In addition to showcasing spicy food, jerk festivals in the Jamaican Diaspora usually feature leading dancehall and reggae acts. Dave Brown, a veteran show promoter in New York, has opted for an event with a different feel.

His Gospel Jerk Fest takes place July 6 at Brush Park in Mount Vernon, New York. As its name states, it has an inspirational theme which will be spread by several gospel artistes.

“Over the years, I’ve been attending and working at most of the large outdoor festivals in the tri-state area and have always been enthused and curious as to why can’t we adopt the same concept in the gospel realm. Hence, in the latter part of last year we put together a team, Mission Unite, and decided we would organise a gospel jerk festival,” Brown told Observer Online.

Jabez, Judith Gayle, Odayne Rhoden, Patrick Reid, Emrand Henry, Golda McFarlane, Brother Paul, Bridget Butcher and Princess Tyetia are the acts confirmed for the inaugural Gospel Jerk Fest. It takes place in a region with a large Jamaican and West Indian community.

The acceptance of jerked food by the American mainstream during the 1990s inspired a flood of shows presenting that cuisine in cities and states with a massive Jamaican presence. The most popular of these events are in Florida cities of Orlando, West Palm Beach and Miramar.

Brown believes the time is right for a jerk festival with a Christian vibe.

“People, no matter where you’re from, colour or creed, are always receptive to great food and music and when both are combined in one package, it’s exciting,” he said