Situated in the heart of the booming South Slope at 66 Asheland Ave., The Millroom has been drawing audiences for a diverse array of events since it opened its doors, from Moogfest roundtables and shows to blacklight yoga parties, stand-up comedians to trivia nights. Now, a free new monthly series--Asheville Music and Dance Night--will be held at the venue. The fantastic combination of live music from the Juan Benavides Band, plenty of room to dance, and a few excellent drink specials will make The Millroom the place to kick off your weekend on Thursday, with doors at 7 and music from 7:30-9:30. Plus, Asheville Grit is giving away three free entries into our Underground Sound music video competition at the event! If you are a musician, go to The Millroom Thursday and enter to win--the winner will be announced during a short break in the middle of the evening.  The Millroom was designed to be Asheville premiere listening space, and the gorgeous interior was made with celebration in mind. It's a spot that manages to feel both intimate and spacious, with a large stage area and an even larger dance floor that can double as a space for tables and chairs at a swanky benefit, yoga mats, or any number of other things. The goal that organizers have for these Music and Dance nights is just what the title implies--give people a space with great acoustics where they can listen to great music, and give them the room to dance. It's the event for which the space was designed, and The Millroom wants you to come check it out.  The Juan Benavides Band will be the first of an excellent lineup that will take the stage in the coming months. They recently played LEAF Downtown and stole the show at the event's Cafe Stage. Standing right in the middle of the shopping and food truck action, they performed an afternoon set that had everyone dancing in spite of the formidable heat. High energy, pulsing rhythms define their sound, and each of the incredibly talented members (there are six total) brings something unique to the table. The band's namesake, Juan Benavides, hails from Bogota, Colombia, and studied flamenco guitar in Spain. The undeniably sensuous and passionate flamenco sound is at the heart of the music, which is edged with tones of rock, pop, Middle Eastern, and even soul. The rest of the band, which includes Juan David de Narvaez on cajon, Scott Sullivan on percussion, Jake Wolf on bass guitar, and Ahleuchatistas' member Ryan Oslance on drums, creates a sound defined by the global outlook and interests of its members. With an ensemble cast this good, you can bet that the show is going to be something to remember. If you need a rest after breaking your dancing shoes in, fear not--the space is equipped with comfortable seating area so you can chill out, flirt, or sip one of the several drinks that The Millroom will have on special. Event co-sponsor Asheville Brewing Company will have eight beers on tap at the sweet price of $3.50 each. Wine (including Juan Benavides' favorite, pinot noir, which will be a featured sale sipper) and cocktails will also be available to imbibe. In the spirit of this Latin dance night, mojitos will be a highlight.  Entering the drawing for one of three free entries into Underground Sound (regular entry fee is $20) couldn't be easier. Just show up at the Millroom on Thursday and put your name in the running. The winner must be present at the time of the drawing to win. For more details on the contest go to http://ashevillegrit.com/undergroundsound/. So. Free entry for all ages, great music, space to dance and sit, drink specials, a fabulous giveaway, and a gorgeous venue: what could be better? Oh yeah. Free (and plentiful) off-street parking. We'll see you at The Millroom this Thursday! Until then, here's a little more from the Juan Benavides Group to tide you over.