When bar patrons start yelling "Hillbilly!" at the band, it's usually a sign the members should high-tail it off the stage before the barrage of beer bottles hits.

But that's not the case Friday nights at the Melody Inn, where the epithet is used only as a term of endearment.

For years the tavern, on Illinois Street just north of 38th Street, has played host to the Hillbilly Happy Hour - a night of drinking, live country-style music acts and the chance to embrace your inner hillbilly. While I was assured each week promises new and unusual sights, here are eight things you can likely expect:

1: Stepping past the bouncer -- after paying the $5 cover -- you'll notice a large antler-shaped driftwood chandelier that looms over the small retro-style bar. Discarded guitars, cymbals and other instruments decorate the walls, looking like salvage from some abandoned scrapyard. Inspect them closely, and you'll see inscribed signatures and messages from the scores of musical acts who have passed through.

2: The small main room and proximity of the tables to the stage convey an intimate feel that is echoed by the unabashed back-and-forth between musicians and patrons, and the robust shouts of "Yee-haw!" and "Hillbilly!" that regularly ring out from the crowd.

3: There is a small, but fiercely loyal and friendly group of regulars. Among them is Kimberly Rose, known simply as Miss Kimmy. Miss Kimmy said she has rarely missed a Hillbily Happy Hour since the weekly tradition began about six years ago. "I even found love here at the Hillbilly Happy Hour," she said. "I met my husband, Zorba, when he was performing here one Friday."

About six years later, Zorba and Miss Kimmy now frequently headline Hillbilly Happy Hour.

4: Hillbilly Happy Hour always features some type of country music, but that doesn't mean it's anywhere consistent in its musical stylings. The live acts -- local, regional and national -- span bluegrass, acoustic, rockabilly and even psychobilly, an odd hybrid of country, punk and electric.

5: Make your drink match the mood. Most of the regulars embrace the night's theme by ordering whiskey and PBR.

6: The Melody Inn is bigger than it looks: Hidden from view of the humble main room of the bar, an additional lounge and an outside beer garden provide room for dozens more.

7: Come on a different night and you'll be treated to a whole different scene. Saturday's punk rock night brings in a younger clientele and an even rowdier atmosphere.

8: In the end, the purpose of Hillbilly Happy Hour is simple, as Miss Kimmy says: "Hillbillies just need a night to get happy."

Hillbilly Happy Hour

Where: Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St., (317) 923-4707

When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Friday

Cover: $5.

Schedule:

• June 27 - The Cousin Brothers and Miss Kimmy & Zorba

• July 4 - Stockwell Road

• July 11 - Miss Kimmy & Zorba and guests Gamblin' Christmas

• July 18 - Punkin Holler Boys

• July 25 - The Cousin Brothers and guests Miss Kimmy & Zorba

- Written by Trevor Brown