After making a splash at Reggae Sunfest in Montego Bay, Jamaica last month, a group of local musicians - now dubbed the Bermuda Connection - are set to do the same at Clearwater on Saturday for the Animal at Large concert to be headlined by Bunny Wailer.

An audience of thousands was "overwhelmed" by the local artists' performances at Montego Bay in early August, said Ras Giorgis, one of five local reggae talents who performed at the annual week long Reggae Sunfest.

Promoter and principal of Dred and Baha, Andrew Phillips was quick to point out that their appearance was "historic because this is the first time Bermudians have performed at Reggae Sunfest."

He told The Royal Gazette that his organisation planned to video stream next year's event on the Internet.

"Thousands attended... It was the biggest stage and lighting system they had ever had in Jamaica," enthused Mr. Phillips. "It was professional to the max. And the performances of the artists was spectacular. From the start it was always our vision to take local artists to this event."

Besides Ras Giorgis, local musicians who performed were Ali Malik, Truneh Flood, Ras Mykkal and Ninja Cutty.

The five performed original compositions and standards during International Night and shared the stage with Damien Marley, Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys, Shaggy and others.

Mr. Phillips said that the positive response and respect from a critical Jamaican audience was "the ultimate acknowledgement...especially singing reggae. It's the toughest crowd."

He said it left no doubt that Bermudian artists had what it takes to perform at a par with the best.

Dred and Baha have lined up Bunny Wailer, Lexus, Cecile, and a "surprise international artist" for Saturday's show. Bunny Wailer will also be doing a matinee show for "adults, accompanied by children," said Mr. Phillips.

Tickets for the night-time concert are $50 in advance and $60 at the gate. Matinee tickets are $20. Reggae band Jahstice will back up the Bermuda Connection, while the visitors will be backed by the Solomonic Reggaestra.