50. Wiederkehr des letzten Bühnenauftritts von Buddy, Ritchie und dem Big Bopper
Im legendären SURF BALLROOM in Clear Lake, Iowa.
Where the last curtain fell . . .
Hier fiel der letzte Vorhang für Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens und den Bopper
SURF BALLROOM Clear Lake IA
3 Stars during the WDP 1959
Fans have promised to send in reports with tons of photos for my fanpages.
They want to share the photos taken in Clear Lake with all fans worldwide.
Fans, die an den Feierlichkeiten teilnehmen, haben mir versprochen, Berichte und
Fotos für meine Fanseiten zu schicken, damit alle Fans weltweit informiert sind.
For nearly 6 decades, The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, IA has hosted an amazing array of legendary national artists, from the big band and country swing greats, to the popular rock 'n' rollers of the day.
Today, restored to the original vintage design, the SURF BALLROOM stands proudly as one of the few remaining venues of its kind in the nation. Throughout its colourful history there is no association with The SURF that is stronger than the fateful last performance of rock 'n' roll stars Buddy Holly, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson and Ritchie Valens on February 2nd, 1959.
During the annual 'Winter Dance Party' commemoration planned for 2009, there is the extraordinary opportunity to celebrate, “50 Winters Later,” the legacy and influences of these talented young men.
More broadly, it is an opportunity to mark the calendar of rock 'n' roll history reflecting on the special nature of this moment, paying tribute to music and artists of the past and present, and, the obvious fact that the music did not die February 3rd, 1959.
'Surf Ballroom and Museum, Inc' is a non for profit organization dedicated to the preservation and accurate representation of this historic event.
SATURDAY, January 31st, 2009
SURF BALLROOM/GIFT SHOP: Hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm; 6:30pm - close All day Surf Admission: 10:00am - 4:00pm Admission: Free - Winter Dance Party Ticketholders; General Public Admission $5:00
SYMPOSIUM: Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm Panel Topic: Interviews with 1959 Concert attendees. Hear the stories from those in attendance at the final concert performance of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson at the Surf Ballroom. Moderator: TBA Location: EB Stillman Auditorium, Clear Lake Middle School, 1601 3rd Avenue North, Clear Lake Tickets: Free Admission
SYMPOSIUM: Time: 2:00pm - 3:30pm Panel Topic: “Clovis Days” From 1956 - 58, Holly & the Crickets recorded some of their best music in Norman Petty's studio. Along with the Fireballs, Roy Orbison, Buddy Knox and others, they created the "Clovis Sound." Panelists: TBA Location: EB Stillman Auditorium, Clear Lake Middle School, 1601 3rd Avenue North, Clear Lake Tickets: Free Admission
MEMORIAL SITE TOURS: Time: 11:00am & 1:00pm Location: Departing from the Surf Ballroom Lobby, $7.00 per person Event Description: Escorted/narrated tour via motorcoach to the farm field north of Clear Lake, IA where the airplane came to rest. Tour length: 75-90 minutes.
CONCERT: Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm Entertainment: TBA Location: Surf Ballroom Lounge Tickets: Free admission for Winter Dance Party Ticketholders; General public admission: $5:00
US POSTAL SERVICE - CLEAR LAKE SURF BALLROOM STATION: Time: 12:00pm - 3:00pm Location: Surf Ballroom Event Description: A special commemorative cancellation stamp has been created by the Surf Ballroom and USPS to postmark outgoing mail from this station on site at the Surf Ballroom. Purchase event postcards and mailing supplies too!
FANFARE: Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm Location: Surf Ballroom Tickets: Free - Winter Dance Party Ticketholders; General Public Admission $5:00
RECORD AND MEMORABILIA SHOW: Time: 10:00pm -4:00pm Location: Clear Lake Middle School Gymnasium, 1601 3rd Avenue North Tickets: Free admission
SYMPOSIUM: Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm Panel Topic: "The Last Tour" This panel will focus on the Winter Dance Party, the good memories, the horrible conditions, culminating in stories about the last show. Panelists: TBA Location: EB Stillman Auditorium, Clear Lake Middle School, 1601 3rd Avenue North, Clear Lake Tickets: Free Admission
CONCERT:
Doors Open: 6:30pm
Artists Scheduled to Appear:
Bobby Vee The Crickets Johnny Preston Chris Montez and Special Guests - TBA Location: Surf Ballroom Tickets: SOLD OUT
SUNDAY, February 1st, 2009
SURF BALLROOM/GIFT SHOP: Hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm
SYMPOSIUM: Time: 10:00am - 11:30am Panel Topic: "Chicano Rock" Examining Chicano rock, its history and the important Influence of Ritchie Valens and the development of the sounds and influence of artists who came after him. Panelists: TBA Location: EB Stillman Auditorium, Clear Lake Middle School, 1601 3rd Avenue North, Clear Lake Tickets: Free Admission
RECORD AND MEMORABILIA SHOW: Time: 11:30am - 4:00pm Location: Clear Lake Middle School Gymnasium, 1601 3rd Avenue North Tickets: Free admission
SYMPOSIUM: Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm Panel Topic: "Songwriters Panel" Artist guitar-pull, exploring their songwriting and the influence of Valens, Holly and Bopper on their work. Panelists: TBA Location: EB Stillman Auditorium, Clear Lake Middle School, 1601 3rd Avenue North, Clear Lake Tickets: Free Admission
BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY: Time: 1:00pm Location: Surf Ballroom & Museum (Alternate Location: NIACC Auditorium, 500 College Drive, Mason City) Event Description: Live theatrical performance by talented group of theatre artists from the Spencer Community Theatre, Spencer Iowa. “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” follows the tragically short life of Buddy Holly from his first recording contract, his marriage to a young Puerto Rican girl named Maria Elena, through to his move to New York and concluding with the fatal tour of the Midwest. This show is not to be missed as Buddy sings his way through two hours of some of the best rock ‘n’ roll songs ever written. Performance scheduled to take place at the Surf Ballroom, with the alternate location (NIACC Auditorium) in the event of ad hoc preparations/private rehearsals for Monday, Feb. 2 commemorative concert. No reserved seating available for this show. Tickets: $22 Advance
SYMPOSIUM: Time: 2:45pm - 4:00pm Panel Topic: This panel will be focused on the influence that these artists and this tragic event had in the UK, and the overall Impact on popular music. Panelists: TBA Location: EB Stillman Auditorium, Clear Lake Middle School, 1601 3rd Avenue North, Clear Lake Tickets: Free Admission
MONDAY, February 2nd, 2009
SURF BALLROOM/GIFT SHOP: Hours: 6:00pm - close
EXHIBIT/DISPLAY: “SPECIAL TRIBUTE COLLECTION”: Time: 6:00pm - close Location: Surf Ballroom Lounge Stage Event Description: Tom Fontaine's Rock and Roll Investments will present a special tribute collection exhibit featuring personal items, contracts, lyrics, autographs, etc. belonging to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper Richardson.” Bonus items from The Beatles (celebrating the 45th Anniversary of first arrival in the US), Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison etc. will also be on display during this time. Event open to ticketed 50 Winters Later concert-goers only.
FROM THE SURF BALLROOM : KEVIN MONTGOMERY
Hans,
I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing from the side of the stage in
The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa.
I'm opening the show tonight with "Wishing", and then am singing with
Pat DiNizio from The Smithereens and Dave Mason.....i'm honored and a
little nervous actually......there are rumors that Paul McCartney, Keith
Richards, and Ron Wood are on their way into Clear Lake for this special
night in rock and roll history.
I chose this day to announce my new website. I've turned it into a
blogger site, and have been videoblogging from this weeks festivities.
I interviewed Tommy Allsup from the Surf's dressing room about his
fateful toss of the coin with Ritchie Valens 50 Years ago tonight.
I also grabbed Maria Elena Holly for an uplanned and impromptu chat
in the dressing room as well.
I hope that you will visit http://www.kevinmontgomery.com , and sign up for email updates, and/or sign up for my feed. I'm really going to work on blogging regularly. Please take care, and let me know what you think of the new and improved site. Also, i'm booking house concerts for the new year......let me know if you know anyone who wants to host one.
As i'm finishing writing.......Los Lobos are beginning their soundcheck!.
Rock and Roll heaven........
Sincerely,
Kevin Montgomery
CONCERT:
50 Winters Later Commemorative Concert
Artists Scheduled to Appear:
Tommy Allsup Big Bopper JR The Crickets Pat DiNizio of the Smithereens Joe Ely Wanda Jackson Los Lobos Los Lonely Boys Delbert McClinton Chris Montez Cousin Brucie Morrow Graham Nash Peter & Gordon Sir Tim Rice Bobby Vee
and special guests TBA
House Band:
Kenny Aronoff Chuck Leavell Bobby Keys Hutch Hutchinson
