Vocal trio ThirdStory featuring Bermudian Ben Lusher will open the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts on Friday.

The group, who are based in New York City, have been gaining recognition for their unique arrangements of covers of other artists’ songs and will embark on their first American tour later this year, as well as record their first CD.

David Skinner, the executive director of the festival, said: “We are excited about the opening of the 2016 festival.

“This year’s festival offers a wide variety of world-class talent across several genres, and we hope everyone will find something to their liking.

“We are extremely pleased to have ThirdStory opening this year’s festival and proud to see Ben Lusher, a Bermudian, among the group on stage. ThirdStory have made a name for themselves in a relatively short period of time and they are on a positive trajectory that will lead to a successful career.”

•Tickets are available for ThirdStory’s performances through www.bdatix.bm. The festival runs until March 5. More information about this year’s artists, including ThirdStory, is available at www.bermudafestival.org