When the final speaker winds down at around 6 p.m. in the Main Tent, the Bakersfield Business Conference is far from over. Evening activities to entertain and delight conference attendees include an encore performance by the All-American Boys Chorus, a terrific lasagna dinner, a fireworks extravaganza, and the revival of the 1959 Winter Dance Party.

All-American Boys Chorus

If you missed the chance to hear this dynamic group of boys from Southern California, or if you just couldn't wait to hear them again, you'll have your chance while exiting the Main Tent.

In their 10th year with the conference, this outstanding chorus will delight attendees with melodic renditions of some of America's favorite songs including "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless the U.S.A."

The combination of spirited vocals and professionalism presented by these 9 to 14 year olds is truly overwhelming. They represent the finest of America's youth in their appearance, diversity, and manners, and are superbly trained singers with dynamic showmanship.

Fireworks

Get ready for 20 minutes of aerial displays that outperform many 4th of July shows! Bakersfield Business Conference attendees look forward to the show annually, as do residents of Bakersfield who have views of the high-flying explosions of dazzling colors. What a patriotic and memorable way to wind-down and celebrate a day of the best our nation has to offer.

Winter Dance Party

Buddy Holly's original Winter Dance Party ended in a tragic airplane crash that claimed the lives of Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper in February 1959.

But join us after the Conference and see the tour revived in a way you never thought possible. With the help of The Big Bopper Jr. (Jay P. Richardson, Jr.), John Mueller as Buddy Holly, and Ray Anthony as Ritchie Valens, the Party continues with hit songs like "That'll Be the Day," "Chantilly Lace," and "La Bamba" to name a few. So good is this Party revival that Buddy Holly's wife, Mary Elena Holly, has said, "I've never endorsed anyone doing Buddy, but I was really impressed with John Mueller."

Mueller has been noted for his resemblance to Holly not only in musical style and voice but in physical looks as well.

Niki Sullivan, a former rhythm guitarist in Holly's band, The Crickets, describes Mueller's portrayal as "eerie." "I feel I've had two opportunities to perform with Buddy Holly - before and after his death," he said after jamming onstage with Mueller in San Diego and Chicago in 1998. "John Mueller is so much like Buddy Holly, it's incredible."

Fans throughout the country have been equally impressed with Anthony's rendition of Valens' hits and with Richardson's takes on his dad's music.

"I want my dad to be recognized, not as a footnote in a plane crash, but because he was great in his own right," he recently told a Modesto Bee reporter. "He created a lot of music."

Richardson, born three months after his father's death, learned little about his father and his music until recently.

"I'm not trying to imitate my dad. This is about me looking for my dad. I've always been looking for my dad."

In addition to the great sounds from this phenomenal trio, conference attendees will be welcome to dance on the large dance floor we have set up for you.

So after the conference, stay. Take a trip back in time to when you were young or look at the way things were when your parents were young. Either way, the Winter Dance Party promises great music and fun for all.