Former Miss Teen Bermuda now studying law in Canada and promoting concerts
Many people want to study law or be involved in the music industry. Alexa Lightbourne, 19, is already doing both.
Not only is Ms Lightbourne studying law at Queen Mary University, in Ontario, Canada, but she, with her production company Noelle Entertainment, is producing next weekend's Bebe and Cece Winans concert.
"They were a legendary gospel group," Ms Lightbourne said. "They won five Grammys and an endless stream of other awards, but they were separated for about 13 years.
"Now, they've just recently gotten back together and they're doing a huge tour, and we're going to be one of their stops."
The former Berkeley Institute head girl and Miss Teen Bermuda organised her first concert in 2008 when she was 16-years-old.
"I was trying to think of some way that I could give back," she said. "I play violin, and Miri Ben-Ari was always one of my favourite violinists, so I thought, why not have her come here?
"We ended up raising about $1,000, and that all went to the Sunshine League."
She said the task of organising an international act on the Island was thrilling, but stressful. "We didn't sell a lot of tickets ahead of time.
"We Bermudians like to buy things at the last moment. I was nervous, but you have to have a positive outlook.
"The process of putting on a show is very stressful, but it's also very rewarding, especially when you finally see everything come together. It is stressful, but it is addictive."
Last summer, Ms. Lightbourne followed the Ms Ben-Ari Concert by organising an R&B 'sound clash' featuring BLACKstreet and Jagged Edge as part of the Island's 400th anniversary celebrations.
"There is so much work involved in putting on a show," she said. "I have to organise hotels, transportation, everything on the rider, advertising... The list is enormous.
"The hardest part is raising funds, but luckily this year we've found a number of great sponsors, like G.E.T. Ltd, Southside Family Bowl and Cable and Wireless."
She said that as the years have progressed, she has found herself working harder and harder to make an impact.
"People think, you know, 'it was cute when she did it last time', this time she's older and she needs to really step up the game," she said. "You have got to be really tough.
"There are a lot of people out to take advantage of you or rip you off, especially as a young woman."
Being a young woman in a largely male industry she said has sometimes made her work more difficult. "There are not many females in production, so I don't really have anyone I look up to in that way. I hope that I can become someone to look up to in that regard."
She said that she was confident that all the work put into next week's concert would be rewarded.
While she said she would likely be too busy backstage to catch a view of the show, she knows it will be a huge success.
"We're hoping to get a lot of the adults who knew them when they were together before, but we're also hoping to see a lot of young people at the show," she said. "This is the type of event that just doesn't come to Bermuda very often."
Along with the newly reformed Bebe and Cece Winans, there will also be performances by George Huff and Trinity 5:7.
Not long after the concert is over, Ms Lightbourne will have to hop on a plane and go back to University to continue her studies. While the workload is huge, she said she has no intention of giving up her music.
"Music is still my passion, even though I don't play my violin as much as I used to.
"They always say you need to push forward with your skills. I enjoy the law, but that doesn't mean that's the only thing I want to do."
Even with the threat of more work, Ms Lightbourne said she is already looking forward to her next production.
While she said she didn't want to give too much away this early, she said that it would be a major event.
"Major with a capital 'M'," she said. "It will be a huge event for the Gospel community, hosted by one of the biggest gospel names on BET.
"I have no question it's going to be a huge success."
• 'The Reunion' will be held at 7.30 p.m. at the Heritage Worship Center on Saturday, August 28. Doors open at 6.30 p.m.
Tickets cost $75, and are available at The People's Pharmacy and The Christian Book Store.
