International Jazz artist Joey Sommerville is scheduled to take the stage at the Uptown Market tonight, marking the first ever international artist to perform at the Culture Fest.

The Uptown Market Association (UMA) announced Mr. Sommerville will be performing on the Grass Roots Uptown Stage on Court Street backed by the UMA band.

The trumpeter began playing in the Baptist church as a teenager.

In a press release, he said: "When I was a teenager, I would judge the calibre of my playing by the number of people in the congregation who 'got happy'.

"If you aren't touching the listener's soul, then you aren't really playing music. Soul communication is the key."

He has performed with a wide-range of artists and has been featured on the Cirque de Soleil's Grammy nominated and Juno award winning album, 'Alegria'.

Chairman of UMA Elmore Warren said: "It is great that Culture Fest has been around now for three years and can start to introduce international acts to the 'Grass Roots Uptown Stage'; a collaboration of international entertainment and the best of local musicians playing together.

"Joey Sommerville is a great trumpet player with a big heart and believes in the Empowerment Zone concept.

"He did not hesitate to say yes about coming to Bermuda to perform on the street.

"This is just the beginning and we look forward to seeing more of this type of thing in the area, but Joey will set a new standard for the stage and the Uptown Market."

Mr. Sommerville's resume includes working with Bob Baldwin, Rhonda Smith and many others in the music industry.

In 2007, he started the Smooth Jazz After Dark series in Sambuca Jazz Café in Atlanta featuring himself and his group performing with special guests. Past guests include Wayman Tisdale, Marion Meadows, Paul Taylor and more.

Mr. Sommerville's latest album is called 'Like You Mean It' and features Wayman Tisdale, Mike Phillips, Marion Meadows and Phil Perry.

In addition to the performance, patrons can enjoy Gombeys starting at 7 p.m. and this week's busker, Ruben McCoy.

There will also be ethnic cuisine, local street vendors, chic boutiques and the Children Zone. Culture Fest takes place from 7 to 10 p.m.