Since its inaugural show in 2002, Best Dressed Fun In The Son has been graced by some of gospel music’s biggest acts: Kirk Franklin, Alvin Slaughter, Junior Tucker and Carlene Davis.

That trend continues on July 16 when Grammy winner Donnie McClurkin headlines the 12th staging at National Heroes Park in Kingston. But founder and organiser Tommy Cowan of Glory Music points out that Best Dressed Fun In The Son is more than music.

“We actually see a transformation of people’s lives,” Cowan told the Jamaica Observer.

He added that Best Dressed Fun In The Son’s main sponsors, Jamaica Broilers Group, stress the importance of spiritual enlightenment throughout the day-long event.

“The winning of souls for Jesus Christ is the desire of our partners led by Christopher Levy (Broilers president and CEO) and (vice-president) Dr Claudette Cooke,” said Cowan.

Best Dressed Fun In The Son is held bi-annually in Jamaica and Haiti. The first show took place in Ocho Rios; it has also been held at the University of the West Indies’ Mona campus and in Portmore.

The previous Jamaican show was at Jamworld Entertainment Complex in Portmore.

Like his mentor Andrae Crouch and the flamboyant Franklin, McClurkin has found an audience outside of gospel circles with anthems like

Stand and We Fall Down.

It will be his first appearance on Best Dressed Fun In The Son. Davis, Papa San, Judith Gayle, Kevin Downswell, Rondell Positive and DJ Nicholas are also part of the entertainment package.

— HC