I thought it would be like that, too, when I came to WV. I met a lot of ppl that fit into your description perfectly of the die-hard fans of any particular genre. All they wanted was what they already knew & heard to death.
After stumbling around for awhile, I found a great open mic, played my songs & got good responses. Then things got better, my confidence grew, & I actually made a pretty good living at it for a bit. I figure $700-$800 a week, back in '93, was pretty good, anyway, for a solo guy out here in the wastelands of the music scene.
I met a lot of good ppl who are great players at these things, & have started up a few bands, too.
Good luck.