“There’s something about music that just draws people closer together,” says Dr. Rob Tucker, dean of music, fine arts and extended education at Howard Payne University. Tucker is hoping one of the most recognized and beloved music genres, rock, has that effect at concerts to be held on the HPU campus, March 22-23 beginning at 7:30 p.m. each evening.

“Rock: Then and Now” will feature HPU faculty, staff and students performing family-friendly songs by a variety of musicians including Elvis Presley, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Whitney Houston, Journey, Coldplay, the Beatles and more.

“Rock music just makes people feel good,” Tucker says. “We hope people in the community come out, hear their favorite songs and have a blast singing along.”

Tickets are $5 each and available for purchase online at www.hputx.edu/rock. Tickets are also available at the School of Music and Fine Arts and at the door on the evenings of the concerts.

Prior to Friday’s performance, Tucker will also present a brief history of rock to those interested in a look at the genre from an academic perspective. The discussion will be held at 6 p.m. on March 22 at the university’s Grace Chapel. There is no cost for admittance to this pre-concert event.

For more information, contact the School of Music and Fine Arts at (325) 649-8500.