Lee DeWyze, left, Kimberly Caldwell, Blake Lewis, Thia Magia and Elliott Yamin performing together in the shows opening number.

BRANSON, Mo., May 20, 2012 — At first blush, “Finalists Live ” provides those who have said, “Branson needs a show that will appeal to a younger demographic” with an answer to their prayer. What more could they ask for, five of the most talented vocalists in the nation, as proven by their performance on the hit show “American Idol,” not only singing some of today’s most popular songs, but original music they have written. However, after experiencing this show, I can say it is all of that and so much more.

First off, it is an entertainment experience in the best Branson tradition with the five Idol finalists giving as quality and energetic performance as has ever been seen on a Branson stage. In the days leading up to going to the show last night, I had talked with numerous people who had seen the show and not one of them had anything, but positive comments. More than one person had said, “When you see them perform you realize just how talented a person has to be to make the finals on ‘American Idol.’”

We attended the show with friends who are giving a second opinion for my “reviews” and at intermission, Arlan A said, you guessed it, “You can see why they made it as far as they did on “American Idol.” Folks, these people are not just good they are excellent, beautifully performing a broad variety of music with passion, energy and in a manner that holds your rapt attention throughout the show.

The show was performed in “Andy Williams Moon River Theatre” and the Finalists were accompanied by a live band and three backup vocalists who did an outstanding job. Three large screens on the back and sides of the stage provided an added element of color and interactivity as they showed graphics appropriate not only for the particular performer, but the number they were performing and along with the outstanding lighting and sound helped enhance the overall enjoyment of the show.

Pete Peterkin, a 2009 Finalist from “Americas Got Talent,” was the first act of the evening. He warmed the audience up with his comedy and impressions. Although he did a number of impressions, the two that were my favorites were his Ray Charles and President Obama.

The Finalists started off with all five performing together. It was a “musical introduction” that introduced the audience not only to them, but the personality, originality, fun, energy and quality of the individual performances that were to follow as they performed the “Black Eyed Peas” hit “I Gotta Feeling” and the “Pink”  hit “Get The Party Started.”

And “get the party started” is just what the top 11th finalist of last year’s American Idol show, Thia Magia, did as she performed her set. The youngest Finalist in American Idol history at the time she appeared on the show, now 17, performed a set of four numbers including “Out Here On My Own” which she had performed on American Idol.

Next was Elliott Yamin who came in 3rd on American Idol in 2006. All of his set were original songs that he wrote. His “Virginia,” about his home state of Virginia touched my heart.

Blake Lewis, left, Kimberly Caldwell and Elliott Yamin performing "Need You Now."

Kimberly Caldwell, who was the 7th place finalist on American Idol in 2003 and who had performed as a member of the “Country Tonite” show in Branson prior to that, returned to Branson in grand style. Her powerful performance of her original song, “If You’re Gonna Fall” set the tenor for her set which led into intermission as Elliott Yamin and Blake Lewis joined her during the last half of her last song, the Lady Antebellum hit “Need You Now.”

The second half of the show started off with Beat Box performer Blake Lewis who was the American Idol runner up in 2007. The highlights of his unique and entertaining set for me was his rendition of the Bon Jovi hit, “You Give Love A Bad Name” and the improvisation he does when he picks audience members, introduces them, as well as the audience to some of the equipment he uses in his act, and then incorporates it into a number.

Lee Dewyze the 2009 Winner of American Idol performed a five number set of which four were original songs. The last song he performed was his version of the Leonard Cohen song “Hallelujah” which he performed on his way to winning American Idol.

All of the finalist came out and performed “Life In A Northern Town” and an encore “R-O-C-K In The USA.” What a wonderful and powerful end to a great nights entertainment. There was intentionally no individual comments about their individual “set” performances because each was so outstanding not only in terms of the manner of their presentation, vocal style and skill, but in the way they related to their audience.

This is a unique one of a kind show, performed by some of the finest vocalists one is likely to hear, not only in Branson, but anywhere. Combine that with their individual manner of performing, original songs, live band and the way they shared vignettes about themselves and their music and the result is a special entertainment experience that should not be missed.

It should be pointed out that this group of Finalists will be performing through June 16. A second group of Finalists, with an entirely new show,  Diana Degarmo, runner up in 2004 and current actress in the CBS program “The Young and the Restless;” Scott Savol, who placed 5th in Season 4; Siobhan Magnus, who placed 6th in Season 9; Ace Young from Season 5 and Alexis Grace from Season 8 will perform from June 18 through July 21 and a third group Reuben Studdard , 2004 Winner of American Idol®; Bo Bice, Runner-Up to Winner Carrie Underwood in Season 4; Vonzell Solomon, who placed 3rd in Season 4; Katie Stevens from Season 9 and RJ Helton from Season 1 will perform from July 23 through August 18.

For additional information or tickets on the Finalist Live show or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

There will be Bluegrass and BBQ aplenty at Silver Dollar City's Bluegrass and BBQ Festival.

BRANSON, Mo., May 14, 2012 — The sounds of people laughing and having fun at Silver Dollar City in Branson will be mingled with the sounds of Bluegrass music and the aroma of BBQ throughout the park as SDC celebrates its Bluegrass & BBQ Festival through June 3. “It’s the best of all worlds,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning service, ” all the rides and excitement of a world class theme park; lots of Bluegrass music performed by some of the finest Bluegrass artists in the country and a cornucopia of just about every style of BBQ there is accompanied by over 100 different sauces..”

Recognized by the “International Bluegrass Music Association,” the festival will feature two national Bluegrass competitions,” The National Single Mic Championship” May 19 – 20, “The Youth In Bluegrass Band Contest” May 26 – 27, and dozens of some of the finest Bluegrass performers in the Nation. These include some of “Bluegrass music’s top artists and award-winning performers such as  the “Bluegrass Brigade,” “Gibson Brothers, “Grascals,” “Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver,” the “Kruger Brothers” and many others.”

The “BBQ” part of the festival includes the cooking and serving of over 40,000 pounds of mouth watering BBQ prepared on “large outdoor charcoal grills and a custom-made 9-foot smoker.” From “Memphis dry rubs” to “Carolina vinegars,” “smoky Texas,” “KC-style” and others, there will be a style of BBQ for the most discriminating BBQ connoisseur, plus a hundred different sauces to sample. The variety and flavor of the BBQ will be expanded this year with the addition of two award winning BBQs, ” Hawgwild BBQ” out of Aurora, Missouri and “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit” from Texas.

In addition to the excellent food service normally available throughout the park, “The House of BBQ” will be serving up BBQ galore. From Silver Dollar City’s famous flavor feast with “St. Louis ribs and smoked chicken to Texas brisket and sweet roasted corn on the cob” to the all you-can-eat BBQ rib feast each afternoon” and lots in between, it is hard to imagine a wider choice of BBQ styles flavors and sauces available in one place.

As is the case with all of Silver Dollar City’s world class festivals, all of the activities involved with the festival are in addition to everything else the 1880′s styled theme park offers on a daily basis. The park features 30 rides and attractions from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to the $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7; unique shopping; some of the best live shows and entertainment available in Branson and dozens of demonstrating craftsmen all integrated into the natural wonder and beauty of the surrounding Ozark Hills. Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson also reminds prospective Silver Dollar City visitors that when they purchase their Silver Dollar City Tickets through Branson Tourism Center they get two full days for the price of one.

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, any of its festivals or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

One of the many spectacular sets in Joseph.

BRANSON, Mo., May 10, 2012 — Simply put, many who have seen Sight and Sound Theatre’s Joseph have the same feelings about the show as did Arlan A, who, along with his wife, attended the show with us recently. He described Joseph as an “Entertaining, spectacular and inspirational production that he recommends highly.” In fact, everyone whom this writer has talked to, who has seen the show since its April Branson Premier has loved it with, as impossible as it seems, many saying they enjoyed it more than “Noah The Musical.” That’s saying a lot!

A word of warning, don’t miss the first 15 minutes of this show, not only is it a dazzling spectacle of action, color and special effects, but it sets the perspective for the whole show. Many know the biblical account of the story of Joseph and will understand that Joseph is a fictional account of factual events with characters and content added to the for entertainment purposes. Joseph, as a show, is a captivating, entertaining spectacular, filled with wonderful music, great sets, live animals, dancing, and humor that tells the timeless story of a man, his dreams, betrayal, faithfulness, love and forgiveness in a manner that the audience gets personally involved with.

Joseph unfolds live on a 26,550 square foot, 300 foot long, wrap around stage filled with dozens of live animals, including Scottish Highlander cattle, camels, donkeys, llama/alpacas, horses, goats, sheep, macaws, trained rats, a Welsh puppy, and a sphinx cat; over 40 professional adult and child actors and, as evidenced by an Egyptian Palace set, spanning the full 300 feet of the stage, that surrounds and towers above the audience, spectacular sets and staging. The scope of the action is expanded even more as the cast along with some animals use the aisles during the performance.

As is the case with the other Sight and Sound Shows, “Noah the Musical” and “The Miracle of Christmas” to say it is a spectacular production almost seems an understatement, but it is.” The show took more than two years to design; involves 70 set pieces including four thirty foot Egyptian statues; 500 costume ensembles with an average of five pieces each and more than 1,500 stationary lights and 74 moving lights. Including Joseph’s coat of many colors, 1,500 costume pieces were created just for Joseph.

The music for Joseph is an original composition written by veteran composer of film and television, Don Harper “whose credits include, among others, “National Treasure” and “National Treasure 2.” From the opening dream sequence to the very end, the show, whether it’s the action, color, story line, dancing, costuming or ability of the characters to get the audience involved holds the interest of young and old alike. Personal favorites would be things as diverse as the absolutely spectacular dream sequence at the very beginning of the show, the performance of the number “How Do I Get A Man Like Joseph” and the development of the relationship between Joseph and his wife Asenath.

The end result is a delightful entertaining story of a man, betrayed by his brothers and others as he remains faithful, follows those dreams, finds love and success in the face of hardship and suffering and realizes his dreams and true happiness through forgiveness. That story, music and the spectacular production of Joseph combines into a unique, spectacular and personal entertainment experience that will hold the rapt interest of both “young and old” and should not be missed. Interestingly, although based on the biblical account of Joseph, the production stands on its own and will be as entertaining to those who have never heard the biblical account of Joseph as it is to those who have.

For additional information or tickets for Joseph or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

BTC founder Lianne Milton with Barry Williams who starred as Greg Brady on the "Brady Bunch" TV series.

BRANSON, Missouri May 1, 2012– The Branson Tourism Center (BTC), is Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning service. BTC is about to do something that no other independent seller of Branson attraction and showtickets has ever done, sell its three millionth ticket!

“Naturally we are excited about selling our three millionth ticket,” said Lianne Milton, the co-owner of BTC. “What is really exciting to me is that the goal is the same as it was when we sold our very first ticket, to ‘provide each customer with a level of service and value that gives them the very best Branson experience possible.’” She credits BTC’s guiding philosophy of “If it matters to you, it matters to me,” in building relationships with its customers, employees and vendors, for making the achievement of that goal possible.

“To us, it’s not just three million tickets, it is what those tickets represent in terms of individuals and families having a great time in Branson creating memories that will last a lifetime,” she continued. Milton is quick to credit BTC’s success to the mutual commitment of its employees and the vendors it deals with in providing its customers the very best Branson experience possible, one ticket at a time and one day at a time. She believes that the relationships BTC has built up with Branson’s shows, attractions and lodging facilities enables them to work together to provide BTC’s customers the best combination of lodging and show seat choices, customer service and value available anywhere.

Branson Tourism Center’s “flag ship” product – a free personal, no service charge, concierge type service – is designed to insure that a great Branson experience starts during the initial stages of getting information and planning a Branson vacation. All anyone interested in getting information on Branson has to do is call, toll free, 1-800-875-1550, between the hours of 8:00  AM and 9:30 PM, seven days a week* and talk with one of BTC’s full service vacation planners.

Each vacation planner lives and works in the Branson area, and is personally knowledgeable about all that is going on in Branson. In addition to saving prospective Branson visitors valuable time by answering questions about Branson, helping plan a Branson Vacation and assisting with the purchase of tickets and lodging; the vacation planners have information on how to save money on a Branson vacation through the bundling of show and attraction tickets, discount specials, gas discounts, and other specials and incentives.

For the convenience of those wanting “online” information on Branson, BTC operates two web sites. Its site www.BransonTourismCenter.com, supports the personal concierge service while www.BransonOnTheWeb.com, is offered as a service for those customers who want to make their own travel arrangements on the internet.

Milton emphasizes that regardless of the method used, whether purchasing tickets or lodging on line or by phone, customers get the same prices, benefits, and personalized customer service which has enabled Branson Tourism Center to sell three million tickets.

*BTC is closed on Christmas Day and operates from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the month of January.

"Oh What Night," from the audience.

BRANSON, Mo (04/30/12)  Branson Missouri has been called the “live music show capital of the world,” and for good reason. On a daily basis it offers a quality and breadth of live entertainment that is unequaled in any other city of its size.

Below, listed in alphabetical order by show name, are some short personal reviews from people who have actually seen the shows recently. They provide a unique current perspective and are presented as posted on the Show Forum of www.1Branson.com.

The link from the name of each show will provide a description of the show, pictures, schedules, and pricing and is powered by the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. The name, entry, to the left of each comment, in Bold, is the screen name of the poster.

The Acrobats of China

DalmationDad on 04/29/12 – Took this show in last night and it was two well spent hours. This production is fabulous.
We had last seem the show about two years ago so we were hoping there would be a few changes, although I would not [have] minded if it was the same as before.

I would say every act has been changed to some extent whether it be sets, costuming, or choreography. Some acts were brand new, and a couple of segments are gone. Bottom line, if you have not been back for awhile, go see the new stuff.

Show Gal on 4/30/12 – I thoroughly enjoy “The Acrobats Of China” also. It is absolutely amazing what they can do. Some of the balancing they do, would be difficult to do just standing on the stage but, when they do it whirling around in the air, it is simply fantastic.

Oh What A Night! A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

lkb5271 on 4/22/13 – This show is so good…we were in the audience on Friday evening. The guys gave it their all to keep everybody entertained. A high school choir from Minnesota was there to add to the excitement, some were even dancing in the aisles…you thought you were at a Four Seasons Concert in the 60′s …There were 4 of us and we all thought it would be a show worth seeing again.

http://www.bransontourismcenter.com/shows/info/oh-what-a-night-a-musical-tribute-to-frankie-valli-the-four-seasons

Tony Roi’s Elvis and More

deb0704 on 4/23/12 You do not want to miss Tony’s show. It is so awesome!! We first started going to see him because we are such huge Elvis fans, and found that he is better than anyone else we have ever seen or heard. But since then, we just enjoy hearing his voice, whether it’s his own songs that he wrote, or if it’s someone else’s. Tony has a beautiful voice, and can sing anything. Country, blues, gospel, rock and roll…You name it. He is such a great entertainer!!

He, the band, and the Angel singers blend so well together, and they have so much fun!! There is not a dull moment in the whole entire show!! You can have your picture taken with him up on stage, then after the show he will come out and autograph it. He is so generous and caring with everyone, and never rushes anyone. Go see Tony Roi..Elvis and More, at the Caravelle Theatre. You will not be disappointed!!

Branson Scenic Railway returning to the station on Apr. 19 with the Branson Convention Center and Hilton Hotel in back ground.

BRANSON, Mo (4/21/12) “Our ‘Branson Vacation Planners,’ each of whom proudly lives and works in the Branson area, are extremely knowledgeable about all that is going on in Branson and, on a weekly basis, answer dozens of questions about all the fun and excitement it offers as they help potential visitors plan their trip to Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “One of the topics of a number of those questions relates to the tornado Branson experienced earlier in the year,” she continued, saying that the following are typical of the questions asked. “Is there much damage left from the tornado?” “I am bringing my family to Branson later this year. I know it got hit by the tornado. Is everything open and is the strip ok?” ” How is rebuilding coming along, i.e. Branson Landing?”

In terms of the tourism aspect of those question, a general answer would be to point out that Branson’s Mayor, Raeanne Presley, was absolutely right when, on the day of the tornado, she said that the vast majority of Branson’s major attractions, shows and other activities, that millions of visitors come to Branson every year to enjoy, were not damaged. As this is being written, Branson Landing and all of Branson’s major shopping venues are 100 percent open as are all of Branson’s major attractions and other activities. Although two of the “Branson Strip” theaters damaged are still under repair, the vast majority of Branson’s shows are performing as usual.

During the early morning hours of February 29, the Branson area was hit by an EF-2 Tornado severely damaging some of its businesses and residences as its “touchdowns” skipped from place to place as it passed through Branson. However, national and regional media reports to the contrary, and without minimizing the effect of the tornado on those directly impacted, there were limited injuries and no fatalities. The vast majority of businesses and residences were not damaged as was the case with Branson’s tourism infrastructure; its lakes, shopping, lodging, shows, attractions and other tourist activities, receiving no, or extremely minimal, damage.

Branson’s 2012 season kicked off as scheduled. Starting with the hosting of an estimated 16,000 to 20,000 people who attended the 21st NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Championships at the College of the Ozarks about a week after the storm; the opening of Silver Dollar City, currently conducting the country’s largest international festival, World-Fest, as it joined the vast majority of Branson’s other attractions, such as the Titanic Museum Attraction, that were already open and the blossoming of Branson’s 2012 show scene as the majority of its live shows opened, Branson has been a whirlwind of fun, excitement and adventure. Add in  Branson Centennial activities; championship fishing events; shoppers enjoying the shopping experiences provided by Branson Landing, Historic Downtown Branson, the Tanger Mall and Branson’s many specialty shops and it becomes apparent that Branson is providing visitors with the same great magical exciting experience it always has.

Will visitors see damage from the storm, “Absolutely, but it will be a parcel here and a parcel there not the complete devastation of Joplin. The picture of the Branson Convention Center Hilton, with its blown out windows, became an iconic picture of the tornado, but historic downtown Branson, Branson Landing and the Branson Scenic Railway, virtually in its shadow, are open for business. Bill Derbins, General Manager of the Branson Hilton Hotels and the Branson Convention Center, said that although the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel will be closed until October 1, that, even as its repairs continue, the Branson Convention Center is open for business with the Branson Car Auction being conducted there on April 20 and 21.

With the reopening of “Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre” last week and the resumption of performances by the “Legends in Concert” and “The Bretts” only two of Branson’s theatres remain closed because of storm damage. Timothy Haygood, spokesmen for the Americana Theatre said that the “remodeling” of the theatre is going well and that they expect to reopen no later than the end of May. Haygood also said that the theatres shows, “Cassandre Haygood and Friends,” “Joseph Hall Elvis Rock N Remember Tribute,” “The 3 Red Neck Tenors” and “Todd Oliver and Friends” are ready to go as soon as it opens.

The Branson Variety Theatre, home of “Hooray for Hollywood,” “Shake Rattle & Roll,” “Tribute to The Four Seasons and The Beach Boys,” “The Twelve Irish Tenors” and “Christmas in Hollywood” was the first theatre hit by the storm and the one it affected the most. Information received from the theatre indicates that it will not reopen prior to September 1.

For those asking the question, “Why should I plan to visit or vacation in Branson?” the answer is simple. For the same reason that you would have come to Branson before the tornado, to enjoy the unique exciting experience that only Branson can provide.” For the latest tornado updates or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Shohi Tabuchi and his daughter Christina are just two of the many Branson stars, present and past, scheduled to perform in "Branson's Birthday Spectacular - The Show of the Century.

Branson, Mo (4/12/12) “This weekend will truly be a weekend to remember,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “She emphasizes that not only is it the first weekend of Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest, but it is the time that Branson will remember the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic and Branson’s Centennial with separate history making once in a lifetime events.

Running from April 12 through May 6, Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest, America’s largest international festival, provides a unique opportunity for visitors to Branson and Silver Dollar City to experience the heritage, excitement, culture, dancing and music of countries throughout the world right in the midst of the beautiful Ozarks during one of its most beautiful times of the year. And World-Fest is in addition to all the fun and excitement the award winning 1880s styled theme park provides on a daily  basis. This includes 30 rides and attractions from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to the park’s new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7; dozens of demonstrating craftsmen; some of the best entertainment and live shows available in Branson and much more all seamlessly integrated into the natural wonder of the Ozarks.

Titanic Museum Attraction hosts a special once in a lifetime experience in remembrance the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking.

This weekend will be the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the “R.M.S. Titanic.” While on her maiden voyage she hit an iceberg at about “11:40 p.m. on April 14, 1912 and sank into the depths of the frigid North Atlantic, and into the pages of history, at approximately 2:20 a.m. on April 15, 1912.”

On April 14, the 100th Anniversary of when the Titanic struck the iceberg initiating the tragic sequence of events that would soon lead to her sinking, visitors to the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction will have a unique and once in a lifetime opportunity to become a part of history as the museum hosts a unique special day of tributes, musical performances, historic ceremonies and appearances by actual descendants of the Titanic’s passengers;  the lighting of the “Titanic Eternal Flame” and the launching of “distress fire rockets” to bring the event to a “solemn end.” One of the highlights of the ceremony will be the presentation of “A Night to Remember: An Original Musical Tribute to Titanic” with the participation of the Springfield Symphony and massed combined choirs.

The celebration of Branson’s Centennial offers Branson visitors yet another opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime event on April 15 with a one time performance of the show Branson’s Birthday Spectacular – The Show of the Century. Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “It might very well be the most unique and entertaining show ever presented in Branson.” Bill Lennon, the show’s producer concurred adding, “It’s a show that will be full of history, nostalgia and entertainment, but most of all fun. After all, it’s a birthday celebration!” He said that, “from the show’s original overture, incorporating 100 years of Branson history and music, to its historical elements, entertainers and the way it is all woven together, it is truly a once in a hundred year event of special significance.”

Johnson offers the services of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, to answer any questions about, or provide ticketing to, any of the events or attractions mentioned in this article by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Bretts Brydon, left, Briahna, Tom, Andrea and Garon who will be joining the show later in the year.

BRANSON, Mo. (April 9, 2012) You know it’s not going to be your typical “leap year” day when you get a call from the theatre your show is in, at about 3:45 AM telling you it has been hit by a tornado. That’s the way the Brett family started their day on the morning of February 29 and something that they, along with the Legends in Concert Show and the staff of the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre has been dealing with, on a daily basis, since.

During an interview with Brydon Brett on March 29, he said that checking on and taking care of church member’s needs and the necessary emergency administrative actions in connection with their show delayed their actual arrival at the theatre until about 10:00 AM. Brydon said, “Viewing the situation at the theatre for the first time was so emotional. Knowing how much work had been put into the brand new stage and that Legends had just opened for the 2012 season, just made you want to cry.” He went on to share that the impact them personally was compounded because they were leaving the very next day to tour Illinois and Pennsylvania.

He said that the damage people saw outside the building was just a small part of the challenges the theatre has faced and that getting the theatre up and running was a major undertaking. “I can’t tell you how grateful we are to the management and staff of the theatre and the team that was brought together. They have been unbelievable , from the very first day, working virtually around the clock to get the theatre open again as soon as possible,” he continued.

Brydon said that  being without the theatre has presented some challenges as they put the finishing touches on their new 2012 show, but they are ready for their April 16 opening and are really excited about this season. He shared that the Branson tornado will be the basis of a new unique, exciting and emotional interactive segment in the show featuring a new song that his mom, Andrea, has written called “I Will Stand.” The beautiful country ballad had its geneses during the Joplin Tornado and was completed after the Branson storm.

On April 6, the Dick Clark’s American Band Stand theatre officially announced that the theatre would be open by April 14 for the resumption of shows by the “celebrated tribute artist production Legends in Concert, who resume their six day a week schedule through the rest of the year.” The Bretts show opens April 16. “That’s great news, not only for the Dick Clark’s Bandstand Theatre, the Legends in Concert and The Bretts show, but for Branson visitors too,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center.

With roof work complete, workers are now working on the final phases of the restoriation of "Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theatre."

BRANSON, Mo – (April 6, 2012) “That’s great news, not only for the Dick Clark’s Bandstand Theatre, the Legends in Concert and Brett Family Show, but for Branson visitors too,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson’s comments were in response to an announcement by the theatre earlier this week that “with roof repairs now complete, the restoration” of the theatre from the impact of the February tornado can proceed to its final phase.

The “celebrated tribute artist production Legends in Concert will resume its 2012 season schedule on April 14 performing six days a week through the end of the year. The Bretts, who also perform at the theatre will open their 2012 season, as scheduled, on April 16.

Jeannie Horton, General Manager for Legends in Concert expressed her delight that the completion of the repairs is just about done and how excited she is that the “state of the art facility, that millions of our fans have always enjoyed during their visits to Branson,” will again be available for them to experience. “The repair team has been amazing, working rapidly and diligently,” she continued.

Horton said that the pleasure of working closely with the theater’s owner, Jim D. Morris and Jerry Carroll, his general manager to assure “that the theater will be better than ever, has certainly taken away much of the sting from the tornado’s fury.” Morris said he is “grateful for the dedication of those working on the repairs to reopen the theater so quickly.” He went on to say how thrilled he was that “our Highway 76 and Fall Creek complex, including the Ramada Hotel, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, featuring Legends in Concert, and all its activities, the Midtown said Cafe, and the brand new REEL CARS Automobile Museum under the theater, will all be open and working together in harmony in less than two weeks.”

The theatre is holding “a gala fundraising event, benefiting victims of the tornado, which will be held at the theater on April 20″ featuring an 8pm performance by Legends in Concert and special guest performers soon to be announced.” In announcing his support of the event Morris said, “We are pleased knowing that the fundraising will benefit the portion of the Branson community that was most adversely affected by the tornado.”

For additional information or tickets for the “Legends in Concert,” “The Bretts” or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Oak Ridge Boys

BRANSON, Mo.  “It’s hard to imagine that any other city anywhere near the size of Branson could offer it visitors the number and variety of live entertainment shows that Branson does, “said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “On a day to day basis, ‘The Official Branson.Com Show Schedule,’ powered by the Branson Tourism Center, shows a schedule of regularly scheduled shows encompassing just about every genre of music and type of live entertainment show from comedy, to magic, outdoor drama, biblical spectaculars and much more,” she continued.

In addition to Branson’s regularly scheduled shows there are a number of national stars and other acts or shows that perform limited engagements in Branson throughout the year. When factored in with Branson’s regularly scheduled shows it’s easy to see why some call Branson, “The live music show capital of the world.”While subject to change, the following list of limited engagement shows, sorted by starting date, is provided. If, as is the case with many, there is only one date shown, the performance is a one day limited engagement.

Dino & Cheryl in Concert, 4-11
Branson’s Birthday Spectacular – The Show of the Century, 4-15
Oak Ridge Boys, 4-17 through 4-19
Sawyer Brown, 4-20
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest, 4-21
See The World in Branson, 4-25 and 4-26
Heaven or Hell Conference, 4-26 through 4-28

Sawyer Brown

Dudu Fisher, 5-1 through 5-20
Ray Price and BJ Thomas, 5-5
Dino & Cheryl in Concert, 5-7 through 5-16
John Conlee & Bobby Bare, 5-12
Ronnie Milsap, 6-2
The Thorn, 6-2 through 6-16
Oak Ridge Boys, 6-12 through 6-14
Veggi Tales, 6-20 through 7-7
Merle Haggard, 6-23
A Festival of Praise, 7-2
Three Dog Night, 7-14
Neal McCoy, 7-19
Neal McCoy, 8-24 and 8-25

Veggi Tales

Air Supply and Maxine Nightingale, 9-15
Oak Ridge Boys, 9-18 through 9-20
Bill Anderson – A Night With A Legend, 9-21
Neal McCoy, 9-21 and 9-22
Restless Heart, 9-22
Teen Idols, 9-29
Dudu Fisher, 10-1 through 10-21
Neal McCoy, 10-5
Don Williams, 10-6
Oak Ridge Boys, 10-9 through 10-25
George Jones, 10-12
Bill Cosby, 10-13
David Frizzell & Shelly West, 10-13
Down From His Glory, 10-16 through 10-18
Lone Star, 10-18
Marty Stuart, 10-19 and 10-20

George Jones

Sawyer Brown, 10-19
Tim Conway and Friends, 10-19 and 10-20
Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius, 10-20
Midwest Country Stars, 10-26
Janie Frickie, 10-27
Gatlin Brothers & Debby Boone Together,11-1 through 12-8
Oak Ridge Boys, 11-1 through 11-15
Daniel O’Donnell, 11-2 through 12-8
Tim Zimmerman and The Kings Brass, 11-6 through 11-16
George Jones, 11-9
Crystal Gayle, 11-10
Neal McCoy, 11-10
Tim Conway and Friends, 11-10 and 11-11
Mollie B Christmas Show, 11-11 and 11-12
Johnny Mathis Christmas Show, 11-16 and 11-17
Neal McCoy, 11-16, and 11-17
Classic Country Super Show, 11-23

Branson Tourism Center’s Milton also points out that additional information, specific scheduling information, prices and tickets for each of these limited engagement shows, as well as Branson’s regularly scheduled shows, can be obtained through the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.