day in recent history. Not because of the physical dimensions of it, or the economic possibilities it embodied, or even the musical opportunities it will no doubt present. No, the real meaning of Studio B's grand opening last Friday afternoon will not be something that can be readily evaluated for some time yet.

It was no more than an event to some who attended, no more than an opportunity to see a real flesh and blood recording studio to others (some probably even came just for the free pizza -- courtesy of Four Star of course).

But it will one day be recalled that February 9, 2001 was as significant a day in Bermuda's history as the day the first plane landed. You see that was the day when Bermuda's nascent recording interests became an industry.

Not that Bermuda hasn't produced her fair share of quality albums over the last twenty years or so, but let's face it, our talent far surpasses our output. Studio B is on the verge of changing all that.

The physical plant is as impressive as any Bermuda has ever seen. The complex features no less than three recording booths, two mixing rooms, and can accommodate anything from a choir to an eight-piece band. Let's hope that our artists get in there and create the kind of music that will make us all proud to be Bermudian, shall we, but the future will come ... let's talk about the opening.

The open house began at noon and lasted until 7 p.m., allowing plenty of time for the masses to get up in the place. There was complimentary pizza, sandwiches and chicken wings courtesy of Marico Thomas and company, decorations provided by Robert Bassett at Regal Galleries, and various performances by Studio B recording artists throughout the day to keep the many visitors occupied. And there were many visitors indeed.

I was only in the house for about two hours and I counted a couple hundred folks walking through while I was there.

I also caught fantastic performances by Tempo, Geneman and Sia Spence; absorbed the beautiful art, had something to chew on, got a chance to chat with Ras Mykkal and looked around with an impressed look on my face quite a lot. I noticed on one particular wall, framed plaques of the albums produced by Studio B in the last few years.

They were simple discs congratulating the artists on the release of the albums that were displayed in each respective frame, but they made me feel kinda good for some reason. The albums were Junior C's `Faith' Ep, Geneman's `Righteous In Christ,' Ras Mykkal's `Dem Call Mi Controversial,' Mokah's `With You,' and Tempo's `At Last'. These five albums represent most of the studio's output (they've produced eight in all) and I thought it was quite a nice touch to have them displayed in such a way.

This opening was important because Bermuda has never been a place that took art or the production of art very seriously, we've always preferred to immerse ourselves in the art of far away places, saving ourselves the trouble of creation. Those days are dying now, and it's about time too! Because whether or not our artists have been appreciated, they've always been good, and it is places like Studio B that will propel our local talent onto the world stage that they deserve to be on. In short, our soul is hurting right now; we're just learning how to sooth it, Studio B will help us learn.

If you don't have the albums named above, get them. Support local art, create local art, celebrate local art ... our soul needs that from all of us.

ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINERS ENT