Moon shines brightly over ‘Christmas Joy in the Bass’

The moon shone brightly over the Ambassador Theatre on Collie Smith Drive, Trench Town, as if to put a spotlight on the seventh staging of the ‘Christmas Joy in the Bass’, hosted by the Joy Town Community Development Foundation, led by Major (Rt’d) Richard Cooke.

The legendary, open-air, amphitheatre provided a comfortable setting for the near-capacity crowd. Produced by the Tommy Cowan-led Glory Music, a number of the island’s popular gospel artistes gave performances which rocked the crowd.

Backing band, The Right Band, accompanied the Trench Town Talent Exposure newcomers, including Roneca, Jason Davidson, Pessoa, Treinelle Robinson, Life Well, Mikaela and J. Written.

Carey Sayles delivered a high-energy set with songs such as Oh Come Let us Adore Him, Blessed and Highly Favoured, and Sweet Medley Ska, while six-member a cappella group Humble kept the crowd excited with a medley which included If I Had Wings Of A Dove, Roll Jordan Roll, and others.

Carlene Davis delivered a mixed set, including Santa Claus Do You Ever Come To The Ghetto and Put Christ Back Into Christmas. The uptempo song, The Assignment, done Bob Marley-style, resonated with the crowd, so did We Don’t Need No More Trouble.

Major Richard Cooke and Tommy Cowan presented a tribute to the late Ziggy Soul for his contribution to the musical development in Trench Town. His widow, Marlene Beckford, was present.

Alaine was a hit with her rendition of Boast Inna God, Hallelujah, and This Christmas. She premiered her new single, Old Time Religion.

Pastor Marcus Williams of New Life Open Bible Church, Denham Town, brought the Word under the theme ‘Seek The Lord While He May Be Found’, and many persons responded to his altar call.

At the sound of the first note from closing act, Kevin Downswell, the crowd scurried to the front of the stage. His set included the ever-popular Grace, If It’s Not You, Carry Me and Stronger. He assured the residents of Trench Town that God was creating sources of income to help them fulfil their purpose, then he presented MacBooks to two young men who shared their dream at the inaugural staging of ‘Easter Joy in the Bass’.

Dr Henley Morgan, founder of AIR, praised Joy Town for its work and said that it was a privilege to help up-and-coming artistes and to join with Joy Town in showcasing them at this event.

Lorna Stanley, founder of the Operation Restoration Christian School in Trench Town, was recognised for her outstanding work in the community.