Winter Dance Party | Luhrs Performing Arts Center, Shippensburg
February 5, 2026 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday February 5th, 2026 * 7:00 PM
a tribute to
Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper
John Mueller’s “Winter Dance Party” ® is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour and the only show endorsed by the Holly, Valens and Richardson estates.
Each live concert performance includes over two hours of unbridled, high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the 50’s era: That’ll Be the Day, Peggy Sue, Oh, Boy, Rave on, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, and many, many more.
John Mueller, the critically acclaimed former star of the U.S. touring version of the London/Broadway hit musical “Buddy..the Buddy Holly Story,” performs as Buddy Holly with Linwood Sasser as the Big Bopper and Ray Anthony as Ritchie Valens.
The very authentic and energetic four-piece band (guitar, drums, stand-up bass and sax) includes Grammy award winning Mike Acostaon saxaphone.
The Winter Dance Party show has performed in front of over 2 million people on national TV for the Jerry Lewis Telethon, has toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada at theatres, performing arts centers, ballrooms, corporate events, casinos and even for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with John Mellencamp, Marshall Crenshaw and others.
It is the only show endorsed and honored by Buddy’s widow Maria Elena Holly.
Highlights over the years have included performing with Grammy winner Peter Nero and the Philly PopsOrchestra, receiving the keys to the city of Green Bay, WI from the Mayor, playing in the legendary Surf ballroom on the same day Buddy, Ritchie, and the Big Bopper did 50 years prior and performing on stage with Maria Elena Holly (Buddy’s widow), Niki Sullivan (an original Cricket band member) and Tommy Allsup (original Winter Dance Party guitarist and legendary Nashville producer.)
The show also performs with full orchestration for symphonic pops concert presentations and has performed with the Detroit Symphony, the Columbus Ohio Symphony, the Jacksonville Florida Symphony, the Grand Rapids Michigan Symphony, the Philly Pops Orchestra and many more.
The Stitches in Time Barn Quilt Trail includes more than three dozen quilt squares spread throughout Franklin County, PA. Some are inspired by traditional quilt patterns or family designs. Between each square are the many stories of Franklin County.
Coffee Shops
Enjoy a Great Cup of Joe in Franklin County coffee shops!
Pizza Trail
Talk to locals about the “best pizza place, and everyone has a couple favorites. Add them all together and Franklin County has great Italian eateries.
Pour Trail
See the great locations and great beer, wine and spirits that are waiting for you along the pour trail. Plan your next trip and enjoy the flavor of Franklin County.
Sweet Trail
Franklin County is a sweet place to be! Enjoy old-fashioned candy makers, chocolatiers, delicious ice cream, and even pie stores.
Explore the history of Chambersburg and the Civil War.
John Brown
Who was John Brown, what did he do, why did he do it, and what was his connection to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania?
Spring Into History
Explore 300 Years of American History
Underground Railroad
Franklin County played an important role in the passage to freedom—the Underground Railroad. Its location on the Mason-Dixon Line signaled escaping slaves entry to the north, and the mountainous terrain afforded numerous hiding places in caves and wooded areas.
Environmental Centers connect the busy daily lives of people to nature & remind everyone of the importance of fresh water, green trees, and clean air. Explore the beauty of outdoor Franklin County at one of its environmental centers.
Outdoors
Fishing, hiking trails, golfing, kayaking - Franklin County is home to great outdoor fun and relaxation.
Golf
The scenic beauty of Franklin County is timeless and compliments a variety of golfing experiences.
Walking & Hiking
With four state parks and 36 municipal parks, Franklin County gives many choices to enjoy greenery, birds chirping, and mountain views.