The Bermuda Entertainment Union (“BEU”) supports Bermudian entertainers 100%, in particular, those who are paid-up members of our trade union. We also wish to take this opportunity to highlight that during this Covid-19 pandemic, our Union has begun to see some growth with members renewing their membership and new members joining, as they were able to work through creative job opportunities becoming available to them.

For example, a new choir was formed led by Bermuda’s First Lady of Soul, Sheila J. Smith, to perform for a special Juneteenth celebration. As a result of that performance, they were requested to perform at the Somerset Cricket Club’s mini Emancipation program on the first day of Cup Match. All twelve members of the choir were paid and subsequently joined or rejoined as members of the BEU.

Additionally, BEU members, Hindsight, began a series of summer cruises and other entertainment events featuring local artists – many of whom are BEU members as well. We further note there are several up and coming bands and performers creating opportunities to provide awesome entertainment experiences, with the cooperation of our longstanding venues, such as the Blue Waters Anglers Club, Bernard’s Park and St Paul’s A.M.E. Church, to help revive our Entertainment Industry.

We would like to commend one of our newest members, Ms. LaKiesha Wolfe, of A New Life Charity, who produced a lovely concert last Sunday, August 16, 2020, at Bernard’s Park. We were so pleased with the lineup of entertainment included in the concert, seasoned entertainers, Ms. Tiffany Fox of the String Collective and the Soul Brothers; a new young saxophonist, Justin Ebbin, and an effervescent new Mistress of Ceremony, Ms. Nyaoki Williams!

The BEU donated $1,000 to A New Life to assist in paying the entertainers and the entertainment support team. We were delighted ALL of the entertainers donated their fees back to Ms. Wolfe in support of the work her charity is doing for amputees. Each of the Soul Brothers, young Justin, Nyaoki and Ms. Wolfe, joined the BEU or renewed their membership!!

We encourage all persons and/or organizations, including charities, to PAY local artists and the support teams who provide sound equipment, engineering, videotaping, etc., even if it is their charity rate.

We note that recently Jesse Seymour has broken his silence regarding the band, The Big Chill. We are pleased to hear that he has formed a dynamic new band, Silver City, consisting of himself, Felix Todd (DJ Felix) and guitarist, Ben Payne. Jesse, a former Bermuda Idol winner, is a world class talent and deserves to be recognized as such and be given every opportunity to work in his own country. We highly recommend those who are in a position to hire entertainment here and abroad, to consider Jesse and his band, Silver City.

The BEU is looking forward to improving our relationship with the Bermuda Festival and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and partnering with them to continue the new energy we are seeing within our Entertainment Community here in Bermuda.

We continue to encourage all those in the Entertainment industry to become members of our Union, so we may able to further enhance employment opportunities, not only in Bermuda, but in Canada, Europe and the United States. Please contact President Selena A. “VaVa” Fields for more information regarding becoming a member; visit website: www.bermudaentertainmentunion.com, our FaceBook page or send us an emai at info@bermudaentertainmentunion.com

• Press release from the Bermuda Entertainment Union