The Tribune

By CARA HUNT

Tribune Features Writer

cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

The gospel community is coming together to pay tribute and honour one of their own with a special concert dedicated to Mark Cartwright.

Mr Cartwright is the CEO of the popular Fam Fest, an annual gospel concert which was unfortunately postponed this year due to his illness.

“For the first time in its history there was no Fam Fest this year and that is because the CEO of the concert, Mark Cartwright, was away receiving treatment for an illness and many people don’t know that he was the one who was single-handedly responsible for Fam Fest happening,” said Clint Watson, director of Shaback.

“The gospel community wanted to come together this year so that the Bahamian community could have something tangible in a concert, and what better time to do it than during the holidays to end the year strong.”

Mr Watson explained that Shaback was already planning on hosting their own concert and decided to share the stage with several other gospel artists – The Rahming Brothers, Bishop Denczil Rolle and Friends, Edison Summer and Voices of Praise, Tamikia Taylor, Oslien Jadorate, Ken Gardiner, the Singing Bishop Lawrence Rolle, Simeon Outten and DJ Goodson – in one big gala concert dedicated to Mr Cartwright.

“We decided to put this concert on to be a tribute to Mark Cartwright and to be a blessing to him. Mark is one who will never ask for help, but he is always there assisting people and we decided to help him with his medical expenses,” said Mr Watson.

“All the proceeds that will be taken up as a love offering will go to him as we honour him. He has been there for just about every artist in the country, helping to pave the way and open the door for them. This is our way to honour and thank him with something tangible we can give back to him.”

He also noted that this will be one the first time all of great artists will be on one stage in one night.

“It will be a wonderful evening for the entire family and we hope that the church will be filled. It has been a difficult year for many people and we hope this concert will be a blessing,” said Mr Watson.

Shaback’s “Greatness in Bahamian Gospel” concert will be held this Sunday at the Salem Baptist Church on Taylor Street, starting at 7.30pm.

The concert is free, however, guests are asked to bring a love gift for Mark Cartwright.