Premier, Tourism and Transport Minister, Ewart Brown described Saturday night's finale to the 12th Annual Bermuda Music Festival as "An overwhelming success". Legendary American Band, Earth, Wind and Fire delivered an exhilarating performance to a sold-out National Sports Centre in addition to the comedic likes of Actor Steve Harvey, as well as five local acts.

Dr. Brown predicted during Saturday night after parties that this year's festival would be difficult to outmatch, but not impossible. He told The Royal Gazette: "On Saturday night I went to after parties at the Spinning Wheel and the Hamilton Princess and already, people wanted to talk about what we're going to do next year."

Watch a video report on Saturday night's festival at www.theroyalgazette.com.

"How are we going to top 2007? I told them it's going to be tough, but I think we can do it." Speaking on the decision to change the events venue to the National Sports Centre, it proved to be worth it, Dr. Brown commented.

"I know there was some nervousness among the public about changing the venue. I understand that," he added. "Dockyard was a sensational location, however, once people got inside the Sports Centre and experienced the first-class ambience, there is no doubt that switching the venue was the right thing to do.

"Every ticket had a seat and every ticket holder had a great vantage point and a good time." Bermudian bands, Legacy and the New Bermuda All Star Steel Band also received praises for showcasing Bermudian talent, as well as Jay Black and H and H Gombey troop.

One spectator, Shay Dawn Burgess, of St. George's, went to Saturday night's show specifically to see Earth, Wind and Fire, perform. "It was phenomenal – it was first class," Ms. Burgess complimented, "the local acts such as legacy were fantastic, Steve Harvey gave a really good comedy act… it was a first-class concert.

"Kudos to Premier Brown and the Ministry of Tourism. This was my first music festival and I was very proud to be a Bermudian.

"It was so organised, from parking to buying tickets, to seating, it was a beautiful atmosphere indeed."

Strong ticket sales pointed toward high expectations of each performer, who ultimately delivered, Dr. Brown further commented."The Onion Stage was once again a great fixture and we had some big local names on the main stage as well.

"But I think the show-stopper that knocked everyone off their feet was the Bermuda Mass Choir – their voices filled the stadium like an opera house."

For reviews of the Bermuda Music Festival, see today's lifestyle section.