JANUARY

The year began, as always, on a cultural note. Leading the way was the return of 'Just for Laughs Bermuda', whose line-up included renowned overseas comedians and Bermuda's own Bruce Barritt. Jonathan Young got the international judges' nod as winner of the first 'Fresh Faces of Comedy' competition, and opened the first night of the professional show at the Fairmont Southampton resort. The international show ultimately raised $18,000 for the Kathmandu Kids Club.

This was followed by the 33rd Bermuda Festival, with its mix of classical music, jazz, a musical, dance, theatre, and a dash of magic. The Argentinian dance group, Tango Fire, got things off to a sizzling start, while the Gilbert & Sullivan Society's production of 'Ragtime' made a rousing finale. Others performers included virtuoso guitarist Eliot Fisk; internationally renowned clarinettist Richard Stolzman and his son, 'monster' jazz pianist Peter; child prodigy Benjamin Grosvenor, popular African diva Angélique Kidjo; and gospel sextet 'Take 6'.

Just as the Bermuda Society of Arts set out to mark its 55th anniversary, the Corporation of Hamilton shocked the community by giving Bermuda's oldest art society xxx months notice to vacate the premises it has occupied since (INSERT DATE). The news set off a firestorm of protest from politicians, artists, and the public alike. As the battle rumbled on, the Corporation rescinded ...(INSERT EXACT INFORMATION) e.g. granted the first of several extensions///??)

The Bermuda National Gallery's culturally diverse winter exhibition included a travelling exhibition of Inuit art; a tribute to the late artist, sculptor and educator Byllee Lang; and African works from its permanent collection. The ACE Gallery hosted an exhibition of works by six contemporary Vietnamese artists, and the Christian Humann Foundation donated another work by French painter Albert Léon Gleizes, the gouache painting, 'Houses in Bermuda, the Governor's House, 1917', to the Masterworks Foundation's collection of pieces by the French painter.

Author and sometime Bermuda resident (INSERT NAME) published the third novel in his Spinners series: 'Spinners Curse of the Bermuda Abyss', and retired teacher Bridget Jardine published her children's book, 'Pinky Gets Lost'.

What took approximately 20 minutes to get into can take years of acrimony and rolling legal fees to get out of if divorcing couples fight protracted battles through lawyers'offices and the courts. Now comes news of a more amicable, and ultimately cheaper, parting of the ways. Local lawyers specifically trained in collaborative law endeavour to resolve disputes and preserve a relationship between the divorcing spouses through a series of four-way meetings in which all parties works together to revolve the issues in a respectful and non-aggressive way before heading to court for the granting of a divorce.

The Bermuda Turtle Project discovered during last summer's project that, after 30 years of collecting and tagging sea turtles, evidence of the deadly fibropapillomatosis chelonid (FP) associated herpes virus was found for the first time among green turtles in local waters.

The Parks Department announced plans to open a new agricultural museum in the old mortuary chapel next to the kitchen garden in the Botanical Gardens. It appealed to the public to tell their stories and donate old farm equipment, artefacts and memorabilia relative to the story of Bermuda's agricultural history. Local museum exhibit creator Linda Weinraub of Fluent Museumwork & Printwork is designing the exhibit with the help of freelance writer Liz Jones.

FEBRUARY

February was the month for loving others, and also loving yourself. Several workshops were offered to help people get in the mood. A local organization called 'Imagine a Woman' offered an opportunity for women to rediscover the love of self and faithfulness to oneself with a seminar, "Love Of Self/Love Of Other: The Essential Connection A Valentine Retreat Just for You!". It was organized by d Rochelle Simons and Patricia Lynn Reilly.

For those needing a little spice, there was a 'Come to Your Senses and Re-ignite the Spark' workshop at Cambridge Beaches, offered by sexpert Dr. Pepper Schwartz.

More than 2,000 local students visited the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) to view the second annual Bermuda Explorers Series. The film this year was 'Explorer: On The Rock'.

February 25 Sometimes the way to someone's heart is through their stomach. The popular Bermuda Gourmet Getaway kicked off this month, after being held in October in previous years. Celebrity chefs flew in from overseas, local chefs dueled it out to prove themselves the best, and the five-day gastronomic festival included the first ever "Taste Bermuda" event, among other things.

Local chefs went even further afield when two executive chefs from the Fairmont Hotels presented some of the Island's flavours to Bostonians. Thomas Frost, executive chef, of Fairmont Hamilton Princess and Christopher Chafe, executive chef, of Fairmont Southampton, said the dishes were well received when they presented them at the Fairmont Copley.

MARCH

Dame Jennifer Smith swept aside the competition with her Argentine tango in the 'Dancing with the Stars' segment of the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda's gala evening. Hollywood actress, Bermuda resident and NDFB board member Catherine Zeta-Jones presented her personal Excellence in Dance award to Broadway legend Chita Rivera.

The Bermuda Historical Society's new-look museum in the National Library building reopened to reveal an enhanced and more cohesive exhibit of artefacts and photographs relating to Bermuda's history.

Bermudian singer Larrita Adderley won Amateur Night at the Apollo theatre in Harlem, New York.

Fairmont Southampton chef Sanjay Leeme won the Escoffier Cup after four years of trying. The trophy annually during the annual Gourmet Getaway after a gruelling cook-off to determine Bermuda's top chef.

Common Ground Cafe in Chancery Lane offered another venue for artists to display their work.

The Bermuda International Film Festival (BIFF) presented 79 films from 32 countries, including four from Bermuda, plus lunchtime panels with local and overseas filmmakers.

New York's top DJ, Funkmaster Flex, performed his magic for a charity fund-raiser at the Fairmont Southampton Princess to benefit the Women's Resource Centre and the Physical Abuse Centre.

APRIL

The Batho Pele (People First) Organisation and the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation held a commemorative event at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess to sustain the memory of Dr. Pauulu Kamarakafego, who died in 2007.

Renowned, award-winning British drummer, composer, arranger and recording artist Allan Ganley died in the UK at age 77. He was a member of the Joe Wylie Orchestra in Bermuda for nine years in the 1960s and 1970s.

Visiting author, journalist, publisher and broadcaster Dr. Margaret Busby delivered two lectures,'Daughters of the Diaspora' and 'The Business of Writing' for aspiring local writers, at the Bermuda College.

Lifestyle's unofficial survey revealed a lack of interest and awareness in this month's Annual Exhibition. Only six of the 28 who responded planned to attend.

Canjalae Taylor, Twanee Butterfield and Ronald Gordon were winners of the 'Singing for Success' competition, which showcases local talent.

US virtuoso musician and teacher Mark Wood with his electric Viper guitar dazzled a full house at the Berkeley Institute auditorium. The event also showcased the talents of Bermuda School of Music violin students who had participated in his workshops.

Visiting Bermudian educational policy expert Dr. Terrylynn Tyrell recommended lowering the screening age for autistic local children.

MAY

US visitor Gregg Wilson presented to the Bermuda National Gallery an original watercolour of a cahow by Roger Tory Peterson, renowned bird illustrator and publisher of the famous field guides, on behalf of his late father, Dr. Howard E. Wilson, and his mother Mrs. Helen Wilson. The Wilsons, who owned the painting, were keen birders who took great interest in the story of the cahow's rediscovery and the work of Dr. David Wingate during their visits to the Island.

The Marjorie Pettit Heritage Concert celebrated its tenth anniversary with a programme featuring a 60-voice choir and talented young Bermudian soloists Jordan Robbins (flute), and sisters Christine and Katherine Allison (violin).

The fifth Guitar Festival ran from May 29 to June 1, and included for the first time other instruments — piano, violin and percussion — played by Bermuda School of Music faculty. Visiting artists were the award-winning Brasil Guitar Duo and Grammy winner Andrew York.

World-renowned stitcher Jane Greenhoff, founder of the worldwide Cross Stitch Guild, gave a talk and conducted master and novice level workshops for the Bermuda Guild of Stitchery.

Thousands braved inclement weather to attend Bermuda Drumline 2008 at the National Stadium. Three marching bands from the US, a Bermudian drum line, mixed majorette group, the Bermuda Regiment band, gombeys and an MC from Harlem in New York provided the entertainment.

Thirteen intrepid volunteers, the majority employees of XL Reinsurance, trekked to Mount Everest base camp, and raised over $170,000 for the Bermuda-based charity, Kathmandu Kids Club, which aids poor children in Nepal and Uganda.

The Bermuda Junior Service League donated more than $15,000, including the annual Mrs. C. Vail Zuill scholarship, to charities and others in the community.

JUNE

The Bank of Bermuda Ltd. launched a competition for Bermudian artists to create an original piece of public art for the Reid Street entrance of its new building, now under construction.

In a special ceremony, Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, Canada honoured Bermudian artist, former UBP MP and 1943 alumni Robert V. Barritt, for his contributions to the university's Owen's Art Gallery, and an outreach community programme which brings students to the gallery and gives them small interactive booklets for their families.

Bermudian filmmaker Lucinda Spurling previewed part of her upcoming big-screen historical documentary, 'The Lion and the Mouse' — an epic tale of how Bermuda has helped the United States throughout its history.

The Bermuda School of Music launched its first Piano Festival from June 20-22.

An exhibition entitled 'The Extraordinary Life and Times of Pilot James Darrell, 1793-1816', opened at the Bermuda Archives.

Reggae superstars Morgan Heritage performed at Gombeys, while Rolling Stones and Eagles tribute bands Blushing Brides and Hotel California played at Victoria Park.

The Bacardi Biennial exhibition of contemporary art opened at the Bermuda National Gallery. CHECK CORRECT TITLE AND # OF ARTISTS

International jazz artist Joey Sommerville performed on the Grass Roots Uptown stage on Court Street, backed by the UMA band, making him the first international artist to perform at Culture Fest. Meanwhile, reggae star Tarrus Riley, the man behind the hit song 'She's Royal', featured at Culture Shock's event, Higher Heights, in Somerset.

Bermudian Robert (Bobby) Doe completed a 1270-mile round trip from Bermuda to Newport, Rhode Island in his 18-foot, homemade dinghy Huckleberry, in what he believes was record time. The purpose of his solo venture was to raise awareness of, and donations for, the LCCA, a local charity.

JULY

Extreme Entertainment's 'Live Stand Up Comedy' at the Fairmont Southampton Princess included international and award-winning comedians Jason Andors, Vanessa Fraction, Smokey and Klymaxx.

Alexander Curtis won the 2008 Bank of Butterfield Fine Arts Award, while Lisza Rawlins won its Applied Arts Award, each of which is worth $10,000. Both are students at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Georgia, USA.

An exhibition of 40 cartoons by The Royal Gazette cartoonist Peter Woolcock, opened at the Corporation of Hamilton offices. Entitled 'Down Through the Years', the collection highlights events on the political scene between 1988 and 2008.

Bermudian jewellery designer Melanie Eddy showcased her work in 'One Year On' at New Designers, in the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, England

International choreographer Salim Gauwloos, formerly known as the dancer 'Slam' during Madonna's 'Blond Ambition' tour, in her 'Truth or Dare' backstage documentary, and her 'Vogue' video, choreographed 'The Room' especially for the In Motion School of Dance senior company performance at City Hall.

The Bermuda National Youth Jazz Ensemble, directed by Wendell (Shine) Hayward, marked ten years of success with its local jazz camp and a special anniversary concert.

Owain Johnston's play, 'Inter-Mortem' won the 'Golden Inkwell' award in Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society's annual playwriting competition, 'Famous for 15 Minutes'.

Briton David Rodigun and Jamaican Rory of Majestic Stone Love Sound System battled it out in the 13th year of 'The Clash of the Titans.' WHO WON???

Visiting reggae and soca artists Beenie Man and Shurwayne Winchester headlined the Cup Match eve concert, 'Best of Both Worlds', at Snorkel Park.

Sixteen inmates at the Westgate Correctional Facility received their GED certificates in a special graduation ceremony.

AUGUST

Miss Teen Bermuda 2007, Alexa Lightbourne, ended her reign with a fund-raising concert for the Sunshine League. Headlining the show was international hip-hop artist Miri Ben-Ari.

British-born mother of three, Muriel Ethel (Bubbles) Gauntlett, celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family from here and abroad at Westmeath seniors' residence.

Alyssa Rose was crowned Miss Teen Bermuda Islands 2008 at City Hall.

Young Bermudian students Sheldon Fox II and Winton Brangman won The Ensemble Singers' 2008 Music Education Awards. Mr. Fox is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Music Education at Southeastern University, Lakeland, Florida, while Mr. Brangman is pursuing advanced piano classes at the Bermuda School of Music.

Ocean Club chef Sanjay Leeme won a United States Meat Export Federation award at its annual culinary competition for the Caribbean region in Mexico City. Also recognised was Elbow Beach executive chef Rick Bartram.

Sidney Bean (Mr. Bermuda); Susan Rebello (Miss Bermuda) and Sandra Simons (Ms Figure Fitness) were winners at the Bermuda Body Building Federation's 'Night of Champions' at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts.

'Jazz Command Performance' honoured XXXXXX Well-known compere of KJAZ radio show, 'Downbeat', Derick (CJ, formerly Cousin Juicy) Symonds was honoured at a 'Jazz Command Performance' concert at the Berkeley Institute for parlaying his childhood love of music into a long and successful career in radio, television and emceeing. The event was also

Young, aspiring dancers Precious Adams, Cydney Caesar-Forde, Brittney Ferreira, Ashley Martins, Rebecca McLauchlan, Kyle Scheurich, and Crystal Smith won Catherine Zeta Jones scholarships at the end of DanceBermuda, the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda's summer intensive.

SEPTEMBER

New York's hottest rising stars, Avenue B, played at the Bermuda Folk Club. Bermuda Idol 2007 winner and seven-time winner of Amateur Night at the Apollo theatre in Harlem, New York, Larrita Adderley, won the 2008 Singing For Success II competition.

Author and artist Joan Aspinall launched 'Road Toad', the second of her books on Tuppie the cat's adventures.

The Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society staged Noel Coward's play, 'Present Laughter'. Veteran reggae artist Beres Hammond and the Harmony House Band headlined Culture Shock event.

Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art launched three exhibitions, one featuring a drawing by renowned British sculptor Henry Moore, and another featuring works by Park Avenue cubist Charles Shaw Green.

Drew and Anna Horsfield joined 700+ runners in seven-kilometer 'Great Gorilla Charity Race'in London, England. International ceramics exhibition opened at Bermuda Society of Arts. Internationally renowned Caribbean singing group and recording artists The Merrymen performed at the Southampton Fairmont resort beach pavilion. (GET PROPER VENUE NAME)

Writing course students at the Seniors Learning Centre published their book, 'Legacies'.

A 50-year retrospective of UK photographer Bill Brandt's work opened at the Bermuda National Gallery.

OCTOBER

Legendary R&B group, The Whispers, opened Bermuda Music Festival. The star headliner line-up included renowned singing sisters and international recording artists Beyoncé and Solange Knowles. Actor, comedian, producer and writer Bill Belamy, and comedian Steve Harvey emceed. Local acts on the Onions stage were singer Canjelae Taylor, United Dance Productions and Spirit Band.

The Bermuda School of Music presented 'Missa Gaia' (Earth Mass) at the Anglican Cathedral.

NOVEMBER

Bermudian sculptor Desmond Fountain's sculpture exhibition in London, England's Cork Gallery was raided by thieves. Artist/author Joan Aspinall published two new books, 'Bermuda in Art for Lovers of Art', and 'The Tree Frog and the Poinsettia'. Local historian William S. Zuill, Sr. published 'Footsteps in the Sand'. Alastair Macdonald launched his first book, 'The First Christmas'. Artist/author Elizabeth Mulderig launched a comic strip based on her creation, Tiny the tree frog. Vivienne Gardner launched her book, 'The Stained Glass Art of Vivienne Gardner'. Llewellyn Emery published his third book, (INSERT TITLE). Don Moore published the second book in his series, 'Bermuda Flora from the Road Side'. Joanne Burgess published 'The Lizard and the Rock'. Theresa Airey published her second book, 'Bermuda Then & Now'.

Registration was down for Bermuda All Breed International Dog Show due to US financial crisis.

Oxford & Cambridge Society and Corporation of St. George's hold Guy Fawkes Bonfire night with fireworks at Gates Beach (Fort St. Catherine Beach). CHECK TO SEE IF THIS WENT OFF

Booze Brothers Band fund-raised for Bermuda Society of Arts with two sell-out concerts at the City Hall galllery.

Bermudian communications consultant and California resident Spencer Critchley worked on the Obama presidential campaign.

For first time ever, Bermudian entertainers presented 'Showtime Bermuda Review' the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York. Jamaican reggae star Wayne Wonder headlined 'Rise and Shine III' concert at St. David's.

Susan Conyers, Debbie Burville, Cindy Young and Deanna Moss became qualified Garden Club of Bermuda judges.

Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art held fund-raising 'Chairity' auction. 'Obama' chair sold for $3000. Bermuda Red Cross benefitted from first screening of film, 'Quantum of Solace'.

Three books by the late award-winning US photographer, Graeme (Flip) Schulke, 'He Had a Dream', 'Muhammad Ali', and 'Witness to Our Times', were donated to all Government schools and the Bermuda College by his sister and Bermuda resident, Mrs. Roxanne Kaufmann.

DECEMBER

The Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society staged Carol Birch's original pantomime, 'Snow White and the Seven Sisters' at City hall theatre. 'No Ordinary Christmas', combining local and international talent, is presented at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts. (CHECK LOCATION.)

Kaleidoscope Art Foundation's Fibre Festival opened at the Elliot Gallery in Devonshire.

The Royal Gazette cartoonist Peter Woolcock published the 20th edition of 'Woppend'.

Director Laura Gorham announced she would end her 22-year association with the Bermuda National Gallery on January 1, 2009.

Singer Joy Barnum released her album, 'And Other Places'. Jam Signal Band (formerly the Home Grown Band) released its CD, 'Home Grown'. Bermudian reggae artist Clinark Dill's CD 'Journey to Foreign' was No. 3 in UK charts, and No. 6 in Californian album charts. Bermudian, and Barbados resident, Blak Kla Soyl (aka Oneika Best) was nominated for the 2009 Jazz Artist of the Year segment of the Barbados Music Awards. Kymani Marley, son of Bob Marley, performed at Gina Spence Productions' Street Fest on Court Street.

The movie, 'Nothing Like the Holidays', co-written by Bermudian Alison Swan, screened internationally.

The Bermuda National Trust presented Edward James' 140-year-old watercolour, 'Confederate Blockade Runners 'Maude', 'Campbell' and 'Hansa' in St. George's Harbour, 1864', to the Bermuda Archives.