A full parking area and a bustling sanctuary rang out with the sounds of Gospel music Friday for the first installment in a two-day singing convention that resumes today at Temple Baptist Church.

The North Alabama Quartet Convention, one of Alabama’s biggest Gospel music events, tuned up this weekend with a warm welcome from Cullman’s own Living Faith Quartet, which is hosting the convention for the second year in a row.

The free-admission celebration of Gospel music tunes up again today at Temple Baptist, though anyone interested in getting up close to the action can opt for the $30 VIP pass, which includes seats in front of the stage, plus a gift bag featuring two gospel CDs and more.

“It’s something my parents liked, and they have both passed away,” said Ginny Richards, who made the drive down from Decatur Friday to take in the music. “Being here just reminds me of my parents, and the people have been really welcoming. I really didn’t know how many people would be here, but it’s a crowd.”

Last year’s event drew 1,600 people over the two-day weekend, and this year’s convention promises to be at least as big (even the church’s balcony seating was almost full Friday.) With 21 artists featured on Friday and Saturday’s split roster — including a handful of trios and soloists — the music continues today at Temple Baptist beginning at 1 p.m.