Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer

Gospel singers Genieve and Robert Bailey perform during 'Ketch A Fire' at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Saturday, February 3, 2007. - Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer

Who says you need a full house to have a good time?

The patrons who attended the Church of the United Brethren in Christ's grand gospel concert thoroughly enjoyed themselves as the artistes ministered in testimony and song, oblivious that there were more chairs than people. But no one at the St. Catherine High School, Spanish Town, venue seemed to mind.

They did, however, mind the more than one hour late start, but GT Sound Limited kept their company.

Praise and worship

All was soon forgotten after the praise and worship team paved the way for the Jamaica Constabulary Force Choir. The officers were a hit, as they declared Total Praise, The Lord is Great and asked the Almighty to Speak to Me.

Among the many speakers for the evening was Judith Gayle who took time from an electrifying performance to tell her testimony.

Gayle spoke of how the Lord had blessed her; that He had a plan for her but it was not always easy. Assuring the patrons of blessings awaiting them,she performed On this Rock, You're Gonna Smile Again, More than a Conqueror.

Adrian Smith told everyone that Jesus Lives and spoke of the wonder of salvation in it. But Smith only ignited the crowd for newcomer Raymond Johnson with his one-drop pieces.

"Me bless plus tax an a Jesus do dat. Simma me a simma, me large an a live inna me Jesus Christ," Johnson said.

The crowd was far from simmering as they recalled him for an encore where he announced that, "man fi look like man, man fi walk like man, man fi talk like man, man fi straight".

But the night was not over. The duo Robert and Genieve Bailey was in their element.

The Baileys had the patrons dancing and singing along as Robert worked the crowd looking for rising stars.

Their set was taken to another level after they introduced friend Courtney Fadlin who stole the show with his saxophone.

Playing We Fall Down and Just a Prayer Away, the audience seemed caught in a trance.

As the crowd made their exit at almost midnight, many satisfied patrons rocked or danced as they left.