By Chris Kielman

Musical, theatrical and spoken word performances filled the air during the second annual Gospel Explosion Friday at the Capps Capozzolo Academic Center for the Arts at CSU-Pueblo.

The Black Student Organization hosted this event which brought together nine gospel groups, including the CSU-Pueblo Gospel Choir, the BSO Dancers and several other groups from Pueblo and Colorado Springs.

With performances from choirs, skits, stories and dances, it seemed to be an eventful night full of celebration and worship. There was an estimated 200 people in attendance.

Selah Russell, the event coordinator, said the main focus of the event was to bring the community together using the gospel and worship.

“We also wanted to introduce others in the community to a new experience,” Russell said. “It gives students a chance to get away from the pressure of college and to worship together.”

There were choral performances of traditional gospel song and rhythm, along with interpretive dance pieces and skits that preached the gospel’s message. Other stories and poems were intertwined in between these performances throughout the night.

Messiah’s Valuable Property, a Christian rap duo, gave the audience a modern take on the gospel with their use of beats that were mixed with traditional songs of praise.

Shenee Taylor, BSO president, said the idea for Gospel Explosion came from Russell while brainstorming campus event ideas.

“She wanted to give an opportunity for spiritual people at school and in the community to share the gospel experience,” Taylor said.

“I think it went really well. I had an incredible time and I’m glad there were new people experiencing something different,” Taylor said. “There was more emotion then last year’s, and more of the student body and local community members attended.”

The BSO members said they wanted to give a new experience to the cultural atmosphere on campus and a new outlook of college life to the community. They said they thought they succeeded with this event because it was a concert united with a worship service.

This is the third year Russell has been a member of BSO, and she had a blast being a part of it, she said.
“It was a great success and it was everything I expected it to be. As a senior and this being the last time I get to coordinate this event, I was very pleased with the outcome,” Russell said.

Some BSO events happening in February are “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” which is a skit about the lack of culture over the past five decades. It will be take place Feb. 24.

Another event, “Spiritual Revival,” will be held Feb. 28. Contact [email protected] to learn more.