The story presents a fictionalized origin of the popular radio series National Barn Dance, which aired from 1924 to 1968.
In Chicago, Johnny Burke pitches an idea to the Mitcham Advertising Agency: use a hillbilly group from Midvale to promote Garvey Soup on the radio. Mitcham throws Johnny out, but the determined promoter travels south to Midvale to recruit talent.
Johnny attends a barn dance in Midvale, and meets a group of performers: Lulu Belle and Scotty, Joe Kelly, Pat Buttram, the Dinning Sisters, and the Hoosier Hot Shots. Pretending to be Mitcham's employee, he signs them all to a contract.
Johnny returns to Chicago with the performers, but Mitcham isn't interested in hillbilly music. Johnny comes up with a scheme: pose as servants in Mitcham's house, and play music during a dinner party with the Garveys. The plan works: Mrs. Garvey is delighted with the music, and tells Mitcham to hire the performers.
