Winter Dance Party heats up the Surf

Clear Lake welcomed thousands last week and reveled in the celebration of rock and roll, courtesy of the Surf Ballroom’s Winter Dance Party.

The well-attended event included a fun family sock hop Wednesday, which set the stage for three nights of concerts.  

Matthew and Gunnar Nelson presented a tribute show celebrating their late father’s rock and roll 

legacy Thursday night.  “Ricky Nelson Remembered,” featuring the Nelson twins, Albert Lee and Gary U.S. Bonds, with special guests Denny & the DC Drifters, set a terrific tone for the weekend, said party-goers.

“It was a fabulous time.  We can’t ever get enough,” said Julie and Wade Wilcox, from Cedar Falls, Iowa.  The couple said they had heard Nelson before, but never the tribute featuring Nelson’s songs.  “It really took us back.”

Stepping back to the past was also appealing to Peggy and Walt Stephens, from Minnesota.  “We haven’t danced so much since we were kids,” said the first-time Winter Dance Party guests.  “The music really got us going.”

Friday night renown saxophone player Marvelous Marvin Short and his Winter Dance Party Sock Hop Band led the fun and really had the place rockin’ with tributes to Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and more.  

Saturday featured a British Invasion Tribute, provided by Eric Burdon & The Animals, Peter Laine of The Moody Blues & Wings, and Terry Sylvester, formerly of The Hollies.  Joining in the fun was Peter Asher, part of the vocal duo Peter & Gordon.  

Prior to the performance, Asher spent some time Friday discussing his appreciation for the music and the opportunity to return to the Surf.  Asher was also pleased to discuss - Read More Via e-Edition