A Sunday gospel brunch at Harlem’s famed Cotton Club served up more than a tasty meal for Allen Bailey.

It served up inspiration.

Clips of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were being shown during the event, and one segment made a lasting impression.

Bailey says the quote from Dr. King — “We can all be great because we can all serve” — inspired him to found the Harlem Gospel Choir in 1986.

“I always remember that,” he says.

The Harlem Gospel Choir, which has performed around the world, will be in concert at 8 p.m. tonight at the Missouri Theater. Tickets range in price from $15 to $30 and can be purchased at the Performing Arts office at 719 Edmond St.

According to Mary Ingersoll of the Performing Arts Association, this is the choir’s first appearance in St. Joseph.

“It’s a unique experience,” she says, “They are true to the roots of gospel.”

No pop-infused gospel here. Bailey says that audiences will be treated to 90 minutes of a “mostly foot-stomping, hand-clapping experience.”

“Gospel music is a universal thing,” he says.

As an explanation of that universal appeal, he says that even when the Harlem Gospel Choir performs in countries where English isn’t the native language, audiences still sing along with the choir.

“They understand the songs and the spirit,” he says.

Since its inception in 1986, the Harlem Gospel Choir has grown to 65 members. Bailey divides the choir into four groups, with each group entertaining around the world. Singers range in age from 21 to 70. The choir has performed with Bono and U2 and will perform for Pope Benedict on April 20 at Yankee Stadium in New York.

While in St. Joseph, the Harlem Gospel Choir will hold a workshop with the New Generation Singers this afternoon, and then the local group will join the choir on stage at the Missouri Theater. Bailey says that is something the Harlem Gospel Choir tries to do when they tour.

According to Bryon “Bemo” Myers Jr. with the New Generation Singers, the local group is excited about the opportunity to sing with the choir. He expects 50 to 60 kids to take part.

“Whatever they teach us,” Myers says, “We’ll do.”

Founded on faith, the Harlem Gospel Choir doesn’t just entertain with its uplifting music. The group has a mission, Bailey says. That mission is to make the world a more loving and peaceful place, as well as to create a better understanding of African-American culture and how gospel music relates to the black church.

As another way to serve, the Harlem Gospel Choir also raises money for children’s charities, such as Feed the Children.

“This is our form of giving something back,” Bailey says.

HEAR THIS

What: Harlem Gospel Choir (with an appearance by the New Generation Singers)

When: 8 p.m. tonight Where: Missouri Theater Cost: $15 to $30

Info: Purchase tickets at the Performing Arts Association office at 719 Edmond; 279-1225

Lifestyles reporter Cathy Woolridge can be reached at cathyw@npgco.com