NEW YORK, NY (May 16, 2007) – The sounds of Gospel were created to praise and celebrate life, religion and culture.  The lyrics and sounds are used to connect with the audience and emit a certain emotion, feeling or ambiance.  The Caribbean Tourism Development Company (CTDC) added a Gospel Brunch to this year’s Caribbean Week 2007 line-up, “Caribbean Culture On The Sound,” as a tribute to the soul, sound and flavor of the Caribbean combining entertainment with an extensive menu of Caribbean cuisine on Sunday, June 10, 2007 from 11 am – 3 pm, at the Caribbean Island Restaurant, City Island, Bronx.

 
The four-hour Gospel Brunch will feature entertainment from internationally acclaimed gospel artists – among them Lieutenant Stitchie; The Grace Thrillers, winners of several international gospel awards; Trinidad & Tobago native Gerard Placide, a three-time winner of McDonald’s Gospelfest; the South Street Steel Orchestra; and the A Fe We Culture Ensemble.   The program will feature a special silent auction with the chance to bid on Caribbean art, tropical vacations and culinary items donated by Bloomingdale’s.
 
Attendees will enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean with an elaborate menu prepared by Chef Daniel Andrew, a Dominica native, who has showcased his culinary talents as part of the Caribbean Celebrity Chef program.
 
“Gospel celebrations have always been an important part of Caribbean Week as the music represents the soul of Caribbean people,” said Hugh Riley, one of the event’s main organizers.  “This year, we were looking to combine that soul and spirit while highlighting flavors of Caribbean cuisine, and a Gospel brunch is the perfect blend,” he added.
 
Tickets for the event are $100 per person, ($50 per child under 10 years old) with all proceeds benefiting the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Foundation, an organization set up to provide scholarships and study grants to students and industry personnel who are Caribbean nationals from CTO-member countries, who wish to pursue studies in the areas of tourism/hospitality and language training.
 
Roundtrip transportation is being provided for an additional $20 per person from the Marriott Marquis, the host property for Caribbean Week 2007, departing at 10 am on Sunday, June 10.