Funny, electric and emotional. These are just a few words that describe the atmosphere of the Gene Steede Comedy Roast and Toast at the Fairmont Southampton Sunday night.Hosted by Jah Simmons, the show was billed as the first of its kind on local shores. It paid tribute to the man dubbed ‘Bermuda’s Natural Resource’ by Melba Moore a host of Bermuda icons took to the stage to talk about the man of the hour before Mr Steede himself had his moment.On hand for the spectacle with Mr Steede’s friends and family was Premier Paula Cox and other dignitaries.The atmosphere was all elegance and charm. It perfectly defined the man being celebrated on the night.Jah Simmons and partner Nadanja Bailey did a comic skit before the show started. As part of ‘Clash of the Soul Man’ they impersonated Tina Turner and Beyoncé Knowles respectively, with Simmons claiming Knowles had stolen Turner’s style.The first acts of the night set the stage for the evening and the ever soulful Gita Blakeney-Saltus turned back the hands of time with a few melodies that had the crowd singing and dancing.The featured roast saw some of Mr Steede’s closest friends take to the stage including Ron Lightbourne, June Caisey, Ronnie Lopes, Bruce Barritt, Bootsie, Shine Hayward, Gina Spence, Dale Butler, Gita Blakeney-Saltus as well as the 2 Fools Mr Simmons and Mr Bailey.Each had fond memories of times with Mr Steede, especially Mr Lightbourne, who was one of Mr Steede’s closest allies throughout his career. Mr Lopes recalled how he became responsible for taking care of Mr Steede’s precious pomeranian, Mandy, while he travelled.Jokes about the legendary musician included one of a relay race from St David’s to Grotto Bay. According to Mr Lightbourne, every step Mr Steede took seemed to be his last as he anchored his team.Mr Lopes also had fond memories of the veteran, but in his own personal way. He described Mr Steede with a Winston Churchill quote: ‘You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give’.Mr Steede then took to the stage to share his version of some of the things said about him, while also throwing a few jokes back at those who ‘roasted’ him.Awing the crowd with his charm and flamboyant stage presence, it was little wonder why Mr Steede is considered one of the most influential persons in the local music industry.Before the lights went out on a beautiful tribute, ‘Bermuda’s Natural Resource’ finished with a few ballads that will surely be ringing in the ears of those who were fortunate to be in attendance.If there would be one blip on this glorious event, it would be the five-hour duration of the show. The entertainment began in the Mid-Ocean Amphitheatre at 7pm and ended after midnight.This, however, was a minute point in the bigger scheme of the roast and toast, as all who attended were treated to not only a good night out, but also a fine showing by the hosts, performers, and the man himself, Gene Steede.Cheers to all who made it a successful night.