By ELYSE HAYES
Country music singer Michael Martin Murphey is performing in a Cowboy Christmas Concert on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Murphey has had several top 10 hits, including “Geronimo’s Cadillac,” “Caroline in the Pines” and “Wildfire.” Murphey has given concerts in Utah in the past, but this is his first Christmas concert in Utah.
“He sells out every single concert he does in Utah,” said April Wetzel, assistant to the president of SCERA — a show sponsor. “There’s probably not a country performer that is more popular in Utah than Michael Martin Murphey.”
Murphey has been described as America’s No. 1 singing cowboy, Wetzel said. He lives and works on a cattle ranch in Taos, N.M., and has lived the cowboy lifestyle, she said.
“The work of the cowboy is virtually sacred. It was men tending livestock to whom angels revealed the birth of a savior. I’m awfully proud of that fact — even if it was sheep those herdsmen had led,” Murphey said in a news release.
Murphey will perform songs from his albums, “Cowboy Christmas” and “Cowboy Songs II and III.” He sings a lot of traditional Western classics, such as “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” Wetzel said.
Some of the Christmas songs Murphey may perform include “The Cowboy Christmas Ball,” “Step ‘Round the Christmas Tree” and “Merry Texas Christmas You All.”
Along with performing Christmas songs, Murphey shares cowboy poetry and stories in his concerts.
“This concert isn’t deadpan serious. We respect the true meaning of Christmas, but we also emphasize the joy and fun of the season. The audience can join in by singing and clapping along on certain numbers,” Murphey said in the release.
Wetzel said his concerts are fun for people of all ages because he tells stories and is very personable.
“Even if you don’t like country music, you’ll love Michael Martin Murphey,” she said.
The concert is being sponsored by SCERA Theater as well as other organizations in the community. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at SCERA, 745 S. State Street, Orem, or by calling 225-ARTS. The concert is Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Mountain View High School, 645 W. Center, Orem.
