The latest in a series of variety shows by Mitchell (Live Wires) Trott offered an abundance of entertainment some spectacular performances and four moving tributes.Heartbeat is the Rhythm was a loosely assembled collage of Bermudian talent and grassroots ideology that delighted at times, and provoked thought at others.The roughly half-filled City Hall Theatre was regaled with song, dance, comedy, spoken word, music, magic and martial arts on Friday evening. The show started a bit late, and ran a bit long, but most patrons endured, and were rewarded with a wonderfully rich and eclectic show.The incomparable Gene Steede opened the festivities at just after 8.20pm. Mr Steede was as smooth as ever, addressing the crowd with panache and humour in his signature ‘old friend’ style he was later honoured by the organisers.Veteran performer ‘Aunt’ June Caisey was next up. She delivered a splendid flute-assisted spoken-word rendition of the classic ‘Lord of the Dance’, which culminated with Mr Trott carrying her offstage in his arms; definitely a memorable moment.More of the phenomenally talented Caiseys adorned the stage next. Albert, Clinton, Taur and Phiemma serenaded Ms Caisey with the beautiful Boyz II Men opus ‘Mama’ in an especially touching a cappella performance.Ms Caisey was then honoured by the host with a custom-made plaque in the first of four presentations that were made throughout the night. The tributes were designed to give thanks to Mr Trott’s personal influences, while simultaneously acknowledging their massive contributions to the performing arts throughout Bermuda. United Dance Productions owner Suzette Harvey and musician Wendell (Shine) Hayward were also honoured.Comedian Nadanja Bailey took the stage next, delivering a completely impromptu set during which he performed dance hall reggae songs offered up by the audience. His set was funny, sharp, and highly entertaining as always.Spoken-word artists Stephan Johnstone and Spring Flower made competent poetic offerings, full of thought-provoking couplets and clever metaphors. Then there was an impressive Kung-Fu demonstration that seemed more suited to a middle school auditorium stage than City Hall, but the audience appreciated the boys efforts, so I guess it fit.The last act of the first half of the show was a whimsical magic set by the aptly named Mr Magic. There was standard sleight of hand, thought reading, and card trick fare to be enjoyed here, alongside a full audience mind trick that was more creative mathematics than magic (isn’t four half of eight?). The main trick though, was an immensely astonishing disappearing money trick that had the audience utterly amazed. This was an excellent act overall, and a nice way to wrap up a somewhat longish first half.After the intermission Zenji San, Culture, and Rivah offered their reggae styling’s to a receptive audience. Then Princess Black delivered a fantastic set with accompaniment from Aswad and Jewels of Ital Foundation, and Mr Trott on the Djembe drum.In another touching moment, Abdul Simmons joined Mr Trott on stage after the reggae artists cleared out, for a very nostalgic tap dance routine. This event, of course, was put on to raise money to assist Mr Trott with a summer trip to Cuba for a master tap dance course, which made this reunion with his former stage partner perfectly apt.The brothers-in-dance, who first teamed up almost three decades ago as the Sophisticated Gents, tapped the skin off the stage on Friday night, drawing cheers and frenzied applause from a crowd that has followed these artists for many, many years.Chewstick’s DIA band took the stage next, providing magnificent soundscapes for Kase, Roddy (Riddla) Nesbitt and Mr Trott to fully flex their musical muscle. The band was awesome, extracting stunning sound from the house system, and making the last half-hour of the show feel like a gone-too-soon dream.Kase and Roddy were imperious on the mic, once again staking their claim as two of the top local rappers alive. Roddy delivered an especially exuberant set, prancing about the stage like an alpha male; performing hip-hop infused renditions of Tenor Saw’s ‘Golden Egg’ and Edwinn Starr’s ‘War’ with aggression and apex predator precision.Mr Trott closed the show with yet another stirring performance. This time he sang his local smash hits ‘More and More’, ‘Melanin Man’, ‘Summertime, and the anthemic ‘Gombey Warrior’. The last piece found the band’s instruments blending perfectly into the raw drum line sounds of the Warner Gombeys, which logically morphed into a full Gombey performance. Isn’t that how Bermudian celebrations are supposed to end?Nicely done Mr Trott, and the entire Ah Who! Productions team. Do us proud in Cuba.