Buddy Holly story star among 2013 Winter Dance Party performers

Tickets go on sale Nov. 7 for three-day event

Gary Busey, who starred in the title role in “The Buddy Holly Story,” released by Columbia Pictures in 1978, headlines the 2013 Winter Dance Party line-up 

announced by the Surf Ballroom & Museum.  He will be joined by Peter Asher of Peter & Gordon, Denny Laine of the Moody Blues & Wings.

The 2013 Winter Dance Party event is scheduled for Jan. 31-Feb. 2. Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7.

“We are extremely excited to announce this year’s lineup. More thought and consideration has been put into this year’s program than ever before as we look to the future of the event,” stated Surf Ballroom & Museum Board President Jeff Nicholas. 

Laurie Lietz, executive director, added, “The international exposure gained in 2009 during our Fifty Winters Later event has piqued the interest of many successful contemporary artists who wish to come to the Surf to pay tribute to their fallen stars.  We have shaped a three-day celebration that combines authentic and original fifties music and musicians with the fun and excitement of a live- music sock hop, all culminating in a very authentic tribute concert on Saturday night. The Tribute concert will feature an all-star contingency of rock ‘n roll greats and the music they made famous while allowing them to pay respect to their greatest musical influences.”

Gary Busey’s excitement surrounding his involvement in this year’s event continues to grow as the date draws near. 

“The honor of doing a concert at the Surf Ballroom in tribute to Charles Hardin Holley (Buddy Holly) is a miracle and a blessing. To be put in a position of being a messenger of his spirit and talent and his truth is incredible. When I sing the songs, Buddy’s spirit will be with me,” said Busey.

Peter Asher expressed his genuine enthusiasm when asked about his involvement in the 2013 Winter Dance Party. 

“I am looking forward so much to returning to the Surf Ballroom to play and sing and talk and listen in honor of Buddy Holly.  Indeed, not only am I proud to be part of any tribute to his music, but I owe Buddy’s memory a particular debt of gratitude on this occasion. We members of the so-called “British Invasion” were united in the first place by our love for great American music and for the songs of Buddy Holly in particular,” he said. “Without Buddy and his genius, I would not have this special anniversary occasion to look forward to at all – and it reunites me with old friends like Eric Burdon, Denny Laine and - Read More Via e-Edition