Despite George Nooks’ no-show at last Saturday’s Reggae Gospel Concert at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew, the large crowd was thoroughly entertained.

The free event was part of Reggae Month activities.

“His (Nooks) non-appearance was unavoidable. We apologise on his behalf,” Nadine Blair, event co-host, told the audience.

That announcement came at the close. By then, fans had had their fill of top gospel performers including Rondell Positive, Sista Patt, Kukudoo, Lubert Levy, Joan Flemmings, Rhoda Isabella, and Carlene Davis.

As usual, the early moments were devoted to up-and-coming acts who warmed things up for their more prominent counterparts. Once more familiar names hit the stage, things moved to the next level as Isabella, Rondell Positive and Davis had everyone standing and waving their hands to the music.

Isabella had the crowd going from the opening of Still Breathing, while Rondell Positive and Davis toed the line between gospel and reggae. That disappeared when Levy followed.

He dove into the reggae waters before heading for a revival tone with Feel Like Going On.

“I redid the song in March 2017 in a more mento/revival style. Since then it has picked up in popularity amongst the churches,” Levy told the Jamaica Observer.

The majority of the audience was on it’s feet singing his hit songs. They included Moving Up The King’s Highway, Everybody Jus’, and Tek It By Force.

Artiste transitions were near-seamless as Blair and co-emcee Markland Edwards filled the interludes with humour.

Flemmings, Kukudoo and Sister Patt continued the revival theme to the delight of patrons. Flemmings thrilled with her powerful voice, while Kukudoo did a well-received rendition of The Heptones’ Book of Rules.

Sista Patt brought the curtains down on a delightful evening.