Branson Ozark Mountain Spring Festival Adds More Events to Line-Up

Spring in Branson is set to be a busy one. The 2nd Annual Ozark Mountain Spring Festival will be filled with activities. The following is a list of upcoming events:

The Fourth Annual Titanic Irish Celebration — From March 1-31, Titanic Branson will celebrate the Irish and their Titanic legacy. This is the fourth year Titanic Museum Attraction has used music, song and stories to honor the memory of the Irish men and women who built and sailed the ship. Visit titanicbranson.com.

FLW Outdoor Fishing Tournament — In 2009, the FLW Outdoor Fishing Tournament set several records, from fish to attendance. This year, the second stint for the tournament in Branson, should meet and exceed last year’s numbers. The tournament is from March 3-6.

NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament — By far the first big event of the season, this 32-team, single-elimination tournament features the champions of the Division II conferences, regional tournaments and at-large berths. Tip-off is March 10, with the finals taking place March 16.

Silver Dollar City’s Family Spring Break Days — Silver Dollar City will be open March 18-21, 25-26 and 28.

World’s First Tribute to the Dogs onboard Titanic — On March 19, the Titanic Branson Museum Attraction pays tribute to the dogs on the maiden voyage. Titanic will honor them with the debut of the ship’s new mascots, Molly and Carter, two King Charles spaniels.

Silver Dollar City’s Young Christians Day — March. 27.

Silver Dollar City’s Easter Celebration — April 2-3.

See the World in Branson — From April 3-May 2, “See The World In Branson” will allow visitors the opportunity to enjoy multiple cultural and international experiences in entertainment and tradition without actually having to travel abroad. Local theaters, hotels, restaurants and retail venues will represent countries from all around the world during this month-long international festival.

Easter Champagne Sunday Brunch — The Easter celebration at Chateau on the Lake will include its famous Champagne Sunday Brunch, as well as a menu specially designed for the spring holiday.

Persian Gulf War Cease Fire — Branson Veterans Task Force will host an event honoring the cease fire April 6.

Silver Dollar City WorldFest — April 8-May 9, Silver Dollar City will host “America’s Largest International Festival.”

British Motoring Club’s Classic Car Show — On April 11, Titanic Museum Attraction hosts the Greater Ozarks British Motoring Club’s Classic Car Show. See Jaguars, MGAs, MGBs, Austin Healeys and more.

2010 Collector Car Auction — The largest car auction in Branson kicks off its season April 16-17.

Branson Elvis Festival and Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest — This annual event will be held April 16-18 at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre.

Kewpiesta and Tea with the Kewpies at Bonniebrook — From April 21-25, Kewpies will take center stage at Bonniebrook.

Hand-in-Hand Purple Heart Veterans’ Events — The nation’s first celebration of Purple Heart recipients will be held April 23-24.

Second Annual Missouri Food & Wine Festival — April 23-24.

Titanic Princess Tea Party, Part I — April 24-25 will see the first part of the No. 1 mother-daughter Titanic event, held bi-annually in April and October. Reservations required.

Kenny G at The Mansion Theatre — The final performance of Kenny G’s 2010 tour will take place in Branson at Mansion Theatre on April 24.

Silver Dollar City’s 50th Birthday Celebration — The park celebrates half a century from April 30-May 2.

Cinco de Mayo at Outback — Celebrate Cinco De Mayo early with this Branson tradition.

MOPARS In May — Another Area 57 festival, last year’s event featured everything from early 1960s cruisers, Winged Warriors, RAM Trucks, 4x4s, Vipers and all-out drag cars. This show is open to any make and model Mopar or Mopar-powered vehicle.

Mother’s Day Brunch — On May 9, celebrate Mother’s Day with Chateau on the Lake’s signature Champagne Brunch. Adults, $40, children 4-12, $20 and children 3 and under are free with an adult. Reservations are required.

Bluegrass & BBQ — This Silver Dollar City festival will run from May 13-31. See performances by some of the best names in bluegrass music today, from award-winning favorites to rising stars.

Compton Ridge Fiddlers Convention — From May 13-16, musicians and enthusiasts will come together to celebrate all things fiddle.

A Day for Shay & Pals — This event, to benefit those with autism, will be held at Area 57 on May 14-15.

Armed Forces Day — Branson Veterans Task Force will host an event celebrating National Armed Forces Day on May 15.

9th Annual Branson Motorcycle Rally — From May 20-23, Area 57 will feature rides into the beautiful Ozarks countryside, poker runs and vendors.

Plumb Nellie Days — May 21-23, crafters and artists from all over the Midwest will participate in a celebration of heritage and home crafts, the culture of arts and crafts, and the skills of individuals who want to keep the traditions of the past alive.

Ray Stevens Returns to Branson

Ray Stevens is returning to Branson.

The legendary entertainer will perform a limited engagement series at The Welk Resort Theater September 15 – October 23 as he celebrates 50 years in the entertainment industry.

Stevens has had more than 14 million singles, videos and albums sold in his career and he plans to perform everything from “Ahab the Arab” and “It’s Me Again Margaret” to “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival” and “The Streak.”

Ray Stevens was a pioneer on the Branson shows scene, as he opened the Ray Stevens Theatre in Branson in 1991. His successful show helped launch the “Branson Boom.”

When he returns this fall, audiences will be treated to his show at 2pm & pm Wednesdays & Thursdays and 8pm on Friday & Saturday. Prices will range from $39-$44 for adult tickets and $19 for children.

Tony Orlando & the Lennon Sisters Plan Return to Branson for 2010 Christmas Season

After a successful 2009 Christmas season, Tony Orlando & the Lennon Sisters are planning to return to Branson in 2010 for yet another successful run of “The Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters’ Christmas Celebration.” The show will be performed at the Welk Resort Theater.

The show features traditional Christmas music and a fun-filled adventure where Santa Claus joins Orlando, Janet, Kathy & Mimi Lennon to teach the true meaning of Christmas.

The show features the Lennon Sisters in the first half of the production and Tony Orlando’s “Santa & Me” show in the second half. Orlando also perform his hits, like “Tie a Yellow Ribbon,” “Knock Three Times” and “Sweet Gypsy Rose” during the second half of the show.

“The Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters’ Christmas Celebration” is scheduled to be performed November 1 – December 11, Monday – Saturday at 8pm, and on Thursday at 2pm & 8pm.

Branson Country Tonite Plans All-New Show in 2010

Although there was speculation the Country Tonite Branson show would not be returning for the 2010 Show Season, it turns out plans have changed and they will indeed be performing at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre in Branson in 2010.

An all-new show is planned for the 2010 season. “Restless Heart” will join the Country Tonite Theater Branson from March 13 – 27.

Marty Haggard, son of the legendary Merle Haggard, will perform a tribute to his father from April 13 – July 4 & August 17 – December 11.

The 3 Redneck Tenors, top finalists from “America’s Got Talent” will join the cast July 6 – August 15.

The show’s format will be similar to last year, with the Country Tonite Branson MO stars performing classic country and new country hits in the first half of the show, and the second half devoted to the guest star. Essentially, ticket holders will be treated to two shows in one.

Branson Zipline Set to Open in May 2010

Branson is adding a new attraction to its entertainment scene and it promises to take guests to new heights. The Branson Zipline attraction is set to open in May 2010 and is promising Branson visitors an entirely new outdoor adventure.

This unique attraction will offer a Zipline Canopy Tour, which will last approximately 2.5 hours and will cover over one mile. Along the guided tour (all guides for all tours will be certified by the Association for Challenge Course Technology), guests will experience seven ziplines as well as a variety of bridges and walkways that will help highlight the unique ecology of the area at a leisurely pace. Guides will point out the most interesting ecological, topographical and historical features of the Ozark Mountains along the way.

Branson Zipline, one of many Branson MO attractions, will also offer a Fastline Experience that is geared towards Thrillseekers. It will involve a zipline in which guests soar down to the bottom tower, where they will remain 100 feet in the air. At that point, they will get to chose whether they would like to reach the ground using several short zip lines or one big jump. If they choose the big jump, Branson Zipline officials say the feeling of the jump is similar to bungee jumping, without the recoil effect.

The Branson Zipline will appeal to a broad group of people and officials have designed it so that a range of people can enjoy the tours it offers. It will require minimal physical exertion and is designed for those of all ages. There are a few steps and some walking involved. But, if you are capable of walking at the mall, you will be able to enjoy this tour. The weight guidelines for zipline use are 70 – 275 pounds. Tours will run rain or shine, snow or sleet. Lightning, though, will postpone tours.

Prices range from $39.99 - $179.99, depending on the activity and tour visitors select. The 2.5 hour Zipline Canopy Tour will be $99.99.

The Branson Zipline attraction is scheduled to open the first week of May, 2010. It is located seven miles north of Branson, on Hwy. 65, near the Hwy 176 intersection.

Branson Tri-Lakes Center Announces Performers for 2010 Season

The Tri-Lakes Center in Branson, Missouri has several great performers coming to its theater in 2010.

Mary Duff, an Irish singer who has guest starred with Daniel O’Donnell, is returning to the theater for a limited engagement from March 30 – April 8. This will be her second limited engagement of solo

performances in Branson. She will perform selections such as “Time to Learn” & “Isle of Hope.” Her show is scheduled for 2pm daily, with no shows on Sunday.

“His Life – the Musical” is set to perform at the Tri-Lakes Center March 30 – April 8 as well. It will fill the 7:30pm theater slot. It will also perform daily, with no shows on Sunday.

Dalena Ditto, a Branson show staple, will perform at the Tri-Lakes Center on select dates throughout the year. She will appear April 6-9; April 27; June 22-26 and September 14 – December 11. Her shows will be held at 10am.

The iconic Roy Clark will appear in Branson at the Tri-Lakes Center on May 4, 10, 11, 17, 18; June 7 & 8; September 13, 14, 20, 21; October 18, 19, 25, 26. All shows will be at 8pm. Roy Clark, who is famous for hosting Hee Haw as well as songs like “Thank God & Greyhound” & “Yesterday, When I Was Young,” will undoubtedly be a popular ticket in the 2010 season.

Other limited engagement performers include Gene Watson with special guest Little Jimmy Dickens and May 2 at 4pm and Ray Price on May 22 at 7pm. “Down From the Glory” will perform October 12-15 at 7pm. Daniel O’Donnell will return during the Branson Christmas season for performances November 1-20. And, Mel Tillis & Family will perform during the Christmas season as well, from November 2-December 4.

Branson Ozark Mountain Spring Festival Features Over 35 Events

Branson, Missouri is gearing up for its 2nd Annual Ozark Mountain Spring Festival. The festival is scheduled to take place starting March 1st and will run through Memorial Day. In total, more than 35 separate events will be incorporated into Ozark Mountain Spring in Branson.

The Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour is the first major event of the year. It will be held March 4-7. Just three days later, the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship will begin at College of the Ozarks. The tournament will tip-off on March 10 and end on March 16th.

The Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater is hosting an Elvis Festival, which will include its “Ultimate Elvis Contest.” The event is slated for April 16-18. The Chateau on the Lake Resort will host the Second Annual Missouri Food & Wine Festival April 23-25. Bonniebrook, home of the American artist Rose O’Neill will be hosting a Kewpie Festival that same weekend.

During 2010, Silver Dollar City will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary. There will be a year-long anniversary celebration, special events, live musical guests, new shows, festivals, and $50,000 giveaway. Silver Dollar City is debuting a new ride in the Spring – “Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast.” During the last weekend of April and first weekend of May, the park will host its Birthday Celebration Weekend. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils are set to perform and the park will be open extended hours.

"See the World in Branson," an annual springtime event showcasing the vast amount if internationally inspired entertainment, attractions and cuisine available to Branson visitors begins April 2 and will last through the beginning of May.

The Compton Ridge Fiddler's Convention returns May 13-16. It will feature fiddling jam sessions and performances.

Earthquake in Haiti

The situation in Haiti is growing worse and worse by the minute.

Tuesday's earthquake has affected three million people, and the Red Cross estimates as many as 50,000 may be dead. Survivors are doing what they can to rescue those who are trapped, but they need help.

If this happened here, we hope people would give anything they could to help out.

Please take a minute to donate to these reputable charities that are providing care to fund their emergency efforts:

Doctors without Borders
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

Oxfam America
https://secure.oxfamamerica.org/site/Donation2?df_id=3560&3560.donation=form1

The Red Cross
http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main&s_subsrc=RCO_ResponseStateSection

And a super-easy way to donate with your mobile phone:
Donate $10 to the Red Cross to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting "HAITI" to "90999."

Thanks for your time.

Branson Shows Change Theaters in 2010

The Branson theater scene is changing once again, with several of the Branson shows changing venues.

The Penny Gilley Show featuring Jeff Brandt will move from the RFD-TV Theater to the Mansion Theatre and will perform at the 3pm slot. She is joining the Liverpool Legends as the other new show at the Mansion Theatre in 2010.

The new Clay Cooper Theatre is also welcoming several shows in its new theater, which was previously home to Legends in Concert prior to the 2009 season and The Osmonds during the 2009 season. In addition to the Clay Cooper Show, the theater will feature Buck Trent in the mornings and country star Neal McCoy, who will perform select dates from March-May and September-December.

As far as The Osmonds are concerned, they have announced they will be performing in Branson during the 2010 season at the Music City Centre Theatre. Their show schedule begins in April and they will continue to perform in May and June before taking a hiatus. They will return for the Fall & Holiday season. The Music City Centre Theater has been newly remodeled and is expecting to showcase other shows as well.

The Comets are joining Paul Revere and the Raiders at the Moon River Theatre, home to the Andy Williams All Star Variety Show and Andy Williams Christmas Show.

Bill Medley is relocating to the Starlite Theater on Hwy. 76. The Starlite Theater is also home to the World Famous Platters and Cirque Montage.

The Magnificent Variety Show is also moving. They will now be located at the Branson Star Theatre in 2010.