In Bermuda, summer means concerts, parties and Cup Match celebrations – and live music forms the soundtrack to the season.
Few people understand that energy better than local DJ and entertainer Rusty G, who is thrilled by the prospects of this year’s line-up of events.
“This summer honestly feels like one of the biggest in recent memory,” he said. “There are tons of amazing events going on and I’m particularly excited about the concerts happening around Cup Match.”
Among the headline events are performances by dancehall artist Mavado and Trinidadian soca favourites Kes the Band, both set to perform during the lead-up to and around our favourite national holiday.
“Mavado on July 25 and Kes on July 29, plus Cup Match staples like Wete Fete and Bacchanal Run, means the week is going to be action packed,” Rusty G said.
Kes the Band are no strangers to Bermuda audiences, having previously performed on the island during the 2017 America’s Cup celebrations. At the time, lead singer Kees Dieffenthaller described Bermuda as a “beautiful place” and praised the island’s crowd energy.
For Rusty G, local audiences bring a unique atmosphere that performers genuinely look forward to experiencing.
“Bermuda really comes alive in the summer,” he said. “There’s a different energy in the people that I can’t really explain.”
That atmosphere becomes especially noticeable around Cup Match, when the island’s social scene shifts into high gear. From large concerts to beach events and late-night parties, live entertainment becomes a major part of the holiday experience.
For entertainers, reading that energy and responding to it is part of the job. Rusty G believes strong performances and consistency are what help artists and DJs stand out in Bermuda’s competitive entertainment scene.
“There’s a lot of ways that entertainers build their brands,” he said in a previous interview with The Royal Gazette. “I always just try to make sure that I give really strong, energetic stage performances.”
Preparation, he added, is equally important — especially when performing for crowds with high expectations.
“You’ve got to do your homework before you go,” he said. “Ask other DJs and artists and the promoters what kind of vibes are people expecting. And then do your homework and just pay attention and make sure that you’re on point when you get there.”
Social media has also played a growing role in helping local entertainers expand beyond Bermuda. According to Rusty G, it has helped introduce his work to international audiences and led to opportunities overseas.
“Clips of my performances in Bermuda ended up growing my social media and people in other places saw them and decided to book me. So, it’s all that put together, and just being consistent I guess.”
Still, Bermuda remains one of his favourite places to perform, particularly during the summer season when music and celebration become part of everyday island life.
With thousands expected to attend concerts and events over the Cup Match period, Rusty G believes this summer could be one to remember.
Mavado will perform in Bermuda on Saturday, July 25. For tickets, visit gpass.bm. Cup Match Ignite featuring Kes the Band takes place on Wednesday, July 29, the day before Cup Match. Tickets are available at Ptix.bm. Both concerts will take place at the National Stadium.
