Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Roy Hawk said Fred’s Dance Barn, located north of Route 13 on Route 6 in Carbondale, is an ideal setting for a Nite Riders show.

It’s a party atmosphere and that is great for having a good time, he said. People are there for a good time and if they like to dance, it’s a great place.

Hawk said the band has played Fred’s Dance Barn before and has gotten a great response from the crowd.

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There is always good participation from the crowd as far as hollering or getting on stage and standing beside you, he said.

The positive crowd response comes from the Nite Riders’ ability to play a variety of rock n’ roll styles, mostly modern country hits, that cover a wide range of musical tastes, Hawk said.

He also said his admiration for the sound of modern country music stems from his love for classic rock.

We’re not straight country, and we’re not straight rock, he said. I grew up listening to classic rock, and, to me, today’s country music is more like old rock n’ roll because of its structure and instruments.

The instrumental approach the Nite Riders utilize is similar to classic rock and modern country bands. Aside from Hawk, the other limbs on the Nite Rider tree are drummer Terri Pierce, bassist Gene Neafus and lead guitarist Steve Morris.

Together the band brings out defiant consonance with cover songs by Bob Seger and George Strait, as well as the wild side of country blues through songs by Bonnie Raitt and Tanya Tucker. The band even offers a few originals to its set.

One of Hawk’s favorite songs to perform, though, does not ring with the notes of any modern country number, but is actually the saxophone-playing pop artist Clarence Carter’s Strokin.’ The song is notorious for sparking line dances, and Hawk likes the song because of its ability to get people involved with the music by getting on the dance floor.

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Fred’s Dance Barn owner Barrett Rochman said the Nite Riders contain the essential ingredients for a full course of exemplary music.

The band also typifies the type of bands he likes to have play at the barn, he said.

They’re a fun band, and people really like them a lot because they play a good mix of contemporary and indigenous country, Rochman said. They have a lot of energy.

Hawk said the band will deliver a good sound and good harmonies Saturday night in the place where you can be as crazy as you want.

Barrett said part of what makes Fred’s Dance Barn such a crazy place is that people are allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages while only having to pay a $5 cover charge.

Anyone interested in attending the Nite Riders’ show is welcome to bring his or her own alcoholic beverages, but only those 21 years old and up are able to consume alcohol at Fred’s Dance Barn.

The Nite Riders are scheduled to take the stage at 8:30 p.m. The doors to the barn will be open Saturday from 8 p.m. to 12:45 a.m. For more information call 549-8221.