Indiana Statesman

SU's Ebony Majestic Choir sings traditional gospel songs as part of Sunday's GospelFest. Bethany Baker/ Indiana Statesman

Senior English teaching major Jeff Brown sings his solo during Sunday's Ebony Majestic Choir performance at GospelFest. Bethany Baker/ Indiana Statesman

Artist-in-Residence Nathaniel Truedell leads the Ebony Majestic Choir Sunday in gospel praise. Bethany Baker/ Indiana Statesman

Tilson Auditorium seemed more like a sanctuary than an auditorium Sunday.

Singers and audience members livened up the auditorium during the annual GospelFest, sponsored by the African-American Cultural Center.

Six groups sang songs of praise and worship in celebration of Black History Month. These groups included the Ebony Majestic Choir, Bethlehem Temple and Kim Hinton and the Called.

Charlie Brown, director of the African-American Cultural Center and member of the Ebony Majestic Choir, said the festival was in celebration of Black History Month and African-American heritage.

Nathaniel Truedell, Artist-in-Residence of the African American Cultural Center and director of the Ebony Majestic Choir, enthusiastically directed the choir and was the master of ceremonies for the night. He even joined in the singing.

Kim Hinton, a performer from Evansville, Ind., said she felt the grace and wisdom of God's presence on Sunday.

"There's a sweet, sweet spirit in this place," she said. "His grace is sufficient for you."

Hinton's sister Kandace, part of Hinton's group and an ISU faculty member, feels that music is, and always has been, an important part of the lives of African-Americans.

"Our music is what keeps us sane," she said.

Members of the audience were encouraged to stand up and clap to participate in the music.

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