Sold Out ‘Cowboy Christmas’ Concert Tops University’s First ‘Islander Lights’ Celebration

A sold out “Cowboy Christmas” Concert with multiple standing ovations for Western poet/singer Michael Martin Murphey crowned an evening filled with holiday cheer that was the first “Islander Lights” celebration Friday, Dec. 1.

Prior to his “Cowboy Christmas” concert, Murphey participated in the “Islander Lights” ceremony, helping President Flavius Killebrew and other community leaders throw the ceremonial switch that illuminated the campus Christmas tree and buildings along Ocean Drive. Murphey kicked off his annual 40-city tour at A&M-Corpus Christi before a packed house in the University’s Performing Arts Center.

Murphey, a member of the Western Music Hall of Fame, is best known for his hit songs “Wildfire” and “What’s Forever For?” and the solid gold album “Cowboy Songs.” Murphey’s “Cowboy Christmas” weaves a tapestry of traditional holiday songs and folk stories into a heart-warming family experience.
           
“The performing arts hall is world class, and it's real pleasure to stand on that stage for anyone like me,” Murphey said after answering three curtain calls. “In fact, for this ol' cowboy, it's downright humbling! I’m thinking what am I doing in a classy place like this? This was an event filled with Texas hospitality and feeling of being at home that can't be beat anywhere in the USA!”

In conjunction with the evening’s festivities, the University’s Office of Student Affairs and campus organizations collected more than 923 children’s presents and $1,157.50 for the Wishes and Dreams Toy Drive. “Islander Lights” is expected to become a University holiday tradition for both the campus and Corpus Christi communities. Other participants in the celebration included representatives from the Corpus Christi Police Department, Walgreens, Coca-Cola, AEP, and Grande Communications.