ATTRACTIONS The music lives on
Cypress Room
Previously known as the SurfSide 6 Lounge/Cafe, this area
functioned as a gathering area for dancers to take a break
between songs and enjoy refreshments. Today, the lounge
memorabilia, authentic artifacts and photos of the many
famous artists who have performed here.
Green Room
Marvel at the Surf’s famous Green Room where decades
of performers have left their mark.
By Rachel Wumkes
The historic Surf Ballroom and Museum has been a
destination of bustling activity for years. Musicians book
the venue on their way across the Midwest. The rich
history of the building is embedded into the narrative
of Rock ‘n Roll but recognized across every genre in the
industry. It is touted that at the Surf, the “Music Lives On.”
It did not die in a plane crash that fateful night in February,
because it continues to beat within the hearts of music
lovers across the globe.
And then, seemingly without warning, a pandemic swept
across the nation, shuddering the doors to live music
venues everywhere.
Three Stars Plaza
Located one block west of the Surf’s front entrance, this
Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. The
monument was built and dedicated in 2011 and features an
art deco inspired central spindle, holding three 45 records
in a position “ready to play”. At night, it is beautifully lit with
bright blue neon lights around each of the records.
Including the Surf.
For the first time in history, the hope that we hold onto,
keeping the music alive… faded.
That feeling, however, only lasted for a fleeting moment
in time. A slew of donors, legacy members and grants
kept the Surf Ballroom afloat, showing that the music
truly does live on. Most recently, the Surf Ballroom
received the most honorable accolade, being named as
a National Historic Landmark in January 2021. Inclusion
on the National Register provides nationwide recognition
of a property’s historical or architectural significance and
denotes that it is worthy of preservation.
A true honor for the Surf Ballroom and the entire
community of Clear Lake. It was a much-needed bright
spot after such a trying year.
And so, until bands can make a comeback onto the live
music scene, we recommend soaking up the history of the
Surf Ballroom by taking the self-guided walking tour or
visiting the crash site. There is plenty of memorabilia to
see regarding the past as we wait with anticipation for the
return of live music at the Surf Ballroom.
January 13, 2021
The US Department of the Interior designated the Surf
Surf’s enduring role in the history of American Music. The
Places in 2011; and in 2009 was dedicated by the Rock
as part of their ongoing Landmark Series. The Surf was
three years after undergoing a historic rehabilitation lead
by the Dean Snyder family of Clear Lake.
22 clearlakeiowa.com
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