Winter Dance Party (Night 4), Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA- 2/1/25

Winter Dance Party Night 4
Surf Ballroom
Clear Lake, IA
Feb. 1st, 2025

This is a "Midwest Sounds" recording (MWS349)

Lineage: Zoom H1Essential (32-Bit Float) > SD Card > Reaper (EQ, Normalizing) > Track splits using CD Wave Editor > Compressed to FLAC Level 8 with dBpoweramp > Tagged with MP3 Tag

-Feel free to re-master, share freely anywhere else, convert to MP3, just never ever sell it. Also, if you like this show, please support the artist by buying/streaming their music, buying a ticket to a show or buying merch.

More pictures here: Link

Midnight Cowgirls

https://www.themidnightcowgirls.com/

1. Intro
2. White Lightning (The Big Bopper cover)
3. Leaving Texas
4. Heaven Only Knows (Emmylou Harris cover)
5. That'll Be the Day (The Crickets cover) > Queen of Hearts (Dave Edmunds cover)
6. Rock Around With Ollie Vee (Buddy Holly cover)
7. Wedding Belle Blues
8. Giddy Up

Kandle Osborne- Vocals, Guitar
Blaise Dahl- Keyboard, Vocals, Guitar
Jennie Vee- Bass
Rex Elle- Guitar
Marlhy Murphy- Drums

Archive.org / Google Drive

Introducing The Midnight Cowgirls, a dynamic band set to revolutionize music with their electrifying blend of country, new wave, post-punk, and rockabilly. The band was named and conceptualized by Eagles of Death Metal Bassist Jennie Vee. The band is comprised of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Kandle Osborne, with vocalists and powerhouse rhythm section Jennie Vee and Leah Bluestein (of Eagles of Death Metal), and lead guitarist Rex Elle (known for performances with Stray Cats' drummer Slim Jim Phantom). Their fresh sound defies genre conventions, blending twangy guitars with pulsating bass lines and driving rhythms. Join them on a captivating journey through uncharted musical territory as they pioneer a new frontier. Get ready to saddle up and ride into the night with The Midnight Cowgirls—this is just the beginning of their unforgettable journey.

Albert Lee & Jeremy Clyde

https://albertleeofficial.com/
https://www.chadandjeremy.com/

1. Intro
2. It Doesn't Matter Anymore (Paul Anka cover) (Jeremy Clyde vocals)
3. Distant Shores (Chad & Jeremy cover) (Jeremy Clyde vocals)
4. Wake Up, Little Susie (Boudleaux Bryant cover) (Jeremy Clyde vocals)
5. Highwayman (Jimmy Webb cover) (Albert Lee vocals)
6. 'Til I Gain Control Again (Rodney Crowell cover) (Albert Lee vocals)
7. Follow That Car > Buffalo Gal (Jeremy Clyde vocals)
8. Sleepless Nights (The Everly Brothers cover) (Albert Lee vocals)
9. Learning the Game(Buddy Holly cover) (Albert Lee vocals)
10. For a While There (Jeremy Clyde vocals)
11. Yesterday's Gone (Chad & Jeremy cover) (Jeremy Clyde vocals)
12. Tears on My Pillow (Little Anthony & the Imperials cover) (Jeremy Clyde vocals)
13. A Summer Song (Chad & Jeremy cover) (Jeremy Clyde vocals)

Jeremy Clyde- Vocals, Guitar
Albert Lee- Vocals, Keyboard, Guitar

Archive.org / Google Drive

Often referred to as “the guitar player’s guitar player,” Grammy Award-winning British guitarist Albert Lee is no stranger to the Surf Ballroom’s Winter Dance Party, Lee has performed at every Winter Dance Party since 2013 and returns again to perform on Saturday night. Albert is a multiple recipient of Guitar Player Magazine’s “Best Country Guitarist” who is celebrated by fans and musicians the world over for his fingerstyle and hybrid picking technique. Lee joined the Crickets for three albums in the 1970’s and joined Emmylou Harris’s Hot Band in 1976. Known for his innovative fingerstyle and hybrid picking technique, Lee has also worked with music legends like Eric Clapton, the Everly Brothers, Emmylou Harris, and Joe Cocker. He gained early success in the U.K. with bands like Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and later became a pivotal figure in country music, playing a Fender Telecaster while collaborating with major artists across genres. His signature song “Country Boy” redefined country guitar playing, and he has won two Grammys for his exceptional instrumental performances. Throughout his illustrious career, Lee has toured extensively, led bands such as Hogan's Heroes, and continues to perform worldwide.

Jeremy Clyde will perform alongside Albert Lee on Saturday night. Best known to American audiences as half of the 1960s British duo Chad & Jeremy, Clyde made a mark with hits like "Yesterday's Gone" and "A Summer Song." While he found musical success in the U.S., back in England, Clyde is celebrated as a seasoned actor with a career spanning over 50 years, featuring credits on both stage and screen.

The Duprees

https://dupreesmusic.com/

1. Intro
2. Have You Heard (Joni James cover)
3. As Time Goes By (Herman Hupfeld cover)
4. Beyond the Sea (Charles Trenet cover)
5. Why Don't You Believe Me? (Joni James cover)
6. These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You) (Leslie “Hutch” Hutchinson cover) > (It's No) Sin (Four Aces cover) > The Sand and the Sea (Nat “King” Cole cover)
7. More Today Than Yesterday (Spiral Starecase cover)
8. Rock and Roll Heaven (Climax feat. Sonny Geraci cover)
9. Theme of Exodus (Ernest Gold cover)
10. My Own True Love (Johnny Desmond cover)
11. All Night Long (All Night) (Lionel Richie cover)
12. You Belong to Me (Joni James cover)

Tommy Petillo- Vocals
Jimmy Spinelli- Vocals
Shawn Stevens- Vocals

Archive.org / Google Drive

The Duprees, known for their romantic interpretations of classic love songs, have captivated audiences worldwide with their smooth vocal harmonies and Big Band-inspired arrangements. Originally from Jersey City, New Jersey, the group gained fame with their 1962 hit "You Belong to Me," which became a million-seller. Today, members Tommy Petillo, Jimmy Spinelli, and Shawn Stevens continue to perform their timeless hits alongside contemporary favorites, keeping the group's signature sound alive for over 40 years.

Chubby Checker

https://chubbychecker.com/

1. Intro
2. Good Good Lovin' (James Brown & The Famous Flames cover)
3. Twist It Up
4. Little Bitty Pretty One (Bobby Day and The Satellites cover) > Dancin' Party
5. Twist and Shout (The Top Notes cover)
6. Peppermint Twist (Joey Dee & the Starliters cover)
7. Pony Time
8. Peggy Sue (Buddy Holly cover)
9. Limbo Rock / Mickey Mouse Club
10. Blue Suede Shoes (Carl Perkins cover)
11. Blueberry Hill (Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra cover)
12. Slow Twistin'
13. Changes
14. I'm Walkin' (Fats Domino cover)
15. I Saw Her Standing There (The Beatles cover) > Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On (Big Maybelle cover)
16. I Heard It Through the Grapevine (Gladys Knight & the Pips cover) > My Girl (The Temptations cover)
17. The Twist (Hank Ballard and the Midnighters cover) > Let's Twist Again > The Twist (Hank Ballard and the Midnighters cover)

Chubby Checker- Vocals
Joe Blong, Jr.- Bass
Harry Marion- Drums
Avery Coffee- Guitar
Jim Wacker- Organ
?- Saxophone

Archive.org / Google Drive

Chubby Checker, the legendary artist who sparked a global dance revolution, returns to the Surf Ballroom’s Winter Dance Party for his third appearance to headline the 2025 event on Saturday, February 1st. Known worldwide for his hit "The Twist," Checker introduced a fresh way of "dancing apart to the beat" that became a cultural phenomenon. Released in 1960, "The Twist" not only topped the charts but made history by returning to the #1 spot in 1962, the only song ever to do so. Checker's infectious energy on stage, combined with chart-toppers like “Let’s Twist Again,” “Pony Time,” and “Limbo Rock,” has kept him at the forefront of music and dance for over six decades. His film appearances in "Don't Knock the Twist" and "Twist Around the Clock" solidified his status as a pop culture icon. His 2019 performance at the Surf left fans buzzing with excitement, and they’ve been calling for his return ever since. A Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Checker continues to mesmerize audiences across generations, proving that his music, and his signature twist, are as timeless as ever. His performances are known for their high energy, and his connection with fans is unmatched. As he often says, "It's the fans. The energy I get from singing and dancing with all these people over the years is unlike anything else I have experienced. I never want it to end." Neither do we!

Slim Jim Phantom & Friends

https://www.slimjimphantom.com/

1. Intro
2. Not Fade Away (The Crickets cover) (Austin Allsup vocals, Mario Valens harmonica)
3. Big Boss Man (Jimmy Reed cover) (Austin Allsup vocals, Mario Valens harmonica)
4. Matchbox (Carl Perkins cover) (Slim Jim Phantom vocals)
5. What'd I Say (Ray Charles cover) (Chubby Checker / Austin Allsup vocals)
6. Hound Dog (Big Mama Thornton cover) > I Saw Her Standing There (The Beatles cover) > Give Me That Rock and Roll (Chubby Checker vocals)
7. Maybe Baby (The Crickets cover) (Austin Allsup vocals)
8. All My Love (Oh Boy) (Sonny West cover) (Slim Jim Phantom vocals)
9. White Lightning (The Big Bopper cover) (Austin Allsup vocals)
10. Rock This Town (Stray Cats cover) (Slim Jim Phantom vocals)
11. Outro

Slim Jim Phanton- Drums, Vocals
Austin Allsup- Vocals, Guitar
Albert Lee- Guitar
Rex Elle- Guitar
Richie Lee- Guitar
Harry Marion- Drums

Archive.org / Google Drive

Slim Jim Phantom helped introduce a generation to rockabilly alongside Brian Setzer and Lee Rocker as the drummer with The Stray Cats. With a love for 50's Rock and Roll, the Stray Cats took inspiration from that bygone era and mixed with their youthful energy and aggression to produce the updated hard-edged rockabilly sound that saw them conquer London, Europe and later the U.S., gaining fans among the likes of Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, and Robert Plant along the way.

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Tapers notes: Night 4 of 4 of The Winter Dance Party 2025. The last night is always the longest night of the event, and usually when the biggest names are booked. No exception here with Chubby Checker headlining, and Slim Jim Phantom closing out the event as usual. Opening the night was The Midnight Cowgirls, advertised as an "All Girl Country Rock Band", and includes Slim Jim's wife Jennie Vee. I've been following the bands journey from their starting point, and was very excited when they showed up on the schedule. They didn't disappoint, it was such a fun set and they all sounded great. Rex Elle joined in on the dance line during Chubby Checker's set, as well as joining in on the finale set. Albert Lee has become a fixture at the Winter Dance Party, joined this time by Jeremy Clyde (Chad & Jeremy). I will admit, I was a little bummed by the choice in songs, Albert is at his best when he's playing blues/rock and roll, but it was still an enjoyable set. The Duprees were good, although at this point they are basically a cover band as none of the orginal members are alive. Then came Chubby Checker, and it was most definitely the highlight of the night. Everyone knows "The Twist" of course, but he had a great selection of songs leading up to it, and audience participation was encouraged, even inviting them onto the stage to dance during several songs. I was really impressed by his voice, he doesn't sound all that different than he did 60 years ago, and still moved around like a man half his age. Closing out the night as always is an all star event hosted by Slim Jim Phantom, with any number of special guests on vocals and other instruments. This is an event I look forward to all year, and every year it just seems to get better, both the event and the people I meet along the way.

"Got a mind to ramble, got a mind to roam
I'm travelin' light and I'm slow coming home"