Gospel recording artist Kierra Sheard will headline a list of performers for Trinty Temple Baptist Church’s Gospel Explosion music program 6 p.m. June 1 at the Vicksburg City Auditorium, 901 Monroe St.

Program coordinator Lorann J. Archer said the Saturday program will serve two purposes.

“As Christians, we always look for an outlet to worship and praise God,” she said. “It was important for us to provide something for people in Vicksburg, because people always go to Monroe (Louisiana), go to Jackson, and say there’s nothing to do in Vicksburg.

“We wanted to create an avenue for people in Vicksburg, as well as the surrounding areas to come and worship and fellowship in song here in Vicksburg.”

Archer said the program will also serve as a fundraiser for a new sanctuary Trinty will be building on U.S. 61 South, “Because it’s important for us to give God a beautiful place for worship and be proud of and have a nice sanctuary to worship in. So people will be comfortable as they worship and give God praise.

“Everything we do, everything we have, our life our job, health and strength comes from God,” she said, “So everything we do, we should give him out talent and our treasure back to him. This is what the congregation at Trinity is doing.”

Besides Sheard, the Trinity Temple Mass Choir and other local artists will perform during program.

A native of Detroit, Mich., Sheard has a bachelor’s degree in English from Wayne State University.

She began her solo career in 2004 with her debut album, “I Owe You.” It was followed in 2006 by “This Is Me.”

Two years later, she released “Bold Right Life” and then “Free” in 2011. Her hit singles include “You Don’t Know,” “Why Me” and “God in Me.”

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets may be purchased in advance through Eventbright.com or through the church’s Facebook page.