Winter Dance Party

"Winter Dance Party 2009: A Tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper)" will be a genuine blowout this year. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, 2009, at Willowbrook Ballroom.

The fabulous live concert celebrates its 10th year at the Willowbrook Ballroom. On a sadder note, the event also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the deaths of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper in a tragic plane crash in 1959, immediately following a Clear Lake, Iowa, concert en route to their next concert in Fargo, North Dakota.

The Winter Dance Party 2009 is a live, authentic re-enactment of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper's final tour. Made famous by Don McLean in the 1972 song, American Pie, the day has become known among rock and roll fans as "the day the music died."

The Willowbrook Ballroom concert performance includes more than two hours of high-energy entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the '50s era, including "That'll be the Day," "Peggy Sue," "Oh, Boy," "Rave On," "La' Bamba" and "Chantilly Lace."

Once again, critically acclaimed John Mueller will perform as Buddy Holly. Mueller has received numerous accolades for his accurate portrayal.

"John is a reincarnation of Buddy Holly," said Birute Jodwalis, owner of Willowbrook Ballroom. "He is that good."

J. P. Richardson, known as the Big Bopper, will be played by his very own son, Jay P. Richardson, Jr. who brings the family heritage that only he can offer to the role of his legendary father. Ritchie Valens will be performed by Ray Anthony, a renowned star of the "Legends of Rock and Roll" show at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas. The authentic four piece band - guitar, drums, stand up bass and sax - includes Grammy award winning Mike Acosta on saxophone.
"Flawless....rings as clear and true as a chord from a Fender Stratocaster," said a review in The Chicago Tribune.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. The show is suitable for the whole family. A portion of the proceeds will be used for music scholarships set up in the names of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper.

Winter Dance Party 2009 will sell out quickly. For reservations and more information, call Willowbrook Ballroom at 708-839-1000.

8900 South Archer Avenue, Willow Springs, IL 60480 • 708-839-1000
Website: www.willowbrookballroom.com E-Mail: willowbrookballroom@comcast.net

The above outlines the plans tor the first CTCC event in the New Year. As noted in the write-up, the date is: Friday, January 16,2009.
Contact Pete or Marylu Kramer to make your RESERVATIONS: (630) 986-1277 or
E-Mail: mkramer562@aol.com