Whiskey Riverdogs lead singer Jeff “Bodine” Lewis and Ranch Resident Cheryl Javid entertain Ranch dancers as they sing “Neon Moon” at the SBR Social Dance Club’s Western dance on March 9.
Ranch Western dancers took a road trip to dance to the music of the Mamma Coal Band at live Country music venue Whiskey Roads on March 24.
Phyllis Pettijohn and Barbara Wallis dressed in green in honor of an early St. Patrick’s Day at the March 9 SBR Social Dance Club’s monthly Western dance.
Janelle Authur
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In March, Ranch Western dancers enjoyed a double shot of “whiskey,” with an evening of the Country Western music of Whiskey Riverdogs plus a field trip to Whiskey Roads, a local Country music venue, restaurant, and bar.
First up was the SaddleBrooke Ranch Social Dance Club’s monthly Western dance, featuring the live music of Whiskey Riverdogs, a popular Southern Arizona band.
Sixty dancers filled the Sol Ballroom on March 9 for Whiskey Riverdogs’ fourth appearance at the Ranch. The band once again “brought it” with their country music as dancers celebrated an early St. Patrick’s Day dressed in green. Experienced and new dancers twirled and whirled to the two-step, cha cha, Western waltz, Country swing, Texas 3-Step, partner pattern dances, the Barn Dance, and a few Western line dances.
An unexpected surprise came when Ranch resident Cheryl Javid took to the stage to sing along with the band. Cheryl wowed the crowd as she joined lead singer Jeff “Bodine” Lewis in three songs—“Neon Moon,” “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling.” A lifetime singer, Cheryl performed in Montana throughout her younger days, but put her career on hold as she and her husband built a business. Since retiring, she sings with several local bands in Prescott and Tucson as a guest vocalist in country, pop, and rock music.
The second shot of “whiskey” went down March 24 as 15 Ranch Western dancers took to the road to dance to the Mamma Coal Band at Whiskey Roads at Foothills Mall. Dancers enjoyed the dancing and camaraderie and happily picked up a few new moves as Western dancers from all over Tucson showed off their steps.
If you are (or want to be) a Western dancer, check out the club’s website at sbrsbdc.club. The club has been sponsoring monthly Western dances at the Ranch since September 2021, bringing some of the best known and respected Tucson-area Country Western bands to the Sol Ballroom stage. The club also sponsors Western dance lessons, including the Two-Step, Western waltz, swing, Texas 3-Step, and partner pattern throughout the year.
Bands are booked through 2024, with a new band, Hold My Beer, making its initial appearance on Friday, May 3. Anthony Taylor Jr. and the Good Ol’ Boys return on June 7, Sept. 6, and Dec. 6. Mamma Coal returns on Oct. 11, and Wild Ride plays on Aug. 9 and Nov. 8. All dates are Fridays.
All levels of dancers are welcome at the dances and newer dancers are encouraged to “come on down” and practice their newly acquired skills in a friendly environment. Given the size of the dance floor, registration is limited to 90 dancers.
Not a dancer? Come on down and enjoy 2 ½ hours listening to live Country Western music! Dances have a cash bar in the ballroom and food may be ordered from the Ranch House Grill’s full menu.