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Christmas has arrived in Bristow! Enjoy a magical carriage ride down Main Street to the clapping of the horses' hooves or the wondrous twinkling in children's eyes as they take in the lights aboard the Woodland Queen Trolley, bask in the splendor of the tallest Christmas tree along the Route 66 corridor, do some holiday shopping in Bristow's festively decorated shops, and be sure to take in one of the most nostalgic, family friendly shows around as “Buddy Holly and the Holly Jolly Christmas” arrives at the Freeland this Saturday.
On Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., eight talented Oklahoma performers take the stage at the Freeland as they recreate the final performances of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and Jiles Perry Richardson, known as “The Big Bopper”, from their 1959 Winter Dance Party Tour. Although the performers tragically perished in a plane crash mere hours after finishing their February 2 concert, their music continues to be celebrated and beloved today thanks, in part, to musicians performing their bestknown hits to the delight of audiences around the world.
This Saturday, Micheal Rappe, Andy Sanchez, and Trico Blue will take the Freeland and community back in time for a night of some of the most beloved music of all time: 50s rock 'n’ roll and festive Christmas tunes. With Rappe, Sanchez, and Blue magically transforming into Holly, Valens, and The Big Bopper, respectively, and Elizabeth Boyd joining them onstage in the pop and rock vocal stylings of talented era female singers Patsy Cline and others, the audience will be irresistibly singing and dancing along. Musicians accompanying them include Farren Mayfield playing piano, Jim Loftin playing bass, Ryan Liebig playing guitar, and Jared Johnson playing drums.
Interestingly, all four vocalists began performing in childhood, share a love and appreciation for 50s rock ‘n’ roll imparted to them by their families, and enjoy performing with each other; however, they each bring unique perspective to the show. For instance, Rappe celebrates the concert in honor of his friendship with late co-performer, Oklahoma musician Jim Paul Blair, who first stepped into the shoes of Buddy Holly with the Muskogee Little Theater production of “Buddy—The Buddy Holly Story” before his passing in 2020. Rappe credits him for mightily influencing his life, saying “I learned so much about music and being a good person from him. He was a huge part of my musical career, See Holly, Page Three mightily influencing his life, saying “I learned so much about music and being a good person from him. He was a huge part of my musical career, and it is an honor to step into the role he previously performed with his amazing talent.”
Of the vocalists, Sanchez is the only performer to have performed in Bristow at the Freeland previously. On February 2, 2019, he stepped onto the stage with Blair, as Holly in the “Day the Music Died: 60 Years Later”. He recalls “a silly, fun skit they put on with Doc Brown and Marty McFly, travelling back in time to February 2, 1959, for that last concert and bringing the band into the present for the performance in Bristow. As we concluded the concert, they reappeared to transport the band back in time, and it was a fun, silly addition to the experience.” As to the importance of performing as Ritchie Valens and occasionally impersonating Elvis Presley, he said “I think it’s super cool to join in, representing music that my mother loved and introduced me to as a child. It’s a wonderful opportunity to perform for the enjoyment and reminiscence of others. I feel blessed that they allow me to join them in this concert.”
Considering himself the jokester of the group, Blue noted that stepping into The Big Bopper’s shoes provides fun and a unique opportunity to keep the music alive. He likened it to singing gospel hymns in church, saying “As with gospel music continuing to be sung to keep it alive, the same is true for origin rock ‘n’ roll. None of us wants to see this music die out. We don’t want the memories of Holly, Valens, Richardson, and other great rock ‘n’ roll artists to fade into the past, forgotten by all. Reminiscing is important. We strive to connect multiple generations and ensure an appreciation and love for this music just as it was 50, 60, and 70 years ago through our concerts.” Furthermore, he implored people of all ages to come out and join them in the effort for “a little bit of history, some rockin’ music, and an amazingly fun, festive time.”
Vocalist Boyd agreed with Blue, offering a unique perspective for family members desiring—but struggling—to secure a gift for older relatives, many of whom “already have so much”. She said “The concert will be sure to get you into the Christmas spirit and is filled with nostalgia. It’s not only Christmas music but a celebration of fantastic rock ‘n’ roll—music so different from anything we have now. There’s something so special about it. Gifting tickets to relatives will be sure to delight them as it transports them back in time to music they loved. If anyone wants to clap, sing, and dance along, we encourage them to enjoy it. Revive and build new memories with us.”
In agreement, Rappe noted he “feels assured that the concert will become a holiday tradition, as it is a big energy, nostalgic show filled with amazing music and a good family event to kick off the holiday season.”
As of the time of writing, tickets remain available for purchase at Etix.com or by calling the Freeland box office at (918) 637-3540.