Columbia International University’s annual talent show, AcoustaRockaRappaPalooza, was once again a successful showing of the musical and artistic talent on campus. Held every spring semester, Acousta, (as it has become known), is one of the premier events at CIU, featuring students who have been practicing for weeks and months to perfect their craft and bring their own set of creativity to the stage. As is tradition, students showed up at Shortess Chapel in formal attire, anticipating special performances from new and familiar faces.

One of those familiar faces, Jack Horchler, made his third and last performance one to remember. A veteran of stand-up comedy, Horchler had the whole audience laughing with his bits on how to get free coffee on campus, and his idea for a class titled “Rizz 101” for single men looking to secure a date.

“It meant a lot to me that they let me perform during my last year,” Horchler said. “I like making people laugh, and it has kind of become my thing these past few years at Acousta.”

There was also an unforgettable performance by Music Professor Dr. Rod Lewis’ band, which included students Savannah Easterling, Harrison Burnette and Madison Medlin. They appropriately call themselves “Madison and the Square Gardens.” The band’s groovy rock-style Christian music had the audience on their feet and dancing to the performance.

“It’s fun when I get to do things like this with students,” said Lewis, affectionally known on campus as Dr. Rod. “Especially when people are going crazy and getting really into it, it's so enjoyable to just play music and have fun with it.”

Easterling and Medlin also performed solo acts, showing their incredible musical versatility. Easterling played a piano cover of the hit song “Lover” by Taylor Swift, while Medlin played an original song dedicated to her mother, titled “Hey Mama.”

“Growing up she was all I had,” Medlin explained. “She’s the strongest woman I know, she’s great and she keeps her eyes on Jesus.”

The event was hosted by a top-notch group consisting of Olivia Humphrey, Landon Batterman, Jacob Sark and Hannah Weiss. Asked about his experience of hosting Acousta over the past few years, Sark joked about training the newer hosts.

“I’m grateful for the chance to raise the next generation of hosts for Acousta,” said Sark. “I consider myself a trailblazer of sorts for those who are interested in hosting.”

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