LA MIRADA, CALIF. –– Soulful voices will be resounding in Sutherland Auditorium on Saturday, April 12 as Biola University’s Gospel Choir hosts the 28th Annual Gospel Fest.

Gospel Fest is an annual gospel concert hosted by Biola’s MultiEthnic Programs and Development (MEPD) that gathers all forms of gospel in a way that exalts the name and presence of God. This year Gospel Fest will include artists rejoicing and worshipping God’s goodness and truth through the forms of song and dance.

“All guests are invited to lead the Biola community and greater community in a celebration of the ministry of Gospel music,” said Tamra Malone, direct supervisor of Gospel Choir, about this year’s theme, “Rejoicing in Worship.”

Headliner for this event include Jimmy Fisher, Contagious Praise, and other special guests.

“I am looking forward to the fact that Biola students will be able to have the live exposure to the joy and depth in worship as Gospel Music brings. It is not just a time to clap your hands and act a certain way to the rhythm and beat of the music,” says Monica Gonzalez, a Biola Gospel Choir member. “The goal is always for every instrument, every sound, every dance, every lyric, every change or modulation in the voices of the choir members to bring exaltation unto Christ. It engages the human in many levels of their senses to glorify their Lord.”

Gonzalez is looking forward to seeing the Biola students engage deeply as the choir leads the room in joyful praise to the Lord.

“Gospel Fest is Biola's vehicle of worship, integral and of internal significance to each student, no matter what background they come from,” said Natasha Guaracha, a member of the choir. “Basically, I long to see the ownership that the Biola campus can take to this event, which is more of a big picture desire that I have. I am really excited to not just perform but see all the other performances.”

The Biola Gospel Choir (BGC) started in the Fall of 1985 as an energetic group of African American students who wanted to praise and worship God through gospel music. Now, more than twenty-five years later, the group continues to enjoy and share a rich legacy of music, worship, and community.

“The focus of the choir is to minister all styles of Gospel music in an atmosphere that celebrates diversity. The Biola Gospel choir is a multicultural group that continues to be a positive and spiritual influence on campus as well as in the community,” said Malone.

Find more information about the upcoming Gospel Fest.