"Winter Dance Party"

MACA Presents "The Winter Dance Party"

Monroe Area Council for the Arts (MACA) will present "The Winter Dance Party" on Friday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. at Hiwassee College in Madisonville. The Winter Dance Party is the official live and authentic re-creation of the final tour of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. It is the only show endorsed by the Holly and Valens estates and is sponsored by Citizens National Bank.

John Mueller, the critically acclaimed former star of the U.S. touring production of the London/Broadway hit musical “Buddy…the Buddy Holly Story,” performs as Buddy Holly. According to the Chicago Tribune, “John Mueller is living proof that Buddy Holly’s legacy lives on. His lovingly detailed portrayal rings as clearly as a chord from a Fender Stratocaster. His performance is flawless.” Niki Sullivan, a member of Holly’s band The Crickets has said, “John is a reincarnation of Buddy Holly. He is that good.”

Jay P. Richardson, Jr. fills his father’s legendary shoes as the Big Bopper. J.P. was born on April 28, 1959, only three months after the fatal plane crash that took his father’s life along with those of Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. Dick Clark has said, “Watching Jay Richardson is just like watching his dad.”

Ray Anthony performs as Ritchie Valens and is a renowned star of the “Legends of Rock and Roll” show at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas.
His performance has earned the praise of Ritchei Valens’ own family with Irma Valens (Ritchie Valens’ sister) proclaiming, “Every time I see Ray perform as Ritchie it brings a tear to my eye.”

Advance tickets are $17/adult and may be purchased with cash or check at all Citizens National Banks in Monroe County or with a credit card by calling 423-442-3210 or online at www.monroearts.com. Tickets will also available at the box office on the night of the performance for $20. Student tickets are $10.