Branson Ready to Welcome Veterans

The Tri-Lakes Area is just one week away from the nation’s largest celebration of the contributions of America’s veterans.

“This is just a wonderful week for veterans and their families,” said Branson Veterans Task Force board member Tom Goldsworthy. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world to be a part of remembering veterans.”

“A Veterans Homecoming,” Branson’s week-long celebration, will engulf the Branson area from Nov. 5-11, and will include numerous special events and recognition for America’s heroes.

“This is one of my favorite times of the year,” said Marlyce Stockinger, who helped organize veterans events for several years. “This gives us a chance to really say ‘thank you’ to the veterans. They need to know how much they mean to us and that we appreciate everything they have done for our freedom.”

This year’s veterans activities begin at 10 a.m. Nov. 5 at the Welk Resort Center for the opening of the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial — a scaled-down replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall that stands in Washington D.C.

The official opening ceremonies for A Veterans Homecoming will be at 2 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Mansion Entertainment and Media Center.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Legends in Concert Announces Theater Change in 2009

Celebrated tribute artist production ‘Legends in Concert’ announced today that they have signed a multi-year, multi-dimensional agreement with GEP, Inc., the owner of the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater, becoming its resident headline entertainment attraction commencing in 2009.

"Legends has enjoyed tremendous success in the Branson market since 1996,” said Jeannie Horton, General Manager for Legends in Concert. “This new theater will allow the introduction of many exciting enhancements to our production that both our loyal Legends fans and new guests are certain to enjoy. We look forward to an even brighter future as our show moves to this fabulous new entertainment facility, a true state-of-the-art venue.”

The ultimate Branson rock and roll complex, the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater boasts over 900 seats, yet its innovative design creates an intimate concert space with great sight lines to the stage, cushy comfortable seats with generous leg room, a dance floor, spectacular projection screens and fascinating memorabilia recalling the historic roots of rock ‘n’ roll and country music. “Legends” will perform daily at the Theater at 3:00pm and 8:00pm, except Wednesdays.

The specific performer line-up and the announcement of the morning show for 2009, will be released by the company in the coming weeks. Current “Legends” performances will continue as scheduled through December 31, 2008 at The Legends Family Theater, including its traditional holiday themed version and New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, both long-time Branson favorites.

"It has been our privilege and pleasure to showcase such enormously talented tribute artists and provide family-oriented, value-priced, high quality live musical entertainment in Branson for the past 13 years,” said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer for "Legends" producer On Stage Entertainment. “We are honored to join forces with Glenn Patch, GEP’s founder, visionary entrepreneur and revered Branson developer, and we are looking forward to working closely with his team to mutually benefit our respective business interests and shared commitment to the Branson marketplace."

“Many years ago, when we conceived the idea of building and operating this complex, we knew it was essential to recruit a truly world class live music production show, to be the signature entertainment for our guests,” said Glenn Patch. “I am delighted Legends in Concert has selected our theater and warmly welcome them to their new Branson home; it’s the perfect fit and will complete the experience for our patrons that we envisioned. We look forward to a fruitful long- term partnership with this outstanding attraction.”

“As the developer of Branson’s premium recreation facilities including the country's only Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater and Grill, a 30,000 square foot museum featuring one of the finest collections of pristine American-made automobiles from the year 1957 and an extensive collection of period memorabilia, we knew we had to have the very best live entertainment for our visitors,” said Tim Mahoney, President of GEP, Inc. “We are very pleased that Legends in Concert has selected our facility for their future; given how complimentary we know their special brand of entertainment is to all our activities in this market, we are committed to their continued success in Branson.”

Information courtesy of Legends in Concert

Holiday Light Displays Bring Christmas Spirit to Branson

Soon, the Tri-Lakes Area will be awash in brightly colored Christmas light displays.

One of the centerpieces of the area’s holiday lights celebration is the Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through.

“We are very excited about this year’s display,” said Kathleen Bullock, director of tourism development for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

The drive-through display, which is open from Nov. 1-Dec. 31, is located at Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Expressway Lane in Branson.

Bullock said the mile-long drive-through boasts more than 230 separate displays with more than 1 million lights.

“This is definitely something different, this year,” she said. “About 95 percent of the displays are new. It is really something to see.”

The display is open from dusk until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from dusk until midnight on Friday and Saturday.

There are also three other major holiday lights displays.

• Trail of Lights — The Trail of Lights, which runs from Nov. 1-Dec. 31, is a drive-through animation display that will carry you into the very heart of Christmas.

The trail winds its way through the historic 160-acre Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, and will take you down the famous “Trail That Nobody Knows How Old” into a holiday wonderland.

The trail also includes millions of multi-colored Christmas lights.

• Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City — This annual event, which runs from Nov. -Dec. 30, has been named one of the top 10 places in the country to have a bright Christmas by USA Today and the A&E Network.

Along with the millions of lights all over the park, this celebration features the five-story special effects Christmas Tree, adorned with more than 250,000 lights coordinated to blaze to the musical movements of Christmas songs. Families will also love the Holiday Light Parade.

• The Enchanted Forest — Located at the U.S Army Corps of Engineers Campground on Indian Point Road in Stone County, the Enchanted Forest drive-through holiday light display is made up of more than 500,000 lights.

It is scheduled to be open from Nov. 10-Dec. 31.

There is no admission fee for this display, which will be open from dusk to midnight each day.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Branson's Holiday Promenade of Stars Parade set for November 1st

Ozark Mountain Christmas is right around the corner.

The Holiday Promenade of Stars Parade, set for Nov. 1 at Branson Landing, will mark the kick-off for Ozark Mountain Christmas.

The event, the first of the 2008 festivities for Ozark Mountain Christmas, is set for 10 a.m., and officials said it will feature many Branson entertainers, a marching band, dancers, acrobats, drummers and more.

“This is going to be a wonderful event,” said Gary Bartlett, CEO of Midwest Concerts, who is helping organize the event. “Last year, we had between 2,000 and 3,000 people there. This year, we are expecting there to be a lot more people there.”

Grand Marshall for this year’s parade will be world-famous entertainer Andy Williams. Later in November, Williams will take to the world stage as he is scheduled to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

“(Williams) will be singing ‘It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year’” said Gail Joist, with the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre.

Back in Branson on Nov. 1, the parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the north end of the Landing, near the Belk Department Store. The parade will move along the thoroughfare until it arrives in Town Square.

Along with the parade, there will be two live performance stages — one at the Landing Town Square and one near Bass Pro Shops.

“There is going to be a lot of entertainment and I think people are going to really enjoy who we are bringing in,” Bartlett said.

The entertainment lineup includes Andy Williams, American Idol contestant Jason Yeager, Star Search winner Jake Simpson, and local entertainers Bob Anderson, Moe Bandy, the Lennon Sisters, the cast of SIX, the Liverpool Legends, and more.

“There is definitely a wide variety of entertainment set for this event,” Bartlett said. “It’s going to be awesome.”

Bartlett said some bleacher seating would be available near both stages. He also encouraged those people coming to the event to bring their own folding chairs.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Haygoods Promise a Ground-Breaking 2009 Season

Branson’s most dynamic musical family, The Haygoods, are excited to announce that they are raising the bar with their ground-breaking 2009 season. These top-notch entertainers are proud to unveil two new projects—the purchase of their own state-of-the-art Branson theatre and the creation of their very own TV show—that are sure to delight audiences in Branson, as well as fans all over the world.

The Americana Theatre (across from the Presley’s Jubilee at 2905 West Highway 76), will undergo a million-dollar renovation, emerging for its Grand Opening on March 7, 2009 with a new look, new features, and new name worthy to house the all-new interactive Haygood experience. Audiences will be wowed by this indescribable entertainment adventure, which combines the Haygoods’ own brand of musical magic with state-of-the-art effects, heart-pumping sound, and effervescent energy that cannot be contained. When pure musical talent meets cutting-edge performance, the result is sure to be an electrifying ride of song, rhythm, and sound that the Haygoods’ audiences won’t soon forget.

This award-winning, family musical entertainment group, consisting of seven spirited brothers and one vivacious sister, has performed over 10,000 shows for more than 4,000,000 people during their momentous Branson career. The Haygoods, whose powerhouse performances can be seen throughout 2008 at the Music City Centre, are poised to make the jump from Branson’s best kept secret to breakout stars with the debut of their much-awaited TV show in 2009.

Vibrant and innovative, The Haygoods unbelievable harmonic feats and captivating on-stage antics have delighted Branson audiences for 18 years and will next wow viewers of the CW network with The Haygood family show! The weekly show will be broadcast across the Midwest and will include a mixture of exuberant Haygood antics and the group’s stunning live performances. Branson guests will not only be treated to the Haygoods high-octane stage performances but also be a part of the filming of their live television show as well!! Happy to include audiences who have given the group so much in their new show, Haygoods member Dominic Haygood credits the support of the group’s fans and the Branson community for making the group’s newest endeavors possible.

The Haygoods are excited to put Branson on the map for a whole new audience with their all-new 2009 television show, bringing a new demographic to the town that is sure to benefit the Branson community. As Timothy Haygood explains, the group is excited to give back to Branson: "We are so proud to be investing in our community. We love Branson and can't wait for everyone to see the newly remodeled Americana theatre. It will be a great addition to the Branson strip!”

Information courtesy of The Haygoods

Amy Grant Brings her Christian Music to Branson

Amy Grant has sold more than 30 million albums in her music career.

The contemporary Christian artist will be appearing at 8 p.m. Nov. 15, at The Mansion Entertainment & Media Center in Branson.

Grant will be performing as part of her “Lead Me On” 20th Anniversary Celebration Tour. The tour is a reunion of the band, album and concert tour of 1988, which Christ Community Music Magazine calls “the best Christian album of all time.”

Grant was born Nov. 25, 1960, in Augusta, Ga., and hit the Christian music scene as a teenager in 1977.

She is best known for her contemporary Christian music and pop music career. She is also a New York Times Bestselling author, a TV personality and actress on occasion.

According to the CCM Magazine Web site, Grant is considered by many to be one of the true pioneers of Gospel and contemporary Christian music. She has had a strong influence on Gospel music and the Christian culture in the United States and beyond.

Grant is the best-selling Christian Music artist of all time, and she is the 19th best-selling female solo artist in the United States.

Officials with The Mansion said tickets are still available for the show.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Branson's Andy Williams Presents Annual Christmas Show

Former President Ronald Reagan once referred to Andy Williams’ voice as “a national treasure.”

It’s that time of year when this national treasure is heard in Branson for the Christmas season.

Williams is currently preparing his 2008 Christmas stage show, which will appear at his Moon River Theatre in Branson from Nov. 1-Dec. 13.

Featuring dazzling production numbers, which look like Christmas cards come to life, Williams will be joined by a cast of singers, dancers and costumed characters, and perform all of the seasonal favorites, as well as many of his greatest hits.

There are many who remember sitting in front of the television each year and watching Williams and his family and their Christmas celebration.

Millions of Americans made that viewing a holiday tradition for many years. The popularity of the television special led to the idea of putting together a seasonal concert.

Williams would play 25-30 cities each holiday period. In recent years, he began to lessen the number of cities he played and began to present the Christmas show at the Moon River Theatre in Branson.

Williams’ legendary career began at the age of 8 as part of The Williams Brothers Quartet.

In 1951 the brothers decided to each pursue their own solo careers. Williams went to New York and became a regular performer on Steve Allen’s “Tonight Show.” His first album was released in 1956.

During his career, Williams has amassed almost 20 gold albums and three that reached platinum status.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Twelve Irish Tenors Add Performance Dates in Branson

The Twelve Irish Tenors in Branson are pleased to announce the addition of six more performance dates at the Branson Variety Theater. Due to popular demand, The Twelve Irish Tenors have extended their performance dates to include the week of December 14th- 20th. The Twelve Irish Tenors are a wonderfully talented group of men who create exceptional harmonies based on some of the greatest music of the 20th century. A touch of Irish charm is added to the music selections, creating a musical event that is truly breathtaking.
 

The additional performances are scheduled for:

Sunday, December 14th: 3pm & 8pm

Tuesday, December 16th: 3pm

Wednesday, December 17th: 3pm

Thursday, December 18th: 3pm

Friday, December 19th: 3pm & 8pm

Saturday, December 20th: 3pm & 8pm

Bill Cosby Back in Branson

Bill Cosby, most well-known for his TV role on the Cosby Show, will bring his stand-up comedy act to Branson on Saturday.

The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Saturday at The Mansion Entertainment & Media Center in Branson.

“We are excited to have Mr. Cosby back again for the 2008 season,” said Larry Wilhite, general manager of The Mansion Entertainment & Media Center. “Last year, he performed to a sold-out house and it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, and we are looking forward to his performance this year.

Officials said tickets to Saturday’s show are still available.

“You don’t want to miss it,” Wilhite said. “The Mansion is proud to be able to host nationally known stars for the community, and is excited about next year’s line-up.”

While Cosby’s career began in the 1960s, the entertainer’s greatest influence on America was seen in the 1980s.

Cosby produced and starred in what is considered one of the decade’s defining sitcoms, The Cosby Show, which lasted eight seasons (1984 to 1992), and is still in syndication.

The sitcom highlighted the experiences and growth of an upper middle-class African-American family.

While many people know Cosby from his TV series, his skill as a stand-up comic is what got him started in show business.

In the 1960s, his stand-up act was a coast-to-coast sensation, spawning a string of best-selling comedy albums, which went on to win eight gold records, five platinum records and five Grammy Awards.

His role on TV’s “I Spy” in the 1960s made him the first African-American to co-star in a dramatic series, breaking television’s racial barrier and winning three Emmy Awards.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Branson's Ozark Mountain Christmas Begins November 1st

The Live Music Show Capital of the World - Branson - kicks off Ozark Mountain Christmas on Nov. 1 with star-filled Christmas music shows and a Holiday Promenade of Stars parade at Branson Landing.

Branson's star entertainers and holiday production numbers are ready to dazzle visitors and their families in November and December. From "Mr. Christmas" Andy Williams to Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters at the Welk Resort, a multitude of shows deck the halls and showcase Branson's Christmas spirit.

"Christmastime in Branson reminds me of Christmas when I was a boy. There's an excitement about Christmas in Branson with the shows, Silver Dollar City and all the other attractions. The atmosphere in Branson around Christmas always seems that much more welcoming and warm," said Williams, whose trademark Christmas sweaters add to the holiday cheer.

Familiar carols fill the air at family shows like the Presleys, Baldknobbers, and Hughes Brothers and peals of laughter roll down the aisles at Jim Stafford, Hamner-Barber and Yakov Smirnoff's shows. From the Oak Ridge Boys' Christmas show, to Broadway's Spirit of Christmas with The Osmonds, Branson wraps up its musical packages with one-of-a-kind festive family fun. And, for the kid in everyone, there's a "magical" Christmas show as well, at world-famous Kirby VanBurch's Christmas Spectacular.

Silver Dollar City's An Old Time Christmas (Nov. 1 - Dec. 30), one of America's most acclaimed Christmas celebrations, is kicking off its brightest season to date with new shows and activities, plus more lights than ever presented throughout the streets of the 1880's-style theme park. Newly enhanced lighting, through the addition of thousands of energy saving lights and all-new wrapping of 40-foot-tall trees, the spectacular Christmas on Main Street, with its showcase five-story special effects Christmas tree and all-immersive light and sound show, is even more spectacular. Also new this year, Silver Dollar City presents Frosty, an interactive musical, and the Culinary & Craft School that will premier this holiday season. Returning favorites include the Holiday Light Parade with colorful musical floats and the acclaimed production A Dickens' Christmas Carol. And for nighttime thrills, the roller coasters are open after dark with great views of the park's four million lights.

On the first Sunday in December, thousands of people gather in downtown Branson to watch a Christmas parade dedicated to "the true meaning of the season." This year marks the 60th Adoration Parade, an evening event with dozens of high school bands and lighted floats. The theme has always been "Keeping Christ in Christmas."

The Showboat Branson Belle is bedecked in all its Christmas finery and charts a course for holiday food and fun on Table Rock Lake though December. Also, the World's Largest Titanic Museum Attraction will be decorated with thousands of merry lights and holiday trim that recall those elegant Christmases past.

Holiday shoppers will discover Branson's newest "Winter Wonder Landing" at the Branson Landing waterfront. The Landing features a promenade of trendy specialty shopping and dining establishments, the brilliant water and fire spectacular that dances to the sounds of the season in the Town Square and Santa Claus, who has even been known to vacation in Branson himself.

Three name-brand outlet malls, boutique shops at the Grand Village, Ozarks craftsmen at Branson Mills and Engler Block and shops throughout Branson are decked out in lights with holiday decorations that beckon Yuletide visitors.

Christmas traditions in the Branson/Lakes Area include a Christmas light display at the Enchanted Forest on Indian Point Rd., the Christmas on the Trail show and Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead and the animated lighting displays of the 1-mile Branson Area Festival of Lights drive-through.

For rest and relaxation following a fun holiday entertainment and shopping outing, a host of Branson lodging options and special offers are available from a cozy cabin at one of the lakeside resorts to luxurious hotel rooms and condos throughout the area.

Branson has more than 100 live shows, theme parks, pristine lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features that are fun for everyone!

Information courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

Kirby & Bambi VanBurch Honored at World Magic Awards

Kirby & Bambi VanBurch, internationally renowned entertainers and illusionists, were honored with another special award, “Best Illusionist”, at the World Magic Awards 2008 in Santa Monica, California. The annual event was held on October 11 and was filmed for an upcoming TV special on MyNetworkTV.

Awards are something the VanBurch duo knows a lot about. In 2008 Bambi received the Female International Magician of the Year award for the 2nd consecutive year. “That’s never been done by any other female magician,” says Kirby. “And then she was voted one of the top 10 most beautiful women in 417 Land. And now we’ve been honored by the World Magic Awards Show. Hey…the family that wins awards together stays together!” Bambi adds that “the World Magic Awards show was a lot of fun and since it was a benefit for Feed The Children, that made it extra special for Kirby and me.”

The World Magic Awards 2008 will air on Wednesday, November 26 from 7:00 to 9:00pm. In the Branson Missouri area, viewers will be able to watch the show on My31 (KWMB 31). The World Magic Awards 2008, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, has a variety of guests and performers including Lance Burton, Dan Sperry, The Amazing Johnathan, Ed Alonzo, Kyle Eschen, Greg Gleason, Franz Harary, Hans Klok, Mark Kalin & Jinger, Topas, Sos & Victoria, Jeff McBride, Roxanne, and Florian Zimmer.

Kirby VanBurch is known as the Prince of Magic and has received many awards including Entertainer of the Year from the International Magicians Society as well as Magician of the Year. Kirby & Bambi VanBurch perform live at their theater in Branson, Missouri. The show has been voted Best Branson Show, Best Magic Show, and received numerous other awards and accolades from fans and critics alike. Their show features exotic animals including white tigers, amazing disappearing acts, a helicopter appearing in 3 seconds flat, mind-reading, assistants cut in half, up close and personal illusions, and much more.

Information courtesy of Kirby VanBurch Theater

Branson's Grand Country Offers Exciting Mix of Shows

Steve Vrana said he loves a good laugh.

“I like the comedy,” the Wahoo, Neb., resident said as he waited for the second half of the Comedy Jamboree at Grand Country in Branson to begin.

“The ‘Hee Haw’ part was my favorite,” he said of a segment of the show that paid tribute to the comedy of Cornfield County, U.S.A. “It’s really good, funny comedy."

“I thought it would be for old fogies, but it’s not,” his wife, Raleen, added.

That’s what emcee and producer Mike Patrick likes to hear.

“I love it. It’s just infectious,” Patrick said, sitting in his backstage office after a performance. “We are in a business that has instant gratification because there are people applauding. I tell all my employees, ‘You’re not a musician, you’re not an entertainer, you are in the people business. First and foremost and not anything else.’”

A 20-plus-year Branson entertainment veteran, Patrick produces Comedy Jamboree and Grand Jubilee, and has a hand in productions at the theater such as the Buck Trent Show, Amazing Pets, Sunday Gospel Jubilee, Ozark Mountain Jubilee and Branson Country U.S.A. — a live, late-night radio show staged at Grand Country.

He said he takes great pride in the creative writing, musical talent, great costumes and technical production value his shows are known for, but sometimes it’s the audience that keeps the crowds coming back.

Comedy Jamboree

“Laughter is good medicine,” Patrick contends.

“There is some corny stuff in Comedy Jamboree,” Patrick said, “but, we try to say, ‘Hey, we’re going to do some corn now, so play along with us and have a good time.’”

Comedy is only part of the experience.

A cast of musicians, singers, dancers and Branson’s Piano Player of the Year, Tracy Heaston, keep the audience singing along, while the “Hee Haw” montage, a Dr. Phil talk-show parody and some “reptile dysfunction” humor draw consistent laughs, Patrick said.

Grand Jubilee

For his musical variety show, Grand Jubilee, Patrick assembled a talented cast of players.
“I go out and hire very talented people, and I write the shows around them,” he said. “I want people to come and be wowed.”

One of the talented people Patrick relies on is Jamie Haage, aka Jim Dandy. A veteran Branson performer and the 2001 Branson Comedian of the Year, Haage helps Patrick host the Grand Jubilee, interjects a little comedy and even adds his musical talents to the mix.

“He’s so talented,” Patrick said. “I mean, that guy is just one of the most talented people in Branson.”

At one point in the show, Patrick and Haage team up to re-create a classic moment from “The Carol Burnett Show,” featuring Haage in drag as entertainer Charo’s mom, and moments later he wows the crowd by playing six different instruments during a single song.

Add in the four-part harmonies of New South, vocalists Jackie Brown and Todd Bradshaw, and the talents of Grand Country’s house band, The Grand Band, and it’s a show sure to please.
Joan Boutwell, a 75-year-old regular Branson visitor, had nothing but praise for the fast-paced show.

“I love it,” she said after the performance. “We saw the comedy show this afternoon and decided to come back tonight. There is so much going on you really need to see it twice.”

That’s the kind of excitement about his shows that Mike Patrick hopes to generate in his audiences.

“There are always so many things that you want to do,” Patrick said after the show. “The biggest challenge I have putting my show together is getting them to come in at just two hours. I don’t what to cut anything.”

Information courtesy of The Joplin Globe

Branson Area Festival of Lights Begins November 1st

Experience the magic of the season during the Branson Area Festival of Lights 2008 as all of Branson is aglow for the holidays. From fabulous shows and dazzling lights to spectacular shopping and breathtaking scenery, Branson is a special gift for everyone in your family during this special time of year.

The centerpiece, Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through, will delight children of all ages. Your journey begins with a magical one-mile drive along a path illuminated with more than 350 displays. Conveniently located off Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Roark Valley Road, this one of a kind family experience promises to be spectacular. For a map of the Festival of Lights, click here.

Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through is open daily November 1 – December 31, 2008 from dusk until 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and dusk through 12:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Admission Fees for 2008

Family Vehicles: $10.00
Family Season Pass: $15.00
Mini-Coaches (12-28 seats), Church Vans and Limos: $25.00
Full-Size Motorcoaches: $50.00

Create your own tradition during Ozark Mountain Christmas with the Branson Area Festival of Lights.

Two other drive through exhibits are also available for your enjoyment, the Enchanted Forest at Indian Point on Table Rock Lake and Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights on West Highway 76.

Information courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber & CVB

Branson's Baldknobbers Turns 50!

Branson's entertainment industry turns 50! And 2009 also marks the 50th anniversary of Branson's first show, The Baldknobbers.

In 1959, when the Mabe brothers started entertaining visitors to the lakes in downtown Branson, they did not know they would start a tradition that would later become the "Live Music Capital of the World."

Calling themselves the Baldknobbers, brothers Jim, Bill, Lyle, and Bob Mabe decided the fisherman needed something to do in the evenings. Using the great American entrepreneurial spirit, they donned hillbilly costumes and used homemade instruments to play country and hillbilly music. Those instruments included a washtub bass, washboard for rhythm, dobro or flat top guitar, acoustic guitar and the jawbone of a mule in lieu of drums. Although the instruments have changed, the focus on family entertainment has not.

Today's Baldknobbers feature the children and grandchildren of the original brothers plus a dynamic cast of singers, musicians, and comedians who continue to showcase a variety of country music. Guests enjoy great country classics, hot new country hits and some of the funniest comedians anywhere.

"I believe our best quality is that we entertain everyone from the age of 2 to 92," said Tim Mabe, producer and comedian Droopy Drawers Jr. "Our 2009 show is going to be fantastic! We have been working on this show for over a year. Each year we feature new songs, new costumes, and lots of new comedy. For our golden anniversary we will touch your heart and leave audiences thoroughly entertained."

"In addition to a fantastic show, we will have events all year long to mark this milestone in Branson's entertainment history," Mabe said. "We will update our website each time we add a new event."

Join the Mabe family and the entire cast of the Baldknobbers for the year-long 50th Anniversary celebration in 2009. The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show-"The Show That Started It All"-is located on the famed 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson, Missouri, with performances Monday through Saturday at 8 PM.

Information courtesy of The Baldknobbers

BransonFest Replaced By New Event - Ozark Mountain Spring

After 16 years of kicking off the spring entertainment season, BransonFest is history.

Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Director of Public Relations Lynn Berry said the five-day BransonFest, once filled with entertainers, businesses and crafters, is being replaced with a longer event called Ozark Mountain Spring.

“We are working on ideas to bring more events and festivals to that time period and are very excited about a similar branding campaign for the springtime that we enjoy with Ozark Mountain Christmas,” Berry said.

For years, the Dutton family has showcased its talents at BransonFest.

“BransonFest has done very good things for us in the past,” said Judith Dutton, assistant theater manager. “I’m sad to see it go, but excited to see what the new program has to offer.”

Berry said it made sense to cover the entire season.

“Things just needed to be more than five days,”she said.

The new events will extend the opportunity to bring more people to Branson and stir up more interest in what Branson has to offer, Berry said.

“How successful Ozark Mountain Christmas is something we wanted to emulate for the spring,” she said.

When asked if attendance at BransonFest had dropped, Berry said “a little,” but that “we continued to see a strong turnout.”

Berry said she didn’t believe the BransonFest event had lost money in the past.

The chamber recently received $150,000 in funding from the Tourism Community Enhancement District to fund Ozark Mountain Spring.

Berry said the chamber would like to have an event or festival every weekend throughout the three month season.

“We can’t promise for 2009, but we’ll get a good start,” she said.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Silver Dollar City Presents An Old Time Christmas Starting November

Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas, one of the nation’s most acclaimed Christmas celebrations, presents the spectacular Christmas on Main Street featuring the Five-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree and a light and sound show on the Square, plus the acclaimed musical production “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” the colorful Holiday Light Parade, a dramatic production of the Living Nativity and over 4 million lights throughout the park. New this year, the park presents Frosty, an interactive musical show where kids help bring the legendary snowman to life, all part of the festival running November 1 – December 30.

With the colorful 5-Story Special Effects Tree as a centerpiece, the Christmas on Main Street show includes one million lights - lights on buildings, in hanging canopies over the city streets and on 250 Christmas trees around the Square. As the 5-Story Tree blazes in synchronization with the musical movements of Christmas songs, the lights around Main Street flash along with it, accompanied by surround-sound, immersing guests in the experience. The performance begins with the tree-lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. and runs throughout the evening.

Profiled as one of the top Christmas celebrations in the country by USA Today, Good Morning America and Southern Living, An Old Time Christmas transforms the Silver Dollar City into an evening wonderland with over four million lights and 1,000 decorated Christmas trees. The colorful Holiday Light Parade, with musical floats covered in bright lights, winds through the streets of the City each evening.

Silver Dollar City’s acclaimed production, A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, is an original musical adaptation of the famous classic by Charles Dickens. The show features elaborate sets and stunning visual effects, with flying spirits, vanishing ghosts, revolving scenery and pyrotechnic special effects. The production showcases a cast of 14 actors, accompanied by a live band.

The tastes of the season are in abundance throughout the park, from a Prime Rib Buffet at the Mill Restaurant to traditional favorites such as Turkey and Gravy with Cran-Apple Raisin Dressing. Festive holiday treats include old-fashioned Chocolate and Marshmallow S’Mores, Gingerbread Cookies, Apple Dumplings, Hot Wassail, Cappucino and creamy Hot Chocolate. Kids can sign up for a special lunch with Santa, available weekends throughout the festival.

Holiday shows include Cedric Benoit and the Cajun Connection performing in a Cajun-style holiday show, and the rollicking Christmas comedy “Frontier Fa-la-la Follies” in the Silver Dollar Saloon. Tracy Heaston and Pure Heart perform in “A Christmas Homecoming.”

Especially for kids, Santa is available to hear requests, and kids can make ornaments, create Christmas cards and decorate Christmas cookies. Guests are invited to join in the singing of Christmas carols at the historic Wilderness Church and ride the Silver Dollar Sing-Along Steam Train.

During An Old Time Christmas, Silver Dollar City is open Wednesdays through Sundays through November 30, Thursdays through Sundays December 4 – 14, then open daily December 18-23 and December 26-30. Hours are 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on all Saturdays 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The park is also open on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on November 28.


Information courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce