CLEAR LAKE – The 2026 Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom will wrap up with an electric performance by John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party, the official tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. Also making a special appearance is Johnny Farina, of the duo Santo & Johnny.
Santo & Johnny’s song “Sleep Walk” hit the airwaves in 1959 with a steel guitar as the lead instrument, unheard of at that time. “Sleep Walk” reached #1 on the charts and earned the brothers a gold record. They appeared on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, got their own TV show in Italy, covered all the James Bond movie music, earned a gold record for their rendition of the theme from “Godfather,” and were inducted into the Music Hall of Fame in Italy. Their iconic hit has been used in 28 movies – including the Surf Music Experience Center’s “Not Fade Away” immersive exhibit.
John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party® was founded in 1999 on the 40th anniversary of the
original WDP tour. This high-energy show faithfully recreates the magic and innocence of rock ‘n’ roll’s early days. With performances inspired by the legendary trio and their peers, the tribute has earned accolades from the families of Holly, Valens, and Richardson. Returning once again to the Surf, their award-winning and critically-acclaimed show is a favorite of loyal attendees.
Doors at the Surf Ballroom open Monday, February 2, at 6:30 PM, at 460 North Shore Drive in Clear Lake, Iowa. Call the Surf for tickets.
(TOP IMAGE: Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny, via the Surf.)