The year was 1978. Jimmy Carter was president of the United States. Southern Rock played by such artists as Charlie Daniels and Marshal Tucker was the style of music moving the dancers in local clubs. A square meal 2 pieces of chicken, potatoes and gravy, cole slaw, and a roll was $1.25. Car Wash played in theaters, and The Hangar 9 opened its doors for the first time.

For 20 years, Hangar 9 has been the home base for many up- and-coming bands of all musical styles. Its commitment to live music has made the bar one of Carbondale’s coolest places to listen to live music, and Saturday Hangar 9 will celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Co-owner Sally Carter, one of the four original owners, recalls the first band to take the Hangar 9’s virgin stage.

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Southern rock was the genre, and the Roadside Band was the first band that played at the Hangar, Carter said. Music was the highlight of the place, and we’ve always offered a diverse style and catered to the college crowd.

The Hangar 9, 511 S. Illinois Ave., will not feature a live band for its anniversary party, but there will be lower than usual prices and a plethora of give-a-ways.

Dan Jones of local band Poor King remembers with excitement the first time he played at the Hangar.

Oh my God, Jones said. The Hangar has been there for years and so have I.

In the ’80s, Jones was playing heavy metal music at the bar with a band called Black Karma right before a pair of quintessential soul legends took the Hangar 9’s stage.

We did our first show two days before Sam and Dave originators of the song Soul Man’ came to the Hangar, Jones said.

Jones said he loves and continues to love playing at the Hangar 9, and that co-owners Carter and Richard Simpson are the salt of the earth.

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You can’t please everyone, but Sally and Richard do all they can for the music scene and community as well, he said.

Eddie Chapa of the Jungle Dogs said playing at the Hangar 9 gives him a down-home feeling.

[The Jungle Dogs] were born and bread in the Hangar, Chapa said.

The cool crowd and the owners’ commitment to good music makes Hangar 9’s stage a desired place for many musicians to break out their tunes.

The Hangar has always been a band-oriented bar. Sally and Richard have always been committed to helping out good talent whenever they could, said Chapa. I can’t say enough good things about the Hangar 9 or its owners.

Carter said it is hard dealing with a lot of things that are beyond her control and riding the tides of the bar business, but the Hangar 9 will stand strong as long as it continues to do its best thing provide a setting for bands to perform.

Live music. That’s what made us a long-lived bar, Carter said We hope to continue to offer the best music, introduce new talent and cater to the crowd.

There will be no cover charge. For information, call 549-0511.