Clovis Music Festival features Bobby Vee

Bobby Vee is returning to play the Clovis Music Festival this year.

Vee has played the festival, slated for Sept. 9-12 at the Curry County Events Center, seven times he said and calls the experience “an absolute joy.”

“The festival is full of grassroots kind of fun, nice people,” he said. “I love being in Clovis.”

Vee and The Killer Vees, made up of his sons, will perform 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Curry County Events Center.

Vee said he recorded his first album in Clovis in 1960 and that Buddy Holly is the biggest influence on his music.

“I love Elvis and his music but there was something that appealed to guys and gals. It wasn’t about his (Holly’s) great looks but his great music,” Vee said.

Since getting into music 51 years ago, Vee has recorded several tribute albums to Holly.

“Clovis must have been a great place to record. Not a lot of distractions in a quiet little town,” Vee said. “Buddy was a writer. He did a lot of material in a couple of years. That sets it apart. I loved the way Norman (Petty) made records. He didn’t charge by the hour.”

Vee recalled a recording session at Norman Petty Studios where he started at 8 p.m. and didn’t record until 11 a.m. the next morning.

Vee said he is excited about the Clovis Music Festival and will be in town early to visit with friends.

“There are festivals that are a lot bigger but the people that come into Clovis seem like they’re very genuine. They want to chat. You get a chance to actually talk to people,” Vee said.

Randy Petty, festival chair, said that Vee has fans in Clovis.

“We do try to mix the lineup up just for the sake of bringing in something fresh,” Petty said. “But he’s a big hit here. He always has a good quality show.”

The festival is an annual celebration of Norman Petty and Buddy Holly and their history in Clovis.