A new museum opens Sept. 5 next door to the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. (Photo: Surf Ballroom)
A new immersive museum opens Sept. 5 next to the historic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. With historic artifacts and multimedia bells and whistles, the Surf Music Experience Center’s “Not Fade Away“exhibition honors the lives and legacies of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper”Richardson, who died in a plane crash on a cold winter night in 1959.
The museum tells the story of the musicians’ rise in early rock ‘n’ roll and uses immersive soundscapes and video clips to reimagine their legendary Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2020. The opening weekend offers a full slate of programs and activities, both at the ballroom and the new museum.
