A familiar face on the New York City live show scene, Dave Brown has promoted events in the Big Apple as well as worked as a sound engineer for several of them.
He wears his promoter’s hat for Gospel Jerk Fest which takes place July 6 at Brush Park in Mount Vernon, home to a massive Jamaican community. Brown, who has worked on popular fare such as Irie Jamboree, Rochester Jazz Festival and IRAWMA Awards, believes the time is right for a jerk event with a gospel flavor.
“Patrons can expect a fun-filled and exciting day. It’s a day for the entire family. We’ll have an assortment of delicious and tasty Caribbean food, from jerk fruits to jerk ice cream and everything else in between, once it’s edible we’ll be jerking it,” he said. “We have an incredible lineup of artists and deejays that you don’t want to miss.”
That lineup comprises reggae-gospel acts Jabez, Judith Gayle, Odayne Rhoden, Patrick Reid, Emrand Henry, Golda McFarlane, Brother Paul, Bridget Butcher and Princess Tyetia. According to Brown, he got the idea for Gospel Jerk Fest while attending jerk festivals that consistently showcase secular acts.
One year ago, he assembled a team called Mission Unite and they set about planning the inaugural Gospel Jerk Fest which takes place on the busy July 4 weekend.
A devout Christian, Brown has promoted shows including Shabbach Gospel Series in The Bronx and Queens. It featured artists such as Carlene Davis, The Grace Thrillers, Papa San, Sandra Brooks and Jabez.
