Aim of concert to champion local talent

THURSDAY, FEB. 2: A concert aimed at getting more exposure for local artists will take place just before Valentine’s Day.

One in a Million is the second event in the concert series Giant Steps which is being organized by Atlantic Publishing House and Mythyme Productions.

The event will take place at Fourways Inn on February 12 from 4pm and will feature The Max Maybury Duo and Gita Blakeney-Saltus and the Toni Bari Trio.

There are 140 seats available and a meal is included. 

Darlene Hartley, an organizer, explained the concept of the event.

Full house

“It started as the Giant Steps concert we did in October and it was a full house.

“What it indicated to us from the feedback that we got is that the community is hungry for local live entertainment.

“It’s really important to us to honour and to employ local musicians.

“The goals are to employ local musicians and to expose young people to our seasoned entertainers.

“There’s such an abundance of talent on the rock.”

“There’s no excuse for our musicians not to be employed.”

Ms Hartley continued: “Bermudians, they don’t get an opportunity to hear these guys or see them perform on a regular basis.

“The funds are not there.”

Mrs Blakeney-Saltus said that Bermuda needs to encourage the hotels and everybody to make the most of the talent we have on the island.

“I always consider it an honour to work with these fine gentlemen but again, opportunity is not always there.

“This opportunity has enabled us to be showcased as we should be.

“Again, paying homage to all those who have come before us but we understand that the economy has decided the amount of exposure that we will get.

“The love for the music is the most important thing.”

She continued: “It’s really a very spiritual thing for all of us.

“We love music and what it brings to the world.

“We have worked together for a long time and we have a following.

“We have people who are hungry to see us together.

“We’re really grateful that they have made this their quest to make sure musicians are appreciated for what we do.”

Mr Bari added: “It’s what we do for a living.

“It’s not just a hobby.

“We look to be appreciated by the people of Bermuda but what we do in our main work is to make a memorable visit to tourists.

Ms Hartley said part of the proceeds of the event will be going to Bermuda’s Music Hall of Fame.

She also said complimentary tickets have been given to various hotels so that tourists can come and share the experience with locals.

They will be picked up by taxi and taken to Fourways then picked up and taken back to their hotel once the night has finished.

“It’s a really good way for them to experience the calibre of entertainment and to really feel the vibe.

“They can catch the vibe, they can feel the love.”

Ms Hartley said the organizers are looking for venue suggestions for the next concerts as well.

For more information, call 505-3409 or 737-7707.