Lubbock’s country music scene in action. Photo from Hayden Wiginton.
By Kennedy Kilgore
Among the wind-swept plains of West Texas, Lubbock stands as one of the three major country music hubs in Texas, according to iHeart statistics.
At Texas Tech, a new generation of student musicians are contributing to the local scene, blending the region’s musical traditions with the vibrant energy of college life.
Cela Harper, a sophomore public relations & strategic communication management major from Little Elm, said she experienced both challenges and benefits following her decision to transfer from Louisiana Tech University.
“I considered Lubbock just because of the music scene,” said Harper. “Lubbock really is where people actually start, like Josh Abbott and all of them.”
Cela Harper performs on stage. Photo from Cela Harper.
Famously known as the place where it all started for the band Flatland Cavalry and many others, Lubbock continues to foster an expanding scene for country music.
“This place is huge for music especially country music” said Tech football player Haydon Wiginton, who is also a student musician.
Venues such as Blue Light Live and Cooks Garage are popular spots where growing artists showcase their talents, drawing crowds who appreciate the raw and authentic sounds of country music.
Significant support has been shown from both teammates and faculty members towards Wiginton and the pursuit of his music goals.
Entering fall camp in 2022, head football coach Joey McGuire recalled that Wiginton had just started learning the guitar and unexpectedly booked him a gig at Cooks Garage, where the whole football team would be attending. Wiginton mentioned it was his first time performing in such a way, but the event turned out to be successful, sparking something great.
“I got connected with Dave Wilde and then from there, it just kind of stair stepped onto where I am now playing at Blue Light and about to go on tour in May,” Wiginton, a senior sports management major from Midlothian, said.
Faculty recognizing the talent and potential of student musicians often opens future doors for growth and networking.
For Hudson Westbrook, a 19-year-old freshman finance major from Stephenville and musician, classroom connections have provided additional opportunities.
Hayden Wiginton, also a Red Raider wide receiver, performs live. Photo from Hayden Wiginton.
“Piecing together through my classes has helped me a lot too” Westbrook said, referring to the likeminded students he has encountered in his school courses.
Students Westbrook and Harper share a common involvement in sorority and fraternity life at Tech. Where both individuals have performed at numerous Greek affiliated philanthropy events.
Harper, a junior member of Delta Delta Delta, sang at Delta After Dark supporting St. Jude and opened for Wade Bowen at Sigma Chi’s Derby Day in 2023.
Westbrook, a first-year member of Phi Delta Theta, showcased his talent at his own fraternity events as well as at Deep in the Heart of Theta in support of CASA of the South Plains, and Kappa Two Step.
Relationships with TTU’s teams and organizations have given student musicians the chance to advance their careers and use their talents to benefit the Lubbock community.
Beyond university events, Westbrook, Harper and Wiginton can be found performing at various local venues and events while also producing their own music.
“I think for new artists a main deal in trying to do college and music at the same time is producing something that is worthy to people and that you are confident in” said Westbrook.
While being a student musician involved on campus presents its challenges, Lubbock ultimately offers a welcoming community for individuals looking to grow within the country music world.
For more from these musicians, follow them at Instagram here: Haydon Wiginton; Cela Harper and Hudson Westbrook.
About Reece Nations
