Join the Michigan Maritime Museum as they ring in the holiday season with song! Renowned folk singer and songwriter Lee Murdock will perform The Christmas Ship Concert at the Museum’s Maritime Heritage Center on Wednesday, December 14, from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. The concert will feature songs of Michigan history, maritime and holiday music, including Murdock’s original song, “The Christmas Ship.” This musical tribute is part of the Museum’s “Holiday at the Heritage Center” series celebrating the holiday season on their beautiful waterfront campus. 

Broadly acknowledged as “the premier interpreter of songs and stories about the Great Lakes,” Lee Murdock has a boundless body of music and entertaining stories about his home region. His music combines traditional songs from the days of sail alongside some of his own compositions, all depicting the indomitable spirit of life on the Great Lakes. The concert’s title song tells the tale of the traditional delivery of Christmas trees to Chicago, the tragic loss of the Christmas Tree Ship, Rouse Simmons, in 1912, and the celebration of the continuation of this tradition today. “Lee is such an engaging performer with a wealth of knowledge and a special connection to the story of the Christmas Tree Ship, so we couldn’t think of a better concert to host in December,” said Patti Montgomery-Reinert, Executive Director. “This concert is sure to get everyone in a holiday mood!” 

The Christmas Ship Concert is supported in part through the generosity of the Niels Wells Grant Fund. Tickets are $10 for museum members and $15 for non-members. For more information about any of these events or to purchase tickets for the program, please visit https://www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org/events/. 

Event Details 

The Christmas Ship Concert 

Date: December 14, 2022 

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 pm 

Location: 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090 

Cost: $10 members/$15 non-members