Feb. 3, 1959 - the day the music died.

Buddy Holly. J.P. Richards ("The Big Bopper"). Ritchie Valens. All of these music legends died in a tragic plane crash after leaving a winter concert in Clear Lake, Iowa, on a snowy winter night.

In the short 18 months from when "That'll Be The Day" became a hit to the night of that fateful plane trip, Buddy Holly began rolling the snowball that took over the world.

Moore OnStage has not forgotten the contribution of these performers to the beginning of rock 'n' roll and will be celebrating their music over three performances only at the Sunrise Theater when it presents "Buddy Holly: The Concert," a fundraiser for Moore OnStage.

Starring as Buddy Holly is Baxter Clement, a local Southern Pines resident who was influenced enough by Buddy Holly to enter a career of guitar, music and his own rock 'n' roll. Clement currently owns Sandhills School of Performing Arts as well as contracting out to many bands touring the country.

Playing along with Clement is The Big Bopper ("Chantilly Lace") played by Michael Jones, who has been praised for his role as "Jud" in Moore OnStage's smash hit "Oklahoma!" And returning to our stage to portray Ritchie Valens, singing his signature song, "La Bamba," is Ryan Finley, hailing from New York City. This concert is being coordinated by Steve Menendez and Baxter Clement, who will also be bringing in some other guest artists.

Shows are Friday, April 23, and Saturday, April 24, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 25, at 2 p.m., at the Sunrise Theater.

Call (910) 692-7118 for reservations. All seats are reserved and are $40 and may be purchased with Visa or Mastercard.