CLEAR LAKE, Iowa — This weekend there has been what’s called a “soft open” for the new Surf Music Experience Center, next door to the iconic Surf Ballroom.

The 10,000 square foot building is a visitor’s center, complete with an interactive presentation of the Buddy Holly story.  It was launched after a State of Iowa Great Places Grant was awarded towards the total cost of the project.

“Bring something that you can do that is unique that no other town can do it, so we thought Surf Ballroom- rock ‘n’ roll,” said Jeff Nicholas, President of the non-profit board which oversees the Surf. “They said to us, don’t bring us something that can be put in all the other communities in Iowa, don’t bring us a swimming pool or a sports court or a sports building.”

That was the criteria when the group was applying for the state grant. 

“We started talking with folks and they’re saying well and all the static museums where you just have a picture on the wall and it describes the person or the event to whatever those are,” said Nicholas. “Those are really challenging to get people to come to, and younger people consume their music and their entertainment in their information in a different way.”

The Music Experience Center (MEC) will be open and FREE to the public this weekend only, from September 5th to the 7th – Buddy Holly’s birthday.

In addition to newly-acquired artifacts, the MEC’s highlight is Not Fade Away: The Surf Ballroom Immersive Experience. 

“Don McClean said it was the day the music died, but really it was the day the music was born,” said Nicholas.

Nicholas said the MEC’s mission is to educate future generations.

“Everything we do here at the Surf everything we do in this building this about celebration about the life the times and the music we’re done mourning,” said Nicholas. “There’s a time and a place for morning but now we’re celebrating and work. We’re trying to make that music last forever.” 

The formal grand opening for the MEC will come next February at the annual Winter Dance Party, marking the anniversary of Buddy Holly’s last concert here.