canal. This request was ignored and Surcouf sailed from Halifax on February 3 and arrived in Bermuda on February 7.

As feared, her captain produced a lengthy defect list. One of the electric motors was in desperate need of service and, considering the risk of “Surcouf” diving out of control again, this was deemed as serious. The dockyard estimated a three month repair time.

The last report from Roger Burney — dated February 10, 1942 — paints a dismal picture of what life aboard the submarine was like.

He commended his associates forced to endure the torture with him and how the crew were often drunk and incapable. He revealed the content of a personal conversation with the captain and where the latter revealed inability to recognise some ships as friend or foe.

Messages flashed between Bermuda and London and where the latter suggested she should go-to-sea irrespective of condition beyond the minimum requirements. The Admiralty knew her presence would not deter the Japanese and one letter even suggested that “Surcouf” should be paid off and her crew used to supplement the Bermuda defence force.

Repairs delayed “Surcouf’s” departure from Bermuda until February 12 but the submarine was destined never to reach the Panama Canal.

What precisely happened to the “Surcouf” on that last fatal voyage has remained conjecture ever since. Speculation about sabotage or mutiny was rife at the time but failed to hold up under scrutiny. It seems far more probable, though equally unproven, that she was the victim of a night time collision in the Caribbean with a freighter called “Thompson Lykes” at 10.30pm on February 18. All 130 men aboard are assumed to have been lost, making the sinking of the “Surcouf” the worst submarine disaster ever up until that time .

The opening “Requiem aeternam” from Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem conducted by Mstislav Rostropovich 

On June 21 the unveiling of a sculpture  by local artist Graham Foster commemorating the singer/songwriter’s time here will take place at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art in the Botanical Gardens [John Lennon is seen here at a Bermuda beach with his son Sean, who spent the summer with him on the island].

There will also be the opening of Bag One Arts Lennon Lithographs display in the museum’s Rick Faries Gallery. Former art student Lennon rediscovered the visual arts in the 1960s and worked on lithography up until the time of his death at the hands of a deranged fan in December, 1980.

The June event will culminate with the opening of the Botanical Gardens’ “Double Fantasy” Labyrinth — named after the album Lennon and wife Yoko Ono released following his Bermuda sojourn. The album took its title from a flower Lennon saw at the 36-acre gardens.

A four-song EP featuring cover versions of Lennon’s solo work and Beatles songs will be released at this time along with a music video of  his anthemic 1967 classic “All You Need Is Love” featuring local performers that was shot at the Botanical Gardens.

In July a full John Lennon tribute CD made up of material by local performers and international artists with strong Bermuda connections will be released.

Finally, a  tribute concert originally scheduled for June 21 — with a line-up which includes local entertainers and performers with close Bermuda ties including Maxi Priest – has been moved back to September 21st or October 12. Confirmation of the date is pending.

Maxi Priest arrives at London’s Abbey Road studios — where John Lennon and the Beatles recorded some of their most famous tracks — to mix his contribution to the Bermuda tribute CD

Liverpool-born John Lennon spent six weeks in Bermuda in 1980 editing, reworking and producing demonstration tapes of the songs which appeared on “Double Fantasy” and “Milk & Honey”, a posthumously released 1984 album.

He sailed here in June, 1980 from Rhode Island, a near-fatal experience which reconnected the singer/songwriter with his muse  after six years of semi-retirement in New York.

“They got in this big old storm. This old sailor got really sick. He told John to take the wheel. Torrential rains and waves pounded the boat …,” producer Jack Douglas — who worked on “Double Fantasy” — has said. “Right after this transformative, emotional and physically exhilarating experience on the sailboat, he arrived [in Bermuda] with this quiet and this space and it all came through him. John Lennon started making music again.”

Members of the 43-foot ketch “Megan Jaye’s” crew have talked about the severe gale the yacht ran into during its six-day crossing to Bermuda. saying novice sailor Lennon grasped the fundamentals of weathering the storm with  an ”intuition [that] was remarkable.”

While he claimed to have written all of the songs on “Double Fantasy” and “Milk & Honey” on the island that summer in a whirlwind burst of activity, much of the material long pre-dated his Bermuda visit. Most of the songs had in fact been works in progress since the mid-to-late 1970s.

Although he composed little new material on the island, the classic “Double Fantasy”  track “Woman” — described by critics as one of his most mature and enduring works — does appear to have been written in its entirety while he was in Bermuda.

John Lennon demo tapes of “Woman” recorded in Bermuda

The school will be partnering with Emmy award-winning electric violinist Mark Wood to present the 15th annual “Some Enchanted Evening” concert on Saturday, April 28.

A former member of the symphonic rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mr. Wood has been touring schools in the United States and internationally with his series of music education programs called “Electrify Your Strings”.

He has taught at the annual Mark O’Connor Fiddle Camps and in 2008 was elected to the board of the American String Teachers Association.

In January 2008 his book “Electrify your Strings” was published.

He debuted the Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp [MWROC] in 2010, where he and many other high caliber world-class rock musicians hold a full week of workshops culminating in a final concert that includes all students and faculty.

The 2012 theme is” Fire ‘n Ice” as they will be combining classical orchestra with high energy rock ‘n’ roll from The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Van Halen.

The show begins at 7.30pm in the Mid-Ocean Amphitheatre at Fairmont Southampton.

Tickets cost $45 for adults, $15 for children or $100 for Patrons and are available here.

For more information, contact 296-5100 or musicschool@northrock.bm

The Mark Wood Experience as featured on PBS TV

On the last night of a Spring Break visit to the island in March, the group sang at local residence “Knapton House” for a few graduates and local supporters of Vermont’s Middlebury College.

Also known as the D8, the Dissipated Eight is the oldest a cappella group at Middlebury.

The group performs both nationally and internationally, at private venues, colleges, and high schools alike. Over the years, the group has arranged numerous contemporary and modern pieces, and now has more than 200 recorded covers of popular music.

They generally do not use any instruments in their recordings, and instead carefully select different pitches to simulate the tones needed for each song.

This often means recreating sounds such as the high-pitched tone of the fiddle in “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” or the bass and snare of the drum set in “All Along The Watchtower.”

Several former members of the Dissipated Eight have gone on to gain prominence, including international opera performer William Burden, television and film actor Jake Weber, and author/editor Peter Knobler.

The Dissipated Eight has released a total of 21 albums of vinyl and CD since the group was formed in 1952.

Titled “Kweebland”, it’s the latest release from the hard-driving 22-year-old bassist for the backing band DIA.

DIA has taken Bermuda by storm as the hottest, freshest backing band playing all-original music from a variety of genres including hip hop, reggae, soul and their newly developed Bermudian genre, gombass.

Their imaginative original music has been exceptionally well-received locally and internationally.

Although DIA only formed in 2010, they have already opened for Toni Braxton at the Bermuda Music Festival with Chewstick and have gone on tour with Chewstick to New York City and Toronto.

DIA is comprised of Bermudian drum legend, Scarlet Thomas; guitarist-extraordinaire Kofi; boy wonder, electronic maestro and percussionist Aden Peets; and music director Mr. Simmons on bass and production.

They have backed the best of Bermuda’s artists including Joy T. Barnum, Riddla, Kombat, Uzi Mon, Ramon Clarke and others.

They have hosted their own freestyle nights and you can catch them backing local talent at Chewstick’s open mic jam sessions every Sunday at the cultural organisation’s Neo–Griot Lounge on the corner of Court and Elliot Streets.

Chewstick, founded in 2002, is dedicated to breaking down social barriers, providing opportunities for storytellers of every medium and is committed to being a part of the solution.

Shade 45 debuted with a hip hop format in 2004, and is owned by rapper Eminem.

Ms Butterfield performed her version of the late Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing,” and discussed various topics including her appearance on a song with rap superstar 50 Cent called “Shooting Guns” which was released in January 2012 on his mix tape “The Big 10.”

The talented singer has been performing publicly since the age of seven. She has won both the Miss Hal Jackson Talented Teen Bermuda contest and the Bermuda Singing for Success competition.

Ms Butterfield has opened for international acts including Stephanie Mills, Faith Evans, Charlie Wilson, Kirk Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Freddie McGregor, Glen Washington, Snoop Dogg, Tony Rebel, I-Wayne, Alicia Keys and Aaron Neville.

An spokesperson said, “The first set of performers is two young entertainers: B.L.A.C. [Beyond Limits Abilities Change] and Kombat. The two gentlemen will challenge minds, educate the masses, and keep hips swaying and feet taping throughout the evening with an engaging performance.

“Both young artists received accolades and words of encouragement from Mr. Quency Phillips, owner of Fuzion Artist/Athlete Management in Chicago when they performed live at a filming of new TV talk show, “On the Couch” on Sunday February 25th. The show, filmed at the Deep in the Lido Complex at Elbow Beach Hotel, airs on channel 82 (BSN/E.S.C.A.P.E.) every Thursday night.”

“If you’ve ever questioned Bermuda’s talents, we encourage you to come out on Wednesday nights at O-Bar to see new artists who deserve an opportunity to shine. It’s time for Bermuda to spotlight our awesome talents!,” said Ms Clarke.

Admission is free and the crowd should expect lots of fun and a great concert! The music will be provided by Redemption Sound. For more information about the Spotlight Uncut concerts, email info@ckccorporation.com or call 519-2338.

Greenrock hosted an Earth Hour Expo at City Hall, with green exhibitors, live entertainment and more. The videos below show entertainment at the event including African Dancers, Fire Spinners, Capoeira Camara, Dawn & The Rhythm Fire Drummers, Joy Barnum, Gavin Smith, Greenrock President Judith Landsberg, Mayor Charles Gosling, BELCO’s Andrew Parsons, and Environment Minister Marc Bean.

Dawn & The Rhythm Fire Drummers:

Fire Spinners:

Capoeira Camara:

African Dancers:

Joy Barnum:

Gavin Smith:

Greenrock President Judith Landsberg:

Mayor Charles Gosling:

BELCO’s Andrew Parsons:

Minister Marc Bean:

A longtime fixture on the Bermuda music scene before relocating to England with his family, Rob Berry has worked as a performer, session player, guitar demonstrator and studio engineer and has released four of his own albums.

His blues band remains highly in demand in the UK and played a gig at the Ferryman pub at Warsash, Hampshire on Thursday [Mar. 29].

Mr. Berry, who began classical piano lessons in Bermuda at the age of seven, switched the blues guitar as a teenager after seeing a concert by British R&B band Dr. Feelgood. When it comes to his current influences, Mr. Berry said:”There are so many, all I can say is it’s reflected in my playing, you are what you listen to.

“My current favs are: SRV, Hendrix, Howling Wolf, Bonamassa, Jeff Beck, Pete Townsend, Keith Richards, Page, Clapton, Leslie West and the list goes on …”

One of his most notable accomplishments was working with Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones on his solo album “Talk is Cheap”, recorded in Bermuda in 1988. Since then he has worked and performed with numerous renowned artists in the UK and abroad.

Recent street-corner performance by Rob Berry of “A Dollar Short And A Day Late” 

Owned and operated by Collie Buddz [real name Colin Harper] and his brother Matthew Harper, VIBE 103.3 FM will give audiences a mixture of Top 40, Caribbean and Dance music, and a blend of both local and overseas news, weather, sports and entertainment news. VIBE 103.3 FM said they are aiming for “minimal drive time commentary” giving listeners “less talk, more music.”

The new station will offer “Inside Edition,” a daily news magazine that gives audiences a mix of investigations, interviews and human interest stories as well as celebrity and pop culture features; “ET Radio Minute” featuring the latest entertainment news highlights; “Doctor’s Orders” which will feature four medical practitioners with four different specialties, and Sky Sports News, the latest news from the Sky Sports UK news desk. Additionally, listeners can tune into VIBE 103.3FM online via www.vibe103.com.

“Season of Passion” and “Special Music for a Royal Occasion” will feature Ron Campbell [music director and conductor], Charles Callahan [guest organist], “Requiem” by John Rutter and newly-composed music commissioned for last year’s wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the local premiere of works by Bermuda-born composer Gabriel Jackson.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available from C Travel, Bermuda School of Music or AFL Investments at a cost of $25 for adults or $15 for students.

Currently in the studio working on an EP, Devaune’s first song ‘Get to Know you Better’ – also written by Devaune – is to be released courtesy of Downtown Artists, an artist development agency based in London.

Devaune’s first taste of “The Bug” came when he was four years old and his parents entered him into a talent show. After which, Devaune was in every school play at West End Primary and The Berkeley Institute.

Outside Bermuda, Devaune studied Performance and Dance at the University of Nevada Las Vegas where he performed in a production of “Annie” starring ‘All In The Family” star Sally Struthers, and danced with the Los Angeles Choreographers & Dancers in California.

Locally, he participated in Gilbert and Sullivan productions, and BMDS pantomimes where he played Aladdin in “Aladdin and his Magical Lamp”, Ali Baba in “Ali Baba and the 14 Thieves” and Jack in “Jack and the Beanstalk” to name a few.

“Outside of my family everyone knows me as an actor. Within my family everyone knew I loved to sing. I’ve been writing songs since I was 10. I’m an Actor, Singer/Songwriter and a Dancer [in no particular order]. My dream is to be able to have a career in all,” he said.

He auditioned for Downtown Artists with a demo he recorded a year earlier and a live acapella version of a song he was currently working on. “I was over the moon when I got a call back saying they were interested in working with me, and how shocked they were I hadn’t pursued music earlier.”

“I didn’t tell my family though, until I finished recording the first two songs. I took a trip back to Las Vegas with my Aunt and put the CD in the car. She got halfway through the first song before she realized she was bopping her head to her Nephew. Then she made me start the CD all over again.”

He is also preparing for his first showcase performance in London in April.

Speaking to the Canadian website Montreality, Collie Buddz [born Colin Harper] also discussed growing up in Bermuda, the artists who inspired him and what keeps him motivated in the sometimes cut-throat music industry.

Best known for his global chart-topper “Come Around”, Collie Buddz released his first, self-titled album to strong sales and widespread critical acclaim in 2007. The young Bermudian star embarked on a major Winter Tour of the US and Canada in January.

Collie Buddz Interview on Montreality:

Each night, an average of two contestants will be seen –between 7:15-7:25 — before the stock report market.

At the end of each week, “BYGT” organisers will upload video footage of the the week’s featured contestants to its website.

Judges Powergirl Trina [pictured], Thaao Dill and Nadanja Bailey have spent hours watching over 100 of Bermuda’s talented youth and had the hard job of selecting the top 20 contestants.

The final event will be televised on ZBM TV 9 on May 21st at 8 pm where the top 20 will be revealed and the Bermuda public can call, text or go online to vote on who they want to win.

All BYGT contestants are asked to note the following:

• The judges are still in the process of carefully reviewing all the footage as they undertake the difficult task of deciding which acts will make the final top twenty
• Your age, talent category and whether or not yours was a solo or group performance will all be taken into consideration during the judging process
• You may continue to visit the “BYGT” website for an updated list of prizes and information
• You may be asked to participate in a radio or television interview or possibly give your performance again
• No one will be informed of who has made the final top twenty until the live telethon broadcast which airs on May 21st on ZBM TV 9 from 8-11pm.
• The final decision ultimately rests with the public as they will be asked to call, text or go online to vote for their favourite act.
• Votes will consist of a charitable donation that will benefit the Coalition for the Protection of Children [CP], which is celebrating 20 years of advocacy for Bermuda’s youth.
•  Final winners of “BYGT” will be announced at a press conference on Monday May 28.

“Bermuda’s Youth Got Talent” Auditions

The Fairmont Southampton’s regional director of sales and marketing Shelley Meszoly said, “We are pleased to welcome Harvard’s Din and Tonics and the Radcliffe Pitches back to Bermuda.

“The opportunity to watch these wonderful performers while dining at The Waterlot Inn, Bacci, Windows on the Sound or in the Jasmine Lounge is an experience that is not to be missed.”

The Harvard Din & Tonics are a 15-man a cappella group composed of Harvard University undergraduate students.

The Din & Tonics Perform “I’ve Got My Fingers Crossed” and “Georgia On My Mind”

Their repertoire centers on the “Great American Songbook,” in particular the American jazz standards from the 1920’s through the 1940’s including selections from other genres such as rock ‘n’ roll, calypso, swing, and folk.

The Dins have released twelve albums in their 31-year history. “The Pursuit of Snappiness”, the Dins’ most recent CD, was released in February of 2010.

Founded in 1975 in the historic Hasty Pudding Club, the Radcliffe Pitches are Harvard’s oldest women’s jazz ensemble.

The Radcliffe Pitches Performing “Stormy Weather”

The group is made up of 12 to 16 Harvard undergraduates whose repertoire is based in jazz standards and inspired by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.

Din and Tonics Performance Schedule

Friday Mar 9 at 7pm – Bacci
Saturday Mar 10 at 7pm – Waterlot Inn
Sunday Mar 11 at 11am – Windows on The Sound
Mon Mar 12 at 7pm – Bacci
Tues Mar 13 at 7pm – Waterlot Inn
Weds Mar 14 at 7pm – Jasmine Lounge
Fri Mar 16 at 7pm – Waterlot Inn
Saturday Mar 17 at 7pm – Bacci

Radcliffe Pitches Performance Schedule

Friday Mar 9 at 7pm – Waterlot Inn
Saturday Mar 10 at 7pm – Bacci
Sunday Mar 11 at 11am – Waterlot Inn Brunch
Mon Mar 12 at 7pm – Jasmine Lounge
Tues Mar 13 at 7pm – Jasmine Lounge
Weds Mar 14 at 7pm – Bacci
Fri Mar 16 at 7pm – Bacci
Saturday Mar 17 at 7pm – Waterlot Inn

SteFyah [pictured] — born Stephen Robinson, Jr. — is one of 12 finalists in London’s ReggaeSpace Seed New Artist Awards competition with his song “Come Over.”

The contest, launched in December, drew more than 70 entrants.

On-line voting in the competition is now underway and continues until March 16.

Winners of the male and female categories will receive prize package designed to help them launch their professional music careers.

You can vote in the competition by clicking here.

Now based in London, former CedarBridge Academy student SteFyah grew up in Smith’s Parish and later moved to St. George’s.

At the age of four, he began to develop his passion for music, saying he beat on everything within reach — including his mother’s pots and pans. Recognising his musical leanings his parents bought him a drum kit and his father, an accomplished saxophonist, helped him to read music while he attended the Whitney Institute Middle School.

While he was at school he joined the Brass Bell Ensemble and also learned the basics of composition.

The 23-year-old Bermudian cites reggae icons such as Bob Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Jacob Miller and Beres Hammond among his major influences as well as younger dance hall artists such as Sizzla, Gyptian, Etana and Tarrus Riley.

Video For SteFyah’s  ”Come Over” 

The six weeks of activities and programmes hosted on-Island for visitors and residents to enjoy will wrap-up with a Feel the Love Friday final performance of the season with Sia Spence and Da Business featuring Lloyd Holder. This is the second year that BDOT has organised the free events and programmes during January and February.

The band will pay special tribute to the late Whitney Houston for the finale event held at the Bermuda National Gallery.

Visitors have been treated to a host of events including weekly couples golf tournament at Port Royal golf course; Champagne and Strawberries Tour of Masterworks Museum; Love Train Tour of Hamilton and the Bermuda National Trust property “Waterville”; Glassblowing Demonstration at Dockyard Glassworks, Love Boat Cruise; Salsamania Latin Night Out; Love Tales Walking Tour in St. Georges and weekly local entertainment at the Bermuda national Gallery.

Minister of Business Development and Tourism Wayne Furbert said, “I had the pleasure of joining our guests on the Love Train tour. They enjoyed learning about Bermuda’s culture as well as taking in the beauty of our island.

“Naturally, I asked many of the guests if they had taken advantage of Feel the Love activities and the overwhelming response was they appreciated the Feel the Love Month free events.”

Minster Furbert added, “We are very pleased with the success of this programme and the support we have received from our industry partners.”

Today’s “Feel the Love Friday” event is free will begin at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments and cash bar is available for guests.

Best known for his chart-topping single single “Come Around”, Collie Buddz [born Colin Harper] will appear on the same bill as Bob Marley’s sons Damian, Stephen and Julian as well as roots reggae legend Burning Spear and other performers including Capleton and Cocoa Tea on March 3 at the 19th annual 9 Mile Music Festival in Miami.

You can listen to the previously unreleased song below, and download it here.

The veteran entertainer is appearing as the featured performer during Bermuda’s first-ever College Weeks Reunion taking place from March 15-18.

The three-day Bermuda Department of Tourism-sponsored reunion will include celebratory events, dining and a range of activities designed to capture the youthful spirit and excitement of the island’s College Weeks from the 1960s, 1970s and ’80s.

Known as one of the first British artists to storm the American music scene in the wake of the Beatles, Billy J. Kramer will bring back the musical spirit of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s to the Bermuda event.

He will perform such international hits as “Bad to Me”, “Little Children”, and “I’ll Keep You Satisfied”, among others, during a special dinner and beach party at The Fairmont Southampton on March 17, 2012.

Born as William Howard Ashton, his shows at local rock clubs around Liverpool in the early 1960′s drew the attention of the Beatles manager, Brian Epstein.

Under Mr. Epstein’s management, Billy and his back-up group, The Dakotas, soon claimed the number one chart spot in England, toppling the Beatles themselves with the hit “Do You Want to Know a Secret.”

Appearances on the TV shows “Shindig”, “Hullabaloo” and “The Ed Sullivan Show” secured him a place in Rock and Roll history.

Billy J. Kramer’s international momentum has continued through the years with sellout concert appearances and standing ovations.

Recently, he has coordinated a successful “British Invasion” concert weekend at Connecticut’s Foxwoods Resort Casino featuring himself and some of his contemporaries, which was broadcast on several public television stations.

The entertainer always felt that America was the home of Rock and Roll, and he finally fulfilled a long time dream to move to the United States, where he presently resides on Long Island, New York with his wife Roni, and their dogs, Rupert and Bernadette.

Dedicated hotel packages for the Bermuda College Week reunion start at $597.50 per person and also include three-day event passes, which provide access to each of the planned commemorative gatherings as well as transportation to and from visitors’ hotels.