Stalwarts of the tri-state area’s reggae scene, George Crooks and Byron “Father Barney” Dudley have promoted artists and shows in that region for almost 50 years. On Father’s Day, June 18, it is their turn to be in the spotlight.
Crooks and Father Barney will be guests of honor at ‘Color Him Father’, scheduled for the Diamond Renaissance Banquet Hall (247-11 Francis Lewis Blvd, Rosedale, NY).
Lanny G. Warren, promoter of the show, hailed the honorees 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 the creme of reggae, dancehall and R&B, 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 organization 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 artists and sound systems from Jamaica. He also served as road manager for Stone Love.
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