Bar’s Band Lineup Includes 2 Sets of Rangers in the Night : A Santa Clarita-based group and some local favorites are spotlighted at O’Connor’s in Camarillo.

Several months have passed since the country karaoke venue in Camarillo known as the Country Rose became just a memory. Then, two months ago, after removing the cumbersome booths, installing a pair of pool tables, a football pennant decor and green neon ambient lighting, new owner Kevin O’Connor opened the place as--what else--O’Connor’s Sports Bar & Grill.

Last Friday night those local favorites, the Rhythm Rangers, packed the place to kick off a country-rock format on the weekends. And the band will return Friday. So fans won’t have to journey all the way to Maxie’s or the Deer Lodge to hear them.

But O’Connor’s plans a back-to-back band weekend with two different sets of Rangers, so don’t get confused.

On Saturday the Santa Clarita Valley-based New West Rangers will make their first local appearance since May. And I’m counting on them to deliver the same rich vocal harmonies and danceable cover tunes I heard then.

Wayne Acree said he began the group as a rock ‘n’ roll band 10 years ago, but for the last six years the band has focused on country music. The current lineup (Stan Delgado, bass; Rudi Bendig, drums; Scott McIntosh, guitar and synthesizers; Dave Branford, lead guitar; Sharon Rohaley, backup vocals) plays California country rock originally influenced by the sounds of Poco, the Eagles, Neil Young and Jackson Browne. Acree said the group’s name reflects a Western flavor but reminds listeners that the band offers the new style of country developing here on the West Coast.

With good looks and a lovely baritone voice, guitarist Acree, 38, is a perfect front man for the band. And as a songwriter, he creates pleasing original lyrics. Listen for his signature compositions, including “Baby Steps,” which has aired on KZLA radio; “Colorado,” a beautiful slow two-step, and an infectious fast two-step called “L.A. Cowboy,” featuring a great drum backbeat and lush vocal harmonies.

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The new family line dance night on Wednesdays at Skating Plus in Ventura is going strong. But for a more intimate atmosphere, there is Nicholby’s across town. After the dust settles from Rick Henderson’s dance lessons, he dims the lights and plays requests for mellow couples dancing. Stop by for an adult beverage or cappuccino between buckle buffers.

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The new folks running the Borderline in Thousand Oaks have reinstated family night on Sundays with a barbecue 2 to 5 p.m. and an hour of dance lessons at 2 p.m. Pony rides will be available soon. The club will remain open during next month’s scheduled remodeling to expand the dance floor and install a patio. And dance fans will love the new, user-friendly graphic design of the lesson schedule.

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Watch the column for details, but for now, save these dates: Oct. 12 through 16, the Ojai Valley Gun Club will present the 23rd annual Sespe Rendezvous--five days of camping, muzzle-loader target competition, family entertainment, and on the 15th, a barbecue and dancing to a live band. (485-8917 or 647-1976).

On Oct. 15, Restless Heart and Shiloh will perform at the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation Fourth Annual Gold Dust Gala in Ventura. (652-5009).

California Lutheran University has chosen “Return to Dodge City” as the theme of its 30th anniversary celebration and homecoming weekend, Oct. 28 through 30. Activities will include line dance instruction at the barn and stables on campus followed by a field trip to the nearby Thousand Oaks Borderline. Calling all members of the Class of ‘70--this means you. (492-2411)

Highlights of An American Country Celebration Festival, Oct. 29 and 30, at Lake Casitas near Ojai will include Western States Fastdraw Championships, Stuntman Finals, a variety of country music, dances, costume contests and historical re-enactments sure to delight the kids. (496-6036)

Details

* WHAT: New West Rangers.

* WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday.

* WHERE: O’Connor’s Sports Bar & Grill, 369 Arneill Road, Camarillo.

* PHONE: 388-1992.

* ETC.: Also Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, Pineapple Hills, 2916 Cochran St., Simi Valley, Simi Valley, 583-4406.