“Tex” is the proud owner of a cowboy hat, a belt buckle and a dancing two-step. Tex and many other ISU students are making the switch to country music, and with Hank Williams III playing tonight and the Dixie Chicks next weekend, there couldn’t be a better time to be a country fan in Ames. The dance floor at Hunky Dory’s fills every Thursday night when country fans take to the club to indulge their country music appetites. Jeff Mayes, junior in animal science known as “Tex,” traveled to Iowa State from Texas. “I grew up in a dance hall and have been dancing since I was fifteen,” he said. “Hunky’s is the only place I can go and dance.” Hunky Dory’s Night Club is located at 300 South 17th St., and many regular country lovers gather at the bar on Thursday nights for the predominantly country selection. Kelly Tuttle, senior in animal science, usually sees a crowded dance floor at Hunky’s but thinks the night club is smart to feature country music. “County music is big around these parts, and they use it as a main attraction, and it works,” Tuttle said. Deron Shawley, junior in agriculture education, is a regular Thursday night fan of Hunky’s. “It is an atmosphere that I can be myself and have fun with my friends in a social atmosphere that I can listen to my music,” he said. Lifetime country music fan Joel Morrical sharpens his two-step dancing skills every Thursday night. “I just talk to everyone I know and dance a little,” said Morrical, senior in animal science. “It’s a different atmosphere then what you’ll see in most college bars.” Joe Hobbs isn’t the typical guy who goes to Hunky’s. He’s not decked out in the stereotypical cowboy attire but still enjoys going. “You can go with five people and meet a dozen more because everyone is nice, friendly and likes to have a good time,” said Hobbs, junior in animal science. Others like Hobbs fill the dance floor on Thursday night, without their cowboy hats and belt buckles. Tex sees many non-agriculture students on Thursday nights. “Hunky’s on Thursdays the hicks would be the minor. Of course the people from the agriculture college are there but there are a lot of people that represent other facets of the university,” Tex said. “A lot of people like [country music] and are just scared to admit it,” Holmes said. “Then there is another group that hates it and haven’t really given it a chance. They just think we’re all hicks.” “I think that if you took a poll, you’d be surprised who listens to [country music]. A lot of people do, especially girls,” Tuttle said. Country music has taken a new direction as many artists are moving toward the pop side of their music. “For what country used to be, its really spreading its horizons,” Hobbs said. “Younger artists are really experimenting with their talents and allowing country music to draw a more diverse following.” Although many artists are moving to pop, many still like the straight traditional music. “I like the more traditional country, but I listen to rap, heavy metal and punk,” Morrical said. “Country is supposed to be traditional.” Tuttle sees pluses and minuses in the new style. “Old ones that have the more traditional sound is good to listen to,” he said. “But there are a few that put a little pop in, and it doesn’t sound good.” Jennifer Heeren, freshman in animal science, enjoys both old and new. Some of her favorite artists are the Dixie Chicks and Tim McGraw. “The songs are about real life. There are easy to listen to and entertaining at the same time,” she said. “Tex” and others love country music and have for a lifetime. “I don’t judge people by what music they listen to,” he said. “But I’m going to listen to what I want.”