Combining ballads, southern gospel and contemporary worship songs, Rich Criss filled the Egyptian Theatre with beautiful music Saturday night.

United and Exaltation! joined Criss in a benefit for the theatre, which was a real treat for local theatergoers and church members.

United, a group that has been together for eight consecutive years, kicked off the concert. United consists of five female vocalists and four male vocalists unaccompanied by live musicians.

The beautiful ballad “I Fall on My Knees” left the audience in reverence. The touching chords of the piano and the sweet sounds of the alto and tenor solos made the ballad reach inside many of the audience’s hearts.

After offering an outstanding a cappella rendition of “I Need Thee Every Hour” and the gospel tune “Old-Time Religion,” United set the stage for Exaltation!, accompanied by Criss.

Taking his place at the piano, Criss invited the audience to stand and sing “Majestic.” Exaltation!, one of four groups from Emmanuel Reformed Church in Morrison, offered a genuine time of praise and worship music.

With drums, two guitars, a bass guitar and Criss on the piano, the walls of the Egyptian Theatre rang with joyful sounds.

The highlight of this part of the concert was the skillful guitar solo that was the introduction for “Breathe.”

The vocalists of Exaltation! left the stage, transitioning into Criss’ solo part of the concert.

Criss belted out “Only a God like You,” a contemporary worship song that got the crowd moving and swaying.

The most powerful song of the show was the breathtaking ballad “Adoni.” Criss’ vocal sounds reverberated off the walls of the theater and the instrumental sounds added power.

Several members of the audience closed their eyes to soak in the music. Criss’ voice sounded like he was speaking directly from his heart.

“When my dad is singing, it sounds like he is just talking to everyone in the audience,” said Criss’ 13-year-old daughter, Brittney.

The Egyptian Theatre benefitted from Criss’ generosity and the audience’s proceeds, and the audience enjoyed an exceptional concert.