RFD-TV The Magazine-Jan/Feb 2012

2012 Rural Events Issue JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

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President’s Letter

Rural Media Group, Inc. (402) 289-2085 1 Valmont Plaza, 4th Floor, Omaha, NE 68154 Founder & President: Patrick Gottsch – patrick@rfdtv.com EVP - Corporate Communications: Raquel Gottsch – raquel@rfdtv.com EVP - Finance: Gatsby Gottsch – gatsby@rfdtv.com Chief Executive Officer: Edward Frazier – ed@rfdtv.com Chief Financial Officer: Steve Campione – steve@rfdtv.com Controller/Human Resources: Conie McCully - conie@rfdtv.com Business Manager: Kevin Cloonan – kevin@rfdtv.com SVP of Advertising Sales: Dave Randell - dave@rfdtv.com Ag Sales Director: Mike Hansen – mike@rfdtv.com Director of Sales, DRTV: Dan Kripke – dan@rfdtv.com VP of Sales, Midwest Region: Tim Moan – tim@rfdtv.com VP of Sales, North East Region: Paul Green - paul@rfdtv.com VP of Sales Southern Region: Janet Noll - janet@rfdtv.com In-House Sales: Mike Holland - mikeh@rfdtv.com Equine Sales Manager: Sanders Lawson - sandy@rfdtv.com Equine Sales Representative: Sally Stith-Burdette – sally@rfdtv.com Director of Special Projects: Mike Stodden - mikes@rfdtv.com Research Director: Barry Kriha - barryk@rfdtv.com Director of Digital Media Strategy: Laura Abel - laura@rfdtv.com Corporate Communications Director: Deb Hermann - deb@rfdtv.com Event Marketing Manager: Jessi McCarty - jessi@rfdtv.com Marketing Communications Coordinator: Kelli Reznicek - kelli@rfdtv.com Creative Services Manager: Matt Hancock - matt@rfdtv.com Graphic Designer: Nate Adkisson - nate@rfdtv.com Chief Technology Officer: Tim Kline - timk@rfdtv.com Lead Web Developer: Andrew Kerr – andrew@rfdtv.com Program Director: Mike Wallace – mikew@rfdtv.com Online Content and Production: Jess Purviance - jess@rfdtv.com Office Manager: Mica Karges- mica@rfdtv.com Accounting: Justin Bacon - justin@rfdtv.com RFD-TV The Magazine®, LLC (615) 227-9292 P.O. Box 78546, Nashville, TN 37207 Publisher: Patrick Gottsch - patrick@rfdtv.com Associate Publisher: Patty O’Bryan – patty@rfdtv.com Assistant Editor: Becky Hirsch – becky@rfdtv.com Circulation Manager: April Kantz – april@rfdtv.com Magazine Customer Service: Lisa Owens - lisao@rfdtv.com Magazine Customer Service: Wanda Edgar - wanda@rfdtv.com Graphic Designer: Dan Astuto - dana@rfdtv.com RFD-TV The Theatre, LLC (417) 332-2282 4080 West Hwy 76, Branson, MO 65616 Theatre Manager: Julie Christians - julie@rfdtv.com Operations Manager: Ray Christians - ray@rfdtv.com Director of Sales: Trey Pelz - trey@rfdtv.com Television Production: Jimmy Barnes - jimmy@rfdtv.com RFD-TV, LLC (615) 227-9292 3201 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207 Vice President/General Manager: Kelly Kantz – kelly@rfdtv.com Executive Assistant/HR Manager: Lisa Marcy – lisa@rfdtv.com News Director: Mark Oppold – mark@rfdtv.com Video Editor: Kevin Shamblin – kevins@rfdtv.com Director/Producer: Allen Jette – allen@rfdtv.com Video Editor: John Paul Penrod - jp@rfdtv.com Equine Correspondent and Marketing: Lizzie Iwersen – lizzie@rfdtv.com Program Producer: Heather Spillman – heather@rfdtv.com Program Manager: Davis Costner – davis@rfdtv.com Assistant Program Manager: Adrienne Bush – adrienne@rfdtv.com Director of Commercial Operations: Barry Watts – barry@rfdtv.com Traffic Manager: Melissa Upchurch – melissa@rfdtv.com Senior Traffic Coordinator: Chris Gurchiek – chrisg@rfdtv.com Traffic Coordinator: Brandon Middleton - brandon@rfdtv.com VP of Affiliate Sales: Manda Patrick – manda@rfdtv.com Affiliate Sales Southeast Region: John Sorrells - john@rfdtv.com Affiliate Sales Western Region: Patt Bisant – patt@rfdtv.com Affiliate Sales Support: Natalie Pease - natalie@rfdtv.com RURAL TV VP/Program Director: Jeremiah Davis – jeremiah@rfdtv.com Executive Producer: Liz Motley - liz@rfdtv.com Technical Director/Writer-Producer : Terrance Middlebrooks – terrance@rfdtv.com Technical Director/Writer-Producer : Sarah Diden – sarahd@rfdtv.com News Anchor : Scot England – scot@rfdtv.com News Anchor: Amber Jenne - amber@rfdtv.com International Distribution: Sarah Chase – sarah@ruraltv.tv POSTMASTER - Send address changes: RFD-TV c/o RFD-TV The Magazine®, llc: PO BOX 78546, Nashville, TN 37207-8546 (Permit 022-544) RFD-TV is published bimonthly by RFD-TV The Magazine, llc. 22424 Wright Plaza, Elkhorn, NE 68022 for $30 initial fee.

Periodicals postage is paid at Elkhorn, NE and additional mailing offices.

Printing - Omaha Print Distribution - GP Business Services Copyright 2012 by RFD-TV The Magazine®, llc All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of RFD-TV The Magazine®, llc

Subscriptions Questions?

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DISH Network’s Charlie Ergen and Patrick Gottsch shortly after launching RFD-TV on DISH Network, in December 2000.

F

or the past decade, the biggest challenge at RFDTV has been trying to satisfy four distinct audiences.

We literally have been 5 different channels crammed into one network, with our agricultural, equine, rural lifestyle, traditional music entertainment, and auctions competing for time within the limits of a 24-hour broadcast day. In most cases, ag people are not horse people, and vice versa. No matter what we did, someone was always unhappy that there was not more programming on RFD-TV directed at their own particular interests. Now, all of that changes with the launch of RURAL TV. We will counter-program the two channels, and in most cases, not have two programs from the same genre on at the same time. For example, if there is an auction on one channel, there would be regular shows on the other.

After years of hard work and proving the popularity of RFD-TV, we finally have a second 24/7 television channel that can take on some of the load, and actually expand programming for each genre.

RURAL TV will also allow us to produce the programming that has been most requested by viewers over the past several years, but has not been possible to add due to time restraints on RFD-TV. Market Day Report and the RURAL EVENING NEWS are but two examples, along with “live” rural event coverage and international programming. There simply was not enough time to do such productions on RFD-TV. Once again, it is DISH Network that is stepping up and being the first to offer RURAL TV to their customers, just as they did with RFD-TV over 11 years ago. Of course, we want everyone that carries RFD-TV now to add RURAL TV to their channel lineup, and believe that every distributor eventually will do so. How quickly that happens primarily depends on you folks out there.

If you like RFD-TV, you’re gonna love RURAL TV. Now is the time to contact your local cable or satellite company, and ask that they add RURAL TV. It makes such a difference.

Patrick Gottsch Founder & President JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2012

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Editor’s Note

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

Program Information Happy New Year!

Many of us have made New Year’s resolutions to travel more or at least carve more time out of life’s hustle and bustle. This issue features Rural Events; what better way to have some excitement or spark a new hobby?

Whether it’s quilting you want to see, classic tractors, auctions or equine events, the top ones in the US are listed, as well as those sent in by subscribers.

Enjoy local fair and support rural vendors, all while getting away to family friendly events.

This issue also highlights new music shows, both from Virginia: American Mountain Theater and Virginia Dreams Center Stage (articles on pages 18, 19).

Also read up on new seasons for The Marty Stuart Show (page 21) and Country’s Family Reunion (pages 12-16) and more (see page 36).

And let’s not forget our featured article on RURAL TV. Read up on this exciting new channel on pages 6-11.

Patty O’Bryan Associate Publisher

This issue’s hidden picture is popcorn.

Its hiding place is revealed on page 79.

Contact Us Subscribe or renew:

Share a letter, photo or comment: Advertize in RFD-TV The Magazine: Find us on Facebook:

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36 37 38 39 40-41 38-58

Features 6-11 12-16 22 24-25 26-27 28-31 32-33 34 61 62-68 70 72

RURAL TV Salute To The Kornfield EVENTS | State Fairs EVENTS | Events & Fests EVENTS | Music Fests EVENTS | Tractor Shows EVENTS | Farms Shows EVENTS | Livestock Shows EVENTS | PBR EVENTS | Equine RFD-TV Theatre Schedule FFA National Convention Recap

3 4 18 19 21 74-75 76 78-79

President’s Letter Editor’s Note What’s New | American Mountain Theater What’s New | Virginia Dreams Center Stage What’s New | The Marty Stuart Show Country Cookin’ Recipes | Catfish, Pea Salad Baxter Black | January, February, MUD! Caption Game | Viewer Mail

Departments

page

12

rfdtv.com or call 1-888-657-3388 or mail check to: PO Box 78546, Nashville, TN 37207 magazine@rfdtv.com or mail to: 1 Valmont Plaza 4th Floor, Omaha, NE 68154 patty@rfdtv.com 402-779-8103 facebook.com/rfdtv

Program News & Announcements Recurring Program Descriptions Auction Schedule RFD-TV “LIVE” & Specials 24-Hour Program Grid Weekly Highlights

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Program Spotlight

RFd TV 2012

Tournament of Roses ®

join us january 2nd

Rose Parade® Co-Host Orion Samuelson

Rose Parade® Co-Host & Equestfest Host Pam Minick

Because New Years falls on a Sunday this year, Rose Parade® tradition calls for the 2012 parade to be held on Monday, January 2, 2012. RFD-TV/RFD HD coverage will begin at 10am ET on January 2nd with a one-hour special, “The Making of the RFD-TV Happy Trails float.” Get a behind-the-scenes look at the start-to-finish process of designing, building and decorating of the RFD-TV “Happy Trials” float.

The Tournament of Roses Parade® two hour broadcast will begin at 11am ET. All three hours, including pre-parade coverage, will be hosted by Orion Samuelson and Pam Minick, with Pam providing her expert equestrian commentary. Be sure to watch for the RFD-TV “Happy Trials” float which is the final float and grand finale to the 123rd Tournament of Roses® Parade!

The RFD-TV “Happy Trials” float is designed to honor what would have been Roy Rogers 100th birthday. The float features Trigger and Bullet, Roy’s faithful companions, and Roy Rogers Jr., Dustin Rogers and their band the

“High Riders” will be on the float singing “Happy Trails” while 100 Golden Palominos lead the float down the Pasadena parade route.

RFD-TV’s live streaming feed, through The Country Club (www.rfdtv.com) will also have the broadcast, so you can watch from your computer.

RFD-TV’s Tournament of Roses® Parade coverage will be broadcast with limited commercial interruptions and will feature all of the equine groups participating in the parade, including the RFD-TV “Happy Trials” 100 Golden Palominos.

The broadcast will repeat at 6pm -9pm ET (January 2nd).

A DVD of the entire three-hour telecast, Euestfest telecast, and commemorative pin are available for those wishing to get a souvenir of this historic event. The package is only $50 + $10 s&h.

To order: visit rfdtv.com, call 1-888-657-3388 or mail a $60 check to RFD-TV 1 Valmont Plaza, Omaha, NE 68154.

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2012

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Feature Story

Focusing on the world’s most important industry Agriculture RURAL TV, the world’s first international television network devoted to all things “country”, will begin U.S. broadcast operations on February 1, 2012.

Building on the proven, 10-year track record of RFD-TV, the first television network dedicated to serving the needs and interests of rural America, RURAL TV builds on the successful programming format which combines agriculture, equine, and the western lifestyle with traditional music & entertainment into one, 24/7, high-definition channel.

Each weekday morning, Market Day Report will provide five hours of “live” news coverage of agri-business news, weather, and commodity market coverage in constantly updated half-hour wheels. This type of news reporting could be compared to CNBC, Bloomberg and Fox Business News but is focused more on the commodity markets.

Afternoons feature new opportunities for expanding the popular auction broadcasts of cattle, horses, farm equipment, and ranch real estate.

The Rural Evening News begins the primetime lineup, with dedicated news bureaus in Washington DC, Chicago, Sao Paulo, and the U.K. being the primary sources for stories. In addition, two mobile production trucks will travel around the country to rural events, conventions, farm and horse shows to cover these important gatherings for all viewers to experience. Each newscast will conclude with a “Farm Family of the Day” segment.

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The RURAL TV team is looking to partner with all rural media members along with ag associations, companies and organizations who are invited to submit video news releases and extended videos. With the launch of Market Day Report and Rural Evening News, all members of rural communities can get their stories told.

“Our news speaks to important issues including rural healthcare, education, jobs and small rural businesses,” said Patrick Gottsch, Founder and President of RFD-TV. RFD-TV was launched a little more than 11 years ago and is really four channels in one – agriculture, equine, rural lifestyle, music and entertainment. RURAL TV will offer exclusive programming but both networks will be counter programmed so that viewers can watch entire blocks of their favorite subject.

Additionally, this allows both networks’ the ability to offer new programming.

RURAL TV will bridge the gap for the world in agriculture, equine, lifestyle, music and entertainment RURAL TV DEBUTS ON DISH NETWORK RURAL TV will initially be carried by DISH Network as part of the DISH Networks’ AT 250 and Heartland packages.

“We are proud to have DISH Network be the first to launch RURAL TV, just as they were first to launch RFD-TV over 10 years ago” said Patrick Gottsch, founder and president of RFD-TV. DISH Network will continue to carry RFD-TV on channel 231 as part of its AT 200 package, and bundled with a group of family friendly channels in the Heartland package.

RURAL TV will be available for distribution to all satellite, cable and IPTV platforms worldwide. Viewers interested in receiving RURAL TV should contact their local cable or satellite provider to get RURAL TV, or go to www.ruraltv.tv for more information and sign a petition in support for carriage on their system.

rfdtv.com

Feature Story

Liz Motley

Executive Producer

Liz is an award winning TV reporter and host for local, national and international TV shows and news programs with over 20 years experience in the broadcasting and cable television industries.

A graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio, Television and Motion Pictures, Liz began her TV career through music at regional music video television station, WTMV in Lakeland, Florida as Public Service Director and part-time VJ, interviewing national recording artists.

Mark Oppold News Director

Mark is a 35-year agricultural broadcast veteran that grew up on the family farm in north-central Iowa.

Mark has worked at radio/television stations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Kansas City, Missouri before joining RFD-TV as News Director. In 2010, he was awarded the New Holland Oscar In Agriculture Award for his documentary on the floods in Tennessee.

Mark is currently the National Vice President of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB).

Scot England

Market Day Report Scott comes to RURAL TV from WAND-TV in Decatur, Illinois, where he served as weekday morning anchor.

Working in central Illinois, Scot knows first hand how important updated commodity market information, weather, and agricultural news is to producers and agri-businesses, and looks forward to sharing that expertise with RURAL TV viewers.

Amber Jenne

Remotes Reporter / Weather

Amber is a born and raised Midwest girl who had strong rural roots in her heart at an early age.

Amber received her Master’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Illinois, ChampaignUrbana, where she received high recognition for her storytelling, by the Society of Professional Journalists.

She’s worked on-air as an anchor, reporter and producer at TV stations in both Illinois and Kansas City and as an entertainment host in Los Angeles.

Patrick Haggerty

Washington, DC News Bureau Chief As a veteran Washington, DC journalist and political correspondent, Patrick B. Haggerty is the Bureau Chief for RURAL TV’s Washington, DC News Bureau.

In addition to covering Congress, the White House and Federal Agencies, he has been a frequent guest on the Larry King Show, a political news consultant to ABC Television’s Good Morning America, the Press Secretary to three Members of Congress, was an Advanceman for a US Senate campaign and was an Advisor to four Presidential campaigns.

MARKET DAY REPORT 9am-2pm Eastern Time 5 hours of “live” coverage of agri-business news, weather, and commodity market coverage in constantly updated half-hour wheels. Afternoons feature new opportunities for expanding the popular auction broadcasts of cattle, horses, farm equipment, and ranch real estate.

RURAL EVENING NEWS 7:30-8pm Eastern Time Begins the prime-time lineup, with dedicated news bureaus in Washington DC, Chicago, Sao Paulo, and the U.K. being the primary sources for stories.

RURAL TV will offer extensive “live” event coverage with reports filed from rural affiliate associations and organizations such as the American Farm Bureau, FFA, 4-H, State Farm Bureaus, Commodity Organizations, major agriculture/ equine companies and world news from our international affiliates.

Special features will include highlighting a Ranch/Farm Family of the Day, as well as covering special rural events and festivals on-location.

In addition, rural news updates, weather updates, Market Minutes, and equine news vignettes will also be featured throughout the programming.

Launching

February 1, 2012 JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2012

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Feature Story

WHETHER YOU

MOO, MÖÖ

OR MU THE RURAL LANGUAGE IS UNIVERSAL

“Rural communities around the world are connected by a shared passion for horses, music, farming practices and skills. Our programming showcases these similarities and shows us that even though we have a lot of differences between us, we are more alike than we think. After all, cows all moo in the same language.”

This is precisely the philosophy Gatsby Gottsch, Vice President of International Development, maintains when she describes the momentum behind Rural Media Group (parent company of RFD-TV and RURAL TV) and the company’s ongoing global expansions.

Rural Media Group’s programming is currently being seen in more than 45 million homes around the world.

This year Rural Media Group sent programming to Country99TV in New Zealand, Korean Horseback Riding TV (KHR-TV) in South Korea, 3NTV in Vietnam and Horse Lifestyle in Holland and Belgium.

“The Marty Show” will be headed downunder in 2012 for the first time, to the Australian-based Country Music Channel (CMC). Of the distribution deal, Mr. Stuart stated, “I first came to Australia in the early 1980s as a member of Johnny Cash’s band. I fell in love with the people and the country and I’ve always longed to go back. Perhaps The Marty Stuart Show becoming a part of the Australian airwaves is the first step toward returning.”

In addition to providing content for our global viewers, Rural Media Group will use RURAL TV to showcase foreign-produced programming, especially agribusiness news coverage.

We look forward to sharing our passion for the rural lifestyle with people from across the globe and to fill the void left by other urban-based channels.

Viewers in Holland are already enjoying Best of America by Horseback, Julie Goodnight and a selection of Rural Media Group’s best country music content.

“Europeans are very open to country music.

They like to see the traditional artists as well as the new shows like TruCountry,” says Sarah Chase, Director of International Distribution. “Bluegrass and alternative country styles can be heard much more readily now in both Western and Eastern Europe.”

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RFD-TV THE MAGAZINE

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MADE IN THE USA

?

V T L ?

A V R T U L R A T R E U G R I T O E D G I W O O D H W HO

Loyal and dedicated viewers like you make RURAL TV happen with grassroots support!

•

Contact your local cable or satellite provider and request to add RURAL TV to your channel lineup.

•

Or go to the www.ruraltv.tv to submit a request for your provider to carry RURAL TV in your area.

•

Or write to: RURAL TV 1 Valmont Plaza • 4th Floor Omaha, NE 68154

Just Ahead

It’s that easy!

Feature Story

Television for a Growing World by: Sarah Chase

RURAL TV is television for a growing world (and in more ways than one)! In its main distinction from RFD-TV, RURAL TV is about helping those of us with rural interests and country in our hearts to learn about other rural cultures at the global level. RURAL TV is the gateway to experiencing other methods, sharing time-honored ways, music, fascinating heritages and, above all, the knowledge used and shared by rural folks (just like you!) all over the world.

As a 24-hour international multimedia channel, RURAL TV already proved a massive success across the UK and Europe. Today, our programming is distributed to areas all around the globe, including Australia, South Korea and South America. As a thoroughly unique, innovative and interesting 24-hour, international, multi-media source for rural lifestyle, farming, equestrian and country music entertainment, RURAL TV is rapidly bridging both geographical and generational borders.

RURAL TV, although still in its infancy, has already hit a confident stride internationally.

When it was broadcast in the UK, the channel was widely praised for helping England’s famous Royal Bath and West Show attract more than 155,000 visitors, a near record attendance in an area badly hit by the current economic crunch. Attendance figures for the massively successful Royal Highland Show in Scotland also set records that same summer, which prompted

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rfdtv.com

Feature Story

Show Manager David Dunsmuir to say of RURAL TV: “With increased exposure on television, the show once again reinforced its position as one of Scotland’s top events. There may be a recession out there, but we are obviously offering something that’s in demand, both by the farming and the general public.”

“No other channel in the world offers such a wide variety of international programming that’s been carefully selected and tailored just for the farming, equestrian, country music and rural-lifestyles,” states Jeremiah Davis, International Program Director for the channel.

The channel strives to provide informative, timely and entertaining “Television for a Growing World.”

As Gatsby Gottsch, VP of International Development explains, “The world’s population is growing rapidly, there are now some seven billion people on this planet. We at RURAL TV feel we have the responsibility and the great task of providing content that teaches old and new methods of farming, of sustainable living and of agricultural practices, which will allow the world to grow with on the steady nourishment of knowledge.”

“RURAL TV is committed to bridging the gaps that exist between rural issues and rural entertainment,” adds Sarah Chase, Director of International Distribution.

“RURAL TV is dedicated to seeking out informative programming and content that is both useful and educational, while providing programs that offer perspective on the multifaceted and diverse sides of country living,” “A return to rural values, simpler ways, more efficient, sustainable and, above all, a more pleasant way of life is part of the appeal of RURAL TV,” notes Patrick Gottsch, President and Founder of Rural Media Group. “Regardless of where you live, there is a shared human desire to impart our time-honored traditions, heritage and our distinct rural ways to our children and others who can gain from what we’ve learned in our time.”

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What’s New

May 24, 2011

Bill Anderson, Roy Clark, Buck Trent

by: Larry Black

Two of our producers, Adam and Ian Black, were attending an event where they were recognized as being from CFR on RFD-TV. Danny Forbes, a long time HEE HAW fan, introduced himself. He was with a couple of the former HEE HAW cast members. Introductions were made. The next day Danny called Adam and asked if we had ever considered doing a tribute show.

Of course we had, but didn’t know how to reach all the cast members, who were now scattered all over the United States and Canada.

LuLu Roman, Misty Rowe, Barbi Benton, Gunilla Hutton

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RFD-TV THE MAGAZINE

Danny said he could get in contact with them if we wanted to pursue it. We hired Danny to get in touch with the former cast members to see if there was interest. The interest was overwhelming.

Gailard Sartain was recovering from

a recent surgery and couldn’t be there. Ronnie Stoneman delayed an overseas tour and Buddy Allen Owens interrupted a tour to fly to Nashville to join the Salute.

The Honeys began to gather, and other country artist were added to make the Salute all the more realistic. Roy Clark and Buck Trent renewed their “Hey Roy” routine.

The KornField came to life when these great entertainers renewed their relationships that sustained a 25 year run as cast members of the TV show HEE HAW. This is a treasure. Today it remains as one of the highest rated shows on RFD-TV. The KornField Salute is offered as a tribute to a great piece of TV history that refuses to die.

rfdtv.com

What’s New

Gordie Tapp, Ramona Jones, Roni Stoneman

George Lindsey, LuLu Roman

Gene Watson, Buddy Alan Owens

SalUuute! by: Brian Rathjen

“HEE HAW”, a mixture of music and comedy skits, was a staple of syndicated television for more than 20 years; originally, the show had aired on CBS, but was canceled in 1971 because the network thought it was “too rural.” A majority of each week’s “HEE HAW” shows included a series of skits, blackouts and corny jokes; however, the meat of the series came from its music. Each week, two or three well-established country music stars guested plus other newer and upand-coming stars. They included bluegrass, country gospel and other acts, singers and musicians popular with country audiences.

During the final segment of each show, the HEE HAW Gospel Quartet (through the mid-1980s, usually co-hosts Owens and Clark, along with Kenny Price and Grandpa Jones) performed a gospel song. The shows were taped only a few weeks out of the year.

Victoria Hallman, T. Graham Brown, Gene Watson, Mo Br andy

Hee Haw on Sundays at 8pm ET & Mondays at 10am ET

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2012

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Back Stage

What’s New

The cast and crew of HEE HAW interacted as if it was only yesterday since they were together, even though it was their first reunion in almost 20 years. The laughs, memory sharing and tears were common as most of them gathered and quickly recognized each other.

For twenty-five seasons, HEE HAW served up country music and cornball humor to American audiences.

While many elements attributed to the program’s success, a key ingredient was the talented cast.

It was amazing to join huddles of cast members and hear jokes and tales, just as if they were on camera once again. So what do these cast members remember most and what are they doing today?

Don Harron:

Don’s character, Charlie Farquharson, had some of the show’s most memorable skits. Dressed in a thread-bare sweater and frayed cap, and a ‘twoday beard,’ Farquharson is a decidedly rural Ontario farmer from near Parry Sound. He was known for giving his opinion about matters local and worldwide, using many malapropisms in the process that often resulted in both double meanings and increased satire about the events. He was also known for his loud hearty laugh “Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee!”. In addition to his television appearances, Harron published several books as the Farquharson character.

Don has also starred on Broadway, has written musicals and worked with Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.

Although he was typecast as “serious”, he knew comedy was for him. When he heard about the reunion, he canceled his trip to his 85th high school reunion so he could attend Country’s Family Reunion, and immediately wrote a skit for the show. The Reunion on Country’s Family Reunion was his last performance.

There may be more books from Don however, including one with the title “Sexty Yeers of Farquarson Around with Don Harron”. But Don’s last wish is clear in this quote; “I was born at home in bed with a naked woman, and hope to exit the same way.”

Above: Just part of the large quilt by Dolores Dinning Edgin of the Hee Haw cast

Dolores Dinning Edgin: Originally known as

a singer for the Nashville Edition, Dolores also appeared on HEE HAW as a character on the TV show “HEE HAW Honeys” as well as “The Nashville Palace.”

Dolores was often called “super stitch” by cast members because she was always sewing something on set.

One such project was a friendship quilt she worked on for the past ten years, off and on. She brought the finished piece to the reunion for the cast members to finally see the completed quilt.

She had given each cast member a 12” square of muslin to autograph, write or draw something. When she received it back, her friends would help her embroider the autographs and doodles. Some cast members, like Kenny Price (bass vocalist for the HEE HAW Gospel Quartet), really filled up their square.

Many of the squares are from cast members who have since passed away. The quilt will be displayed on her wall in her home and always hold fond memories of her days on HEE HAW and the friendships she made.

ZCharlie Farquharson

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2012

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What’s New

Gunilla Hutton:

Hutton was one of the most popular cast members, who brought to life the enduring and iconic character of Nurse Goodbody.

Lulu Roman:

People know LuLu as the most requested female cast member on HEE HAW. LuLu was born with a thyroid dysfunction in a home for unwed mothers and quickly dropped off in an orphanage. It was there that her weight problem furthered her pain, preventing her adoption and making her the center of teasing by the other children. It was also during this time that LuLu learned to use her humor as a defense.

Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, young Gunilla Hutton grew up in Texas and later in California.

Talented, beautiful, warm, versatile and charming are adjectives which really just scratch the surface when describing this performer.

At the reunion, “Nurse Goodbody” reminisced of the silly times on camera and behind the set of HEE HAW. It was a common prank for her crew members to scare her, which would leave her laughing. One time she remembers laughing so hard over someone’s antic, she dropped to her hands and knees to crawl off stage but the crew kept the camera on her anyway.

That sense of humor later evolved into a highly successful career as an actress and comedienne with a lead role on HEE HAW, including a character in the recurring skit “The Adventures of the Culhane Family”.

Returning to Nashville for the reunion made Lulu realize just how greatful she was for all the precious memories she has from HEE HAW. “It is a happy, happy, happy day! It is a culmination of a lot of dreams for many of us.” (Although the cast was large), “there were not many disagreements... each wanted the other to do well. We became such a great family”, Roman recalled.

Today Ms. Hutton doesn’t sing much, rather she spends five to six days per week doing pilates, “I love it and live it.” She’s been a physical therapist and taught pilates for 7 years. She even practiced in her hotel room when she was on the road.

Barbi Benton: Benton is known for her years as a regular on HEE HAW, appearing as herself in comic skits with other cast members.

She left the program after four seasons to concentrate on a more Hollywood-oriented career.

Benton was also a recording artist and has written hundreds of songs.

Her record “Brass Buckles” (1975) was a top five hit on Billboard’s country singles chart. Benton has recorded eight albums, the last of which she personally produced in 1979. She also composed the songs, sang them and played piano.

One of her better-known songs was “Ain’t That Just the Way” (1976), which was also a major hit for Lutricia McNeal in 1996, and was recorded by the Dutch singer Patricia Paay under the title Poor Jeremy in 1977.

One of the funniest memories she has from being on the set of HEE HAW, was of Beauregard (the 2nd of 4 dogs to grace HEE HAW over the years).

Often times while she and other cast members were sitting in the cornfield, clapping along to a performance, Beauregard would break wind, leaving them trapped and on camera!

Barbi also told of her love for steak. She and Mary Anne Rogers, Misti, Jon Hagers and Jim Hagers would go out every night for rib-eyes. In fact, the first night she got to town for the reunion in Nashville, she went out for a steak for old times’ sake!

She recalls how spiritual Jon and Lisa Todd (cast as “Sunshine Cornsilk”) were and they would all work dinner around the two’s prayer schedule. “Lisa swore prayer is what got her on HEE HAW and kept her on”, said Barbi.

Barbi later became an interior designer and is still an active pianist.

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RFD-TV THE MAGAZINE

Lulu still travels and performs as a singer of Southern Gospel music, and has recorded several albums. In 1999 Lulu Roman was inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame with fellow artists Andy Griffith, Barbara Mandrell, David L. Cook, Gary S. Paxton, Loretta Lynn, Jimmy Snow and Jody Miller.

Country’s Family Reunion on Fridays 8pm ET, Saturdays 6am & 12 midnight ET

Special thanks to Gabriel Communications for making the Salute To The Kornfield possible.

Gabriel Communications, Inc Gabriel Entertainment PO Box 210483 Nashville, TN 37221 615-673-2846 gabrielcommunications.com rfdtv.com

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What’s New

Freshest Sound in the Mountains West Virginia is known as “Almost Heaven,” and RFD-TV viewers will soon have the opportunity to hear at least one reason why. The American Mountain Theater, known as “The Freshest Sound in the Mountains,” will bring its music and comedy variety show performances to the network beginning in January 2012.

AMT shows are, at the same time, universally appealing and uniquely West Virginian.

Viewers will enjoy a wide variety of music and comedy performances during each 30-minute production, with special shows carrying Gospel and Christmas themes.

Shows will come from four different AMT performances: • The cast’s “2-Hour Premier Show” is its signature, with a wide variety of country, popular and Gospel musical selections plus impersonations and comedy sketches.

• A special “History of American Music” show takes people from the golden age of jazz through the popular hits of today, with a stop for disco in between.

• Some of the country’s biggest acts perform as part of AMT’s increasingly popular Southern Gospel series, so look “We’re incredibly pleased to bring our family- for inspirational performances from these focused show to one of America’s great cable groups during the year. networks,” AMT President and Producer Kenny Sexton said. “People from around the • The AMT Christmas Spectacular reminds country have discovered our mountain jewel people about the real reason for the in Randolph County, West Virginia, and this is season, with traditional Christmas favorites a great way to share our talents with a much interspersed with the message about the birth of Jesus Christ. larger audience.”

American

Mountain Theater on

All shows emanate from AMT’s 527-seat facility in the historic Elkins Rail Yard.

Performances include toe-tapping, up-tempo music, hilarious comedy sketches, first-class impersonations and inspirational ballads and patriotic tunes.

AMT made its debut in Elkins just five years ago and, much like RFD-TV, has experienced tremendous growth in a short time. More than 35,000 people will attend this year’s shows, with visitors coming from 43 states and 12 foreign countries during AMT’s history.

Whether you like country, bluegrass, pop or gospel, the family-friendly show has something for you. You also might see a special guest such as “Mick Jagger” or “Johnny Cash” show up to do a favorite song.

“Until now people have come to us in Elkins, and now we’re excited to take our show to a mass audience,” Sexton said. “We know folks around the country will enjoy it on RFDTV as much as those in our audience have, and hope some of our new viewers will even come to visit us in West Virginia.”

Sundays 7:00pm Thursdays 6:00pm All times Eastern

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For more information and details about the shows visit: www.rfdtv.com or www.americanmountaintheater.com.

RFD-TV THE MAGAZINE

rfdtv.com

What’s New

DREAMS TAKES

Co Host: Lisa Meadows

Center Stage

country-music

T

he country-music TV show Virginia Dreams Center Stage is now marking the start of its Center fourth season by debuting on RFD-TV. The vision of founders Nelson and Rose Swartz, Virginia Dreams Center Stage features a mix of local performers and a host of Nashville stars. The show consists of a wide variety of music, country, gospel, bluegrass and original.

It also takes on mostly the positive side of music with the show’s regular cast, which includes Lisa Meadows, Tim Spears and the youngest member, Emma Leigh.

Meadows’ music consists mostly of the classic country, including covers of Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and Connie Smith hits. She does a lot of gospel, as that is what’s in her heart. Her last two CDs showcase her talents in both of these areas.

Spears, the male vocalist on the show, has been performing since the age of 12.

Spears, who writes, produces and sings all of his songs, has won the praise from many country superstars for his abilities in these three categories.

Spears has also worked with underprivileged children at Christmas for the last 30 years. The Tim Spears Christmas Fund has raised more than $300,000 to provide Christmas gifts for local children.

Leigh, a solid 14-year-old country performer, has a voice beyond her years.

She has traveled the world building a career as big as any teenager could imagine.

The talent absolutely does not stop there. Some very important members on stage and behind the scenes include The Band - Pat Burr, lead guitar, Kevin Hinkle, drums, William Hayes, piano, Robby Meadows, band leader and bass player -and set director - Tammy Hemp.

The founders, Nelson and Rose Swartz, the owners of the Harrisonburg (Va.) Auto Mall, are not new to the countrymusic scene by any stretch of the imagination. Rose’s father was a lead guitarist and directed country-music bands in the Shenandoah Valley for years. His talents appeared on many local radio stations, most of these years, as Saturday-morning listeners got their coffee and warmed up the radio tubes.

Rose also had a dear friend that made a name for himself in the business, Conway Twitty. Rose does a lot of the commercials and intros for the show and their five auto dealerships.

Nelson admits that he is the greatest country-music listener in the world.

His mother, Naomi McDorman Swartz, one of his greatest influences in his life, played guitar and harmonica with the best of them.

Every time the show visits a new town with their large cast and crew, they leave with an enormous amount of new friends and fans. For those of you that want to go to Nashville and haven’t yet, it’s our “Virginia Dream” to bring Nashville to you!

Emma Leigh

Co Host: Tim Spears

Virginia Dreams Center Stage on

Sundays 7:30pm Thursdays 6:30pm All times Eastern

virginiadreamscenterstage.com facebook/virginiadreamscenterstage JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2012

19

Find Your True Towns Ghost towns like Rodney, where a Civil War cannonball rests in the wall of a deserted church.

Historic towns like Natchez, the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi River.

Towns with interesting names like D’Lo, Soso, Panther Burn and Hot Coffee. Towns like Oxford, Ocean Springs, Vicksburg, Columbus and Hattiesburg where locals and visitors alike are having the time of their lives at great bookstores, fabulous restaurants and unique shops. There’s no other place that embodies the heart and soul of the True South in all its rich and varied expressions–Mississippi. Find Your True South.

Oxford Square

V i s i t M i s s i s s i p p i . o r g • 1. 8 6 6 . S E E M I S S

What’s New

Marty’s 4th Season

Season 4 Guests

Superlatives: Jan 7 Cast Show: Jan 14 Don Maddox, Maddox Bros & Rose: Jan 21 Glen Campbell: Jan 28 John D Loudermilk: Feb 4 Connie Smith: Feb 11 Stuart Duncan: Feb 18 Tanya Tucker: Feb 25 Bobby Bare: Mar 3 Justin Townes Earle: Mar 10 Martina McBride: May (TBD) Merle Haggard: May (TBD)

In addition to being one of Country music’s most historically minded “new” traditionalists, Marty is also one of the most eclectic as he moves between honky-tonk, rockabilly, country-rock, traditional country, and bluegrass.

He is an accomplished artist, performer, producer, writer, and photo-journalist.

He grew up with the legendary Lester Flatt, played with master fiddler Vassar Clements, master guitar player Doc Watson, and became a member of Johnny Cash’s band in 1980. Now all of Marty’s experiences in life come together in a radio show, only on Sirius XM. Marty Stuart’s American Odyssey tells the story of country music set to song, mixing country, blues, rock, and Native American music in a way only Marty can.

Country Music Icon Marty Stuart will return for Season 4 of The Marty

Stuart Show on RFD-TV. The 30-minute episodes, hosted and produced by Stuart will be a part of RFD-TV’s Saturday night prime time lineup.

Each show will feature music by Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, as well as his wife, Country Queen Connie Smith, and performance segments from the best that country music and American music has to offer. Radio personality Eddie Stubbs will continue to serve as the show’s announcer and Stuart’s sidekick on every episode.

The Marty Stuart Show on Saturdays at 8pm, Mondays at 3pm, Tuesdays at 1am & Sundays at 10am ET

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2012

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