A line dance is any dance in which a group of individuals line up and follow a choreographed sequence of steps in unison. And though classic country line dancing tunes, such as “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” remain popular even among younger crowds, today’s line dancers are stepping to a diverse array of different songs, ranging from contemporary country hits like Blake Shelton’s “Honey Bee” and Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” to rock and roll oldies such as Elvis Presley’s “Stuck on You.” For Chicagoans looking to get in on the action, there are several places in the area which offer line dancing, including some local bars, clubs, park districts, and even a few health clubs and banquet halls.

According to Cathy Vary, who was recently filmed line dancing for an American Family Insurance commercial and who has been teaching line dancing in the Chicago area for twenty years, “It’s easy to learn line dancing on the fly, as there are just a few basic steps.” For line dancing beginners, Vary recommends Glendora Banquets in Chicago Ridge, which offers line dancing on Tuesday and Thursday nights in a relaxed learning environment. From 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday night, Vary teaches four line dances, followed by an hour of open dancing from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The first dance that Pat “CountryPat” Stamer, who has been a line dance instructor in Chicagoland since 1990, teaches to those in his line dancing classes is the Electric Slide. According to Stamer, “Many people know the Electric Slide already, and it gives them the confidence to try other dances.” From there, Stamer teaches other basic line dancing steps, including the Grapevine. To do the Grapevine, one takes a step right with the right foot, crosses the left foot behind the right foot, steps to the right with the right foot, then scuffs to the left.

“Country Pat” Stamer periodically offers Rock ‘N’ Country and Country & Western Dance Classes at Dance Center Chicago. Referring to his Rock ‘N’ Country line dance classes, Stamer says, “I teach dances to country songs, and then we switch it over to oldies rock and roll. It is a lot of fun, and the mix of music seems to please those that may not be hard core country fans. I mean, who doesn’t like to Tush Push to Elvis’ ‘Stuck on You’?”

Likewise, Cathy Vary notes that today’s line dancers are just as likely to be burning holes in the dance floor with such R&B and pop tunes as “Mustang Sally” and “Mamma Maria” as they are to be Canadian Stomping to country rock hits like Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine” and Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road.”

One of the largest line dancing crowds in the area converges upon the Saddle Up Saloon in Aurora every Wednesday through Saturday night starting at 7:30 p.m., when the saloon transforms into one giant line dancing party. On these nights, Vary teams up with the Saddle Up Saloon to offer line dance classes that are geared toward both beginner and intermediate line dancers, and sometimes up to 700 line dancers attend per night.

Pondering the Saddle Up Saloon line dancing experience, Vary says, “All dances taught are easy enough for people that have never line danced, yet fun for the experienced dancers. This is the first place I have worked where the experienced dancer will come on the floor for lessons they already know to help the beginners, which is amazing. The people at Saddle Up are very friendly.”

Besides the several suburban bars and clubs that have line dancing, city dwellers can line dance into the wee hours of the night and early morning at Carol’s Pub in Chicago. This quaint, honky-tonk country, Uptown neighborhood bar has line dancing every Friday and Saturday night from 9:00 p.m. until 4 a.m. and is the only bar in Chicago’s city limits where patrons can line dance.

Both Vary and Stamer tout the health benefits of line dancing as well. Stamer says, “Line dancing is a lot of fun, as well as a great workout! In fact, some people do it just for the exercise.” Vary adds that two of her line dancing students lost a substantial amount of weight (55 pounds and 45 pounds respectively) over the past year, and those students attribute much of that weight loss to the multitude of calorie burning moves characteristic of line dancing.

So whether you’re a diehard, boot-kickin’ ‘90s country fan or someone aiming for fitness while enjoying modern country or even rock music, there is a place in the Chicago line dancing scene for you! Contact one of the line dancing instructors listed below for more information on private or group line dancing lessons, or just head on out, either solo or with a group of friends, to one of the venues listed below for some line dancing fun.

Line Dancing Instructors in the Chicago Area

Pat “CountryPat” Stamer has been a line dance instructor in Chicagoland since 1990. He offers private lessons, as well as group and corporate party line dancing instruction. CountryPat’s website is chicagocountry.com, and he can be contacted at 773-339-5670 or chicagocountrymail@yahoo.com.

Cathy Vary has been teaching line dancing in the Chicago area for twenty years. She specializes in country pattern dancing, choreographed dances, and couples dances, and she offers beginner through advanced group and private classes. Vary can be contacted at 630-201-1504 or cathyvary@yahoo.com.

Line Dancing Venues in Chicago and the Suburbs

Cadillac Ranch
1175 W. Lake St.
Bartlett, IL
Phone: (630) 830-7200
Website: cadranch.com

Line dancing: Tuesday night line dance lessons at 7:30, with country dancing until 1:00 a.m.; Friday couples line dancing is from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday line dancing is from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Features: Bring your cowboy boots and hat on the dance floor of this popular hangout for the hardcore suburban country crowd on line dancing nights.

Cover: $4 before 10 p.m.; $5 after 10 p.m.

Carol’s Pub
4659 N. Clark St
Chicago, IL
Phone: (773) 334-2402

Line dancing: Every Friday and Saturday night from 9:00 p.m. until 4 a.m.

Features: Line dance into the wee hours of the night and early morning at the only bar in Chicago’s city limits that currently offers line dancing. Located in Uptown, Carol’s Pub is a quaint neighborhood bar with a honky-tonk country feel.

Cover: $5 per person

Dance Center Chicago
3868 N Lincoln Ave, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60607

Line dancing: Classes are offered periodically by Pat “CountryPat” Stamer. Visit Stamer’s website at www.chicagocountry.com or contact him directly at 773-339-5670 or chicagocountrymail@yahoo.com for more information on class dates and times.

Glendora Banquets
10225 South Harlem Ave.
Chicago Ridge, IL 60415
Phone: (708) 425-3686

Website: glendorabanquets.com

Line dancing: Lessons every Tuesday and Thursday night from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Open dancing every Tuesday and Thursday night from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Features: Cathy Vary is the line dancing instructor in this relaxed learning environment suitable for beginning line dancers. Four line dances are taught each Tuesday and Thursday night.

Cover: $8 per person

Saddle Up Saloon
4440 West Ogden Ave. @ Hwy 59
Aurora, IL 60504
Phone: (630) 585-8600

Website: saddleupsaloon.com

Line dancing: Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night starting at 7:30 p.m.

Features: Cathy Vary is the line dancing instructor on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights at this party atmosphere saloon. Two line dances are taught each Wednesday through Saturday night, and both beginner and intermediate line dancers are welcomed.

Cover: $5 per person. Ladies can get in free on Wednesday nights, and college students can get in with no cover charge on Thursday nights.

Sundance Saloon
300 Lakehurst Road
Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: (847) 887-0858

Website: newsundance.com

Line dancing: Complimentary line dance lessons from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday night

Features: The new Sundance Saloon has a 4,000 square foot dance floor and a state of the art sound and lighting system.

Cover: Every Wednesday night there is no cover charge for ladies

Willowbrook Ballroom
8900 S. Archer Ave.
Willow Springs, IL 60480
Phone: (708) 839-1000

Website: willowbrookballroom.com

Line dancing: Every Tuesday night. Line dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. with line dancing until 10:00 p.m.

Features: Willowbrook Ballroom’s weekly line dancing features the hottest country hits in an intimate, friendly atmosphere. There is a 6,000 square foot dance floor with line dance instructors on a raised stage.

Cover: $8 per person

Unlike most country concerts, the Throwdown Tour isn’t just about the headliners. For the full experience, ticket holders should prepare head down to the Southwest Suburban amphitheatre a bit earlier than normal. With doors opening at 1 p.m., early birds can catch a special series lead by the acclaimed Bluebird Café. For Nashville locals and visitors, the Bluebird is where fans, and artists, can examine the newest, and brightest, in the local songwriting community.

Tickets for Saturday’s event range from $21 – $41 (plus fees) and can be purchased through ticketmaster.com.

Event lineup for Sat, May 22, 2010.

Doors open at 1PM

Bluebird Café Singer – Songwriter Tent
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Local Songwriters

Bluebird Café – Country Throwdown
Singer – Songwriters:
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Brad Tursi, Ashley Ray and Dave Pahanish
3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Cory Branan, Jedd Hughes and Sarah Buxton
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Troy Olsen, Walker Hayes, Heather Morgan

Stage I
1:45 p.m. Tyler Reeve Band
2:45 p.m. Heidi Newfield
3:45 p.m. The Lost Trailers
4:45 p.m. Eli Young Band

Stage II
2:15 p.m. Emily West
3:15 p.m. Jonathan Singleton & The Grove
4:15 p.m. Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses
5:25 p.m. Eric Church

Main Stage:
6:25 p.m. Jack Ingram
7:10 p.m. Singer – Songwriter Group I
7:30 p.m. Little Big Town
8:15 p.m. Singer – Songwriter Group II
8:35 p.m. Jamey Johnson
9:25 p.m. Singer – Songwriter Group III
9:45 p.m. Montgomery Gentry

CONCERT DETAILS:

Country Throwdown Tour
Featuring Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Eric Church, Little Big Town and many more.

WHEN: Saturday, May 22, 2010 – 1PM
WHERE: First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre – 19100 S Ridgeland, Tinley Park
TICKETS: $21 – $41 -  ticketmaster.com.

Looking forward: In June, Country USA will kick it off in Oshkosh on June 22 and Country Fest will fire up in Cadott on June 24.

Country Thunder in Twin Lakes and Country Jam in Eau Claire share the July 22 weekend. Country Thunder is considerably closer than Country Fest but they’re both well worth the trip. The new kid on the block this year is the Log Jam Fest in Phillips and it boasts a great lineup and fun additional activities. If you time it correctly, you could hit this festival with Country Thunder or Country Jam.

They ALL have excellent star-studded lineups, tons of great brew and for the outdoor enthusiast they all offer on-site camping. Be sure to book now. Early bird offers end soon and VIP/reserved seating move quickly. Camping generally requires multi-day passes and reserved sites go quick. Hotel rooms are typically very limited and usually way off site.

- North Central

NEW: Log Jam Fest – Phillips (July 30 – Aug. 1, 2010) logjamfest.com

Log Jam Fest is the newest addition to this list. While it’s the farthest North, the lineup and activities look well worth the drive and the Philips area is beautiful. You could really turn it into a great vacation. Bonus, it’s produced by AStar Promotions (Zoo Tunes/Pheasant Run/Joliet NASCAR /Southern Lights in Kentucky/ numerous events in Nashville & Country on the Beach in Cancun) they always put on a awesome show!

Major headliners include Montgomery Gentry, Cowboy Troy, Jake Owen, The Lost Trailers, Josh Gracin, Jeffrey Steele, Randy Houser and Gretchen Wilson. Plus one of our local artists, the PenneMaeDixon Band.

Ticket Options: 1 – 3 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Camping add-on

- South Central

Country Thunder – Twin Lakes (July 22 – 25, 2010) countrythunder.com

Country Thunder has been a Stateline favorite for many years and 2010 boasts a stellar lineup. Best of all, if you can’t manage the whole festival, you can hop up for a night or two but the best seats and camping are reserved for 4-day pass holders. Kenny Chesney is on a very limited engagement tour this summer. Could be one of his last shows for awhile!

2010 Headliners include, Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Sawyer Brown, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Kevin Costner and Modern West, John Michael Montgomery, Big Kenny, Craig Morgan, Jo Dee Messina, Luke Bryan, Collin Raye, Eric Church, Randy Houser, David Nail, Gloriana, Trailer Choir, Kate & Kacey and Jason Jones.

Ticket Options: 1 – 4 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Camping add-on

- Northwest

Country Jam – Eau Claire (July 22 – 24, 2010) – countryjam.com

It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Country Jam but as I recall, we had one heck of a time. If you have a bit more time for the extra drive, I highly recommend it. Eau Claire is a wonderful city and the festival is pretty impressive.

Featuring Jason Aldean, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler, Billy Currington, Sawyer Brown, Big Kenny, LoCash Cowboys and Tim Sigler with additional acts to be announced.

Ticket Options: 1 – 3 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Skybox Seats, Camping add-on

Country Fest – Cadott (June 24 – 27, 2010) countryfest.com

I’ll be honest, I’ve never even heard of the town of Cadott prior to researching for this article but I wanted to share Country Fest because the lineup is pretty impressive.

Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Jamey Johnson, Darius Rucker, Rodney Atkins, Pat Green, Eric Church, Jo Dee Messina, Little Big Town, Neal McCoy, Heidi Newfield, Jason Michael Carroll, Darryl Worley, Eli Young Band, Trailer Choir and Walker Hayes.

Ticket Options: 1 – 4 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Camping add-on

- Northeast

Country USA – Oshkosh (June 22 – 26, 2010) countryusaoshkosh.com

Personally haven’t had the opportunity to attend this fest yet but it looks very promising. The lineup is impressive and it’s in June so it doesn’t overlap with the July fests.

Festival headliners include, Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Zac Brown Band, Randy Houser, Jason Aldean, Darryl Worley, Rodney Atkins, Jason Michael Carroll, Confederate Railroad, Luke Bryan, Jack Ingram, Tracy Byrd, Lonestar and Sawyer Brown. Additional announcements to come.

Ticket Options: 1 – 4 Day General Admission, Reserved Seating, Camping add-on

FREE Festival Tips: Always make sure you bring the following: sunscreen, bug spray, a camera, rain gear, a 4×4 vehicle if possible and an open mind. Have fun but always play responsibly and respect fellow concertgoers. Remember, we’re all fans. See you this summer, Eh.

Who do you want to see?

Cadillac Ranch
1175 West Lake St, Bartlett
cadranch.com

Cadillac Countdown to 2010 – Get wild at the Ranch as they count down to 2010 high tech style. Join DJ Hillbilly for a champagne toast with super cool party favors and of course dancing. The club is open till 4 a.m.

Joe’s Bar
940 W. Weed Street, Chicago
joesbar.com

Well, doesn’t look like Joe’s is goin’ country this New Year’s Eve. Why not support our favorite entertainment venue any way. The Rum Runners will rock the night away with pop hits from U2 to Journey.

Saddle Up Saloon and Dancehall
4440 W. Ogden Ave, Aurora
saddleupsaloon.com

As the newest hot spot on the block, Saddle Up Saloon and Dancehall is quickly becoming a local favorite among the suburban country joints. Located in West suburban Aurora, the Saloon is hosting Decadance “The Dance Party of the Decade” on New Years Eve. Admission includes line dancing lessons, “roadhouse” dance party and a giant cash-ball drop at Midnight.

Sundance Saloon
300 Lakehurst Rd, Waukegan
sundancesaloon.com

Probably one of most known suburban country bars, the Sundance Saloon is open and celebrating the New Year with the local band Easy Louise. All tickets include entertainment, champagne and party favors. Pop for a little extra and they’ll throw in a buffet!

Nashville’s NYE – “Bash on Broadway”
Broadway Ave. between 1st and 3rd, Nashville, TN
visitmusiccity.com/newyearseve/

Pack your bags because Nashville is throwing a street party on New Year’s Eve. Ring in 2010 with country music artist Rodney Atkins and GAC-TV/XM Radio host, Storme Warren, as they headline/emcee the countdown to 2010 with music, fireworks and a guitar drop at Midnight.

Chicago’s Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave, Chicago
navypier.com

Looking for more of the downtown flare and not country? Navy Pier will be hosting its annual New Year’s Eve celebrations for both kids and adults with fireworks at 8:15 p.m. and Midnight.

Don’t forget to check out the Bank of America Winter WonderFest in Festival Hall. The 170,000 square-foot winter wonderland features North Pole inspired attractions for kids of all ages. Entrance to the Winter WonderFest is free, rides and attractions require an activity wristband. Special tip, if you bring your own ice skates, you can skate in the indoor ice rink for free. winterwonderfest.com

Just looking for dinner?

The Texas Roadhouse
Various Locations (Naperville/Rockford)
texasroadhouse.com

The country music infused Texas Roadhouse is perhaps one of the few places in the Chicagoland area where country music plays while you eat. Known for their steaks and buttered rolls, each Roadhouse is part of a larger, regional chain but each kitchen features its own local flare. While the food is great for any occasion, expect long waits.

Some attractions may require attendees to be over the age of 21 and may require additional entrance fees. Please check with the venue prior to planning your night. Please remember to act responsible when drinking and do not drive.

What are you doing on New Year’s Eve? Did we miss something?

Summer Concert Preview

CHICAGO – Get ready, get set…go! Just a few days from now, Keith Urban will ring-in Chicago’s summer mega country music concert season when he takes the stage with the Zac Brown Band at the Northwest Suburban Allstate Arena, Friday. Shortly after Urban kicks it off, mega stars like Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Big & Rich and Carrie Underwood, will join him by bringing their summer tour stops to the Windy City.

Chesney will return to Soldier’s Field on June 13 with Sugarland, Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum while Rascal Flatts along with Vince Gill and Darius Rucker will make history on July 18 as the first country music act to play at Wrigley Field.

Now in its 17th year, Country Thunder USA is continues to be one of the best country music tickets of the summer. Although this year brings some stiff competition, the Twin Lakes, Wisc, amphitheater style festival not only boasts a mega star line-up of Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Tracy Lawrence and Taylor Swift – just to mention a few – festival management promises new features like redesigned camping, updated vending and most importantly cheaper beer.

If you’re looking for a more traditional 1-day style of concerts, George Strait with Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley with Dierks Bentley and Toby Keith with Trace Atkins are set to play the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater throughout the summer.

Those of you looking for an economical alternative, the Lake County Fair, located in Grayslake, Ill, has a first prize lineup on a beer budget. Blake Shelton, Jamey Johnson, James Otto and Randy Houser, to name a few, are on tap starting July 28.

Artist like Phil Vassar, Chris Cagle, Heidi Newfield and Keith Anderson as well as a handful of local talent like Lucky Town and Yard Fulla Cars are set to Joe’s Bar. Be sure to grab your tickets soon, they’re selling out fast.

CMC

View the 2009 Concert, Festival and Fair Guide