The Winter Dance Party: A Tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper January 18, 2008

Willowbrook Ballroom is proud to host “The Winter Dance Party: A Tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper.” This live concert is an authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour. It takes place at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 18, 2008 at the Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave. in Willow Springs.

Forty-nine years ago on Feb. 3, 1959, the trio was tragically killed in a plane crash immediately following a Clear Lake, Iowa, concert en route to their next concert in Fargo, North Dakota.

Made famous by Don McLean in the 1972 song “American Pie,” the day has become known among rock ’n roll fans as “the day the music died.”

The Willowbrook Ballroom performance will include more than two and a half hours of high-energy entertainment featuring all of the hit songs of the ‘50s era, including “That’ll be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “Oh, Boy,” “Rave On,” “La Bamba” and “Chantilly Lace.”

This year marks the tenth consecutive year for this re-creation at the legendary Willowbrook Ballroom.

Critically acclaimed John Mueller will perform as Buddy Holly. Mueller has received numerous accolades for his accurate portrayal of Holly in the theatrical production of “Buddy…the Buddy Holly Story”.

“His portrayal is mesmerizing,” Niki Sullivan, an original member of Holly’s band, The Crickets, said of Mueller. “Mueller plays Holly’s songs precisely as they were written on a reissued 1957 Fender Stratocaster, the exact year and make of Holly’s guitar.”

J. P. Richardson, known as the Big Bopper, will be played by his very own son, J.P. Richardson Jr. Richardson Jr. brings the family heritage that only he can offer to the role of his legendary father.

Ritchie Valens will be performed by Ray Anthony, who stars in the “Legends of Rock and Roll” show in Las Vegas.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. The show is suitable for the whole family.

For tickets and more information, call Willowbrook Ballroom at (708) 839-1000 or visit http://www.willowbrookballroom.com.

Here is a video on YouTube:

Official Website: http://www.willowbrookballroom.com