The Saturday Night Annex
Posted at 4:59 AM on January 9, 2009
by Dale Connelly
(60 Comments)
Radio Heartland Enterprises, an online and digital radio start-up, is expanding its already global reach with a new initiative that will cover two hours of broadcast time, from 9 to 11 p.m., on MPR's news and information network every Saturday night.
I'm delighted to have this more traditional broadcasting opportunity", said RH CEO and former Morning Show co-host Dale Connelly. "My mother thinks I retired along with Jim Ed because she can't hear me anymore on her 1947 Philco. Having this gig on MPR news every Saturday night means she can stop asking what I do with all my free time."
The Saturday night broadcast will be called "Radio Heartland with Dale Connelly".
It will be different from the 24 hour service known as "Radio Heartland" in that it is one twelfth the size of the original, with a name that is more than twice as long.
"Because it is on MPR's news service, RH w/DC will seem more important than ordinary RH", said producer Mike Pengra. "There will be a lot of extra tension in the broadcast that comes from the knowledge that any major news event occurring anywhere in the world could knock this program off the air in an instant."
Long time listeners of Radio Heartland may rightly ask how the addition of this new obligation will effect the eclectic music service they have come to rely on.
"I have no idea," said Connelly, evasively. "It's true, a number of our listeners have been with us from the very beginning, and when something has been part of your life, day in and day out, for three whole weeks ... naturally you worry when there are changes."
During the broadcast of "Radio Heartland with Dale Connelly" on MPR News, "Radio Heartland without Dale Connelly" will continue at it's usual location at radioheartland.org and 91.1 HD2 KNOW, under the direction of a computer named Jasper.
"Dale will be going head - to - circuit board with Jasper on Saturday nights," observed Pengra. "They've had a good relationship to this point, though there's been some muttering. I don't expect problems, since they still have to work together the rest of the week."
First week's RH w/ DC will include a visit with Brass Kings front man Steve Kaul, and a bevy of songs about wild behavior on Saturday night.
"After this first one, I'm at a loss," said Connelly. "Maybe our blog readers will have a few ideas I can steal."
Comments (60)
It has to be exciting to have the opportunity for the Sat show! We just hope it doesn't replace the weekday show!
I love the Brass Kings. They are a visual experience and are a must see if listeners have only heard them on the radio. The wash tub base just isn't the same if you can't see it. :-)
I am laughing, I can't wait to tune in on Saturday nights, it sounds great. Watching Radio Heartland evolve is a great experience.
Dale the part about your Mom is especially funny.
Looking forward......
Cool! Gives me something to tune in to after a writers night or when I am preparing my own Sunday morning radio show. Congrats!
Ha! Best press release ever. What a dilemma for my Saturday nights: RH w/ DC on KNOW, or RH w/o DC on the usual streaming service.
That's way too much thinking for a weekend night :)
Greetings Heartlanders:
Loved the press release from RH Enterprises -- what a great addition to the schedule. I just hope this isn't too much of an imposition on Dale's (and Mike's) time.
Of course, we welcome more opportunities to hear Dale Connelly more often and having interviews with musical guests sounds like fun. Will you be in the studio or on location at their concert or something? Man-on-the street interviews? You could be the Brian Newhouse of Radio Heartland, broadcasting from musical venues, giving us a visual explanation of the goings-on.
Will be tuning in ...
Joanne J
I'm laughing and smiling and just shaking my head. It's great to wake up to your great humor. Congratulations on your new show! Glad you will get out to a larger audience.
Now Saturday, for when I fall asleep in bed reading, I can set my alarm (which is on 91.1 regular) for 9pm, and wake up to RH.
Sitting here in my pjs laughing. You guys are the best. Are you sure it's okay to be up that late on Saturday night? Tell your mom she raised a son with the greatest sense of humor ever!
Good Morning Friends,
This is an astounding development. (I'm trying to sound sophisticated after the doot de-doot post a couple of days back.)
Congratulations Dale. Saturday nights will be better than ever.
To Joanne in Big Lake - that was a fine piece of writing you submitted yesterday. It made me realize I'm even more special than I was aware of!
Wahoo! It's great to hear Huun Hur Tu! I've been hopping you'd branch out into some of the strange stuff - the song you played was a good bridge. And then the great switch to the throat singing cowboy! I love it!
Congrats on the Saturday show! Please don't loose the morning show. It remains on of my parenting tools to share with my daughter at breakfast and in the car on the way to school.
Yeah! Ondar's "Good Horses" - i love throat singing! have been practicing in the barn but it spooks the goats. and it's pretty hard on the throat.
we watched a Netflix movie "Genghis Blues" - maybe you've heard of it already - but wanted to tell you throat singer fans that it is very good. it's about a man (sight-impaired) who goes to Tuva for the throat singing competition.
Thanks, Dale and Mike, for including throat singers in your lineup!
very pleased to know you will be on saturday nights; unfortunately i work sat. nites
can i listen on my computer when i get home at midnight?
also, would love to hear Hard Love sometime soon
Morning show heaven! I've been surfing on a wave of relevant absurdity! Ondar (not Huun Hur Tu...oops) to a throat singing cowboy to and Elvis song in a Reggae beat done by someone named "Slim" ...pure genius!
Dale and Mike - keep it rolling, I'm listening and loving!
Barb...thanks for the pointer on Genghis Blues - I just put on top of my queue. I'm getting better at my throat singing, but it only happens in the appropriate acoustic environment (solo) of my Subaru on the way to work.
Thanks for playing the special music for our anniversary. Paul and I were eating our breakfast when the songs came on. Your music choice was great! Deb
Donna:
Actually, I thought your doot-de-doot post was quite articulate for describing how a song sounds in a verbal mode -- and it worked! Dale and Mike were able to find the song, correct?
Thanks for the feedback on my post -- I got a little carried away once I got started.
Your Friend in RH,
Joanne J
I'm so glad to hear about the Saturday show. Such a good idea.
Wouldn't it be nice if Common Good Books sponsored Radio Hearland? I think it would be a great match.
It will also be nice to have membership gifts from Radio Heartland. I'll need a new cup, umbrella, shirt, tote bag, something with jasper and a heart, etc.
So, "Shame on you" is playing right after my song? Are you telling me something for adding that "I'd tried to request songs 3 days this week without hearing any?" I get it, you're so busy you have to add another night to your show. Thanks for the quick response today. Happy friday. See ya tomorrow night!
Congradulations to you, Dale, on your new show. I checked to see what has happened to the programing that I listened to at the time you will be boardcasting, The Jazz Connection, and this show has been canceled.
I'm sure you had nothing to do with canceling The Jazz Connection. I think MPR should have more Jazz programing and by canceling The Jazz Connection, I believe there will be much less coverage of Jazz.
This is really something ithat's the responsiblity of MPR management and not you, Dale, in my opinion. You are to be congradulated, as far as I'm concerned, for the good variety of music you present which wouldn't be available on MPR without the effort you have put into keeping this kind of programing alive.
American Routes followed by Radio Heartland... two good reasons not to lament staying home on a Saturday night!
Since you extended an invitation for ideas, one artist I don't think I have ever heard on The Morning Show or Radio Heartland (whose work would fit in quite nicely) is singer songwriter Kelly Willis. Another artist that I would love to hear on the new Saturday night programming is the venerable bluesman Son House.
Nice blog entry. :-)
Weekend Suggestion -
I had a weekend topic idea after reading your funny press release - this show will come on right after American Routes (another show I try not to miss) which tends to trace the musical paths originating from the bottom end of Mississippi. You could do a show from the other end - tracing accoustic music from the source of the Mississippi - the Heartland...then branch around to other "Midwest" regional sounds on subsequent shows.
Also, I've been hankering to hear some Sea Shanties...if you could find them about paddle boats on the river, better yet!
How about Tom Waits' "Heart of a Saturday Night" for your theme song?
Gail in Wisconsin: Great idea!
Any know about the viability of HD reception down here in Northfield?
I second Elinor's request for Son House music! Saturday night or any morning!
Good morning, elinor. Your recommendation of Son House is great, too!
Morning Heartlanders. Great news to hear about Step 2 on the road to Heartland World Domination! Now if I can only figure out how to get my new HD radio over to MPR News on Saturday nights and then back to HD on Sunday morning!
And for you, Donna... I also loved your doot-de-doot. I love knowing that I'm not the only slightly off beat one out here. I'm still reeling over admitting to the Susie Little Susie goose song earlier in the week!
I am overcome. Having Heartland on my work computer every day has brought a higher quality to my existence. That alone is reason to celebrate.
And now, and now I find out that while my husband and I are returning to the prairie Saturday night from presenting a workshop on passive solar greenhouses in St. Paul that we will be rewarded with a Heartland live broadcast to ease our way on the snowy road home? How much happiness can one farmer stand?
I don't know how this good fortune for us all came to be, but it's the closest thing to group lottery win I've ever experienced. Well, guess I haven't experienced it yet, but the very anticipation is a natural high.
Glad, so glad am I for your deserved success. But no more good news for a while, Dale. I might explode from joy.
Hmmm, so we're losing 'The Jazz Connection' and gaining 'RH w/ DC'?
*sigh*....... Why must life always be about choices and compromise?!
Down here in Rochester there is no other Jazz programming outside of the internet realm...yet another reason I love driving 'Up North' to the TC area is so I can listen to that other station with Jazz programming...
Welcome to Saturday nights Dale... Farewell Maryann!
While I'm happy to hear you'll be on Saturday nights, Dale, I can't help but wonder about the time slot. MPR puts programs on at the weirdest times. I'm up at 6 a.m. on a Sunday morning, but I don't want to listen to The Splendid Table. When Speaking of Faith is on, many of us are at church. Car Talk gets the best slots, both on Saturday and Sunday, but a lot of us are pretty tired of their predicable schtick. Their show would be better off in the evening, when guys are out in their shops working on their cars. Or cancelled.
And on Saturday night, when I'm a captive audience in the kitchen, listening to the radio, what are my choices? Prairie Home Companion and guess what else? Prairie Home Companion.(Frankly, I've had enough of GK's singing to last a lifetime.) I'd much rather have your two hours then, at a prime time slot. )
For me, Saturday night is for watching a movie or reading in bed or sleeping. I'll make a point of listening to your show only because I like you. Maybe if enough of us listen and tell MPR how much we like your show, they'll give up one of PHC's TWO slots on Saturday to you and yours.
Wow...I haven't really gotten used to life without Leigh Kamman, so to have a new old familiar will be, well, just another reason to relish being home on a Saturday night. And perfect timing, too...coming after programming on 88.5, Sinatra for an hour at 7, and then Arne's Bing Shift. Dale and Mike, thank you SO much for your care and diligence in finding any and all ways possible to feed our insatiable cravings for the music and format we have all loved for so long.
Ken,
I'm a student in Northfield (Um Ya Ya!), and my HD radio works just fine here. In fact, I'm using it to listen to RH as I write this.
I'm thrilled to hear that Dale will be on the radio Saturday nights! I bought an HD radio just to be able to listen to RH w/DC when I wake up in the mornings. For about two weeks without the Morning Show my start to the day was very depressing. Now things are looking up more than ever.
I must say that Dale sounds a bit lonely by himself on the show--because he keeps having conversations with all of us out here in radioland. I hope he finds a new co-host sometime (not a replacement for Jim Ed because that's clearly impossible!).
In the meantime, keep playing all that wonderful and wacky music.
Just an elbow to the DJ that the streaming internet is cutting out a lot -- and right during that incredible version of "Rubber Ducky" during the rebroadcast.
A little Jasper trouble? Just FYI .,...
I thought Dale did great interviews w/ live musicians back on The Morning Show. How about each week having "Radio Heartland" type performer on and do a hybrid interview/concert? If there was enough turn around time you could even do them live from the Fitz.
Dear Dale,
Reading the Press Release, and laughing hysterically, made me remember what I always liked the very most about the Morning Show - your incredible sense of humor. And, of course, Jim Ed was the perfect vehicle to transport it to our funny bones. I would always be heartbroken to realize I had gotten up too late (or was in the shower) and missed Captain Billy, or Bubby, or Bart; such a long list. So, I hope that you can find a way (without putting too much pressure on - I'm sure you've enjoyed the break) to tickle our funny bones a bit more. Please.
I have greatly enjoyed the selections Dale has made on his program and like listening to RH any time I am at a computer or near my HD radio. My suggestion is that the Saturday night program be devoted to jazz, since there is no longer any jazz programming on MPR except the selections Dale plays on his show and RH. Jazz developed through the coming together of a number of American root music forms. It needs and deserves our support as a uniquely American form of music.
The Saturday program could feature artists who are coming to Minnesota to perform or who have recently performed so listeners could hear and perhaps attend the upcoming perfomances or support the artists by purchasing their music.
We also have an outstanding community of exceptional jazz artists living in Minnesota and much could be made of featuring their music and letting the world know how good they are.
Thanks for all these suggestions, everyone.
I believe we will include Tom Waits doing "The Heart of Saturday Night" as part of the mix this weekend (thanks Gail and Elinor), along with a collection of other oddball Saturday-night-related tunes.
And thanks, Wallj, I do like to do interviews. In fact, Steve Kaul of the Brass Kings will join me in the studio for part of the show this Saturday night.
I agree with those lamenting the loss of "The Jazz Connection." I'm a Maryann Sullivan fan and would not have made this change, had it been my decision. All we can do at this point is make the best of a sad situation.
While I'm just as excited as the rest of you to be able to hear Dale on Saturday nights, I can't help but feel a little guilty - we'll all be cozied up at home with our snacks and libations and down comforters, and poor Dale will be at work! Is there anything we can do to assuage the bummer of working on the weekend? I'm sure the Twin Cities folks could figure out a schedule for delivering home-baked treats or having a pizza sent over to the station or something...
I will miss the first broadcast tomorrow night as we will be visiting relatives in Duhloot (or Duluth, if you prefer). Wish you the best in the first broadcast and hope to hear it live soon!
Also wanted to mention that we installed a new Sony HD radio in our kitchen the last week of the Morning Show and it, too, "hiccups" at times during broadcasting-- short periods of silence- just like Joanne in Big Lake was mentioning. Does Jasper fall asleep for a few moments and then wake up to continue his job? Any explanation for this? Thanks!
We are enjoying having a bit more variety on the program, more like what we've been spoiled by on the Morning Show over the years.
Great news about Sat eves and RH!
I caught the song "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" by Noel Coward this morning. I wonder if we could hear another song by him which displays his wonderful singing voice to a little more advantage. I had heard it on the LGMS, and I think it is called "The 20th Century Blues". Just as Fred Astaire is known more for his dancing than for his singing, I think Coward is known more for his humor than his singing, which is a great loss, in my 'umble opinion.
Any chance this song could be slipped by Jasper on Monday, Jan 12 around 8am? I've heard that Jasper thinks he is at least as sophisticated and witty as Noel Coward, and may not take the overt programming of Coward's music well.
It will be strange to not have Saturday night jazz, but this is a fine alternative.
On another note, I'm not sure if wrote this in yet or just have been thinking about writing it: I'd love to hear some Great Big Sea thrown into Jasper's (and Dale's) playlists. My understanding of Newfoundland has grown exponentially since first hearing their music several years ago.
Keep up the great work in the heartland.
Lora, thanks for the sympathy, but I don't deserve it.
The Saturday night show is recorded.
I won't be within ten miles of the station that night.
There are a lot of people at MPR who work very, very hard, but I am not one of them. And even when I am working ... it's a series of simple, enjoyable, indoor tasks and there is nothing at all to complain about.
However, it is also true that every job is more fun when somebody brings donuts.
What is all this root music Dale keeps talking about? I assumed it was because Jasper and Dale were going to play the little potato song a lot, but I haven't heard it once on Radio Heartland.
Lora,
I had the same thoughts. I don't care how much you love your job ... "8 days a week" is too much. I'm happy to hear that the Sat show is prerecorded! Looking forward to listening!
I have a new 2009/20010 prediction. Heartland Radio will swap places with The Current. :-)
We plugged in our HD radio last night and are thrilled. It's great to have RH (w or w/o DC) on demand 24 hours a day, but we're also enjoying the other HD offerings from MPR. And I think my husband is relieved that I am no longer carrying my laptop from room to room, like a security blanket.
I'm in serious withdrawal not having Dale and Jim Ed to wake up to! I can't wait to tune in this evening. I have to say this - what was 89.3 thinking?? Golly, you guys were the best thing they ever had!
Debra
I'm also still in withdrawal because I miss Dale and Jim Ed's Morning Show. Along with Debra, I wonder why the many "Morning Show" listeners were relegated to Cinderella status by this decision of MPR.
Yeah!!!! Always good to have great music while finishing house projects on a Saturday night. Thank you so much!!
And hey Gail in WI, are you an English teacher in a little town outside of Madison?
Hey, Kimberly,
Nope, I'm not a teacher outside of Madison. But I always wanted to be a teacher - used to love playing "school" (dressed up like a nun!). I live closer to the Twin Cities. Did you think you had met me before? Just wondering. Take care.
Read the "press release" and did the Snoopy dance, then promptly forgot about it through the rest of Saturday... until about 8:55pm. I think my heart stopped for a few seconds until I looked at a clock and realized I hadn't missed anything.
Listening to Tom Waits now :)
How do I find the playlist for the Saturday slot? Not terribly well-versed with the MPR News site map...
Thanks Dale! Very glad to hear that you aren't physically at work between 9 to 11 on Saturday nights!
The extended selection of music now broadcast 24/7 on Radio Heartland is very, very interesting and fun. This evolving project is moving along fast and perhaps a abit chaotically. To take away The Jazz Connection (3 hours) and replace it with P H. (2 hours) is programming I just fail to see the rational for. To kick Jazz off of MPR after only about 40 years and then fill the time with only 2/3 of a replacement program is so half hearted and lilly livered it's rather breathtaking. And what of the folks like myself who happened to enjoy the Jazz that was broadcast Saturday nights on MPR? Shit out of luck I guess. Well, I'll just shut up and fork over the cash. That's all that's required anyway, right? Opinions cheerfully ignored...
Last night's show was a sure treat to my ears! I hope the station can support both Radio Heartland and The Jazz Connection. I would not like to have to choose between the 2 shows, so I won't........
Boy, you miss one morning of RH on Friday and end up losing out on a Saturday night extravaganza... Am excited to know about the new show (and that Mike and Dale aren't really on site), but am sad to have missed it. Any chance it could be put up as a weekly podcast? Just think, to be able to walk my laps to both Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me AND a 2 hour radio Heartland weekly special!
tee hee, great, 'o boy, another 2 hours of jangly marginal folky music and yuks. What happened to just a few hours of Jazz? Doubtless Leigh has been hard to replace but surely someone out there can spin some nice tunes before the dread BBC robot wastes the rest of the night on rugby and cricket news.
Seriously, the inspiration for "My 'Ol Pal Smokey" (an original
composition), and I remember Muntz TVs jokes is not very interesting. MPR has become a Saturday Night Wasteland.
Great show last night, Dale and Mike (and JASPER)!
To those of you lamenting the loss of the Jazz Connection, yes, it is unfortunate that it's no longer on the air, but I'm sure that Dale and the RH crew didn't ask to take over its spot. You don't have to like what they do, but you also don't have to insult it. Perhaps your comments would be better directed to the customer service department of MPR, rather than this blog? There's a 'contact us' link at the bottom of this very page. We loyal readers of Dale's blog like to keep a positive atmosphere going. Thanks in advance for respecting that.
See Dale's post of January 9, 2009 at 11:55 am.
Direct Quote:
" I'm a Maryann Sullivan fan and would not have made this change, had it been my decision. All we can do at this point is make the best of a sad situation. "
Right you are Carol S. There is no need for nastiness or negativity here. Up With People! People with complaints or negative comments should speak with their customer service representative, or write a letter to the editor or something. As for me, I could listen to the Radio Heartland gang 24/7, the more obsolete appliance gags, sound effects etc. the better. Personally I could never understand jazz and always felt a bit depressed after listening to it.
Great job to Dale and company! One thing for the "Wish List"
how about some good 'ol Cowboy Music, yipeeeeee.
A nudge to Jasper: the song "City on Fire" by Ellis had very poor quality - stuttering, skipping, etc. The quality improved and seemed to get back on track with the next recording: " You Can't Win" by James Hunter. All of this occurred between about 8:05 to 8:12 pm on Sunday 1/11/09 .
Congratulations, Dale, on your new radio show! I missed your show last Saturday but look forward to listening to it in the future. The time and the day of the week are perfect. This tells a lot about my social life but I love to stay at home on Saturday night when everyone else is fighting the crowds in the restaurants and bars. Your show will be the star of a relaxing Saturday night.
I hope that Jasper was in a good mood Monday morning and did not give you an ERROR message. It must have been hard to choose between hosting a new show, which competes with Jasper, and being able to let your mom know that you are still employed. I am thinking that Jasper is a good sport and realizes that mothers must be placated for the good of everyone involved. I am sure that Jasper would do the same for its mother wherever she is …. or they are.
Checking in to see what I missed last week - I missed a lot! 9 pm is usually my bedtime, but now I'll make a point of going to bed at 9 and listening to the new show while I fall asleep.
I would also be interested in more artist interviews and podcasts of the show.
Just want to say that I am very grateful that MPR found a place for Dale and this wonderfully diverse, quirky, surprising, sometimes great music. What I miss is the interplay between Jim Ed and Dale, so I would love it if he had some guest hosts on with him from time to time. Dave Moore's son...can't think of his name...was just one of the entertaining co-hosts I remember from past Morning Shows. It sounds like the Saturday night show might have some interviews and live music? I'm on pins and needles, waiting for next Saturday night!
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