Two stalwarts of the tri-state reggae scene, George Crooks and Byron "Father Barney" Dudley, will be honoured during the 'Color Him Father' show which takes place Sunday at Diamond Renaissance Banquet Hall in Rosedale, New York.

Lanny G Warren, promoter of the show, hailed them as "two exemplary citizens and extraordinary gentlemen who have distinguished themselves as outstanding contributors to the entertainment industry."

Crooks, who is from Kingston, has promoted major shows such as the St Mary Reggae Music Festival, New York Reggae Festival, Brooklyn Music Festival and Soul and Reggae Legends Series.

Those events showcase elite reggae, dancehall and R&B acts including Dennis Brown, Cocoa Tea, Freddie McGregor, Shabba Ranks, Regina Belle and modern jazz musician, Chuck Mangione.

Crooks has also produced numerous shows with lovers rock king Beres Hammond as headliner. A strong believer in education, his organisation consistently assists financially-challenged students in the US and Jamaica.

Father Barney is also from Kingston. He migrated to the US in 1974 and has promoted countless dances and shows featuring top artistes and sound systems from Jamaica. He also served as road manager for Stone Love.

Howard Campbell