'Country Club Thursdays' at Middle Country Beer Garden

Fans of country music on the Island had quite a spring in 2011, as the arrival of “My Country” radio on WJVC/96.1 FM provided the first country music station in many years. That was followed by line-dancing, live bands and DJs playing similar music at venues like the Nutty Irishman in Bay Shore and Bullitts Saloon in Bellmore (and as it had been for years at Matty T’s in Commack).

But with 2012 only a few week away, there didn't seem to be much in the way of boot-scooting boogie – leading us to question whether interest in the genre was declining. Well, for those who’d like to take a crack at another dance floor, consider Thursday nights at the Middle Country Beer Garden (formerly known as Mulcahy’s Pub and Music Hall of Centereach.)

Starting at 7 p.m., this newly-renovated venue holds its “Country Club Thursdays” event. Doors open at 7 p.m. with line-dancing (including instruction) until 9 p.m., which, as most of these events do, features a DJ and live performances. The cover is $5 at the door; guests get Budweiser and Bud Light bottles for $3 each.