‘A different Joy in the Bass this year’
Published:Monday | December 30, 2024 | 12:07 AM
The eighth staging of the annual Christmas Joy in the Bass event at the Ambassador Theatre in Trench Town was a night of music, food and the Word, courtesy of the Joy Town Community Development Foundation.
Performing on stage for the duration of the concert along with her backing vocalists, the Transformation Band, led by Fitzroy ‘Dave Prime Time’ Green, was songbird Carlene Davis. This was a departure from previous stagings, which would have several big-name gospel acts ministering in song to the patrons, as well as successful residents from the area. The platform also gave a voice to talents from within the community.
Major Richard Cooke, president of the Joy Town Community Development Foundation, described the event as “a different Christmas Joy in the Bass this year”.
“It was primarily to showcase talents from the community. Instead of the many renowned performers who grew up in the area returning to entertain the residents, we had Carlene Davis as the headliner. Patrons loved the new concept and cheered on the resident talents,” Cooke said.
Favourite tracks
Full of energy, Carlene Davis embraced her audience as she delivered favourite tracks from her catalogue, among them Assignment and Santa do you Ever Come to The Ghetto. A new release, titled Christmas Inna Trench Town, thrilled the audience.
On the philanthropic side, a presentation of a MacBook Pro laptop was made to the local JaMIN recording studio which has been resuscitated by Dr Henley Morgan of the Agency for InnerCity Renewal. This was made possible through the generosity of the Kevin Downswell Foundation and the Joy Town Community Development Foundation.
Cooke delivered his Christmas message which was followed by the Word and altar call, led by Bishop Michael Smith, president of the Independent Churches of Jamaica umbrella group.
The evening’s event closed with the showing of the movie Risen. The first 100 patrons received free popcorn, while Best Dressed Chicken served complimentary meals.
“We are always so pleased to be able to treat the people of Trench Town to this early Christmas gift and to show them that the birth of Jesus is the reason for our celebrations at this time of the year,” Cooke said.