A host of people have been honoured for their work in the arts in the Bermuda Arts Council 2009 Awards.

This year's awardees were Andra Simons, Suzanne Mayall, Beatnik Rubaine, Douglas Frith, John Anthony Ellison, George (Llewellyn) Hollis, The Pereira Brothers Michael, Manuel, Jimmy and Danny Pereira, and Hugh Davidson.

Beatnik Rubaine was one of the founders of Flow Sundays, a group of like-minded individuals who set about to change the tapestry of Bermuda's art scene.

"It was not only because we are passionate about our craft, but also because we recognised that we had a role to play in providing continual platforms for artists of all genres," he said.

"For me to be recognised by the BAC for the Founders Award means that my ideas and efforts have been recognised and appreciated, not only by the many artists who I have had the privilege of working with, seeing them perform, paint or DJ, but also by others who are interested in the further development of Bermudian artists.

"For that I am immensely grateful and very humbled. I thank God for allowing me to live in the world I often dreamt about."

Andra Simons, a co-founder of Flow Sundays, who has lived in London since 2004, said: "I was surprised when I was told about it, those of us involved with Flow Sundays were aware of it's initial impact, but never expected the long-term growth. However, I'm humbled and honoured that the BAC has recognised our contribution."

Receiving the award with them was Suzanne Mayall, who believes that the arts play an important role in creating a healthy society.

In university, she studied African and Caribbean history and politics and learned about creative movements of the 20th Century, such as the Black Arts Movement in the US, the Negritude movement in the Caribbean and the Cuban revolutionary poets.

Douglas Frith's profound passion for music led him to play for the likes of Eartha Kitt and Judy Garland, in London's West End and across Europe. In 1965, he also toured with the Tom Jones Band for two years. He also played on the Number One hit song, 'It's Not Unusual'.

Time spent at the Empire Pool at Wembley led him to meet greats such as the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and the Moody Blues.

US union issues forced him to return home to play the Bermudiana Hotel, where he became bandleader and entertainment director.

A decade ago, he joined the Bermuda Academy of Music at the Astwood Hall. The Academy was later amalgamated with the Bermuda Conservatory of Music, becoming The Bermuda School of Music. He teaches the clarinet, flute, and saxophone, repairs instruments, and recently played in the orchestra pit for the Gilbert & Sullivan production of Oliver.

Embodying a curious combination of legal logic and artistic creativity, John Ellison has managed to leave a legacy to Bermuda, which includes the Bermuda Festival, Daylesford Theatre, Bermuda National Trust's Palm Sunday Walk, established its Revolving Fund and preserving open spaces.

In addition, he was responsible for the Maritime Museum and the Commissioners House restoration. With the urging of Yehudi Menuhin, he founded the Menuhin Foundation.

The Pereira Brothers have been a constant thread in the fabric of Bermuda's entertainment scene for almost 50 years. During the Cold War when Bermuda was home to British, Canadian and American forces, the Pereira Brothers entertained them.

The fledgling combo was officially named the 'Silvertones' after Michael's guitar brand. Their first gig was at the "Teen Town" dance. A neighbour serving at the American base, heard them rehearsing and arranged for them to perform. They immediately became a regular fixture.

By 1965, they had made appearances in all of the major venues of Hamilton and they also played for a host of international acts at the main hotels. Sadly few recorded performances exist today.

Michael and Manuel, affectionately known as "The Twins" collaborated with the Bermuda Travellers to form a new band under that name, and still regularly perform to this day.

George (Llewellyn) Hollis, a third generation fisherman, became well known for tales of his adventures at sea. His love of the ocean began early in his life when his grandmother babysat him, as she would keep him in a punt while she searched the shoreline for mussels.

When the family moved to Spanish Point, he became acquainted with older fisherman and enjoyed hearing their tall tales. Amongst other things, Mr. Hollis took to powerboat racing and is the only surviving racer of that era.

Like many seamen, he has a treasury of stories and he was invited to the Smithsonian Institute Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage in 2001, when the Institute hosted its 35th Annual Folklife Festival.

For a fortnight, Mr. Hollis shared the traditions of fishing in Bermuda and he repeated this in 2001 during the 65th Annual Agricultural Exhibition at Botanical Gardens.

Hugh Davidson's appreciation of craftsmanship came early, as both his father and grandfather were woodworkers and leading contractors, while his mother was a businesswoman, who had a passion for painting and collecting interesting objects.

In 1962, he joined H. Davidson & Co. Ltd. and was appointed managing director within six years and eight years later he opened the Thistle Gallery.

He came to the attention of the Bermuda National Trust 25 years ago and has since served on the Museums' Committee, which he still chairs.

He has worked to develop the authenticity and relevance of the National Trust Museums at Verdmont House and Tucker House. He was also a member of the Government House Furnishings Committee.

When Canadian television programme, 'Homestyle,' filmed one of its episodes from Verdmont House, it was Mr. Davidson who provided the tour. Then in 1994, he was called upon when 'This Old House,' filmed the restoration of Harbour View, on the property of Aunt Nea's Inn.

He is also a member of the St. George's Historical Society and there he held Bermuda Road Shows.

Mr. Davidson also has a love for the monuments at the Royal Naval Cemetery. He hosted the Ambassador of South Africa on an official visit to Bermuda to rededicate the Boer War Graveyard, on Long Island.

Currently, Mr. Davidson serves on the Museum's Committee of the National Trust, as well as the Historic Cemeteries Committee - which he has recently taken over, the Auction & Jumble Sale Committee, the Made in Bermuda Exhibition Advisory Committee (2000), and continues to represent the St. George's Historical Society on the National Trust's Council.

In 2005, Mr. Davidson was the recipient of the National Trust's President's Award, and in 2006, he received their highest honour - The Palmetto Award.