Grab Your Peggy Sue and Check Out Dubuque’s “Buddy Holly Dance”

Despite only making it to 22-years-old, Buddy Holly's impact on rock and roll music was and is indelible. Converging gospel, country, and blues influences, he exploded on the scene with hits like "Peggy Sue" and "That'll Be the Day," two defining staples of their era. He's also still regarded as the artist who created the traditional rock-and-roll lineup: two guitars, bass, and drums.

One can only imagine how much more Holly could've accomplished, had he not died in that famous plane crash in Cerro Gordo County, IA in February 1959. Yet, Holly's memory lives on in the hearts of many. And an annual Dubuque event in February looks to honor him once more.

The annual "Buddy Holly Dance" is happening at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds on Saturday, February 11th from 7-11pm. Doors for the dance open at 5:30pm, with free dance lessons from 6-7pm. Those lessons are provided courtesy of Adam's Dance Connection. Full concessions will be available at 6pm as well.

You must be 18-years-old to enter the dance.

In addition to the dance, a fun slate of events are planned throughout the night, including:

• A "Peggy Sue" Look-a-Like 50s Style Contest (Sponsored by Jerry's Tractor & Small Engine Repair)
• A 50s Style "Best Dressed Couple" Contest (Sponsored by Kevin & Janell Kotz)
• A "Best 50s and 60s Dance Contest" (Sponsored by Silker's General Store)

Tickets can be purchased at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds ticket office in advance of the event for $7, or the day of the dance for $9. If you are a fan of Buddy Holly, or simply relish a time when The Ed Sullivan Show was one of the best programs on TV, and the sounds of Ritchie Valens, Chuck Berry, and The Crickets defined the era, this night was made for you!

Find out more about the "Buddy Holly Dance" on the event's Facebook page. The Dubuque County Fairgrounds is located at 14569 Old Highway Road in Dubuque.