Winter Dance Party: The official tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper

John Mueller’s “Winter Dance Party” is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper’s final tour. It is also the only show endorsed by the Holly, Valens, and Richardson estates. This performance includes unbridled, high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the 50’s era: “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “Oh, Boy,” “Rave On,” “La Bamba,” “Chantilly Lace,” and many more!

About Winter Dance Party:

John Mueller, the critically acclaimed former star of the U.S. touring version of the London/Broadway hit musical “Buddy..the Buddy Holly Story,” performs as Buddy Holly, and Linwood Sasser fills the legendary footsteps of the Big Bopper. Ray Anthony performs as Ritchie Valens and is a renowned star of the “Legends of Rock and Roll” show at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas. The very authentic and energetic four-piece band (guitar, drums, stand-up bass, and sax) includes Grammy award winning Mike Acosta on saxophone.

The Winter Dance Party show has performed in front of over 2 million people on national TV for the Jerry Lewis Telethon, has toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada at theatres, performing arts centers, ballrooms, corporate events, casinos, and even the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with John Mellencamp, Marshall Crenshaw, and others.

Highlights over the years have included receiving the keys to the city of Green Bay, WI from the Mayor, playing in the legendary Surf Ballroom on the same day Buddy, Ritchie, and the Big Bopper did 40 years prior, and performing on stage with Maria Elena Holly (Buddy’s widow), Niki Sullivan (an original Cricket band member) and Tommy Allsup (original Winter Dance Party guitarist and legendary Nashville producer.)

“Flawless….rings as clear and true as a chord from a Fender Stratocaster.”  –The Chicago Tribune

“An air-tight band with energy-packed execution of a long string of classics. Rather than museum pieces or mere fodder for oldies radio, these songs had all the vitality and punch that they carried 41 years ago.” –Springfield State Journal-Register

“Winter Dance Party captures Holly era…a dead-on re-creation of the ’59 show.” –Kalamazoo Gazette

“One of the best concerts I’ve ever seen.” -Larry Holly (Buddy’s brother)

“John Mueller(as Buddy Holly) gives a stunning portrayal. Highly recommended.” -Chicago Sun-Times