Bermuda's own star, Gita Blakeney-Saltus will perform two songs in a special tribute to music legend Quincy Jones during the Bermuda Music festival.

She will sing to Mr. Jones during the Friday night show after Premier Ewart Brown presents him with the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Award.

Mrs. Blakeney-Saltus was thrilled to be chosen to perform for the 27-time Grammy award winner.

"It is a great honour for me to sing to Quincy," said a thrilled Gita. "It is not only a special occasion for me but for Bermuda. This award is a gift to Quincy from all of our community and I am honoured and excited to be playing a part.

"It's a unique opportunity for me. The man is a living legend and I'm a huge fan of his. If I had to pick anyone internationally to work with it would be Quincy because his work spans such a huge spectrum, from his early work with jazz stars like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Shirley Horn to the work he did with Michael Jackson. He is the quintessential producer and his work really embodies the evolution of modern music."

She will be accompanied by Mr. Jones' orchestra, but the songs will remain a secret until the night.

"Greg Phillinganes, Quincy's musical director, assisted in the song selections. All I will say is that one song is taken from Quincy's 1974 album Body Heat and the other is a real surprise from my heart. The songs reflect my affinity for Quincy's work because we both have our roots in jazz. It really is a dream come true to be able to work with someone of his vast experience and historical musical status."

The performer has worked with the late Isaac Hayes, and opened for stars like Gladys Knight, Jonathan Butler, Lee Ritenour, Herbie Mann, Cassandra Wilson, Chris Botti and Angie Stone. She is also a board member of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Foundation.

Mr. Jones knows about the performance but does not know what songs Mrs. Blakeney-Saltus will be singing.

He said:"Art is the supreme unifier on this planet. The greatest gift I've had in my life has been to travel as much as I have and to meet as many people as I have. Bermuda will be no exception. I look forward to experiencing the culture of Bermuda for the very first time and hearing the Island's very own Gita Blakeney-Saltus perform at the festival."

Dr. Brown said: ""I know our country will be well represented, and all in attendance enthralled when Bermuda's Lady of Song Gita takes centre stage to serenade Quincy Jones as part of our special honour that he so richly deserves."