Heavy Police presence in light of the recent gang-related activity did not deter soca lovers from having a good time at the show on Saturday night.

Over 3,000 people braved frequent torrential downpours at St. David's Cricket field to hear Square One with Allison Hinds.

There was overwhelmingly more women than men at the show -- my guess is that many did not make it past the checkpoint at St. David's gate.

Plain clothes and uniformed Police officers flooded the field, and a stern warning went out by the MC that: "Anyone smoking weed tonight will be out of here.'' Bermuda's own Legacy warmed up the crowd with impressive and fervent renditions of age-old soca tunes until about 10.15 p.m.

A 45-minute intermission was lorded over by DJ Yonguls, who truly had the crowd as hyped as they would later be with Square One.

And Square One was certainly not square. The energy and activity on the stage kept spectators moving the whole time.

Clad in sparkling silver and black outfits, I was surprised when Square One and Allison Hinds graced the stage performing recent hits.

It left me wondering what was next. But I must say that it was fitting that the show began with hit song "Togetherness.'' The words must have struck a cord with just about everyone -- "The fussing and the fighting and the war must done, the war must done...come let we live as one...Put down the drugs me say the knife and the gun -- and let we all have fun.'' As the crowd sang along, a blitz of yellow rags waved under the overcast sky thanks to a complimentary gift from Square One's sponsor Western Union.

Many a pirate could be seen wielding two scarves -- one on his head and one in hand.

All revellers were also given yellow whistles -- which I was grateful for, but I could have done without the constant reminders that Square One was sponsored by Western Union and Malibu.

The peaceful beginning was proceeded by "Jack up de world,'' whose R&B accompaniment was more pronounced than in the recorded version of the song. It was disappointing to hear the hit song so early in their performance.

I feared that I was going to bear witness to a 30 minute performance by the main act.

But my worries were put to rest soon enough as Square One continued to wow the crowd.

No complaints could be heard by the few men who were in the crowds who then begged the women to play with their ding-a-lings. They went wild with Square One who performed "My Ding-A-Ling.'' Square One also sang other hits "Iron Bazodee,'' "Beggars'' and "In De Mood.'' One uninhibited young man braved the stage to wine up Ms Hind's hiney, his head wrapped in a Western Union rag and a towel for protection from the rain.

He was met with praise from the audience after showing the Bajans how a Bermudian man wines.

Old tunes such as "The Plumber,'' and "Kitty Cat'' excited the crowd and the men were asked to make hand gestures as they claimed their "cats''.

Square One's performance included songs from their new CD "Higher Heights'', which we were told, we were first to hear.

I thoroughly enjoyed their performance of their new song "Pokemon'' although I fear that young fans of the cartoon may adopt the new meaning readily.

The party animals stood there hanging on every sound in the rain. Allison Hinds asked those with brollies to share with their neighbours, but many were left to fend with a towel or rag.

After jacking up the world for a good hour and a half, Square One said they would take a short break.

In the meantime, DJ Yonguls kept the crowd, who darted in and out of the rain, well entertained with soca and reggae.

The crowd blew their whistles in a frenzy at one point sounding like the hooligans were coming down from the hills.

But the crowd was gearing up for Square One, who we were told, would return momentarily.

Square One was great, but the intermission which dripped into a long hour was far too long.

Storming the stage again at 1.30 a.m., the two male singers had changed into more comfortable tee-shirts and pants, but Ms Hinds retained her hot tamale flair pants and shimmering top.

The group sang a few Bob Marley tunes before the heavy rainfall lead Police officers to be among the first to dash to their paddy wagons.

And many people cowered near the two Ambulances that were on hand in case of trouble.

Some people tried to brave the elements. Then the crowd fizzled out slowly and then more rapidly as the rain came down harder.

Square One quickly sang "Jack up de world'' once more before the rain forced them to call it quits as well.

The early departure of many seemed unexpected as officers still lingered around the field -- most in their cars and wagons.

Some revellers ran out wondering what the rest of the Island had been doing while the whole Police force waited for trouble in the East End.

All in all I give Sound Concept's much love for a putting on a good show.