Rock ‘n’ Roll fans invade Clear Lake

BY: RACHEL WUMKES

A long, long time ago
I can still remember how that music used to make me smile
And I knew if I had my chance that I could make those people dance
And maybe they’d be happy for a while

Rock ‘n’ Roll fans from across the globe will definitely be happy this weekend as the Winter Dance Party kicks off a three-day celebration at the historic Surf Ballroom.

The event, which was on hiatus last year due to COVID-19, is back and better than ever.  Donning their poodle skirts and saddle shoes, concert goers are excited to hit the newly refurbished dance floor to kick up their heels and have some good old-fashioned fun!

The party kicks off with Don McLean performing to a sold-out show on Thursday, February 3rd.  McLean is one of America’s most enduring singer-songwriters and is forever associated with his epic hit “American Pie.”

Released in 1971, the song became something of an anthem for rock ‘n’ roll fans.  While it was inspired by the tragic plane crash which took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and JP “The Big Bopper” Richardson, it also mourned the end of an era.  A time that encompassed good and innocence. When the youth of the world were unbridled and free.

While we still mourn the loss of our three fallen stars, the Winter Dance Party is centered around the celebration of their lives and the music they created.  A lasting legacy of a simpler time in life, the Winter Dance Party celebrates rock ‘n’ roll back at its height of popularity.

The fun continues into day two with Friday’s line up including Albert Lee, Edan Everly, Ricky Nelson Remembered (where the famed musician’s songs are performed by his sons, Matthew and Gunnar, who some of you may remember of the group “Nelson”), and local favorite, The White Sidewalls.

As if that’s not enough of a rock ‘n’ roll celebration, the Winter Dance Party closes out the fun on Saturday with performances by Austin Allsup, The Holy Rocka Rollaz, Jason D. Williams, The Fireballs featuring Jimmy Gilmer, and the Los Lobos.

The Clear Lake Evening Lions, a civic organization in the community, will have their signature fresh popcorn available at the Surf Ballroom throughout the event.  What many people may not realize, however, is that during the Winter Dance Party they also offer great eats which includes hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos and dessert bars.  All proceeds collected go to help those in need and assist public improvement projects in our community.

And if you need a change of scenery at some point during the event but aren’t ready to hang up your dancin’ shoes quite yet, the former Surf District Rock ‘n Roll Grill just across the parking lot will be open for this weekend only.  No set-in-stone plans have been finalized yet for the restaurant, but they will provide live entertainment during the Winter Dance Party celebration, as well as bar service and food available from Ritz Rings & Things.

In fact, they kick off the party a day early with the Johnny Rogers Band on Wednesday night!  And they will keep on rocking throughout the entire weekend with favorites like Richie Lee and the Fabulous Fifties, the Split Second Band, and happy hour with DJ Randy Chesterman each day.

“Honestly, we are so excited to have the Winter Dance Party back,” said Surf Ballroom executive director, Laurie Lietz.  “It’s always a fantastic celebration of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper, but this year just feels extra special, and the addition of entertainment at the Surf District Rock ‘n Roll Grill is a great fit for all the more rock ‘n roll fun.”

To learn more about the Winter Dance Party, or to read the full bio of each performer, go to https://winterdanceparty.surfballroom.com/

I can’t remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died

Don McLean might sing these famous words during his rendition of “American Pie” on Thursday night, but we know they aren’t totally true.

Because the music didn’t die that fateful February night in 1959.  It lives on in the Surf Ballroom.

Forever.