On Sunday afternoon anyone walking by the UC's auditorium could hear the strong and powerful songs echoing into the hallway.

UT's own Love United Gospel Choir invited other area gospel choirs to help celebrate their 10^th annual Gospel Explosion. The Littleton H. Mason Singers from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga and the Voices of Praise from Maryville College brought strong voices, talented musicians and graceful dancers.

Though every song sung had a spiritual connotation, one should not be fooled by the the words 'gospel choir'. The song tempos ranged from slow traditional church songs to upbeat more contemporary, 'get-on-your-feet' anthems of victory.

But a performance was not the only thing going on in the UC auditorium on Sunday afternoon. Matters that go beyond skin level were addressed. Group members recognized that God has had a big influence on each member's life and that it is only because of His great love that they are where they are today.

Overall, the concert had one theme in mind: to praise Jesus for dying on the cross and bridging the gap between God and humankind.

"You don't know the story behind this glory," said MC, Larry Sites while reminding the audience of humankind's imperfections and Jesus' saving grace.

Emphasizing the choirs' passion for praise, Psalm 149:1-4 and Psalm 150 were read.

From the founding start in 1977 of the LUGC, formerly known as the John 23^rd Singers based out of St. John Baptist Church in Alcoa, TN, the purpose of the LUGC is to share the love of God with others through their praise music.

Starting out with an a cappella number, the LUGC encouraged audience members to "come back to their first love." Other spiritual songs speak of a God of second chances and that "praise confuses the enemy."

Next to take the stage was the Voices of Praise from Maryville College. VOP has been together for 19 years and their members come from all over the world incorporating God's love to all people. Director Larry Ervin was a member of St. John Baptist Church during the time that the LUGC was founded.

The Littleton H. Mason Singers were the last choir to showcase their singers and dancers. The dancers gracefully acted out Psalm 149:3 which states, "Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with tambourine and lyre."

By the end of the Gospel Explosion concert, attendees were on their feet clapping, dancing and raising their hands. 

LUGC will host their free 32^nd anniversary concert in the UC ballroom on homecoming weekend.