Good news, music fest arrives in time for mom to enjoy a day off

Breakfast in bed might be nice.
Bouquets are just as enticing.
Brunch, lunch, and dinner away from the kitchen could also satiate appetites and spirits.
Perhaps that’s why, for 43 years, the McDonald’s Gospelfest has appeased families by combining the intentions of expression with the provisions of purpose.
Throughout the decades, by their presence, Christians of all faiths and persuasions (including Jews for Jesus) agree that a day off from regular routine could prove the nicest gift of all.
After all, the gospel is regarded as good news.
Once again, a promise of joyous, uplifting, and spiritual performances guarantees engagement that any mother would appreciate.
Producer/director A. Curtis Farrow stakes much of the credit for its enduring longevity.
Under his 27-year direction, various itinerations have represented a multiplicity of music forms that comprise the gospel.
Throughout his stewardship, traditional, contemporary, and Christian gospel music have been recognized with 17 Emmy nominations.
Add to that his inclusion of a 2000-member mass choir at Madison Square Garden in 2017 and a 5,000 voice chorus at Nassau Coliseum the following year; bragging rights are due.
Another staging is billed for Mother’s Day, at 6:30 p.m.
Plan ahead.
Give mom her due, give her the gift of the good news.
“Life is just for living.” Smith is gone at 80
Jamaican baritone Glenroy Anthony Michael Angelo Smith, popularly known as Ernie, is now an ancestor.
The singer died on April 16 in Miami, Florida, at age 80.
According to his wife, Claudette Bailey-Smith, the singer succumbed five days after surgery he needed to correct discomfort from intestinal complications.
She said he had been facing health challenges since June of last year.
His condition seemed to deteriorate from then on.
Throughout his career, he exuded a leisurely, casual persona that attracted fans and listeners who tuned out from politics or other negative commentary.
Adults found his style and lyrics appealing, and children clamored for his personality and gentleness.
A legion of fans will recall his storytelling renditions of the humorous “Duppy Gunman,” the sound of raindrops on the roof titled “Pitta Patta,” the glorification of the Lord in “All for Jesus,” and his trademark hit “Life is just for living.”
The song was a commercial reportedly made to promote Red Stripe Beer.
As luck would have it, a 70’s melody emerged.
Needless to say, Ernie remained a Jamaican troubadour whose songs delivered uppers to remedy any downer’s despair.
The government awarded Smith the Badge of Honor for Meritorious Service in the field of music.
Catch you on the Inside!

