Review: Tony Brannon and Co Performance
[Written by Dale Butler]
There are two very passionate Bermudian men working hard to highlight Bermuda entertainment in their own time and at their own expense. Mickey Robinson, CEO of Medical House, has an extensive email list which he uses to distribute a series of dinner shows and cruises that sell out every time. He is not a musician by trade, but an exceptional entrepreneur and role model who has been able to model many of the business qualities of Choy Aming, Terry Brannon, Olive Trott, June Augustus, and Maria Benn, to name but a few.
Then there is Tony Brannon with his unique posters, weekly comprehensive bulletins that detail a comprehensive stage full of events on his webpage that are scattered around the internet and are often missed. His pedigree is well known as the son of the Forty Thieves/Disco 40 giant and empresario Terry Brannon, who, like Choy, captured many an international star to perform at their venues from the 1960s to the 1980s. The list is impressive. As the Professor of Bermuda Music, I know, and when names are recalled, Bermudians sit in awe at such accomplishments and can often detail what happened with local and international talent at each event.
Tony Brannon is also a legendary performer and producer who seems to spend every minute detailing and updating Bermuda’s calendar of events using his own time and at his own expense.
This is a mammoth task, but he still finds the time to practice and also schedule his own performances in a variety of venues around the island. The most amazing part, I still find incredulous, is how he has already outlined his 2026 and 2027 music schedule. With a serious decline in music venues, he has accepted the challenge as a crusader whose blood has lots of vitamin E for entertainment. Well done Tony. Bermudians salute you and are grateful that you have taken the lead in a very humble way.
Tony opened the 2025 entertainment season with a bang at The Lido Complex, Elbow Beach. Prior to being sold, the hotel had an extensive list of local and international entertainment during its illustrious history. Tony himself has played at Lido many times before so it was like a homecoming during the hotel’s last year before major building starts.
Lido Management, led by well known visionary Jackie DiMeglio, is determined to provide the best experience for patrons who have supported them at the venue over the years. This is their last season prior to closing, but nothing has been compromised.
The facility looks excellent, the service is first class, drinks and food keep them in the top three on the island. The venue, of course, overlooking a beautiful beach, continues to be a favourite among patrons. While Mickey’s, the beach front restaurant has been closed [1987- 2002- Mickey Robinson] management has expanded the stage to the lawn and used comfortable lounge chairs, decorated with colourful umbrellas, to paint a sunset and romantic atmosphere which complements a spacious terrace and indoor dining. The facility still has one of the best nightclub facilities ideal for shows and receptions; assistance is provided for parking and security standards are in place. It is best to make reservations for any of their facilities.
The Tony Brannon quartet REWIND consists of Professor Keith Caisey [percussion], Natasha Hayward, and Sarah Golden Eggen [singer].
Jessie Seymour will be doing guest performances throughout the summer.
Lido is a great place to meet who’s who in Bermuda. The group availed themselves of an extensive selection of songs to cater to all tastes. Their many years in the business gave them a polished performance of non-stop songs which attracted audience members to the dance floor.
Here is a small taste of their song list:
- Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton
- Love on the Brain by Rihanna, Fred Ball and Joseph Angel
- You’re Beautiful by James Blunt
- Everything I Do, I Do For You by Bryan Adams
- Didn’t Ya Know by Erykah Badu
- Girl From Ipanema – Amy Winehouse
- Love’s Train – Silk Sonic
- Don’t Know Why by Norah Jones
- By Your Side by Sade
- Night Shift by The Commodores
- Baby Can I Hold You by Tracy Chapman
- Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan
- Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter
- Dancing Queen by ABBA
- Purple Rain by Prince
- Cuff It by Beyoncè
It is a relaxing, fun night with excellent entertainment and I applaud the performers and salute Lido Complex for ensuring standards are high.
Lido Complex is open for lunch and dinner Tuesdays to Sundays, with Fridays being the night of entertainment. Reservations are highly recommended. I have no doubt that you will return because it is a paradise in Bermuda offering a magical and enchanting atmosphere.
Thank you Tony and friends for your excellent performance. I have no doubt it will continue to be popular. Best wishes.
- Dale Butler: Producer, researcher and author of several books and documentaries on local music is currently writing about Bermuda’s Calypso Queen, Celeste Robinson and saxophonist and band leader Ernie Leader. He runs the award winning House of Music at Rosalie Gardens which will shortly open with its own weekend shows. He can be contacted at 595-9841.
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Category: All, Entertainment, Music
