This year's Jazz Festival attracted record numbers, although the crucial target audience of overseas visitors was down due to major hotels being closed by Hurricane Fabian.

More than 9,000 tickets were sold for the three day event at Dockyard, with just over 1,000 thought to be sold to tourists here specially for the festival.

Tourism Minister Renee Webb was quoted as saying the event normally attracts around 1,500 overseas visitors, but with sponsoring hotel the Fairmont Southampton, and Sonesta Beach, shut for repairs, it was unrealistic to hit the target of 3,000 tourists.

Kenny G., Natalie Cole, Gerald Levert, Stephanie Mills, Freddie Jackson, BeBe Winans, Regina Belle, Marcus Johnson and Mike Phillips, joined local talent for the festival.

Ms Webb said: "I must take this opportunity to say how proud the entire Island should be of the local acts who performed alongside top international artists.

"The Saltus Jazz Band, Maurita Andre, Fires of Africa, and the Boys Choir of Bermuda managed to impress the audience with their talents and abilities.

"I'm even more pleased that two of the local acts, Maurita Andre and Fires of Africa, were offered slots in this year's festival as a direct result of the Entertainment Showcase held earlier this year at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.

"The mere fact that the 2003 Jazz Festival took place at all is a testament to the commitment of all partners, both local and overseas, to the event and to Bermuda.

"The Government of Bermuda has raised the standard of overseas performers in the Jazz Festival and it's encouraging to see members of the public and visitors alike embrace this as we continue to grow this event for the betterment of Bermuda."

A post-mortem will be held on the event, which was promoted by Black Entertainment Television, and one area looked at will be providing a media area with a good vantage point.