Tonight's line-up of fresh faces at 11th Annual Bermuda Music Festival might disorientate a few people.

While compared to Thursday night's slate of classic greats like Gladys Knight and the Original Manhattans, some of the acts tonight are younger but mix youthful vigour with an old and soulful sound.

Charlotte, North Caroline-native Anthony Hamilton has been described as a master in the tradition of classic black music.

"All I know is that when people hear me, they're hearing an old 'familiar' voice, something that sounds reminiscent of something, someone they heard back in the day," Hamilton says of his own sound.

"And all of them, the thugs, the young mothers, the old folks, the big sistas, they all encourage me, they tell me, 'keep sayin' it.'"

Hamilton's career has been rocketing since 2003, when he was introduced to hit-maker Jermaine Dupri who signed him to So So Def imprint.

A triple-Grammy nominated album, "Comin' From Where I Am From", followed.

Prime hits from the album such as "Cornbread, Fish and Collard Greens", "Charlene" and "Float" should find favour with local audiences tonight.

Hamilton is also expected to sing numbers from his latest album "Ain't Nobody Worrying".

Joining Hamilton in lighting up the stage tonight will be soul sensation India.Arie.

The singer literally exploded onto the scene in 2001 with her platinum-selling debut album "Acoustic Soul".

Since that time she has sold nearly 7 million albums but India.Arie is almost as recognisable for her social and humanitarian causes around the world as her music.

"She recently returned from a trip to South Africa where she observed and assisted in humanitarian efforts taking place at the epicentre of the global AIDS crisis," the festival programme notes.

Many may recognise songs she has recorded for a number of movie soundtracks including: "Good Man" for "We Were Soldiers"; "Eyes of the Heart" for "Radio"; "Get it Together" for "Shark Tale"; "Purify Me" for "Diary of a Mad Black Woman"; and, most recently "Ready for Love" from the new "Miami Vice" flick.

While neo-soul is solidly on the cards for the evening, Charlie Wilson, pioneering lead singer of the Gap Band, will infuse an energetic dose of 70s and 80s funk as well.

The trio of brothers that made up Gap Band ? whom Charlie notes have been performing together since 1967 ? earned notice for both their jams and their Cowboy-cool attire, which was not a popular look until the Oklahoma trio made the style their own.

The festival programme notes: "Charlie Wilson possesses a style that has never gone out of style, the kind of voice that can be gutbucket and cool, smooth as hot butter and tasty as chocolate."

Despite Gap Band's success, Wilson has been unafraid to branch out with new musical styles as he did on his 2001 disc "Charlie, Last Name Wilson".

The artist noted it was difficult to relinquish artistic control to others but the results have been worth it, with R. Kelly producing a number or "mackadelic tracks".

Also hitting the stage tonight during the Steve Harvey-hosted event will be The HomeGrown Band and steelpan specialist Robert Symons on the main stage.

Local talents Education Component, New Beginning, Spirit, Bermuda Harmony and Legacy will be performing on the Onion Stage in the Victualling Yard from 2 to 11.05 p.m.

Doors will open for the main concert tonight at 6 p.m. with showtime set for 7.30 p.m. Commuters are encouraged to use the ferry service to travel to and from Dockyard for the event. General admission tickets are $60 and are available at Sound Stage, Washington Mall, Bermuda Clayworks, Royal Naval Dockyard or bermudafestival.com.