Denise Reid, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Montego Bay High School's auditorium was transformed into sea of hope last Saturday evening at a gospel fund-raising concert for cancer-stricken firefighter Rayon Foster.
The concert, organised by Foster's colleagues from across the western region, saw performances from local acts such as Quartet and Advent Inspirers.
Blessed with a big voice, little Talia Prout took the stage and belted out Champion of Love and My Jesus, leaving the crowd in awe. The Chrysolites had a similar effect.
The 11-member Glendevon was phenomenal. The group sang in harmony rendering such hit songs as Kirk Franklin's Nu Nation Project's Free.
Clad in a satin shirt and old-fashioned glasses, no one was quite sure what to expect of Samuel Gardner, but as he began to sing Royal Roots' Got To Be Dreaming, the crowd warmed up to him erupting into cheers.
Not to be outdone were firefighters Superintendent Michael Mills from the Savanna-la-Mar Fire Brigade and Sergeant O'Neil Ellis from St James.
Highlight of the evening
Joined by his wife, Marlene, the highlight of the evening was when Sergeant Ellis sang Empty and Broken. The crowd stood and joined the singing.
The tempo heightened as an ill Foster was led onstage by a colleague as Ellis serenaded him. Foster was joined onstage by his young son, Naeem, and later by other firefighters.
A slew of young artistes such as New Generation added energy to the event while Kevin Smith re-energised the crowd with Back Whey.
JC sang high-energy songs such as Nah Go Run.
However, popular gospel artiste DJ Nicholas gave the most stellar performance of the night. Receiving a standing ovation before he even took the stage, he blessed the audience with his performance and had them singing and dancing to songs, such as Things Already Better and Nah Bow.
Paul Blake brought the concert to a close.
"It is really overwhelming to see the turnout tonight. I really appreciate you all for coming and for those who can't afford to give, prayer is even more important," Foster said.
