entrepreneur as part owner of the new music shop, "The Music Centre'' in the Bermudiana Arcade.

The Music Centre sells musical instruments and specialises in drum equipment.

The store focuses on catering to the needs of local entertainers on the Island and researches the market when ordering supplies.

And few people could know the local scene better than Mr. Paradine, who plays solo at Flannagan's on Tuesday and Thursday nights, and co-owner Jon Dobson who is the drummer for the local band "The Kennel Boys''.

Mr. Paradine, in an interview with The Royal Gazette , explained his particular interest in the electronic side of music equipment.

"It makes sure that I never sleep,'' he said, laughing about his passion for music.

Seeing Jonathan in a suit and tie at Renaissance Reinsurance one might never know of his dual existence and dedication to music.

But he has been involved in music for the past ten years and has been part of the local entertainment scene for about two years.

The 25-year-old is a completely self-taught singer, guitarist, and keyboard musician.

After attending Saltus Grammar School, he studied at Queen's University in Canada where he majored in economics while still taking various music production and composition courses.

Returning to Bermuda he soon met up with some Canadian musicians and left with them to travel and start a band.

Their journey ended in Dubai, in The United Arab Emirates where their band "League of Nations'' stayed for two years and became very popular.

"Not only did playing with the calibre of musicians abroad improve my skills of playing and songwriting, but it also improved my attitude,'' Jonathan said.

"Here in Bermuda, it is very easy to be a big fish in a small pond and not realise what else is out there.'' The newlywed said he also gained more than musical enlightment by being in Dubai.

"It was also in Dubai that I met my wonderful wife,'' said Mr. Paradine, who was married in Bermuda last July.

Returning back to his thoughts on music, he said he thought the quality of entertainment could be improved in Bermuda.

"A person can be a fine musician and not entertain anyone,'' he noted. "An entertainer on the other hand, needs to make you laugh, talk to you and have a good time with you.'' Mr. Paradine, who is waiting to have his own CD produced, also said local acts should be given more of a chance.

"People don't want to hire local musicians because they automatically think foreign entertainers are better,'' he said. "They view putting an ad in the paper as just a step to getting their foreign act here.'' Mr. Paradine has recently committed himself to a more stable job at Renaissance Reinsurance where he works in the computer department.

"Music is still a huge part of my life,'' he said, "but right now I'm prioritising my career in the office because there are goals there that I want to achieve.'' Reflecting on this dual identity and new business venture with a smile, Mr.

Paradine said: "I guess I am trying to have my cake and eat it too.'' When it comes to music he explained that he does not mind if half the people that hear him do not like what they hear.

"At least then I know that they are listening,'' Mr. Paradine said. "At least then I know that either way I am making them feel something, and that is what it is all about.'' AT WORK . . . AND AT PLAY -- Jonathan Paradine preparing to play at Flanagan's (above) -- and at work at Renaissance Reinsurance on Church Street (below).