Winter Dance Party 2023

Rock ‘n’ Roll is here to stay!

BY: RACHEL WUMKES

The rock and roll era sent shockwaves across the country.  It wasn’t just a musical revolution for the young teenagers, but a social and generational rebellion across all ages.

A central and pioneering figure during the mid-fifties, Buddy Holly, set his sights on the big time.  His rockabilly style of music was key in shaping the culture of rock and roll.  Playing in clubs and dance halls across the country, he toured on the ever-popular Winter Dance Party.

His brilliance in songwriting and performing, however, was simply a brief snippet in time.

After performing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, Holly boarded a small engine plane at the Mason City Airport.  Along with J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson and Richie Valens, the musicians planned to escape the bitter cold travel of the tour bus and fly to their next destination.

Minutes upon takeoff, the plane crashed into a field just north of town.  All three musicians and the pilot were killed instantly.

America mourned the loss.  It cut deep within the hearts and souls of music lovers that these talented individuals had perished.

The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, however, decided the music wouldn’t die on that cold day in February.  Utilizing every resource possible, they recreated the Winter Dance Party, ensuring these musicians would live on forever.

And so would their music.

The 4-day event has become popular amongst the locals of the North Iowa community, but also brings a slew of rock ‘n’ roll lovers from across the globe.  They come to pay tribute to their musical icons.  Wearing poodle skirts and bobby socks, they’ll dance the night away to tunes of yesteryear.  And they’ll remember, reminisce and celebrate this genuine time in musical history.

Tickets are available in a 3-day pass option which includes activities for Thursday through Saturday.  This also grants you access to the Surf Ballroom & Museum throughout the day.  An individual ticket option is available as well if you are only able to attend one day.  All tickets can be purchased at www.surfballroom.com

So, what should you expect??  Well, in addition all the fantastic music played from the iconic stage inside the Surf Ballroom, there are A LOT of other awesome activities happening around town.  Check out the full lineup below!

Thursday – February 2, 2023

• Fifties style dance lessons – 9:30am at the Surf Ballroom. Free and open to the public.
• Rockin’ n Boppin’ Record Show – 10:00am to 6:00pm at the Best Western Holiday Lodge Opal Room. Free and open to the public.
• Guided Tours of Carl J Fox Home – 1:00pm to 3:00pm – located at 449 N. Shore Drive in Clear Lake. Much like the Surf, it’s like time stood still inside the home of the original owner/creator of the Surf Ballroom.
• Narrated Memorial Site Tour – 2:00pm. Tour departs from the Surf Ballroom lobby, please arrive 15 minutes in advance.  Cost is $8.00 per person.
• LP & The 45s – A free concert open to the public at The Legacy Grill from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
• Winter Dance Party Concert featuring John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party and the Holy Rocka Rollaz – Admission is $40 in advance or $45 at the door. Surf Ballroom doors open at 7:00pm.
• LP & The 45s – Not ready for the fun to stop? Head back over to The Legacy Grill for the afterparty.  Free and open to the public!

Friday – February 3, 2023

• Rockin’ n Boppin’ Record Show – Up and at ‘em music lovers! 8:30am to 6:00pm at the Best Western Holiday Lodge Opal Room.  Free and open to the public.
• Guided Tours of Carl J Fox Home – 10:00am to 12:00pm – located at 449 N. Shore Drive in Clear Lake. Much like the Surf, it is like time stood still inside the home of the original owner/creator of the Surf Ballroom.
• The Legends Lunch – 11:00am at the Best Western Holiday Lodge Diamond Ballroom. This lunch has a 40-year tradition of fun!  Tickets are $35 per person which includes lunch and live entertainment.  Email thelegendslunch@gmail.com to secure your spot today!
• Richie Lee & The Fabulous Fifties – 1:00pm to 3:00pm at The Legacy Grill. Free and open to the public.
• Rockin’ Art of the 50’s and 60’s Tour – 1:30pm at the MacNider Art Museum in nearby Mason City. Take in the rich history of the art scene as American attempted to return to post-war normalcy.  Admission is free and open to the public.
• Wedding/Vow Renewal Ceremony – 2:00pm on the 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. Tour departs from the Surf Ballroom lobby, please arrive 15 minutes in advance.  Cost is $8.00 per person.
• Richi Lee & The Fabulous Fifties – 4:00pm to 6:00pm at The Legacy Grill. Free and open to the public.
• Winter Dance Party Concert featuring Shake Baby Shake; The Lovettes; Bill Haley Jr & The Comments; and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Admission is $50 in advance or $55 at the door.  Surf Ballroom doors open at 7:00pm.  Time period clothing and costumes highly encouraged and will be featured on the big screen between bands.  Don’t forget to sign up for the dance contest in the lobby!  Prizes available for the top 3 winners.

Saturday – February 4, 2023

• Rockin’ n Boppin’ Record Show – 8:30am to close at the Best Western Holiday Lodge Opal Room. Free and open to the public.
• Ritchie Valens Family Luncheon – 11:00am at the Best Western Holiday Lodge Diamond Ballroom. Admission is $29 which includes lunch (burger basket, fries & cole slaw) and live entertainment by Mogan’s Heroes.
• Split Second Band – 1:00pm to 3:00pm at The Legacy Grill. Free and open to the public.
• Guided Tours of Carl J Fox Home – 1:00pm to 3:00pm – located at 449 N. Shore Drive in Clear Lake. Much like the Surf, its’ like time stood still inside the home of the original owner/creator of the Surf Ballroom.
• The Day the Music Died/American Pie (2022) – 1:00pm and 4:00pm showings at Lake Theatre. Admission is free and open to the public.
• Split Second Band – 4:00pm to 6:00pm at The Legacy Grill. Free and open to the public.
• Self-Guided Memorial Tour – Visitors are encouraged to dress warm as a ¼ mile walk is required to see the fateful site of the plane crash. Free and open to the public.
• Winter Dance Party Concert featuring Slim Jim Phantom Trio featuring Jennie Vee with Special Guests Albert Lee, Chris Montez & Hayden Thompson; and Kenny Vance & The Planotones; Gary U.S. Bonds; Austin Allsup – Admission is $60 in advance and $65 at the door. Surf Ballroom doors open at 7:00pm.

Sunday – February 5, 2023

• Rock ‘n’ Roll Champagne Brunch – 10:00am to 2:00pm at The Legacy Grill. Admission is $25 which includes a full brunch buffet, one champagne/mimosa/bloody Mary (must be 21 and over) and live music by Richie Lee.
• The Day the Music Died/American Pie (2022) – 1:00pm and 4:00pm showings at Lake Theatre. Admission is free and open to the public.
• Self-Guided Memorial Tour – Visitors are encouraged to dress warm as a ¼ mile walk is required to see the fateful site of the place crash. Free and open to the public.