After the Rain by the Providence Gospel Choir was pure sunshine.

The performers were grinning from ear to ear throughout, and so were we.

They really were having a good time up there. Hands clapping. Robes swaying. Harmonies flowing. They were so enthusiastic, and their music so rich and powerful, they swept us away too.

The Choir performed a mix of traditional and contemporary gospel. Every song was wonderful because of the beautiful harmonies in the Choir, but the real stand outs were the ones featuring the solo singers and band members.

The night was also like a quick, cool history lesson in gospel music.

Choir Director Jane Chapple started by paying respect to gospel music’s history, music that’s more than just music to many. Then she gave the quick story before each song, giving each one even greater depth and meaning. Franklin, the Clark sisters, Stevie Wonder, Kanye were all there with us.

You didn’t have to be religious to enjoy this. With the charisma and passion of the Choir, the joy of the music and the stories, you would have been clapping, tapping, singing and swaying like we were.