KUWS-FM will air three programs this afternoon bringing back to life the "Winter Dance Party" at the Duluth National Guard Armory 50 years ago.
The landmark concert featured Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Ritchie Valens, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, and Dion and the Belmonts.
The concert came just two days before a plane crash killed Holly, Valens, Richardson and the pilot, infamously known as "The Day the Music Died". At 5 p.m. Friday, KUWS (91.3 FM Superior and 102.9 Ashland) will air "Final Edition" with former Duluth News Tribune columnist Jim Heffernan and former rock and roll deejay Tim Michaels.
Both attended the Jan. 31, 1959, concert in Duluth, and they'll share their memories.
Then, at 5:30, KUWS will present two half-hour episodes of "Radio Superior," reenacting a half an hour 50's rock and roll radio show featuring previews and a live broadcast from the "Winter Dance Party" concert from Jan. 30 and 31, 1959.
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"Radio Superior" will feature Michaels as well as "Machine Gun Kelly," played by broadcaster Pat Kelly as well as other radio actors.
"Final Edition" and "Radio Superior" are locally produced programs from Wisconsin Public Radio station KUWS-FM in Superior.
