The line-up of this year’s Bermuda Music Festival — being headlined by legend Quincy Jones — was this afternoon unveiled.

Patti Austin, Erykah Badu, James Ingram, Wyclef Jean, John Legend, Michael McDonald, Kenny Rogers and Naturally Seven are the acts that will complete the line-up next month.

‘Quincy Jones and Friends’ will be staged over three days from October 29 to October 31. On the final night, Halloween, there will be a special performance of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller — 25 years after the best-selling album of all-time was first produced by Quincy Jones.

During the weekend of performances, Premier Ewart Brown will honour Quincy Jones’ lifetime contributions to culture and humanity with the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Award.

Mr. Jones changed the way music and philanthropy interact through his star-studded collaboration ‘We Are the World’, the best-selling single of all time. Produced and arranged by Mr. Jones, this single raised $63 million for Ethiopian Famine Relief and shined a much-needed spotlight on the Ethiopian drought.

“It is my distinct honour to receive the African Diaspora Award from Premier Brown and the people of Bermuda and to join with them to celebrate the beauty and wonder of Bermuda during the 14th Annual Bermuda Music Festival,” said Mr. Jones.

He added: “The line-up of artists that we have assembled for this year's festival are some of the most talented performers of their generation and, like me, understand and respect the diverse musical and spiritual influences that are reflected in Bermuda’s rich cultural history. I promise that this year’s festival will be one that you definitely will not want to miss. . . it's going to be hot.”

The artist Ne-Yo was slated to perform but has had to pull out due to film commitments. Other acts may be announced later.

* See the full story and reaction in tomorrow's Royal Gazette.