Winter Dance Party is an annual tribute to the lives & legacies of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, & JP "The Big Bopper" Richardson, who played their last concert at the Surf Ballroom on February 2nd, 1959.
The Winter Dance Party is a celebration of the lives and legacies of three rock 'n' roll legends lost too soon. It is a pilgrimage for thousands of rock 'n' roll fans from across the nation and the world!
Friday, February 3 2023 Event Schedule
Rockin' n Boppin' Record Show - 8:30am-6:00pm
Best Western Holiday Lodge Opal Room, 2023 7th Ave N, Clear LakeAdmission: FREE, open to the General Public
Guided Tours of Carl J Fox Home - 10:00am-12:00pm
449 N Shore Dr, Clear LakeLocated across the street from the Surf Ballroom stands a lovingly restored vintage home built in 1948 by Carl J. Fox, original owner/creator of the Surf Ballroom. The home features many unique furnishings and characteristics. Much like the Surf, it is as though time stood still in the home - many artifacts having remained in the Fox family home through the years, giving visitors a glimpse of life in the 1940s and 1950s.
Admission: FREE, open to the General Public
The Legends Lunch - 11:00am
Best Western Holiday Lodge Diamond Ballroom, 2023-7th Ave N, Clear Lake
Previously known as the British Buddy Holly Society Luncheon, the Legends Lunch carries on all of the fun of this nearly 40 year old tradition!
Admission: $35/person includes lunch and live entertainment. Email: thelegendslunch@gmail.com to purchase tickets (tickets are non-refundable)
Advance reservations are required!
Richie Lee & The Fabulous Fifties - 1:00-3:00pm
Legacy Grill, 619 Buddy Holly Place, Clear LakeAdmission: FREE, open to the General Public
Rockin' Art of the 50's and 60's Tour - 1:30pm
Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303-2nd Street SE, Mason City
While the 1950’s were marked by overall conservatism and conformity in an attempt to return to post-war normalcy, the art scene, much like the music scene, began to blossom with emerging artists. The focus of the art world shifted from Paris, where it had been centered for centuries, to New York City. This new American – centric vision of art was supported by art movements such as the development of Abstract Expressionism. Artists like Jackson Pollack developed new painting techniques, for example - the splatter technique, that were a far reach from earlier traditional American artists such as Grant Wood and his traditional rolling hills. The Museum holds a variety of work from these ground breaking artists including Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Lee Krasner, Helen Frankenthaler, Jim Dine, and Andy Warhol. Visit www.macniderart.org for additional information about the Museum.
Admission: Free, Open to the General Public
Wedding/Vow Renewal Ceremony - 2:00pm
Surf Ballroom Dance Floor
Rock and roll fans may get married or renew their vows at the Surf Ballroom. Contact Denni Sue at ericksn1@cltel.net to register!
Narrated Memorial Site Tour - 2:30pm
Take a narrated tour to the farm field north of Clear Lake, Iowa where the ill-fated airplane came to rest. Tour departs from the Surf Ballroom lobby, please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour. Visitors are encouraged to dress in warm layers - a 1/4 mile walk is required. Limited space available; advance reservations encouraged (sign up in the Surf Ballroom box office).Admission: $8.00/person
DJ Randy Chesterman - 3:00-4:00pm
Legacy Grill, 619 Buddy Holly Place, Clear LakeAdmission: FREE, open to the General Public
Richie Lee & The Fabulous Fifties - 4:00-6:00pm
Legacy Grill, 619 Buddy Holly Place, Clear LakeAdmission: FREE, open to the General Public
Winter Dance Party Concert featuring Shake Baby Shake; The Lovettes; Bill Haley Jr & The Comets; and, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr, Clear Lake
Doors open: 7:00pm
Admission: $50 advance; $55 door (tickets available for purchase by calling the Surf Ballroom at (641) 357-6151 or ordering online at www.surfballroom.com)
Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best period clothing/costumes as we take a trip back in time when malt shops were the hangout and sock hops were all the rage. The best costumes will be featured on our big screens between bands. Don't forget to bring your saddle shoes! Our traditional dance contest will be held during intermission. Sign up to participate at our information booth in the lobby. Prizes for the top 3 winners!
Winter Dance Party
Date and Time
Friday Feb 3, 2023
Surf is open 10am-4pm, concert doors open at 7pm.
Location
Surf Ballroom
Website
Contact Information
Surf Ballroom
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