For 12 years aficionados of the Bermuda School of Music's (BSM) annual 'Some Enchanted Evening' concerts have grown accustomed to a largely classical programme, but this year organisers changed the musical menu significantly, with just a soupçon of classical, and a lot more of the sort of music one would expect to find in an evening on the town.

Appropriately entitled 'Music After Dark', the 13th concert in the series proved popular, judging by the vociferous and enthusiastic applause which greeted everything, including emcee Bruce Barritt, and even BSM director Chas Arnold in his role as stage setter.

Veteran professional musician and BSM faculty member Chris Broadhurst, who describes his musical style as 'Forococa' (folk, rock, country, calypso), got the evening off to a good start with a group of songs reflecting not just his chosen genres but also the times with which we either identify or recall – the drug tripping 1970s; too-busy fathers and sons missing out on their child's development; the tastes of summer; expressions of love; and two witty Broadhurst originals – 'Rain', about Bermuda's precipitation, and the other, 'The Mayonnaise Song,' about Bermuda's favourite condiment. Sung to tune of 'Day-O'/'Banana Boat Song' with audience participation, this made a fun ending to his set.

BSM faculty members David France (violin) and Louise Southwood (guitar) are fine musicians whose collaboration never fails to please. Their performance of 'Suite Buenos Aires' by Maximo Diego Pujol perfectly evoked the passion and colour of this South American music, and was beautiful.

Joy T. Barnum is a professional artist whose vocal and interpretive ranges inevitably make her performances fascinating. Showcasing a variety of songs from her repertoire, and accompanied by guitarist Michael MacPhee and pianist Milton Raposo, she made expressive listening.

Choice is subjective, but for me the highlight of the evening was the debut of the Bermuda School of Music Jazz Ensemble, whose musicianship, both individually and collectively, was terrific. In presenting the jazz classics, 'Lulu's Back in Town', 'Round Midnight', 'Billy's Bounce' and 'Caravan', professionals Conrad Roach (trumpet), Clarence Burrows (bass), Raymond George (piano/BSM faculty) and Shelton Bean (drums/BSM faculty) 'cooked' to perfection. Certainly, I agree with the patron who remarked, "Man, these cats are hot", and wait impatiently to hear them again.

Bermudian and international star Heather Nova (guitar and vocals), accompanied by cellist Caroline Eaton, brought this Enchanted Evening to an attractive close with a generous selection of original compositions by the singer. Ms Nova has a lovely, clear voice which, in its higher registers, floats effortlessly. Her musicianship is solid, and her words capture attention. The addition of the cello was inspired, adding colour, texture and depth.

A different style of programme, yes, but one which also succeeded as the BSM's major fundraiser, all proceeds of which go towards bursaries for students in financial need.