Honky-Tonk Crowd Favorite Celebrates Award Nomination : Larry Dean and the Shooters play the Silver Dollar Saloon, where they invite fans to festivities for singer’s birthday.

Larry Dean and the Shooters will be at the Silver Dollar Saloon in Simi Valley tonight through Saturday. And fans of the popular San Fernando Valley-based country tunesmith are invited to celebrate Dean’s birthday on Friday and his recent nomination for this year’s California Country Music Assn. Male Vocalist of the Year Award. An atta-boy also goes to Shooter Mickey Wells, who is up for CCMA Pedal Steel Player of the Year.

Since Dean captured the CCMA’s Song of the Year Award in 1984, his popularity has surged. His original songs and his traditional sound have made him a favorite with the two-steppin’ honky-tonk crowd at the Cowboy Palace in Chatsworth, the famed Palomino and similar clubs. But the only place in Ventura County where you see him perform is the Silver Dollar Saloon (formerly Cousin’s).

Watch for a video of the title track off his CD, “From a Distance,” to air on CMT and TNN near the end of the year. And listen for some new songs including “Two Days Gone, Too Let Down” and “Stompin’ Grounds.”

Rick Tucker, another musical fixture and former leader of the house band at the Silver Dollar Saloon, stunned patrons recently by announcing his retirement. Tucker will return for a parking lot farewell party and performance at the club Aug. 27, which is coincidentally the same date CCMA winners will be announced.

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Instead of going to Skating Plus on Wednesday nights, where it’s possible to get lost on a huge dance floor while watching for low-flying kids, some folks prefer small, dark neighborhood haunts where they can learn a dance or practice a step on a floor that is largely their own. These low-key places offer a welcome alternative for self-conscious beginners. And of course just sitting and enjoying the live music of Bill McIllwain at the Glen Tavern Inn or Steve Hill at Logsdon’s--both in Santa Paula--is always an option.

Joining those Wednesday country venues is the Keynote Lounge in East Ventura. On their off nights from Lone Wolf, a rock band, Christian Phelps and Kurt Griffey become two Little Texas clone guitarists called “the Kit Shickers.” From 8 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. they trade pleasing lead and harmony vocals and deliver rock-edged Top 40 country tunes a la Joe Diffie. There’s no cover charge Wednesdays at the Keynote, 10245 E. Telephone Road. Call 647-9390.

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On Friday and alternate weeks including Aug. 11 and 25, you’ll find deejay Rick Henderson teaching requested line dances and spinning country music from 9 p.m. until closing at Gilkey’s Sespe Saloon, a quiet neighborhood beer bar located at 251 A St. in Fillmore. And there’s no cover charge. For information, call 524-1080.

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Wildfire will play for a smoke- and alcohol-free family dance 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Camarillo Community Center. Dance lessons start at 7 p.m. with Dave Howells. This is a bargain family night out at $5 per adult and $2.50 for kids under age 12. The center is located at 1605 E. Burnley St. in Camarillo. Call 482-1996.

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Darlene O’Connell & the Dixie Flyers will perform at a free KHAY Country Celebration noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. The festivities will be held at Concordia Homes, 68 Pistachio Ave. in Ventura. For details, call 642-8595.

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Rick Henderson will teach line dances and Silver Moon will provide live music for a “Thunder Hot Country Night,” dance and barbecue sponsored by KTND “Thunder” radio and the Ventura Rotary South from 6:30 p.m. until midnight Friday at the Wedgewood Inn, San Buenaventura Golf Course, 5880 Olivas Park Drive in Ventura. Proceeds benefit the DARE anti-drug program and local community youth activities. Tickets are $19 in advance and $25 at the door. Call 644-9555.

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It’s free barbecue eatz and music by Sweet Country noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at a Thunder free outdoor concert at Crown RV, 3355 Ventura Road in Ventura. And you’ll have a chance to win tickets to see John Michael Montgomery and fellow country stars at the Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, which starts Tuesday.

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The KTND folks have organized Thunder Road Trip IV to take the hassle out of seeing Alan Jackson and Martina McBride at the Greek Theater on Aug. 3. This deal includes top-price terrace seats, food and drinks on the bus and a souvenir T-shirt. Package tickets are $55. The bus leaves at 6 p.m. from the Borderline, 99 Rolling Oaks Drive in Thousand Oaks. For details, call 644-9555.