People are lining up across the country to do the "tush push." And television programs like "Neon Armadillo" are making country line dancing one of America's trendy new pastimes.
So, it seems natural for the Stagecoach to pull into a town where Wranglers and cowboy boots still rule.The Stagecoach is a new dinner/dance club west of I-15 on 500 East that feature old West favorites such as barbecued beef, fiddlin', yodelin', and foot-stompin' music. Patrons also receive instruction in line dancing and country swing. Knowing how to dance isn't a prerequisite.
"We've had good response. Everybody seems to jump right in and do it," said co-owner Robert Ethington. He and Robert Tillotson opened the club about six weeks ago. It's currently open for dinner and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights with the house band "Crazy Coyote" or acts like "Saddle Boogie." Wednesday is singles night for dancing to recorded music only.
Unlike many Western clubs, the Stagecoach has a code of conduct that sets it apart. Its slogan is "no cussin', no drinkin', no smokin'." At least one potential customer walked away when he didn't find a bar in the place.
"Because we don't allow tobacco and alcohol, we knew we were taking a risk on whether it would work or not," Ethington said.
Ethington and Tillotson, who also run the Haunted Forest, have put about $40,000 into the building to install a dance floor, stage and stage lights. Even so, the club could use an interior decorator. The walls are rather bare.
"This isn't the finished product. We've got to make some money," Ethington said. "As soon as we can afford it, we're going to give it all a rustic look."
Ethington estimated the club is attracting 70 to 100 people per night.
What the Stagecoach lacks in looks, it makes up in fun. The bands and other entertainers put on authentic Western shows, including classic cowboy songs and cowboy poetry. The club also has a singer who does a few Elvis tunes tracing back to his country roots.
Dance contests are also part of the evening and winners receive Wranglers or cowboy boots from Western Tack N Togs in Lehi.
The Stagecoach charges $14.95 per person for dinner and dancing. Dancing only is $5. For more information, call 756-4455.