Shane Powell assumed he knew exactly what it was like to be an event promoter.

He had been dancing dancehall and reggae at concerts for years.

It was not until he started event promotion company Bermuda Squad Entertainment this year that he realised just how little he knew.

“My hat goes off to other entertainment promoters on the island, because this is a real job,” Mr Powell said.

On August 9, Bermuda Squad Entertainment will be holding its first event, Summer Fun, featuring international acts such as Stone Love, Chi Ching Ching and Quick Cook. ET Flava, Souljah One Sound and DJ Chris will also take to the stage.

Mr Powell said organising Summer Fun has been a learning curve.

“Nobody else is going to tell you how to do things,” he said. “You have to figure things out for yourself. The biggest obstacle has been learning how to get work permits for the talent we are bringing in. The ins and outs of immigration has been the biggest challenge for me.”

He has also found his fellow Bermudians to have high standards.

“We could have Beyoncé here, and they would still give her a run for her money,” he joked.

Mr Powell said the difference between his company and others on the island will be the cost of shows.

“We know the price of everything in Bermuda is skyrocketing,” Mr Powell said. “We want to keep entertainment at a level where it is OK for people to go out and enjoy themselves.”

He said Summer Fun is good value for money because it offers people three international acts for the price of one.

His secret weapon is his friend, Maurice “Spoonie” Parkes, a Jamaican.

Mr Parkes brings music connections to the business.

He was also once a dancer performing before crowds of 35,000 people alongside artists such as Bogle and John Hype. Fifteen years ago, he had his own label, Old Spoon Productions. He released albums such as Put Out, with singles by Gyptian, Bill Gates, Predator, D’Angel, Triple X, Kibaki, Big Wayne and others.

“I do not dance any more,” he said. “I prefer the production side of things. Shane and I came together to make a difference. Summer Fun will give people something to talk about the next day.”

Mr Powell has taught dance at CedarBridge Academy and now runs his own dance team called Bermuda Squad. Some of his students will be in the show.

He said dancing and music helps the community release negative energy.

Bermuda Squad Entertainment is already working on its next event, a peace concert and family fun day slated for November.

• Summer Fun will be held on August 9 at CedarBridge Academy in Devonshire. Doors open at 9pm and the show starts at 10pm. Tickets are available onbdatix.bm