Tonight marks the opening of the Bermuda Jazz Festival at Dockyard, an event that includes the Saltus Jazz Band and visiting artists Mike Phillips, Marcus Johnson, Regina Belle and Freddie Jackson.

Saxophonist Phillips arrived on the professional music scene in 1993 at Wilson's nightclub in New York. Now a recording artist whose debut album, `You Have Reached Mike Phillips', is indicative of his chameleon-like abilities, he has also shared the stage with such notable artists as Wayman Tisdale, Jonathan Butler, Rachelle Farrell, Babyface, Brian McKnight and Boyz II Men. In 2001 he was the opening act for Jill Scott during her sold-out `Words & Sounds' cross-country tour.

Marcus Johnson began playing piano at age six. He double-majored in music and business administration at Howard University, and afterward pursued law and MBA degrees while working on music. His albums include `Lessons in Love', `Chocolate City Groovin' ` and `Inter Alia'. On his own label, Marimelj, he has released `Urban Groove' and new artist Jaared's `Forward'. The pianist has performed at clubs throughout the US, and has been a featured performer at many jazz festivals.

Regina Belle is a prolific, consistently engaging vocalist in urban contemporary music, and possesses what is reputed to be one of the purest and most exquisite voices on the R&B scene. She sang in a New Jersey vocal group and studied opera and jazz in college. She worked as the opening act for The Manhattans and recorded the duet, `Where Did We Go Wrong', with them in 1986. Her 1987 solo debut, `All By Myself', produced the hit single, `Please Be Mine', which earned critical acclaim and a number two spot on the R&B charts. Her second album, `Stay With Me', secured her success, and catapulted Miss Belle to stardom and worldwide popularity in the early `90s. Her latest album is `This Is Regina'.

Harlem-born Freddie Jackson was the lead singer with the R&B band Mystic Merlin before becoming a back-up singer for Melba Moore. The title track of his debut album with Capitol, `Rock Me Tonight', stormed the R&B charts, spending six weeks at number one and making him an instant sensation. His single, `You Are My Lady', was a number one hit, and proved to be his highest single on the pop charts. His debut album went platinum, as did the following album `Just Like the First Time'. Its singles, ` `Tasty Love', `Have You Ever Loved Somebody?' and `Jam Tonight' all went to number one. A string of albums followed, and now, after almost 20 years on the scene, his impressive and inspiring living performances continue.

Saltus Jazz Band features students of Saltus Grammar School. They have just completed their third CD, `Two Thousand Three', which features songs by Marvin Gaye, the B-52s, and many others. Profits from the band's performances and CD sales assist in purchasing instruments for the school's music department.