Best Dressed Fun in the Son is 10 Years!

Best Dressed Fun in the Son Gospel Festival, which is the premier gospel festival in the Caribbean, began 10 years ago at the Island Village in Ocho Rios as an event geared towards college students.  It was introduced by Glory Music - and endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board - as a fun-filled, wholesome alternative to the traditional Spring Break activities.

However, in 2005 the Gospel Festival moved to Kingston and has been held in the city ever since, at such venues as Hope Gardens, Jamaica College grounds and the UWI Mona Bowl.  This year, the Festival will once again be sponsored by the Jamaica Broilers Group - through its Best Dressed Chicken brand - in association with Glory Music at the National Heroes Park on Saturday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.  The Group continues to support this event in keeping with its ongoing commitment to assist with the spiritual upliftment and transformation of lives within the nation.

US gospel sensation Kirk Franklin will be among a group of leading Jamaican gospel performers such as Papa San, Junior Tucker, DJ Nicholas, Carlene Davis and Goddy Goddy to perform at this year’s event.  Additionally, two internationally based groups – New Creation, comprising Jamaican singers and musicians and  Simply Chrysolite, the highly acclaimed all-girl gospel group from South Africa, are expected to put on a sensational  show.  International Evangelist Andrew Palau will minister the Word.

Over the past decade Best Dressed Fun in the Son Gospel Festival has hosted internationally renowned artistes such as Alvin Slaughter, TobyMac, Out of Eden, Trin-I-Tee 5:7, Mary Mary, Nicole C. Mullen, Hezekiah Walker, Martha Munnizzi, Natalie Wilson, Audio Adrenaline, Israel Haughton and Tye Tribett. In addition, speakers have included Dr. Myles Munroe, Rev. Jackie McCullough, Dr. Ron Kenoly, Bishop Henry Fernandez, Pastor Sara Conner and Pastor Chris Hill.

Gospel in The West Gospel Song Competition

Gospel in The West Productions - Gospel Song Competition - Songs of Praise

“Songs of Praise” is a gospel song competition which is produced and promoted by Gospel in the West Productions, a gospel events promotion organization located in Big Bridge, Westmoreland, Jamaica.

This gospel song competition is the brainchild of Gillian Larmond-Barrett, Founder and President of Gospel in the West Productions. The vision came about when Gillian Larmond-Barrett who was a Radio Broadcaster realized that there are many talented gospel song writers and singers in Western Jamaica, who lack the resources needed to finance and promote their talents.

The first staging of the event was held in Westmoreland in August 2009. Through an audition process, eight persons were selected to vie in the competition, at an elimination round and finals.

The participants competed for a recording contract to record a single gospel song, which was the main prize; Trophies, cash and other awards.

Tamika Houde of Grange Hill Westmoreland emerged victorious, winning the coveted prizes. Miss Houde has since recorded her first gospel song titled ‘Jesus Is All I Want”. The song has been getting some rotation on radio stations in Jamaica and has been receiving good reviews at youtube.com. She has also been performing at various concerts throughout Westmoreland, thus getting some well deserved exposure.

Second place winner Shauna Spence who resides in Hertford and attends Frome Technical High School and Orlandy Lawson (then 10 years old) of Race Course Grange Hill who was placed third, also received trophy, cash and other prizes. They were also privileged to perform on stage alongside “Goddy Goddy”, Jermaine Edwards and other top Jamaican gospel performers.

The production was outstanding due to the quality talents that were showcased and this view was shared by the hundreds of patrons who attended, especially those who came out to support their favourite participant. With this in mind we have decided to make it an annual event.

The competition was not held in 2010, but talented gospel singers throughout Western Jamaica are eager to showcase their talent by way of this contest and so this year’s (2011) event will be held on the following dates at venues (to be identified) in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland:

Audition: Friday June 17
Elimination Round: Sunday July 24
Semifinals: Sunday July 31
Final: Sunday August 7

This year (2011) we anticipate greater crowd support the event will be staged at a bigger venue and we will be including internationally/nationally recognized music ministers from the Jamaican Gospel Music Fraternity, from the elimination stage to the final.

Managing/Promoting/Producing Gospel Music in Western Jamaica

If you are a gospel music singer in Western Jamaica (Westmoreland, Hanover, St. Elizabeth, St. James and Trelawny) and seeking professional help to manage your musical career, as well as to produce and promote your gospel music ministry, contact Gillian 'LADY MYSTERY' Larmond, Founder and President of Gospel in the West at gospelinthewest@gmail.com or telephone 876-433-9460 for information about how you can move from just dreaming to living.

GOSPEL IN THE WEST:
Gillian Larmond
gospelinthewest@gmail.com
Telephone 876-433-9460