At the beginning of 2017 life for Jody Knowles, a wife and mother of three (3) boys was rather normal and routine with no sign of any major life alteration in near sight. However several months later life as she knew it would change and change in a big way. This past June and three (3) days before her birthday, Jody the daughter of renowned vocalist Joann Callendar and a bubbly, vibrant and charismatic staff and member of Bahamas Harvest Church got the news no woman ever want to hear, she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Her reaction was as could be expected; shock, pain, questions and enormous concern especially in light of the fact that she is a relatively young woman, happily married with three (3) sons and one of whom was diagnosed with autism. In addition to facing a tremendous medical battle she is also faced with major financial expenses related to her ongoing treatment and an upcoming surgery that she must undertake in a few weeks’ time.
So a few months back she reached out to an old friend, local media executive and radio personality Kevin “Minister K” Harris. “Jody called and shared that she was just diagnosed with breast cancer and at first it took me a moment to really process what I just heard. She then asked if I would be interested in producing a fund raising event to assist her with her medical expenses and without giving it a second thought I was said yes of course I am in” according to Harris. With a producer and promoter on board, a committee was then formed to assist with planning and executing the event. A theme was then developed for the event and the name “Metamorphosis” emerged as it encapsulated the butterfly like experience Jody felt she was going through.
Once word spread a number of international and local gospel artists immediately committed to the project, giving it their full support. One of the first international artists to sign on was Marlin Award winning gospel reggae and Soca recording artist Sherwin Gardner from Trinidad & Tobago who will serve as one of the featured artists performing live in the Bahamas for the first time with his band. Gospel Soca sensation Nigel Lewis along with gospel reggae artists Ramont Green aka Monty G and Ricardo Clarke also signed on right away and will perform live. Also scheduled to appear is Denczil Rolle & Friends, Richa Sands, Nehemiah Hield, Toinette Mackey, Sammi Starr, Judah Tha Lion, Harvest Generation, Kim Welcome, John Darville, Anila Clarke and her husband Dana Knowles.
The concert is will be held this coming Sunday November 5th 2017 beginning at 7:00PM at Bahamas Harvest West Campus located in the RND Plaza , JFK Drive. Tickets are $20 (Advance), $25 (Door) and Children 12 years and younger $10 at Door. Tickers are now on sale at The Bookcase Outlet (Carib Road), Logos Bookstore (Harbor Bay Shopping Plaza), The Bible Book & Gift Center (Palmdale Shopping Plaza), God’s Good News Book & Teas (Diplomat Center) and All Seasons All Occasions (Formerly Hallmark) Mall at Marathon.
A go fund me page was also established for persons to make donations at www.gofundme/jodyknowles.com. “We want to encourage as many people as possible to purchase a ticket and attend the event and if for whatever reason they are unable to do so, we would like to encourage them to stop by Jody’s go fund me page and made a donation” says event producer Kevin Harris. All funds raised would go directly to assist Jody with her medical expenses however with a heart of understanding and compassion, Jody has decided that part proceeds of whatever she raises would go to the Sister Sister Breast Cancer support group.
For more information or tickets interested persons can contact Dana & Jody Knowles at 807-7627 or 807-0868 or via email at jodysbutterflyconcert@gmail.com. You can also visit the official website for the event at www.jodysbutterflyconcert.com.
