Just as it was billed, the Bermuda Music Festival proved to be an extravaganza of a most extraordinary kind. It was indeed pure platinum.

Beyoncé, Alicia Keyes (pictured right), the Whispers, UB40, Dick Gregory, Steve Harvey! Just imagine, coming together, engrossing Bermuda's shores at one time, in a four-day capsule, along with their ritzy retinues; and, of course, brilliantly backed up by some genuine, world-class Bermuda-born and bred performers.

Surely, that was enough to implode this little island. No wonder it rained 'cats and dogs' part of the time. That seemed like an added dimension, juice from heaven, which did not stop the show from going on in the truest traditions of the industry.

My mind is still blown at the thought that such a production was conceived in the first place. And then so brilliantly executed with a billion and one details attended to, obviously smoothly, overall satisfactorily.

If it were otherwise we certainly would have heard about it by now with so many potential nit-pickers among the thousands of fans undoubtedly ready to complain ¿ if they could find anything consequential to complain about.

Main Stage, Onion Stage all blended in well with Bootsie, the Master MC predominating along with Paradise Band, the Warner Gombey Troupe, the Bermuda Mass Choir; Canjelate Taylor, United Dance Productions; Spirit Band.

Collie Buddz was stellar, as were the Jam Signal Band, Rikkai & Michelle, Raymon Clark and Troy Anthony; Jules H & H Gombeys; Secret PO Po and Corvin Melody; Mohawk Radio; Bunnie Easton, Ali Malik and Freddie G.Mitchelle "Live Wires" Trott, the tap dancer, was in a class by himself.

Larrita Adderley and Twanae Butterfield exceeded their own grand billings. Wall Street Band made a spectacular festival debut en route to their next great appearance, in November, at the Apollo Theatre in New York City. Young Almee Bento is also bound for the Apollo next month. The Warwick Gombey Troupe were spot on as usual; and likewise Paradise Band.

All the above is surely a lot to digest in four throbbing nights.

The brains behind it all was of course the Tourism Minister and Premier Ewart Browne, along with his staff in the Department of Tourism, producer Rock Newman, of Gibraltar Promotions, and co-producer Bermuda's own David Durham of Yoshi Poductions.

Dr. Brown coolly took a bow to the applause of the warmed-up audience. He had earlier been introduced by Steve Harvey in his own inimitable manner, as the Prime Minister of Bermuda. Correcting himself, Steve said: "Dr. Brown, king, heir, prince, Premier whatever, they're all the same."

Photos: The love was definitely there for the thousands attending the 2008 Bermuda Music Festival at National Sports Centre, and not even the torrential downpour deterred them. My photo of the scene above was taken during the lead-up to the Collie Buddz performance on Friday night. Alicia Keys photo: Glenn Tucker