Country-Western Fans Kick Up Their Heels

In the mood for some country-Western dancing? Nowadays you don’t have to saddle up and hit the trail to find a Western dance hall where you can kick up your heels.

Part of the fun for urban cowpokes is to “dude up” in boots, denim skirts and jeans, calico or plain cotton shirts and cowboy hats (be they from designer boutiques, Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors in North Hollywood, or mail-order catalogues). Then it’s time to mosey on down to one of Southern California’s dance halls for an evening of line dancing, Texas Two-Step or Cotton-Eyed Joe.

The 10 dance halls listed below are among those that welcome a roundup of country-Western dancers on a regular basis. Bashful buckaroos with two left feet can get in the swing with free lessons in every club.

For news of other dance halls in this category and an update on new clubs and country events, write Back to the Country journal, P.O. Box 356, La Habra, Calif. 90631.

Alpine Village--833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance, (213) 327-4384. Country dancing Tuesdays from 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. John Riddle gives lessons from 7-8 p.m. Cheyenne, Duke Davis and Western Union are among upcoming bands. Old-time herders would feel right at home at this busy club that features contests, such as a repeat of a country dance seminar in early April taught by six noted dance instructors, and parties, such as a chili cookout and bluegrass festival in June.

Ban-Dar--3005 E. Main St., Ventura, (805) 653-9176. Dancing Tuesday-Sunday 8:40 p.m.-1:40 a.m. to the music of Jimmy Dale and the Desperados or Johnny and Jonie Mosby. Cover charge $2.50 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Military personnel and ladies admitted free on Wednesdays; no cover charge for Western swingers who wear a cowboy hat to this rustic bar on Fridays. Ron Miller’s free instruction on Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. and intermediate workshops for $5 on the second and last Sundays of the month, from 1:30-4:40 p.m.

Bandstand--1721 S. Manchester Ave., Anaheim, (714) 956-1410. Earl Thomas Conley will appear Tuesday 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Lessons by Tom Maddox on Tuesdays 7-8:30 p.m. Admission is $2. Later in February, other “Bandstanders” will include Larry Dean, Western Union, Boy Howdy and Duke Davis. Once known as the Cowboy, this Orange County club has three large dance

floors that can accommodate more than 1,000 people.

Calico Saloon and Dance Hall--42525 10th St. West, Lancaster, (805) 948-8303. Open noon-2 a.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-2 a.m. weekends. The Horns are set to provide live entertainment tonight through Saturday; Jim Gibson Tuesday to Feb. 14; Little Rock Feb. 17-21; Larry Dean and the Shooters Feb. 24-28. The groups perform weekdays from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Sunday hours are 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Lessons: Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 7 p.m. Cover charge: Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m.-midnight, $2. The friendly atmosphere brings crowds from as far as the San Fernando Valley.

Crazy Horse Steak House and Saloon--1580 Brookhollow Drive, Santa Ana, (714) 549-1512. Open Tuesday-Sunday at 7 p.m. with a disc jockey. Live bands like Jan Brown and the Five-Cent Jukes and Jerry Baze play to

spirited crowds “steppin’ out” at 8 p.m.

Lessons on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $1 after 7 p.m. all days except Fridays and Saturdays, $2.

The Forge--617 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, (818) 246-1717. Hours: country music Wednesday-Saturday 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; and Sundays 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Lessons on Wednesdays and Thursdays 8-9 p.m., Sundays 6-8 p.m. Admission $5 (which entitles ticket holder to two drinks) on Fridays and Saturdays. The dance floor is decorated with small twinkling lights.

The Longhorn Saloon--21211 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, (818) 340-4788. Open Tuesday-Saturday 7 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sundays 2:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Admission: Tuesday-Thursday and Sundays $2; Fridays and Saturdays $3. Dance lessons by Ed and Dianna on Thursdays 7 p.m. and Sundays 6 p.m. Dark Horse, American Made, Larry Dean and the Shooters and Doo Wah Riders are among groups that play in this ultra-friendly club. Come early to get a parking place.

Mule Lip Saloon and Restaurant--1067 N. Mount Vernon Ave., Colton, (714) 824-6006. Open Wednesday-Sunday 5 p.m.-2 a.m. with music by Tricia May and Calico throughout the month of February. Plenty of room for line dancing on their 7,000-plus square-foot dance floor. Two half-hour lessons by Sharon on Thursdays 8:30-10:15 p.m., Sundays 6:45-8:30 p.m. Admission is $2 on Fridays and Saturdays. On Wednesdays, free lessons from members of the Denim & Lace Dance Club at 7 p.m. and a dance contest.

Silver Bullet--3321 South St., North Long Beach, (213) 634-6960. Open Tuesday-Saturday 6 p.m.-2 a.m.; dance lessons Tuesdays and Wednesdays 7-9 p.m. Admission after 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, $2; Fridays and Saturdays, $3. Down-home atmosphere, two dance floors and top country bands, including Doo Wah Riders, Boy Howdy and American Made, add to the joy of what some like to call “kicker” dancing.

Wrangler’s Roost--6608 Mission Gorge Road, San Diego, (619) 280-6263. Open daily 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Lessons on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 7:30-9 p.m. Admission: Thursday’s $2 cover includes a free pass for Friday, Friday’s $1 gets a free pass for Saturday, Saturday’s $1 includes free pass for the next Friday. House band is Steer Crazy; Haywire plays on Sunday and Monday. Both singles and couples are welcome in this rustic bar. Owner Ken Beeunus teaches the lessons and makes sure everyone has fun.