Springsteen Archives Move On Up gospel sing-off a hit with choirs: 'An amazing day'

These folks were born to praise the Lord.

Rev. Dale Ciceron and Psalms of Praise won the inaugural Move On Up gospel sing-off on June 8, presented by Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music at Monmouth University in West Long Branch.

“Listen, God is good, God is amazing,” Ciceron said. “This was an amazing day, more so that we got to come together in fellowship. It wasn't really about the competition. It was about the fellowship and friendship, and the celebration of gospel music and keeping gospel choir music alive.”

The Newark-based Ciceron and Psalms of Praise performed “Spirit Of The Living God” in front of the packed audience at the university's Anacon Hall. They won $10,000. Runner-up  Encounter Christ Praise Team of Neptune won $5,000.

“We serve an enthusiast God, we serve an amazing God, and he also told us make a joyful noise for him,” Ciceron said.

Only choirs and teams from the Asbury Park and Newark area participated on Saturday. Organizers will look to expand the sing-off next year, and move it into the larger Pollak Theatre, also on the campus.

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“The hope was to set the foundation for an annual event, and with the enthusiasm and passion of everybody who participated, plus the incredible high quality of gospel music today, this puts us on the right path,” said Bob Santelli, the director of the Springsteen Archives, from the stage.

Springsteen's songs have had a spiritual thread throughout his career, and he's been associated with several gospel choirs over the decades. The E Street Band's tour is scheduled to resume Wednesday, June 12, in Madrid after the postponement of several shows due to Springsteen's vocal issues.

“We're praying for you,” said Ciceron of Springsteen. “We pray for you that your body will be restored. Much blessing to you on your tour, and thank you so much for this opportunity to recognize gospel music on this day and every day. We thank you for that.”

Layonne Holmes, who has performed with Springsteen several times over the years, was one of the judges.

“I knew it was going to be wonderful but I didn't know we were going to church today,” Holmes said. “This is definitely something they started, and they started something really good.”

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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Springsteen Archives gospel sing-off a hit in West Long Branch