×

Showcase continues Minnesota Music Hall of Fame celebration

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt The Apollo Club gave a repeat performance at the Hall of Fame museum Saturday morning. The group sang “Hail, Minnesota!” in honor of their induction.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Dodie Wendinger holds up a new acquisition for the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. An original poster advertising a concert featuring Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper was donated to the Hall. The concert advertised in the Kato Ballroom was one of the last concert performed by Holly, Valens and The Big Bopper before their deaths in a tragic plane crash. NEW ULM — The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame museum welcomed large crowd Saturday for the hall’s annual Inductee Showcase.

On Friday, six new inductees were added to the hall including the Apollo Club, John Denver, Jim McGuire, Jim Johnson & the Underbeats, The Meire Grove City Band and Myron Wolf.

Saturday was the first chance for the public to see the new displays commemorating the new inductees at the museum. The event was well attended.

Hall of Fame Executive Director Dodie Wendinger said the turnout was higher this year than in the past. Representatives from each inductee were able to attend the previous night’s ceremony and many returned for the showcase.

Throughout the open house events musicians performed some of the music being celebrated.

The Apollo Club gave a short performance in the museum. The group was delighted to be among this year’s inductees and praised Minnesota for being one of the best states at supporting the arts.

The Singing Cowgirl from Mankato, Lisa Murphy, played guitar and sang all of John Denver’s greatest hits to an enthusiastic crowd. Many chose to sing along with Murphy.

Former inductee Donnie Klossner once again returned to play his concertina. This year he was joined by guitarist Jim McGuire who is a new inductee this year.

In addition to the new inductees, the hall was able show off a rare piece of Minnesota Music memorabilia acquired within the last month.

An original poster advertising a performance of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens at the Kato Ballroom was donated to the museum. The concert took place on Jan. 25, 1959 a week before Holly, The Big Bopper and Valens died in a plane crash en route from Clear Lake, Iowa, to Moorhead, Minnesota.

This poster and other Minnesota Music memorabilia are on display at the museum every Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and by appointment.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today