Third annual Valens’ tribute concert
The memories of a rising star have faded, but they haven’t
disappeared completely for the Valens family. On February 3, 1959
Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper died in a plane
crash just as their careers were heating up. The pain from the loss
of a loved one never fully disappears, according to the family.
Third annual Valens’ tribute concert
The memories of a rising star have faded, but they haven’t disappeared completely for the Valens family. On February 3, 1959 Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash just as their careers were heating up. The pain from the loss of a loved one never fully disappears, according to the family.
After Valens’ death, the family home in Los Angeles was never the same and the family started a new life in Watsonville.
Three years ago, Valens’ siblings decided to honor the death of their brother and the memory of their mother who never quite got over the loss of her son.
Connie Lemos, Valens’ younger sister has childhood memories that are puzzle pieces. She recollects fondly memories of her brother and the family’s life together, but other things are a blur. She was hard-pressed to share specific memories.
Three years ago, when Valens’ brother, Mario Ramirez had the idea for a memorial concert, Lemos had mixed feelings.
During the concert impersonators perform as Valens, the Big Bopper and Buddy Holly, just as the three performed in the last concert of their lives. Ray Anthony performs as Valens. The Valens’ siblings describe his impersonation as a little over the top, but otherwise accurate.
Some of the performers have connections to their famous counterparts – J.P. Richardson, who plays the Big Bopper is the son of the Big Bopper.
“That night, people came with all kinds of expectations,” Lemos said, of the first concert. “But they all left with a feeling of having been there that first night all these men performed together. The guys are in character the entire time.”
The concerts have been positive for the family.
“Everyone feels closer doing [the concerts],” Lemos said.
Each of the Valens siblings has their own memories of their brother, but during the memorial concert they are all able to reach back into history and live in a moment when they still had their brother.
Another sister, Irma Norton said that each year as the fateful anniversary of her brother’s death approaches, Feb. 3, she is filled with sadness, but the winter dance party is special because it lets the family celebrate both the memory of their mother and their lost brother.
“The concert makes you feel real good,” Norton said. “The first time I met Ray [Anthony] six or seven years ago, it was weird. It gets to you. The show will be awesome.”
Both Norton and Lemos agreed that people have to go to the show to understand who their brother was.
The dance party is especially pertinent this year as it is the 20th anniversary of the film “La Bamba,” which shared the life story of Ritchie Valens and his family.
The Winter Dance Party is Saturday, Feb. 3 in Watsonville. Mario Ramirez and his band, Backyard Blues Band, will open the concert and the party will feature the music of Valens, the Big Bopper and Buddy Holly. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Guitars Not Guns, a nonprofit organization that works with at-risk kids.
Tickets are available at the Santa Cruz Civic Center or at ticketmaster.com.
Patrick O’Donnell can be reached at
po*******@pi**********.com
.
