An impromptu street performance between a Canadian visitor and a veteran local performer has sowed the seeds for a new Bermudian talent agency to promote artists and entertainers.

The Bermuda Island Agency has taken its case before the Bermuda Entertainment Union aimed at getting the ball rolling on a collective operation to connect artists with gigs, here and overseas.

“The vibe was out there, I guess — my first day as a tourist in Bermuda and I’m busking,” said visitor Ric Levenston of his performance alongside Ranam Burch in the streets of St George’s.

During his performance, Mr Burch spotted an appreciative onlooker, told him he looked like a guitar player, and handed over an instrument.

Mr Levenston, who has played with various bands over 40 years, was happy to oblige.

The performance caught the attention of longstanding promoter and musician Cleveland Simmons, who took the Toronto visitor on a tour of local establishments and musical acts, discussing ways to promote the Island’s entertainers.

“Michael Markham came on board as an advisor while we were talking about the need for a talent agency,” Mr Simmons explained.

Mr Levenston offered to help Bermudian artists find venues in Toronto, where Mr Simmons had once successfully promoted the group Burning Ice, while Mr Markham envisaged an agency that would help discover, develop, represent and market models, actors, entertainers and artists.

After the group drafted a proposal for an agency, gathering was called for Wednesday night at the Paradise Lounge in the former White Sands Hotel in Paget.

Mr Simmons sees potential for agencies to link acts with events in the upcoming America’s Cup, and was invited by Premier Michael Dunkley to make a pitch to the authority.

“This is a community based project — all these artists have connections within the community that they can share,” Mr Markham said. “We want something where local artists and talent can come together, develop their talent and maybe become a booking agency. Mr Simmons sees the incredible depth of local talent. We’re hoping to pull it together in a more structured way.”