Shippensburg witnessed a blast from the past when John Mueller’s world-famous “Winter Dance Party” took the stage in the Luhrs Performing Arts Center on Thursday.
“Winter Dance Party” is the “official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour and the only show endorsed by the Holly, Valens and Richardson estates,” according to the Luhrs Center website. Mueller performed as Buddy Holly, Linwood Sasser as the Big Bopper and Ray Anthony as Ritchie Valens. The show is a two-hour concert-like performance featuring hit ‘50s rockabilly songs.
Residents and visitors of Shippensburg alike gathered in the Luhrs Center to experience this unique music experience and viewed a slide show featuring the three singers: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper, as audience members found their way to their seats.
The show kicked off with music from the accompanying band, which consisted of a lead guitarist, saxophonist, drummer and a stand-up bassist. Members of the band pointed out to each other during these opening songs, resulting in bursts of applause from the audience.
After this introduction, the performers of Holly, Big Bopper and Valens made their way out onto the stage, with each of them performing individual songs with the band backing them up with instrumentals.
One of the many songs performed was “Running Bear” by Johnny Preston. In a moment of humor before the song, Sasser turned to the audience.
“It’s a tale of star-crossed love, so get out your handkerchiefs,” said Sasser.
Anthony sang the next batch of songs, all while playing electric guitar. One of the most famous songs he performed was “We Belong Together,” one of Valens’ love ballads.
Mueller himself then entered the stage performing as Holly. Mueller continued to play more classic ‘50s hits and encouraged the crowd to sing along and dance to the music, letting their voices carry the room.
“We’re going to have a little fun tonight,” Mueller said. “You showed up, and we’re here.”
As his final solo performance, Mueller sang a song of his own titled “Hey, Buddy.” This 2009 release was written as a tribute to Holly and received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The show concluded with the three singers joining together on stage to play one last song, but as a group. After the final note was sung, they were met with a standing ovation from the crowd.
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