When something lasts a long time in Las Vegas, there’s good reason. In a city full of entertainment and dining options, becoming an institution means providing guests from all walks of life an exemplary experience that leaves them with a sense of satisfaction. Gospel Brunch at House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay is one such institution. Since its inception more than two decades ago, the all-you-can-eat buffet and live entertainment experience has been uplifting local artists and filling bellies with delicious food.
Though the word “gospel” refers to the teachings of Christ and the content of the show comes from the Christian faith, it’s important to know this is not an exclusionary event. Host Patti Pennington and a rotating cast of choir singers, quartet singers, soloists and instrumentalists seek to uplift anyone who joins for the morning gathering.
“He’s a universal god. We don’t put Him in this box, which makes Him be presented to everybody, whomever they chose to (worship), whether it’s Allah, whether it’s Catholic, whether it’s whoever,” says Pennington. “The good thing about our music and His music is it is universal. Everybody can relate to hallelujah, salvation and glory … And then the excitement that we bring in the show—we make you dance and laugh. So, it’s not just straight church.”
The truth in Pennington’s words is incredibly apparent the moment guests step foot in the venue, as there’s a welcoming sense of community and curiosity that fills the room almost as much as the irresistible scents of bacon and maple syrup. Then, when talented performers begin to belt spirited serenades from the stage, the impulse to join the revelry is undeniable.
“Music is medicine, music is life … So many people, especially nowadays, are going through so much. So their soul is yearning for maybe a song or maybe some words to inspire them, encourage them, or prepare what they want to say, but they don’t have the exact words,” Pennington says. “That’s why I always say it feeds your soul, because whatever you’re yearning for, if you came there depleted, you’re going to leave so full. It’s full of joy, full of laughter, full of abundance, full of love.”
While Pennington and her crew feed souls, the House of Blues kitchen staff is hard at work feeding grateful patrons. Find an irresistible array of creole-inspired bites like jambalaya and chicken and waffles offered alongside breakfast classics like omelets and biscuits and gravy.
“I’ve had waffles before, but there’s something about the way they cook the waffles. It’s so amazing, they have a buttery taste,” Pennington says. “And the bacon … I don’t know where or how they cook this bacon, but (it must be) a certain way they cook it because it’s so freaking good.”
Mandalay Bay, 10 a.m. July 6 and 13, starting at $64.50 plus tax and fee. ticketmaster.com
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