The nearly 80-year-old Ambassador Theatre on Collie Smith Drive, Trench Town, came alive on March 25 with the sounds of music, ministry, and testimonies at the Joy Town Community Development Foundation’s inaugural Easter Joy in the Bass.

Among the performers were Carlene Davis, Kevin Downswell, Goddy Goddy, saxophonist Verlando Small, Ronika Treleven of the Praise City International Transformation Church (PCITC) in Trench Town and singer Jason Davidson, with the Word from Pastor Nikita Williams, a resident of Trench Town and a member of PCITC.

Founder and president of the Joy Town Community Development Foundation, Major Richard Cooke, said the event superseded his expectations.

“I’m very pleased. The community turned out, and the people were blessed. They enjoyed themselves and were pointed to the reason of the season and this is something that we hope to continue for the future,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Major Cooke further said all the performers put their best foot forward to ensure the highest quality showcase.

“The whole way it came together was the highlight. Carlene Davis’ performance brought real praise [while] Goddy Goddy interacted with the audience and had them dancing. Kevin had them moving and worshipping and he spoke to them about growing in a similar community and encouraging them to help themselves and not to give up. Verlando brought the theatre to life with his piece. It was great for me,” he said.

The event was produced by Glory Music, led by Tommy Cowan.

“The final planning began five days before the event because of unforeseen circumstances, so it was a challenging time. But we know all things are possible with Christ. Little is much when God is in it and with all the challenges, there has never been anything like what we experienced,” Cowan said.

Pastor Nikita Williams also brought some reflection and solemnity to the occasion through her sermonette, which challenged her audience to seek purpose and faith and to look to the cross for a new beginning. To close the show, Williams joined Downswell on stage for an altar call.