This is a true story. There are no names to change to protect the innocent. Any malicious inference to the population living in North Kentucky is unintended and overblown (like most of my stories). Only one individual is described here with total accuracy, and I doubt he will be offended because I’m pretty sure he can’t read.
Here’s what happened:
Jim and I were traveling North in Kentucky and at some point, we needed gasoline. Reluctantly, we pulled off the highway onto Mudlick road and entered the gas station cautiously (who knows what evil lurks on Mudlick road).
We pulled up to a pump – the place wasn’t busy – and we glanced around for suspicious mudlickers (they could be anywhere). We felt very self-conscious with our big white van and our California plates. Someone is bound to notice that we are outsiders, so we quickly begin to fill the tank.
It’s a big tank….it takes a while to fill, and before we knew it, a local mudlicker walks up and starts to tell us everything we would want to know about him and more (much more…too much more). Then he began the expected interrogation, “Are you really from California? What part of California?” and “What brings you to Kentucky?” and finally, “did you push the red button inside the bathroom?”
Inside? We hadn’t yet gone inside. In fact, we were inclined to cut and run as soon as we finished gassing up, but ol’ mudlicker wasn’t having it, “Oh you gotta go inside and push the red button….go on…you HAVE to (wink wink) see what happens!” He crossed his arms and planted himself firmly in front of our vehicle to prevent our exit. He smiled toothlessly, and had an expression on his face that was exactly like you would see on a 10-year-old boy waiting for you to sit down on a sofa with a fart bag hidden under the cushion. We hesitated…..then we went inside.
Store…normal. People…friendly. Nothing to see here. Bathroom….very clean, modern, updated with all the conveniences modern plumbing has blessed us with.
One addition: a big red button that is clearly labeled: DO NOT PUSH THIS RED BUTTON.
I looked around, I was all alone. Normally, I’m a rule-follower but ol’ mudlicker was standing outside waiting for my reaction so I took a deep breath and pushed the red button.
The lights went out and I was standing in total darkness…uh oh! Then, disco music started and a spotlight was activated to shine on a rotating mirrored disco ball that scattered spots of white light throughout the room. It made me feel like dancing, but instead, I left the bathroom laughing.
This is a thing. They are called disco bathrooms and you can find them at stores called “Hop Shops” in various locations. This one was in Verona, Kentucky, a lovely place with lovely people (with ONE exception). I put a YouTube link here so you can see for yourself. They only had the men’s room version so the girls will have to use their imaginations and picture a ladies’ room.
Also, there is no giant cartoon frog in their bathrooms, only in the video.
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Hi there Anne & John,
I’m very pleased to hear how busy you are playing John Denver’s music and you do it so well.
I’m am still teaching a young lady to play guitar who never heard of John Denver, but she loves his music now and we play together each week now.
i’m glad people still have good taste in dancing music ! Love a good mirror ball !!
Is this for real ? So is there a sign outside these Hop Shops designating them as such ? I’m sure Buckees doesn’t participate in this program !
But it is a cool idea ! I wonder what the percentage is of those that see the button and actually press it !
If you google “Hop Shops” you will get a list of disco bathrooms and what songs they play. Not affiliated with Bucee’s – but Bucee’s will some day be the subject of one of my blogs!
That’s wild thanks for sharing
So when are you coming to New York area?
Hi Jack! We just did a show in Hudson Valley! Hopefully we will return soon to beautiful New York! Keep watching the website or checking the newsletter – shows get added all the time throughout the year!
😂🎶 Keep stayin’ alive, Anne! 😎
I have a few great pictures from the Foley, Alabama Christmas concert but I can’t figure out how to attach them here. Any suggestions?
Hi Tim – I don’t think this website server is programmed to accept pictures. You can post them on our Facebook page: Jim Curry Presents the Music of John Denver OR if you don’t use Facebook, you can email them to me anne@jimcurrymusic.com and I will have them posted on Facebook and Instagram. Thank you!
OMG, I am dying! How hilarious! I’m glad you had the courage to push the red button after that toothless character prevented you from driving away! What a great story! Thanks for sharing this Anne!