Whatz happened to RFD's Tru-Country

Gary Preston · Post by **Gary Preston** » 18 May 2011 1:30 pm

Revised .

Paul King · Post by **Paul King** » 19 May 2011 4:12 am

I just want to clarify my dislike for Midwest Country has absolutely nothing to do with Joe Savage. He does a fine job but the sound and some of the singers just do not appeal to me. My apologies Joe if I have offended you in any way.

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 19 May 2011 7:45 am

Gary Preston wrote: I really don't see how midwest country or the polka shows stay on T.V. When they are on i quickly turn the channel ! There must be several millionaires behind these two ! Midwest country has the worst sound that can come out of the tv in my opinion ! Yes i already said i don't watch it ! I think i could have a better sound playing in my garage ! No offence garage

Very good point, Gary. That blows the theory of "younger audience blah blah" as being of utmost importance, since Midwest Country and Joe's Polka can hardly be geared for younger audiences, yet they are doing well for RFD. Remember, to every young person out there that Nashville demographics is targeting, that young person has TWO parents that grew up on the older style country. Those two parents have been discarded and ignored by Nashville.

So from my limited and narrow point of view, it may just take time for many viewers to "discover" what True Country's all about, so the viewership will grow. Midwest Country and Joe's Polka have the same commercials/sponsors as True Country and Marty Stewart--all endorsers of RFD TV. Midwest and Joe's and Marty have had a much longer run time than True Country, to my understanding. Give True Country as long of air time schedule, and the viewership will catch up. JMHO

I myself watch True Country and Marty Stewart show. I have no interest in Midwest Country or Joe's polka and never watch them. Like Paul King says, no offence to Joe Savage, as he IS the saving grace on Mid Country.

Paul King · Post by **Paul King** » 20 May 2011 4:08 am

James makes a good point. Some children today have parents that like the older country with me being on top of the list. I try my best to see that my children hear plenty of it. They do have the right as they get older to listen to what they want but when they live with me I prefer to keep it country. I too just do not watch the Polka shows. The sad truth we are a minority in todays society and I do not see it getting any better any time soon. As a friend of mine said "Humbug".

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 20 May 2011 4:47 am

Paul, I never believed we are a minority. I believe we are just ignored. Each kid out there has TWO parents that grew up on real country. Yet we are pushed aside so they can target the kids. We are a huge audience. Nashville decided for us we are not worthy. They "retired" us AND out heros. Dumb move.

I run into alot of young people at our Waylon tribute show that express how they prefer our music over the Nashville "new stuff" of today.

Larry Tracy · Post by **Larry Tracy** » 20 May 2011 12:02 pm

I don't think the RFD channel as a whole is geared toward young people. Also it not the most watched station either. But it is a great place for a young person interested in old school country to get to see a lot of the old shows and some good new ones like Marty and Tru Country. Marty's show is the #1 show on the network. My problem with Tru Country is the whole set up of the phony bar in a warehouse. They should be doing it from one of the old TX dance halls to make it more authentic, Gruene Hall, Sanger Hall, Sons of Herman, etc. I would say the Broken Spoke but the ceiling is so low it would hard to get some shots. I thought the production values slipped last season. You could see the outside parking lot from the stage shots and performers who were not playing sitting and talking on the stage. Also having Dickie's steel just sitting in front of Rick's steel while Rick was playing. But saying all that I will still be watching it for the same reason we all do. Lots and lots of great steel playing by great players and a great band. My favorite singer is Jake Hooker, great bass player and great songwriter. Also is there any body that looks like they are having as much fun as Daryl McCall when he is on stage. He has a huge smile on his face the whole time. Well the new season will be coming up and I will be watching.

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 20 May 2011 12:23 pm

Yes Larry, I agree, They could tighten up the quality a little. There are a couple performers who consistantly sing flat. I know some sing flat because they can't hear themselves well enough--so that's a stage sound problem. If they can't sing on pitch anyways, maybe they should not be aired--let someone else who CAN sing on pitch get the airtime.

Also, It's pretty cheezy when they advertise one performer, and you tune in, and it's someone else. That's stupid.

Or how about the camera man who swings the camera away from who ever's doing the lead ride? Just a couple of my pet peeves. It's a good show that could be made great, with a little attention to detail. MHO

Greg Stasny · Post by **Greg Stasny** » 21 May 2011 9:13 am

Larry, apparently Heather Myles and the owner of the Circle T equestrian center are pals, and he offered the use of his place for the initial TruCountry (and it stayed). It is a strange setup with the stage up and behind the bar, but is a working part of the equestrian/arena operation. A covered pavillion/gathering place, of sorts. Giant roll-up doors allow it to be "enclosed", but even spring in central TX begs for as much ventilation as possible.
I certainly agree there are better venues/dancehalls, with likely much better sound (and a whole lot better dancefloor...but TV viewers wouldn't care). And whose dumb idea for the fake stage smoke?
Some of the daylight shots were due to the 7pm start, and yrs 1-2 still ran till about 2am...