Buddy Holly, A Really Big Tribute Show Planned!
 

One of the biggest 1950’s and ’60’s rock n’ roll line ups in modern history will take place at the end of the month for the Buddy Holly Tribute weekend. The Surf Ballroom has been doing tribute concerts since 1978 and this year marks the 50th anniversary of the plane crash that took the lives of some of rock n’ rolls most promising young stars. The Surf Ballroom is still going strong all these years later.

We (Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs) were honored to be a part of the activities and will play on the show Friday night. I’m humbled just to be a part of this historic event and in the company of so many artists that I listened to as a kid. Being a part of this event is almost as good as a 10 second pass in the new 1967 Z28 D/ Stock race car! Very close!

Don’t know if anyone from this site is attending. If you are, look me up. We will be staying at the Best Western in Clear Lake, Iowa. Wednesday Jan 29th through Feb 3rd.

The special guest star rumors are all over the map. P. McCartney and Ringo Starr are and have always been big Buddy Holly fans and there is a real possibility that they will be here. There is also Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Springsteen, and a possible reunion of Dion & The Belmonts.

In any event, this rock n’ roll extravaganza promises to be magical to say the least. Serius-XM Radio will be there in full force along with plenty of local TV coverage and many FM oldies radio stations from all over the county.

Rock On,

Jerry


The Buddy Holly Winter Dance Party Tribute Week, January 2009. Special 50th Anniversary Celebration to commemorate the music of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens.

EVENING CONCERT: Wed Night, Jan 28, 2009
Doors Open: 6:30pm
Arists Scheduled to Appear:
Jason D. Williams
The Original Founding Members of the Whitesidewalls
Location: Surf Ballroom

EVENING CONCERT: Thursday Night, Jan 29, 2009
Doors Open: 6:30pm
Artists Scheduled to Appear:
Bill Haley’s Original Comets
Johnny Tillotson
The Tymes
Dodie Stevens
Tommy Allsup & Johnny Rogers (and special guests TBA)
Hosted by Diamonds 'Original Lead Singer' David Somerville
Location: Surf Ballroom
Tickets: SOLD OUT

CONCERT:, Friday Night, Jan 30, 2009
Doors Open: 6:30pm
Artists Scheduled to Appear:
The Winter Dance Party featuring Costume and Dance Contest, John Mueller, Ray Anthony, J.P. Richardson, Jr. and the MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY Featuring The Killer Vees w/ special surprise guests, Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs
Location: Surf Ballroom
Tickets: SOLD OUT

CONCERT:, Saturday Night, January 31, 2009
Doors Open: 6:30pm
Artists Scheduled to Appear:
Bobby Vee
Buddy Holly’s Original Crickets
Johnny Preston
Chris Montez
and Special Guests - TBA
Location: Surf Ballroom
Tickets: SOLD OUT

CONCERT: Monday Night, February 2, 2009,
50 Winters Later Commemorative Concert
Artists Scheduled to Appear:
Tommy Allsup (Buddy Holly’s original lead guitar player on the last tour)
The Big Bopper JR
The Original Crickets
Pat DiNizio of the Smithereens
Joe Ely
Wanda Jackson
Los Lobos
Los Lonely Boys
Legendary DJ, Cousin Brucie Morrow from Radio Station 77-WABC
Graham Nash
Peter & Gordon
Sir Tim Rice
Bobby Vee
and special guests TBA
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Concert: 7:00pm
Location: Surf Ballroom
Tickets: $85

Also, a possible reunion of Dion & The Belmonts who played the Winter Dance Party Tour in 1959!

Re: Buddy Holly, A Really Big Tribute Show Planned!
 

Jerry, that is way too cool! And here in his hometown, we cannot even use his name without getting sued by Maria Elena. Break a leg and get lots of autographs. Tex T.

Re: Buddy Holly, A Really Big Tribute Show Planned!
 

My wife and me went out to Clear Lake with Jerry his wife Joy 3 years ago. We had a blast! I couldn't beleive how many BH fans were attending from overseas. I got to talk to Jerry Dwyer owner of the plane that Buddy Holly, Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens died in. This is the 50th anniversary of the day the music died.

Re: Buddy Holly, A Really Big Tribute Show Planned!
 

Just found out that more acts are planned for the Monday night show.

Jerry

Re: Buddy Holly, A Really Big Tribute Show Planned!
 

Just found out that there are some tickets available for anyone who lives in the area. Call the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, IA. or more information.

Jerry

Re: Buddy Holly, A Really Big Tribute Show Planned!
 

Hoping there are no weather issues getting all of the acts in for the B. Holly Tribute week. Shows start tonight. Right now, it's clear and sunny n Des Moines and I'm drivng up later today.

Jerry

Re: Buddy Holly, A Really Big Tribute Show Planned!
 

Sounds like the show of a lifetime to see. Have a blast!

Re: Buddy Holly, A Really Big Tribute Show Planned!
 

Just posted on Comcast News,

Jerry

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news...c.Buddy.Holly/

Re: Buddy Holly, A Really Big Tribute Show Planned!
 

Made it to Clear Lake, IA about an hour ago. The damn Chrysler van that I rented took a dump on I-35 north and wouldn't go over 50 mph. What a POS. I always use Enterprise when I travel but there were no GM products in Des Moines when I arrived. Usually they have plenty of Impalas, that's my favorite.

12 degrees here.

Jerry

Re: Buddy Holly, A Really Big Tribute Show Planned!
 

There is an article in our local paper today about the show. Make sure and walk to the memorial. Should be a fun hike in those temps!