Beach/shag music definitely reaches from the Carolina Coast across the Appalachian Mountains to Johnson City, TN to the home of the Mountain Empire Shag Society, or MESS. You will find them dancing every Monday night at 7pm at 101 West Lounge at the Holiday Inn in Johnson City, just off I-26 at Old Exit 35. Around 70- 85 members of the 140 member club will make their way to the 18 x 24 wood dance floor to shag to the tunes of DJ Larry “Big Fish” Calhoun. You may also catch some tunes on occasion from DJ Gary “Big Daddy” Combs. Around 8pm after members have had a chance to settle in dance to a few tunes, Jim & Billy Whitaker will offer a free basic shag lesson in the hallway outside the lounge. Due to new Tennessee laws, this is a non- smoking facility, with designated smoking areas outside. Appetizers and a full menu are available at the bar. There is no cover charge. The Mountain Empire Shag Society also sponsors 4 large parties a year. 3 of the parties are one day only and are usually a winter party, a summer party and a Christmas party. The big party of the year, is the Annual 2 day Fall Bash in October. It has been a sellout in recent years, so get your tickets early.

This is one of the few places that you can find to dance on a Monday evening. It’s worth an extended weekend to make a scenic trip through the mountains to join MESS for an evening of shag music and dancing. They have a nice dance facility and the members welcome you with open arms.