50TH ANNIVERSARY HIGHLIGHTS

Here are some of the events scheduled to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Winter Dance Party, which includes a weeklong celebration in Clear Lake, Iowa, starting Wednesday.

Tonight: A commemorative show headlined by Tommy Allsup, who played guitar on the 1959 tour, plays the Kato Ballroom in Mankato, one of the original venues. (200 Chestnut St. $15-$20. 1-507-625-7553.)

Friday: John Mueller's Winter Dance Party tribute show will play the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake.

Feb. 2: Tribute concert at the Surf featuring Allsup, Jay Richardson (the Big Bopper's son), Bobby Vee, the original Crickets, Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys, Graham Nash and Peter & Gordon. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will dedicate the Surf as a rock landmark.

Info:

www.50winterslater.com

www.surfballroom.com

www.thelasttour.net