Grace Thrillers return for Denbigh

 Following a long hiatus from the local stage, the Grace Thrillers return to the Hi-Pro Denbigh Gospel Extravaganza at Denbigh 2014 on Sunday, August 3 at 6 p.m. at the Denbigh Show Ground, May Pen, to much anticipation.

The award-winning gospel group, which is slated to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Canadian Caribbean Gospel Music on June 14, will be joined on stage by the island's popular gospel performers Carlene Davis, DJ Nicholas, Omari, Kevin Downswell, Kerron Ennis, and Garfield Reid, together with JCDC Gospel Festival finalists.

Members of the Grace Thrillers are considered the forerunners in Caribbean gospel music and a number of performers of the genre have patterned their performance after the group's style.

Produced by Glory Music, the gospel show is about 20 years old, having been introduced by the company's managing director, Tommy Cowan, as part of the entertainment package at the annual Denbigh Show.

"The concept was introduced as an oldies show. Then it changed to Denbigh Gospel at Sunset. In 1999, the Gospel Train came through with Carlene Davis, Papa San, Judy Mowatt, Junior Tucker, Grace Thrillers, and many more. Up to then, Glory Music was responsible for advancing funds to cover the cost of production, with reimbursement through gate receipts," Tommy noted.

sponsorship

However, the arrangement between the organisers of Denbigh and Glory Music changed, at which time Tommy approached the Jamaica Broilers Group for sponsorship through its Hi-Pro brand, with Glory Music producing the annual event.

Over the years, patrons of Denbigh have looked forward to seeing the island's leading gospel artistes on stage on the closing night of the agricultural show.

At this year's Hi-Pro Denbigh Gospel Extravaganza, Carlene Davis will launch her new album titled Dripping Blood.