Hope Cross discovered her voice at age 6 and has not stopped singing since. At 11, Hope Cross and her brother began writing songs together, and on Oct.16, Cross and her brother, Blake Cross, performed together for her very first live concert.
Liberty students gathered in the LaHaye Event Space for the event hosted by Student Activities to support Liberty Worship Collective’s Hope Cross in her debut live concert.
Blake Cross opened the show and introduced Oceanic’s Nathan Wyatt to share a song as well, before Hope Cross took the stage. Hope Cross incorporated both Christian and secular music into her concert.
Hope Cross shared multiple original songs, some of which she wrote in a difficult time in her life.
“It’s easier to write out of a place where I’m broken,” Hope Cross said.
The next two songs she shared, entitled “Nineteen Years” and “Bridges,” provided a glimpse into her life. Hope Cross shared another original song called “Issues.”
“I hope that my music was relatable to them and that they just get uplifted at the same time,” Hope Cross said.
The Crosses also shared a song they co-wrote entitled, “Wherever I Go,” which incorporated Psalm 139.
Hope Cross incorporated a worship song into her performance that she co-wrote with Julia Rothenberger and Blake Cross over the summer.
“This is a Jesus song,” she said as the music picked up. “Can we put our hands together?”
Blake Cross sang during certain songs and accompanied on guitar. A talented band consisted of a keyboardist, a drummer and guitarists.
Hope Cross said what stood out most about her first event was the large amount of people who supported her and the amount of energy they brought. Performing with her brother made it even more special.
“He is my favorite artist,” Cross said. “I am super, super thankful that I get to share this show with him.”
The audience shared the same enthusiasm for Hope Cross’s first live concert. The audience danced, swayed, clapped and sang along with the Cross siblings and their band. Liberty sophomore, Stephanie Guth said she came to the event because Hope Cross has been one of her favorites in Liberty Worship Collective since freshman year.
The audience remained engaged and interactive through the entire concert and chanted, “one more song, one more song,” when Hope Cross exited the stage. The Crosses obliged and closed with a rendition of “New Rules.”
Local designers teamed up with Hope Cross to provide a merchandise table of T-shirts and prints. She applauded them for their artistic talent.
Student Activities staff member, Gabi Cormier, said she was impressed with the concert’s turnout. Cormier said hosting events that involve Liberty students are important because they showcase the talents of the student body.
“We want our student body’s talents to be seen and heard,” Cormier said.
Student Activities hosts numerous events throughout the year. Some upcoming events include comedian Michael Jr. Oct. 26 and Coffeehouse: The North Pole Nov. 30. Visit the Student Activities website for more information.