LaRue, Grace hit the stage

Highlighted TAMUK homecoming concert

Alumnus David Grace set the stage for headliner Stoney LaRue at Mesquite Grove, finishing off Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s (TAMUK) Homecoming Week.

The Kingsville community and students had the option to gather around the stage or have a moment of relaxation at the Oxygen Bar. They could also take advantage of airbrush tattoos as a Friday the 13th special. Meanwhile, the Beer Garden provided an ideal setting for adult community members to engage in social interactions, all while being able to have a view of the live performance.

 “I love being a part of the homecoming experience. TAMUK does a great job of not just including students and faculty, but also the community. We see around us a lot of kids, parents and they’re all enjoying each other’s company, so it’s really fun,” Alumnus Ashley Elizondo said.

From receiving a football scholarship to buying his first guitar right here in Kingsville, TAMUK’s Grace has carried his family’s love for music. Now, he finds himself in the role of serving as the opening act at his alma mater.

“Kingsville is a very special place to me, and I was very happy to be back. When they called, I was just like ‘absolutely,’” Grace said.

After the Meet and Greet held by SECL and people waiting in line for merchandise, the crowd cheered as Stoney LaRue took the stage.

“I’ve been a fan for a while so I’m glad TAMUK was able to bring out Stoney. A few of my friends loved listening to him and there were a couple of different things at the concert as well,” student Torri McClellen said “We even were able to get airbrush tattoos, which were so much fun. The concert was a blast and a great part of HOCO week.”

Student Engagement and Campus Life (SECL) encourages students and the community to keep an eye out for more events that will be hosted in the future. 

“It’s a real nice thing to see whenever we bring alumni like this to come perform for us. It just shows what good things can come out of TAMUK,” SECL student worker Vincent Ochoa said.

For more information follow @tamuksecl on Instagram for more events like this one.