Belmont alumni return for Homecoming in the Round 2019

Belmont’s seventh annual Homecoming in the Round concert showcased the university’s history of talented songwriters and performers.

Hosts Cheryl and Adam Stark, Belmont graduates from 2010 and 2008, kicked the show off by introducing James Elliott and Pat Alger of the songwriting department.

Elliott and Alger took turns trading off between their original songs in a casual writer’s round. Their set closed with Alger’s “The Thunder Rolls,” a song recorded by last year’s surprise guest Garth Brooks.

Paulina Jayne, a 2018 Belmont graduate, followed with an electrifying acoustic performance. Her emotionally charged songs such as “Everybody’s Somebody,” mixed with upbeat tunes like “Makes the Moves” made for an unforgettable performance from the alumna.

Cheryl and Adam Stark followed Jayne’s performance with a few songs of their own. The couple’s set included worship songs Cheryl wrote with Cross Point Church. The duo closed with a song by Apollo LTD — Adam’s band — titled “Heaven’s All Around You.”

Following the Starks came 2011 alumnus Jordan Reynolds, who played songs he’s written for artists like Dan + Shay and Brett Eldredge. He closed with his Grammy-nominated country song “Tequila,” a clear crowd favorite.

The alumni concert wrapped up with the acoustic duo Striking Matches. Tight harmonies, slide guitar solos and driving rhythms helped the duo end the show in style.

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Photos by Colby Crosby.