In the front yard of Johnny and Libby Torrence’s home on Lucas Ferry, a sign reading “Johnny’s Place” welcomes folks on Friday nights looking to enjoy live music, dancing and fellowship. Although Johnny’s Place closed during the pandemic, it is open and as the other side of the sign says, “Welcome Back.”

A welcome sign is placed over the door of the bluish-green building sitting next to a quiet pond. Inside is a small stage made from what was once the pond’s dock. The shiny dance floor has a fresh dusting of baby powder to help dancers glide with ease and estival lights line the outdoor patio with plenty of places for those needing a breath of fresh air to get comfortable. At the small kitchen area, a line of crock pots and desserts are prepared as the Johnny’s Place “family” get ready for a Friday night full of good times.

Johnny did not set out to create the popular Friday night gathering spot when he had the venue built at the back of his property.

“(The) reason I first thought I wanted to build it was for family get-togethers. Then, some people would come by, look at it, and want to play there. Finally, we just started letting them play on Friday,” Johnny said.

Johnny and Libby have been a party of the area’s music scene for many years. Libby, a talented singer, grew up in Ardmore in a family who loved to sing. Year’s later, music is what would lead her to Johnny. She recalled the days before Johnny’s Place came to be.

“When we first met, we started going (to where) they called it Old George’s Good Time. It was greasy and there was smoking, drinking and the cops were in and out all the time,” Libby said. “A little too rowdy.”

Hoping to find a way to enjoy what they love without having to deal with going to the bar or honky tonk, the Torrence’s opened Johnny’s Place in 2003. There is no smoking and no drinking. The house band plays classic country favorites and oldies. Johnny’s Place is a safe, fun atmosphere for people of all ages. For Johnny and Libby, it’s perfect as the party now comes to them.

“We don’t do anything or go anywhere. We used to dance a lot ourselves but he don’t get around the best anymore,” Libby said.

A Friday night at Johnny’s Place begins with a potluck dinner at 6, often featuring Libby’s famous spaghetti or hamburger stew. Regulars steadily file in bringing desserts and other items to contribute to the meal before the music and dancing commences at 7 p.m.

Johnny and Libby greet each person who comes and they only ask for a small amount of cover in order to compensate the house band. The house band is made up of Libby Torrence, vocals, Athens; Marty Tyler, lead vocals, lead guitar, Elkmont; Bobby Rollins, Elkmont; Phillip Lemay, bass guitar, Toney; Ray Mangrum, steel guitar, Shelbyville, Tenn.

“I started playing down here with Bill Greene. He recruited me to come down here and when he got sick, he asked me if I would take it over so I did,” house band member Tyler said.

“We could go to a bar and play but I don’t like that. This, down here, is clean family entertainment. This is what I like. I grew up playing music. I had uncles and my dad played. We didn’t play bars. We just sat on our front porch and pick. Having a place like this is really just out of this world for me,” he said.

As the world shutdown due to the COVID pandemic, Johnny’s Place was no exception. The Torrence’s made the decision to open again in January 2023. The crowds are slowing returning, but talking to the regular attendee’s, post COVID is different.

“Since we shut down for COVID, a lot of them have passed on. That’s just part of life,” Marty said.

Everyone is optimistic that people will once again learn of the hidden oasis just off Lucas Ferry and join the Johnny’s Place family.

“When the crowd is having a good time and there’s a lot of folks dancing, we feed off that and it makes us want to play better. They enjoy it and we enjoy it,” Marty said. “To me, this is what country music is all about.”