The town of St. George's was alive with music and goodwill last Thursday afternoon thanks to Norwegian Majesty's Marcus Dagan, a talented musician (singer and pianist) who has a love affair with Bermuda.

Town Square was laced with gentle spectators and various musical entertainment performed from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. When I arrived about 3:15 p.m. harmony was in the air and it was sunny and cloudy with a slight overcast and the balmy breeze was steadily refreshing.This occasion was dedicated to the wonderful memory of the late David Raine, an author, friend to all, and former councillor of the Corporation of St. George.

Last year, Mr. Dagan organised a similar event, with Mr. Raine's help, at the same venue, which was a huge success and raised funds for the Hurricane Fabian damaged St. George's Preparatory School.

Mayor, E. Michael Jones invited Mr. Dagan to perform again this year and it was a wonderful spectacle to see so many people relaxed and enjoying the open air concert with various performers. The soft melodies drifted in the air as the onlookers wore gentle smiles of appreciation. Some were nodding their heads and tapping their feet to the soothing rhythmic beats of familiar Calypso tunes. Young mothers were out pushing their baby carriages and a row of senior bench sitters, some with canes and most with hats, sat amused underneath Freddie's Restaurant.

The ice cream shop kept a steady flow of happy people indulging and enjoying the cool treats of their many delicious flavours.

I listened to the mellow voices of Duane DeMello and Ray Pasnen on their guitars sing amusing lyrics like “Coconuts”… “I eat it everyday - don't steal my coconuts. I put it in my rum, I put it on my bum… You can steal my wife but leave my coconuts!” They also sang “My Brown Eyed Girl”, “Margaritaville” … Where's my salt? Another popular tune, a little rock and roll from Elvis was, “Blue Suede Shoes”.

Later Ed Fox, on guitar, sang several songs like “One Love” and Seals and Crofts' “Summer Breeze” and a favourite of the crowd, “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay”.

Several humorous impromptu moments occurred but one of the most amusing was when a local fellow wandered across the Square, riding a bicycle, in front of the performers. Mr. Pasnen said off the top of his head, “If you can't find a partner, find a bicycle!” The audience was very amused and laughter abounded.

St. George's Fire Brigade Truck, with chief, Gareth Adderley, was on the side of the Square near the ducking stool. Of course the Town Crier, David Frith, dressed in his fancy blues, was near there, just in case someone needed a bit of punishment. The music was so lovely that there was neither gossiping nor rowdiness.Everyone seemed to enjoy the harmonious event and probably felt a little like myself - very happy to be alive, sitting on the Square, catching the breezes of Bermuda, appreciating the history of the town, the gentleness of the people and simply living in the moment of delightful music.

Talented and gregarious Mr. Dagan was the last performer and played so beautifully on the Kurzweil Keyboard. His final song, which closed the concert, was “Five Step Tango” which he sang with brilliant clarity and moving passion. His performance was both compelling and memorable. The last song went something like: “I like the atmosphere of a minor key, dance with me, teach me all you know. Dance with me tonight my love, to the Five Step Tango.”

As the sun began to fade, the spectacular afternoon closed just as Mayor Jones arrived on his red bicycle wearing a navy blazer.Town crier, Mr. Frith, formally invited the mayor to speak and eloquently the mayor thanked Mr. Dagan and all the performers.

There were two 25 inch tall Plexiglas towers especially made by Bermudian, Michael Hooper representing New York's twin towers lost on September 11, 2001. The towers are at the Visitors Centre off the Square. These will be presented to the mayors in New York City at the end of the month.The public is invited to participate by donating a minimum of $1 per piece of sea glass, and the money collected will be donated to the Volunteer St. George's Fire Brigade.

Mr. Dagan is a delightful performer and he says that performing in Bermuda is “a love letter from him to Bermuda”.

The event was also intended to heighten awareness of World Heritage Month and promote St. George's, which is a world heritage site.

This is Mr. Dagan's third summer on the Norwegian Cruise Lines ships and he also recently completed a successful engagement at Griffin's in the St. George's Club.