Last night I had a great time at the Bermuda Music Festival in Dockyard. As someone who worked on the first ever "Jazzfest" 10 years ago at the National Stadium I love the event, although I'm not deluded enough to buy into the idea that it is a 'tourism' event.
It ain't. The Music Festival, like most Department of Tourism sponsored events (including the upcoming Culinary Arts Festival, Harbour Nights, World Rugby Classic etc.), is completely supported by locals with a few tourists sprinkled throughout. If we're honest, the Department of Tourism is really the Department of Local Entertainment and Travel.
Nonetheless, I enjoy myself every year, and last night was no exception, except for one exception that is.
First the good: Joss Stone put on a great set and Al Green proved himself worthy of his reputation, the organisation seemed pretty good, and a few new touches like the local stage and the food courtyard worked well. (I won't get into the luxury skyboxes at the back of the seating area for VIPs and PLPs.)
But....one thing during the evening really summed up what is wrong with tourism in Bermuda.
Shortly into Joss Stone's set a small crowd developed (including me) in the gap between the base of the stage and the first row - as has been the case for a number of years now.
You'd think people dancing and interacting with the artist on stage (who was clearly pleased with the energy and interaction) was the whole point right? Evidently not.
In typical Bermuda fashion the Fun Police appeared, flashing their lights in people's faces and directing them back to their seats to sit down. If that doesn't sum up our problem with tourism nothing does.
Bermuda puts on a music festival, where presumably people come to enjoy good music, yet as soon as they start enjoying themselves they're directed back to their seats to sit quietly. Amazing. I thought I was at a concert not music appreciation class.
As the night went on people came back for Joss Stone's encore and Al Green entire set, but I must admit it left a bad taste in my mouth.
When will we loosen up?
Posted by Christian S. Dunleavy