Frankie Avalon to headline 2015 Winter Dance Party

Frankie Avalon will headline the list of artists scheduled to appear at the 2015 Winter Dance Party event scheduled for January 28-31, 2015.

“We are extremely pleased to present this year’s line-up, featuring a combination of fan favorites and artists who are new to our event,” stated Surf Ballroom & Museum Board President, Jeff Nicholas. “Former teen idol Frankie Avalon is a first time performer during the Winter Dance Party and having him here is sure to create a very memorable show for our fans.”

Thursday night features Lou Christie and Bill Haley Jr. and The Comets, who will also be making their first Surf Ballroom Winter Dance Party appearances. Though he was a successful singer-songwriter in the 1950’s, Lou Christie forever embedded himself and his uniquely talented voice into America’s consciousness with his number one, multi-million selling success, “Lightning Strikes,” in 1966. Bill Haley Jr. and the Comets will bring many hits recorded in the early and mid-1950s by the legendary Bill Haley and The Comets to the Surf’s historic stage.

Additional performers on Thursday include original 1959 Winter Dance Party guitarist, Tommy Allsup, along with The Whitesidewalls, who are known for keeping everyone rockin’ and rollin’ all night long.

Friday night’s Sock Hop, traditionally known as The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, will feature Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys, L.A. Party Dolls and Cadillac Casanovas. 

“The Friday night Sock Hop has always been a fun night for fans to dance to the songs they remember best from the era,” said Event Producer, Shane Cooney.  “That tradition continues with our Friday evening entertainment line-up. In addition, this year’s Sock Hop will feature special guest Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys, who made a fast impression on our guests when they first performed here in 2012. This year, they plan to pay tribute to the late Ritchie Valens, who has been a tremendous influence upon their musical direction.”

Frankie Avalon will headline the “Three Stars Memorial Concert” on Saturday night. 

“We are thrilled to have Frankie Avalon involved in our 2015 event. As one of the replacement headliners during the 1959 Winter Dance Party Tour, he has strong ties to the Winter Dance Party story we work hard to promote,” said Laurie Lietz, executive director.  “Additionally, he is a celebrated authentic fifties recording artist, producing 31 Billboard hits between 1958 and 1962. One of his most renowned hits, “Venus,” spent five weeks at number one in 1959.”

Additional performers on Saturday evening will include The Crystals, who appeared during the 1996 and 2002 Winter Dance Party events; Brian Hyland who appeared in 2001 and 2009; and John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party, who will return to bring an authentic and heartfelt tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson during the Three Stars Finale at the conclusion of the event. Saturday’s show will also feature the legacy of Ritchie Valens as Chris Montez returns to perform and pay tribute once again on the very last stage that Ritchie played. 

  Advance tickets for the 2015 event will be sold for $110 each and are valid for the evenings of Thursday, Jan. 29, through Saturday, Jan. 31. Both tickets and seating for the event will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating for the event is priced at $80 for a four-person booth, - Read More Via e-Edition