In January 1959, rock n’ roll performers Frankie Sardo, Richie Valens, Dion and the Belmonts, the Big Bopper, and Buddy Holly set out on the tour they called the “Winter Dance Party.” Just 11 days in, the tour came to a heartbreaking end, when the plane carrying Valens, the Big Bopper, and Holly (born Charles Hardin Holley) from the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, to their next gig crashed—killing everyone on board. February 2, 2009 represents the 50th anniversary of the Day the Music Died.

It’s not gonna be a mournful anniversary party tonight at the Surf Club. Called one of the city’s “last remaining roadhouses,” the Surf Club regularly features the blues, rock n’ roll, and rockabilly acts who consider themselves the direct descendants of Holly et al. Just as the Continental Club anchors the rhythm-and-blues rock scene for Austin, the Surf Club is the home of vintage rock in the District.

So grab your Lucky Strikes and your yo-yo and your favorite gal or fella and head to Hyattsville and see more than 10 acts play in tribute to the father of rock and roll. Tonight’s festivities will be hosted by J.P. McDermott and the Western Bop and will include performances by The Hall Monitors, The Jelly Roll Mortals, The Spectacles, Andy Rutherford, The Brokedown Playboys, and more.

Note that the closest Metro station is West Hyattsville, but that doesn’t put you within walking distance of the club. Take the Cheverly-bound F2 bus from the Metro stop to Annapolis and Edmonston Roads and you’re in spitting distance, though. Tickets are $15, doors at 9 p.m.

This isn’t supposed to be a head-nodding, shoe-tapping, arms-crossing night. Don’t leave your dance card at home, District.

Photo by Flickr user Hortensia V. used with permission under a Creative Commons license