Three stars Tribute Day Friday at Surf ballroom in Clear Lake
August 7: History making day at one of America\\\'s most important music landmarks in Iowa
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CLEAR LAKE, IA -- The Surf Ballroom will host an historic all-day event celebrating the enduring legacies of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper on Friday, August 7. The event will feature the unveiling of three life-size bronze statues honoring the three rock & roll pioneers, a "Three Stars Tribute" album release, a one-of-a-kind music concert, bringing together artists and performers connected to the music that helped shape rock & roll history, and the annual C.L.A.S.S. Car Cruise around Clear Lake.
Starting at 11 a.m., guests will gather for the unveiling of the three newly donated life-size bronze statues honoring Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. The permanent installation will serve as a lasting tribute to the artists whose final performance together took place on the Surf Ballroom stage on February 2, 1959.
The evening will begin with the annual C.L.A.S.S. Car Club Cruise, a beloved Clear Lake tradition that will travel around the lake before concluding at the Surf Ballroom.
Prior to headlining the evening’s "Three Stars Tribute" Album Release Concert, legendary entertainer Pat Boone will host an exclusive VIP Meet & Greet beginning at 5 p.m. in the Palms Ballroom. The Meet & Greet will provide fans with a unique opportunity to meet one of the most celebrated entertainers of the rock & roll era and be amongst the first to receive an autographed copy of the highly anticipated commemorative "Three Stars Tribute" album before the evening’s festivities move to the historic Surf Ballroom stage.
Doors to the Surf Ballroom will open at 7:00 p.m.. The "Three Stars Tribute" Album Release Concert will feature a headlining performance by Pat Boone, joined by Mario R. Valens, Jimmy Angel, “Sting” Ray Anthony, Ernie Reyes, Sha Na Na’s “Downtown” Michael Brown, and Jason Gutierrez & The JG3. Together, these performers will celebrate the music and legacy of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper through a special evening of stories, memories, and performances inspired by the timeless songs that helped define a generation.
The event marks the release of Pat Boone's Gold Label "Three Stars Tribute" album, a project dedicated to preserving and celebrating the music of the three legendary performers whose influence continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans around the world and brings together artists connected to the Winter Dance Party era and its enduring influence--a fitting expression of Pat Boone's vision for his decades-old record company, The Gold Label, creating new opportunities for legendary artists while preserving the legacy of their music.
Following the album release concert, guests are invited to continue the celebration with a special sock hop featuring The Whitesidewalls. Known for bringing the sounds, style, and energy of the 1950s to life, The Whitesidewalls will close out the evening, giving attendees the opportunity to dance the night away on the Surf Ballroom dance floor in true rock & roll fashion.
The combination of the statue unveiling, album release celebration, classic car cruise, VIP experiences, and live performances create a unique opportunity for fans to honor the legacies of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper while celebrating the music that continues to connect generations more than six decades later.
Event Schedule
11 a.m. - Statues Unveiling Ceremony in front of Surf Ballroom, open to public (free) - Honoring Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & The Big Bopper
5 p.m. - VIP Meet & Greet with Pat Boone in the Palms Ballroom, located upstairs in the MEC (468 N. Shore Drive - enter via the west doors)
CLASS Car Club Cruise - Around Clear Lake, concluding at the Surf Ballroom
7 p.m. - Surf Ballroom Doors Open
7:45 p.m.- "Three Stars Tribute" Album Release Concert featuring Pat Boone, Mario R. Valens, Jimmy Angel, “Sting” Ray Anthony, Ernie Reyes, Sha Na Na’s “Downtown” Michael Brown, and Jason Gutierrez & The JG3
Following the Album Release Concert - Sock Hop featuring The Whitesidewalls
Tickets may be purchased by calling the Surf Ballroom Box Office at (641) 357-6151 or online at www.surfballroom.com.