A fixture at HOB venues around the country, The Sunday Gospel Brunch has gotten quite a following among the faithful, not-so-faithful, and just plain old curious. But mixing some decent down-home food with fantastic foot-stomping Gospel music in a Las Vegas casino is nothing short of brilliant in my opinion. I mean think of it. You can indulge in all the sin that the city has to offer and then come here to atone and get a pretty decent jambalaya in the process.

As long as we’re on the subject, let’s talk about the food first since that’s what you’re going to experience first. They herd everyone into the performance area where tables have been set up and then shepherd (sorry, couldn’t resist) everyone through a buffet line packed with scrambled eggs, Cajun style eggs, bacon, potatoes, grits, and other breakfast items plus salad, jambalaya, pasta, and a few other lunch entrees. There’s also a small dessert station, a carving station with ham and prime rib, and a juice and beverage bar. Each table comes with a pot of coffee and a pitcher of water.

Although certainly not as inspiring as some of the better buffets in town, the food here is serviceable at worst and tasty at best, with that New Orleans twist that is not easy to find in a town full of macaroni salad and mashed potatoes. But you’re not coming here for the food, really. If you are, you’ll probably be a bit disappointed and should head to a more traditional buffet.

No, this place is about the music and about 45 minutes after seating for the brunch, the small (in numbers but not in energy or volume) gospel choir took the stage for another 45 minutes or so of “Praise Jesus,” “Hallelujah,” and “Stomp on the Devil’s Head” shouts between the uplifting and inspiring Gospel numbers.

Six women and one man, backed by a small but effective band make joyful noises big and bold enough to make you believe there’s an entire Gospel choir on stage. This is traditional, tent-revival, black, Southern Baptist gospel (for lack of a better description) done with a modern flair and so don’t expect to hear solemn hymn style gospel like “Shall We Gather At The River.” This is that soul stirring stuff that most people only get to see in movies.

The performers and the food are not the same week in and week out but if my visit was a fair representation you should be in for a treat on both fronts.

Now it’s important to note that these are obviously deeply religious people and they will encourage you to stand up and wave your hands and praise Jesus and the whole nine yards so if you feel like you can’t get past that for 45 minutes of really fantastic music, don’t go. But if you are a true believer, or like me someone who just loves pure Gospel music and will worry about the whole heaven and hell thing later, this absolutely has to be on your list of things to do on your next trip to Vegas.

And don’t forget, it’ll make you feel better for gambling and drinking and going to strip clubs and topless shows the night before.