Weber State University's Center for Diversity & Unity presented the 11th Annual Gospel Music Festival, "Make A Joyful Noise: A Soulful Celebration," featuring the Weber State University Choir and other community choirs Friday night.

The event's website said the festival aims to share the African-American sacred music experience with all people and to show its influence on contemporary music. It is designed to educate and provide cultural enrichment. The music is based on traditions coming out of the experience of slavery. The festival provided an educational background with each song and style to broaden audience understanding of the gospel musical form.

"We had such an overwhelming response with our first one, which was our contribution to the community celebration of 'Wade in the Water,' the Smithsonian Exhibit that was at Union Station in February 2000," explains Caril Jennings, marketing director of the WSU Department of Performing Arts. "All the choirs had such a good time and the full audience did, too. We knew this was something we had to do again and again — and we are still at it!

The scheduled line-up of performers included Nate Clayton and Stacy Bakker as emcees; the Negro National Anthem performed by Detorea Oliver; True Vine Vision Dancers; and many community choirs including Second Baptist Church Choir, Calvary Baptist Church Inspirational Choir, Calvary Baptist Church Praise United, Living Waters Praise Team, Ebenezer Church of God In Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) Choir, Griffin Memorial C.O.G.I.C., and Unity Baptist Church.