THE DAY THE MUSIC STAYED: LOCAL ARTS ORGANIZATIONS AIM TO PRESERVE KENOSHA’S ROCK ‘N’ ROLL HISTORY THROUGH NEW MURAL CAMPAIGN
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
PERKS
To show our appreciation, we have perks for donors who contribute $100+.
$10,000 Title Sponsor
Provides premier positioning as a cultural patron and civic visionary supporting the transformation of Kenosha’s public spaces.
Benefits:
- Title designation: “Presented in partnership with [Sponsor Name]”
- Primary logo placement on mural signage and official promotional materials
- Inclusion in headline or opening paragraph of press release where appropriate
- Brand integration across full launch campaign (social, website, event graphics)
- Exclusive sponsor speaking opportunity at unveiling event
- Custom short-form brand feature video connected to mural story
- Long-term recognition on Kenosha Mural Project digital archive page
- VIP private gathering with artists, organizers, and civic partners
- Commissioned limited edition signed mural print series for sponsor use
- An official "The Day the Music Stayed" t-shirt.
$7,500 Lead Sponsor
Aligns the sponsor directly with the realization and public launch of a specific mural.
Benefits:
- Large logo placement on mural signage with Lead Sponsor designation
- Name associated with mural unveiling announcements
- Opportunity for sponsor quote inclusion in press release
- Co-branded social media campaign surrounding mural completion
- Recognition integrated into mural documentary content
- Invitation to participate in ribbon-cutting or unveiling remarks
- Private preview walk-through with artists and organizers
- Framed mural print and certificate of cultural contribution
- An official "The Day the Music Stayed" T-shirt
$5,000 Cultural Partner
Aligns the sponsor directly with the realization and public launch of a specific mural.
Benefits:
- Prominent logo placement on mural signage
- Featured sponsor section on website with short brand description
- Two dedicated social media spotlight posts
- Inclusion in press outreach and media mentions where applicable
- Invitation to private artist meet-and-greet
- Option to activate at unveiling event (booth, signage, etc.)
- Framed archival print of completed mural for sponsor location
- Professional photo and short video recap package
- An official "The Day the Music Stayed" T-shirt
$2,500 Supporting Sponsor
Provides increased visibility and recognition as an active supporter of creative development in Kenosha.
Benefits:
- Medium logo placement on mural signage
- Logo placement on website with sponsor highlight
- Dedicated social media thank-you post
- Inclusion in press release sponsor list
- Verbal recognition during unveiling event
- Opportunity to provide promotional materials at unveiling
- Project progress photo set provided for sponsor marketing use
- An official "The Day the Music Stayed" T-shirt
$1000 Community Sponsor
Supports the continued growth of public art and allows businesses and individuals to be visibly aligned with community revitalization.
Benefits
- Name listed on official mural signage (Community Sponsor section)
- Logo placement on project website sponsor page
- Mention in collective sponsor social media post
- Inclusion in post-completion community thank-you graphic
- Invitation to mural unveiling event
- “Proud Sponsor of the Kenosha Mural Project” digital badge for marketing use
- An official "The Day the Music Stayed" T-shirt
$500 Community Contributor
This sponsorship allows individuals, families, and small businesses to directly support the creation of public art and become part of Kenosha’s evolving cultural landscape.
Benefits
- Name listed on official mural signage under Community Contributors
- Inclusion on Kenosha Mural Project website supporter page
- Inclusion in collective social media thank-you post
- Invitation to mural unveiling event
- Digital “Community Contributor” badge for personal or business use
- Recognition in post-completion community appreciation graphic
- An official "The Day the Music Stayed" T-shirt
$100 Art Advocate
This entry-level contribution allows the contributor to wear their support in fashion.
- Recognition in post-completion community appreciation graphic
- An official "The Day the Music Stayed" T-shirt
To accept your contribution perks, please use GoFundMe's message function next to the organizer info at the bottom of this page. Write "Accept mural project perks" to begin dialogue.
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.
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