Clad in heeled boots, cowboy hats and big belt buckles, Saturday night's band proved to be a toe-tapping, hand clapping experience. Standing on stage, The Stampede sang good old western tunes about buckaroos, cowboy coffe, and moonshine lullabies as the audience enjoyed an evening of dinner and entertainment.

"We have fun and involve the audience," guitar player David Anderson said. "People always hear western music and are wowed."

Whether an individual likes western music, the Old Western Dinner Adventure, preformed every Friday and Saturday in Pleasant Grove, is quite the dining experience. Showtime Utah opened their doors to provide a place where western friendliness and quality performance could be enjoyed, executive producer Joan Peterson said.

"We opened May 2, only six weeks ago," she said. "And it's only getting better."

The old western show is dinner and entertainment. The audience enjoys appetizer salad from a tin pail as well as biscuits while little skits are performed from stage and even within the audience. Halfway through the show, audience members enjoy a dinner of pulled pork or chicken with baked beans and a steaming baked potato.

"It's my first time here and the food was more than I expected," said Roger Mower, a Pleasant Grove resident. "It was great."

Performer Drew Keddington mingles with audience members during dinner. Keddington's character was a lovable countryman dressed in a plaid shirt, cowboy boots and a gray mustache. He was easy to spot as he danced on stage, tripped down stairs and told jokes in his thick country accent.

"I love to make people laugh. There's nothing better" Keddington said. "This is a great place where people can step outside of the routine and just have fun."

The people are really country friendly and courteous, audience member Patty Mower said.

The servers who care over each table during the performance are dressed in cowboy fashion.

"My waiters and waitresses are the coolest people on earth," Peterson said.

Serving root beer floats or a brownie and cheese cake signals the closing of another night.

"Ever since I've been over here I've liked it," said Dean Ball, a frequent customer. "I like the service. It's a real nice place and I hope they succeed."

Friday and Saturday night is Showtime Utah's set Old Western Dinner Adventure, Peterson said. However, every Monday night, local artists have the opportunity to show their talent at the Family Night performance.

"As long as you can set up and finish up in 10 minutes, anyone can tryout," Peterson said.

Auditions are given to any aged individuals with talent, she said.

"I wanted to create a place where kids can go and perform," Peterson said. "I believe we [Utah] have the talent and ability; we only need to be trained."



Copyright Brigham Young University 16 Jun 2008