Every so often, a true artist graces the stage and for the time you see them perform, it is simply magical.
I'm not wont to describe things in such cliché terms usually, but there really isn't many better ways of saying it.
It's easy to love a singer's voice on an album and be disappointed when you see them live '“ but from the minute John Legend took the stage to belt out his first tune, the audience was emphatically supportive.
He performed most of his hits, including the chart-topping No. 1 All of Us, but included songs from his first album as well as other hits including Everybody Knows and You and I, generally ensuring that everyone fell in love with him.
He was chatty throughout as well, addressing the audience and making jokes.
One of the most poignant moments was when he gave a little account of his upbringing in Ohio and dedicated a cover of Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water to his grandmother.
That song has been covered so often one would doubt whether we need yet another version of it '“ but from the first note I knew that Legend's version is a necessary addition.
Several more performances are lined up in the coming days as part of the festival.
Egyptian composer Omar Khairat is set to perform at the Bahrain National Theatre on Thursday, while Korean comedy and martial arts performance Jump will be held from Thursday until Saturday at Arad Fort.
Other performers include Emirati singing sensation Hussain Al Jassmi and British singer Joss Stone.
Activities will also focus on the heritage of Bahrain, coinciding with Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities' 'Our Year of Heritage' initiative that features shows, seminars and workshops throughout 2015.
The festival also includes lectures and symposiums such as a talk by international author Pamela Olson on her award-winning memoir Fast Times in Palestine, and a lecture by former French Culture and Education Minister and president of the Arab World Institute in Paris Jack Lang called 'Love'. For details, visit www.springofculture.org
By Laala Kashef Alghata
