Christian music artist Wayne Watson will perform at Howard Payne University’s Sodexo Alumni Banquet this Friday. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Beadel Dining Area of HPU’s Mabee University Center. During the banquet, the 2011 Homecoming Honorees will be recognized.

A major contributor to the Christian music genre in the ’80s and ’90s, Watson is reconnecting with his music and fans after spending several years as a musical director for a church in Houston. Watson’s hit songs include “Friend Of A Wounded Heart,” “When God’s People Pray,” “Almighty,” “Be In Her Eyes” and “Watercolour Ponies.

Watson has received numerous awards during his career. To date, he has had 23 No.1 Christian singles. He has received a dozen Dove Award wins – including Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year in 1989. Also, he has been nominated twice for a Grammy Award. In the ’90s, he became one of the first Christian artists to attract mainstream attention. His hit “For Such A Time As This” became a centerpiece theme for CBS-TV’s Touched By An Angel.

Tickets are $16 and free child care will be available starting at 6 p.m. Alumni and visitors can register for Homecoming events by visiting www.hputx.edu or by calling 1-800-950-8465 or 325-649-8069. A full calendar of events, various ticket packages and information about this year’s honorees are available online.