Dressed in white and yellow outfits and cowboy boots, the ladies of Belle Tones serenaded an audience of about 50 in the Meadows Atrium Sunday night.
“I love coming to these concerts and hearing how they make the songs different,” said first-year Lisa Suennen.
The hour-long show included a dozen songs, each with a solo or duet from a different Belle Tones member. Their performances ranged from the soft ballad “Grow” with soloist Sarah Wood to the powerful “Skyfall” with Harley Jones as the lead. Other arrangements included contemporary songs, such as Beyonce’s “Love on Top”, with soloist Kayla Mason, as well as older favorites like Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain”, featuring Nadine Kakish.
Jared Agnew, a member of SMU’s men’s a capella group Southern Gentlemen, performed a duet with Belle Tones member Ally Van Deuren. The two sang Maroon Five’s “Sunday Morning” accompanied by a ukulele. Amelia Eskridge, a first year member, also led the Belle Tones in an emotional version of Coldplay’s “Fix You”.
Other notable ensembles included a mashup of Michael Jackson tunes, and a compilation of songs from the film Pitch Perfect, about the world of collegiate a capella.
Tracy Nelson, a junior member who has performed for three years, beat boxed for many of the songs.
“I taught myself how from YouTube videos,” said Nelson.
The show’s end included a performance from the current Belle Tones members and four alumni who had come to watch. They sang The Beatle’s “Blackbird” in a heartfelt rendition.
After the show, Belle Tones members were full of smiles as they greeted their family and friends in the audience.
“My favorite part of Belle Tones is the relationships I’ve built,” said Kakish.
Kakish’s mother, Rima, was there to watch.
“The energy of them, all together, is just amazing,” she said of the performance.
“I just really love singing with my friends,” said Nelson.