A cherished landmark of rock ‘n’ roll history could soon forever be erased with the imminent demolition of downtown Kenosha’s Eagles Club. Our community has expressed deep frustration and sadness that another one of our historic buildings is facing destruction rather than preservation. Kenozia, the local arts and literary zine, and the Kenosha Murals Project, are collaborating to try to keep this history alive through a public art campaign.

THE HISTORY

On January 24th, 1959, rock ‘n’ roll icons Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper put on Kenosha’s most iconic concert at the Eagles Club. This was the second stop of the Winter Dance Party tour and 1500 energized fans packed the ballroom as the musicians played their famous hits.

Only ten days later, one of the greatest tragedies in music history struck. While traveling to the Surf Ballroom in Clearwater, Iowa, another tour venue, the three young musicians’ lives were cut short in a fatal plane crash. This news sent shockwaves across the globe, cementing that fateful date as “The Day the Music Died”.

THE PROJECT

Kenozia and the Kenosha Murals Project are launching an initiative to help voice the community’s feelings and show that we cherish our history and arts by creating a grand mural memorializing the Winter Dance Party. Titled “The Day the Music Stayed”, this initiative and concept is designed by artist/filmmaker Danny Villanueva Jr. and evokes the spirit of the original tour posters. It features the January 24, 1959 event details and realistic portraits of the 3 musicians against a striking backdrop of vibrant color. The mural will be painted in the heart of downtown and serve as the boldest signature on a towering petition to show our support in the preservation efforts of the historic building.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

This crowdfunding campaign is seeking the community’s support to make this project possible. We are launching this crowdfunding campaign with the goal of raising a minimum of $10,300.

Your contributions will directly fund:

• Wall repair and preparation
• High-quality painting materials
• Specialized equipment rentals (Lift and/or scaffolding, projector, etc.)
• Fair compensation for the artists’ labor

To show our appreciation, contributors who pledge $100 or more will receive an official “The Day the Music Stayed” t-shirt.

Show your pride for our local history and the public arts by making a contribution today.

BEYOND THE GOAL

If we exceed our funding target, additional proceeds will be split between 3 impactful causes:

• The Kenosha Murals Project- to continue its mission of beautifying our city with meaningful large-scale art pieces.
• Kenozia– to sustain its quarterly publication and local community events.
• The Artists- Extra compensation for sharing their hard work and talents with our city.

A WORD FROM THE ORGANIZERS 

“Kenosha being a stop on the Winter Dance Party tour was huge! A mural to honor this event, these legendary musicians, and our Eagles Club is a thoughtful way to preserve this history. We are hopeful we can garner enough support to memorialize this significant moment while supporting the arts in our city .”

— Sarah Opatz, Creator/Editor-in-Chief, Kenozia

“The Kenosha Murals Project is proud to support Danny Villanueva Jr.’s mural honoring the historic Winter Dance Party concert held at the Eagles Club in 1959 — a moment forever connected to ‘The Day the Music Died.’ This mural not only celebrates the legacy of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper, but also reminds us why preserving historic spaces like the Eagles Club matters to our community. These buildings hold the memories, music, and stories that shaped generations of Kenoshans. Through public art, we ensure that this important chapter of Kenosha’s cultural history continues to inspire future generations.” — Kenosha Murals Project

“The power of art is most apparent when it transcends mere beauty and can be a statement of change. We love our history and culture, and I think this is a bold way for us to be loud and proud.”

— Danny Villanueva Jr., Artist/Filmmaker, Velvet Pall

ABOUT KENOZIA

Established in 2025, Kenozia is a print-only, quarterly zine showcasing the work of Kenosha area artists and writers created and curated by Sarah Opatz. As a smaller city, it is crucial to have an outlet for our art community to be seen and heard. In an age where everything is digital, we seek to reinvigorate the physical form of putting words and images on paper, something tangible for our readers to hold and connect with. Kenozia is available at Blue House Books and East View Coffee. In addition to single issue purchases, we offer yearly subscriptions and memberships. Each quarter we host in-person issue release parties that include artist panels, live musical performances, and flash fiction readings from those featured in our zine.

Visit kenozia.com to learn more.

ABOUT THE KENOSHA MURALS PROJECT

The Kenosha Murals Project aims to enrich our urban environment through art. By commissioning murals throughout the city, we seek to foster community pride, support local artists, and create a visually engaging atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. This initiative not only beautifies public spaces but also serves as a platform for cultural expression and dialogue.

BENEFITS OF PUBLIC ART

• Enrich public Spaces- Public art significantly enhances community well-being by fostering a sense of identity, pride, and belonging, while also boosting social cohesion, mental health, and economic opportunities.
• Attract tourists- Well-designed public art can draw visitors and investment, boosting local economies.
• Engage community- Public Artwork can serve as a focal point for gathering and interaction, encouraging social connections and a sense of belonging. Murals beautify public spaces, making them more inviting and enjoyable for residents and visitors.

Visit Kenoshamurals.org to learn more.