BRANSON, MO, April 9, 2013 — “Buying tickets for a Branson show is just like buying anything else,” said Tammy Johnson Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), Branson’s largest seller of Branson show and attraction tickets. “You get what you pay for.”

As is the case with most tourist destinations, there are places in Branson that offer “2 for 1″ or other extremely discounted tickets. “This brings to mind a time tested caveat, ‘Buyer beware’ Johnson added.

In dealing with “discount ticket brokers, “among others, a potential buyer might want to consider some of the following points. Is the business offering the tickets a member of the BBC (Better Business Bureau)? If so what rating does it have? What conditions apply to receiving the discount? Are they getting the best seats available? Is there a service charge? Does the establishment selling the tickets offer tickets to all of Branson’s most popular shows and attractions? Are they a one stop provider of Branson travel services? Do they offer show, attractions and lodging packages that can result in total savings of more than just the discounted tickets they offer?

Johnson points out that the Branson Tourism Center has sold well over three million Branson show and attraction tickets, has been an accredited member of the BBBfor over a decade and enjoys an “A+” rating. BTC never charges a service fee, offers tickets to all Branson shows and enjoys an excellent relationship with the shows and attractions with which it does business. This results in getting its customers the best available seats at the time of booking as opposed to the “remnants.”

Employing over 100 people, BTC offers a full range of Branson travel services, including lodging for just about every budget and taste. The savings resulting from “packaging,” combining lodging with tickets for shows and attractions, will in many cases be much more than that of just the discounted tickets with added convenience and less risk.

The convenience and comfort factor in dealing with a full service travel provider with the reputation of the Branson Tourism Center does not cost any more, generally results in better seats and value with a savings of both time and money if packaging is used and all without any conditions or stipulations.

As Peggy Barthel, the purchaser of BTC’s 3 millionth ticket, pointed out; after spending most of the day on the internet trying to decide where to go and what to do while in Branson she discovered the Branson Tourism Center and called their 800 number,1-800-875-1550. In summing up the results of that call she said, “One call that’s all, they just took care of everything. We’re just going to go up there and have fun.” Isn’t that what you want for your Branson vacation?

Tammy Johnson Branson Tourisim Center's Director of Operations

BRANSON, MO, March 11, 2013 –  The term “Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center” has appeared after her comments in hundreds of internet articles on Branson over the last four years. That’s not just because she works for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and a BBB accredited business with an A+ rating that has sold over 3 million Branson show and attraction tickets. Simply put, it’s because she has over three and a half decades of specific experience in serving Branson visitors, is dedicated to helping them have the best Branson experience possible and, perhaps more importantly, knows what she is talking about.

Tammy Johnson is no “Betty Crocker” type marketing creation, she is the real deal. During an interview Johnson said that she started in the Branson tourism industry cleaning rooms when she was 11 years old. Since that time she has acquired extensive experience in the Branson tourism industry by working in many of its different aspects from funnel cakes and waiting on tables to working the front desk, auditing, sales and managing one of Branson’s largest lodging properties.

Her last position, prior to starting with the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) in 2008, was as the General Manager for Branson’s Radisson Hotel, a position which she held for 12 years. In her current position, as the Director of Operations for BTC, she works directly under the owners of the business, Lianne and Larry Milton, supervising and coordinating the activities of over 100 employees with the tens of thousands of Branson visitors and hundreds of Branson shows, attractions, lodging establishments and other vendors BTC serves each year to insure that its customers have the best Branson experience possible.

Johnson points out that BTC is an internet based marketing company dedicated to marketing the fun, excitement and adventure that Branson has to offer. Remarkably, none of that marketing is based on either outbound calling or by intercepting visitors once they get to Branson. It is all done through people establishing a relationship with BTC prior to coming to Branson by calling 1-800-875-1550 or one of its other toll free numbers, or directly through the internet, as a result of its presence on the internet. This presence is reflected through one of its websites such as Branson’s original website, www.Branson.Com, www.BransonTourismCenter or www.BransonOnTheWeb; social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter or one of the hundreds of articles on Branson and what it offers that BTC publishes on the internet each year.

As mentioned above, in addition to her many other duties Johnson’s expertise is often used in the articles BTC publishes on the internet because of her broad Branson tourism background and the fact that she is intimately involved with its operation on a daily basis. To paraphrase the Hallmark Card slogan, when it comes to serving its customers and potential Branson visitors, “BTC cares enough to give its very best.”

Grand Country Buffet is a favorite breakfast spot for visitors and locals alike.

BRANSON, Mo., January 19, 2013 — “Even with people eating Breakfast at their hotel or lodging as part of the amenities offered, one of the things many Branson visitors like to do while in Branson is go to one of Branson’s many restaurants for breakfast at least once during their stay with some having a family breakfast tradition that spans generations,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Earlier this week we asked the question, ‘Where’s your favorite place in Branson to eat Breakfast?’ on our Face Book Page,” she continued.

The top five listed, out of the 24 people named, in order were:

Grand Country Buffet, 1945 West 76 Country Boulevard – Known for the quality of its food and wide choice, its breakfast is no exception. As one local poster said, Grand Country Buffet “has the best tasting breakfast around. I live in Branson and I have ate in a lot of places for breakfast. The best place and friendless place in town. Every time we have company come in that’s the only place I will take them for breakfast.”

Billy Gail’s Café, 5291 Hwy 265 – It’s the only one of the five not on the Branson Strip. Billy Gail’s is particularly noted for its humongous pancakes, is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. One poster opined, “Billy Gails, is always the best if you can get in the parking lot.”

Bob Evans, 801 West Main Street (Highway 76) – Ok so technically, it is two blocks south on Highway 76 of where most people consider the Branson Strip starts. Bob Evans, a national chain, is noted locally, for the variety and quality of its breakfast offerings and its specialty breakfast items as reflected by one poster who said, “Bob Evans for their sausage gravy and biscuits- unlike any other!!!”

IHOP Restaurant, 3120 West 76 Country Boulevard – A national chain, located on the western edge of the strip at the junctions of Routes 76 and 376, IHOP is famous for the variety and quality of its pancakes and French toast.

Belgian Waffle and Pancake House, 3120 West 76 Country Boulevard, – Another favorite of locals and visitors alike. One poster noted, “I love their French toast!!”

Only two of the top five are national chains. Interestingly, even with the addition of “Cracker Barrel” there are only three national chains listed in the top 10 which includes “Clocker’s Cafe,” “Silver Dollar City Breakfast Buffet” and the “Farmhouse Restaurant.” Johnson suggests that while the answers to the question do not constitute any kind of valid scientific study there is a correlation between the answers and the names of spots where locals and  visitors eat breakfast commonly appearing on other reviews and forums such as the 1Branson.Com Dining Forum. One thing appears certain however, a great Ozark Breakfast is never  very far away in Branson!

Displaying the agility that has made it Branson's oldest and most popular paid attraction, construction is well along on Silver Dollar City's newest thrill ride "Outlaw Run."

BRANSON, Mo., January 1, 2013 — Although many words come to mind to describe Branson, “agility” is not typically one of them. Yet from its earliest days over 100 years ago to Branson’s entry into 2013, “Agility” has been at the core of Branson’s success and what it has become today.

“Agility has been defined as “mentally quick, acute or quick in movement.” It helps keep us, be it a city, company or individual, to be efficient and flexible enough to accept and tackle the challenges necessary to “evolve and meet the future in new and innovative ways.”

In August of 1912, less than five months after being incorporated as a city on April 1 of that year, a devastating fire destroyed downtown Branson’s entire commercial district except for three buildings. Branson’s agility in handling that situation and others along the way put it in a position where, at the beginning of its Centennial Year in 2012, it was and had been for decades one of the premier family travel destinations in the United States, entertaining upwards of 8 million guests annually.

Families like the Herschends, Presleys, Mabes, Trimbels, Snadens and so many others had the agility to recognize the full future potential of tourism to the Branson area and act on that recognition in a timely manner. Each of them, and many others, in their own way evolved segments of Branson’s Tourism industry using what was at the time, and to some of them personally, life changing, new and innovative concepts.

Where would Branson be today without the agility of the Herschend family in recognizing the potential of Silver Dollar City and the numerous innovative things they have done over the last 50 plus years to evolve it into one of the top theme parks anywhere? The agility of the Mabes and Presleys as they pioneered Branson’s early entertainment industry? The agility of the Presleys in evolving their original theatre, that could also be used to store boats if all else failed, into one of Branson’s first state of the art theatres and their innovation in sharing their show and Branson on a weekly basis with millions of TV viewers via RFD-TV?

How important was the agility of the Trimbles and Snadons in establishing the spectacular outdoor drama “Shepherd of the Hills” in helping to preserve the area’s history and culture and promoting the heritage that is such a major part of Branson’s charm? Where would Branson’s entertainment industry be without the agility of the long list of entertainers, entrepreneurs and others who quickly recognized Branson’s potential and had the flexibility to not only become part of it, but to help its shows and attractions evolve into what they have become today?

The same agility that has helped make Branson the wonderful place that it is to visit for millions of tourists today is as necessary tomorrow as it is today. If the past is any indication, that agility is an inherent part of the Branson’s spirit and heritage that will help ensure that the excitement, fun, and adventure that is Branson will continue into the future providing Branson visitors with a great experience that will bring them back again and again.

OK, so it's not a turkey, but it is the Great American Steak & Chicken House one of the Branson restaurants that will be open Thanksgiving Day not requiring reservations.

BRANSON, Mo., November 20, 2012 –”With a lot of Branson’s Restaurants being open Thanksgiving Day, visitors to Branson should have no trouble having a great Thanksgiving meal,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson goes on to point out however, that many require advance reservations and are booked solid.

Here’s a list of 12 Branson Restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving Day and do not require reservations with contact information and sorted alphabetically:

Andy Williams Moon River Grill
11 a.m.-8 p.m.
417-337-9539

Baldknobbers Restaurant
Thanksgiving Dinner
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
417-334-7202

Denny’s Restaurant
Open 24 Hours
417-339-3670

Fall Creek Steak House
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
417-336-5060

Florentina’s Italian Ristorante
11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
417-337-9882

Golden Corral
Thanksgiving Buffet
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
417-336-6297

Grand Country Buffet
Thanksgiving Buffet
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
417-335-2434

Great American Steak & Chicken House
Breakfast: 7 a.m.-11 a.m.; Lunch & Dinner after 11 a.m.
417-335-6699

Lone Star Steakhouse
12 p.m.. – 8 p.m.
417-336-5030

McFarlain’s Family Restaurant
11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
417-336-4680

Montana Mike’s Steakhouse (Hwy 76 and Hwy 248 Locations)
11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Hwy 76 – 417-334-2766
Hwy 248 – 417-334-5893

Paradise Grill and Steakhouse
Thanksgiving Buffet
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
417-334-5405

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson reminds Branson visitors that, at times, there can be long lines and suggests factoring that in when planning Thanksgiving Day activities. “And there’s a lot more to factor in,” she said, “because with all there is to see and do in Branson There’s more than turkey cooking for Thanksgiving in Branson.”

Molly and Carter ready to party.*

BRANSON, Mo., November 7, 2012 — In a town filled with celebrities of every variety what makes the birthday of two dogs so special? Is it because they are the mascots of the Titanic World’s Largest Museum Attraction? Is it because they represent the dogs that were aboard the Titanic when she sank; that they are so cute and cuddly; just love meeting and interacting with the guests who visit the Titanic each day or something else? If those two dogs just happen to be “Molly” and “Carter,” this writer feels safe in saying that it is a wonderful combination of the above and simply because they are two of the warmest, most personable and cuddly animal celebrities in Branson or anywhere else.

During a recent interview with Kelli Sanders their head trainer, she said that Molly and Carter, who are “King Charles Spaniels,” both female, are “sisters” and were born on different days about a month apart, will be celebrating a special joint 4th Birthday on November 24th at the Titanic Museum Attraction. Guests to the attraction will have an opportunity to participate in the special celebration, which will be held in conjunction with the “Noon Presentation” near the bow of the ship and will include birthday cake, balloons, decorations, a large birthday card for them to sign as well as an opportunity to meet with their trainers and to pose with the dogs for birthday pictures.

Sanders said that since assuming their duties as the Titanic’s mascots on March 19, 2010, Molly and Carter’s primary purpose has been to “help us remember that there were dogs on board” the Titanic when she sank and to pay them tribute. “Part of what I do outside of their viewing area is to teach about the ten dogs that were on board and point out little known facts about them such as who they belonged to, where they boarded, how many survived and lots of other interesting facts about the dogs that not too many know about,” she continued.

Another important thing they do is enhance the overall experience and memories that guests to the Titanic have. “They just fall in love with these two and it makes their whole day,” she said. When asked, “How do people tell them apart she said that Carter has “freckles,” a little round spot on the side of her face and Molly does not. She also pointed out that “the girls,” as they are affectionately called aboard the ship, were named after passengers on board the Titanic on that fateful voyage.

Prior to assuming their duties aboard the Titanic, the dogs received intensive training from noted dog trainer Matt Matney, during which, in addition to their basic training, they were trained on socializing with children and crowds so that they would be comfortable with the atmosphere at the ship. In addition, with the help of their trainers, Molly and Carter have incorporated a few cute entertaining tricks into their repertoire. One such trick is Molly’s response when Kelli asks her, “What she thinks of icebergs?”

The dogs look forward to interacting with passengers when they are outside their quarters on the ship. Typically that occurs during their trips throughout the ship in their 1920 baby “pram” and their ceremonious “Noon Presentation” when the ships horn blows and they walk down from the bow of the ship with their handler and past the iceberg to meet and greet the ships guests and pose for pictures.

Carter, left, and Molly with handlers, Kelli Sanders, left, Kelli Riely and Kim Brent.*

The dogs “work” five days a week from 8 AM to 5 PM. When they are not working and are at home, Monday through Friday with Kelli Sanders and her family and the other two days with trainers Kelli Riley and Kim Breit, they love to play outside, go for walks and just enjoy cuddle time with “their” family.

Although the loving care that Molly and Carter receive at the Titanic is obvious, their care is monitored by three levels of government authority, national, state and county. Of these, the primary agency is the U.S. Department of Agriculture which conducts multiple unannounced inspections each year. These inspections include their accommodations both at the at the ship and in the homes of the trainers; how the dogs are handled, treated and transported; working conditions; required paper work such as daily logs and permits and many other areas impacting on the welfare and environment of Molly and Carter.

In addition to their duties at the Titanic, Molly and Carter use their lovely cuddly celebrity status to help the Branson community in a variety of ways. Among other things they have raised thousands of dollars for local humane societies and for a future dog park in Branson; have visited libraries “to champion and advocate literacy” and “nursing homes to warm the hearts of the residents” in addition to attending “Branson Chamber Breakfasts and ribbon cuttings for new businesses in the community.”

“Molly and Carter make an already exciting and fun filled adventure at the Titanic Museum Attraction even more memorable and unique,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “We would take this opportunity to wish Molly and Carter an early Happy 4th Birthday and to thank the “crew” of the Titanic World’s Largest Museum Attraction for adding these wonderful animal celebrities not only to their attraction, but to the total experience Branson visitors can enjoy.”

NEWS FLASH: Just prior to publishing this article we received information that Molly and Carter are entered in the Royal Spaniels Magazine Photo Contest and out of thousands of contestants, have made it to the Top 10 and NEED YOUR VOTE! To vote for Molly and Carter click here.

* Photo courtesy Titanic World’s Largest Museum Attraction

Even with out its signage and finishing touches, it's obvious that the King's Castle Theatre has come a long way since....

BRANSON, Mo., October 28, 2012 — “What a blessing it is that Branson audiences will be able to see Christmas in Hollywood, The Tribute to the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys and The Twelve Irish Tenors in time for Branson Veterans Homecoming and Ozark Mountain Christmas,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “We are just so delighted that the ordeal that our friends, at the newly remodeled and renamed  King’s Castle Theatre, have been going through since the February 29 tornado, has been mitigated and that they are back doing what they do so well, providing Branson audiences with some of the finest entertainment available in Branson.”

Danell Shoemaker – Tennison, General Manager of the Kings Castle Theatre recently thanked their friends, vendors and fans for their support throughout the extensive recovery process. She also announced that they are proud to be reopening with the following shows starting on October 30th:

Christmas in Hollywood on October 30th at 8 PM

The Tribute to the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys on October 31st at 8 PM

The Twelve Irish Tenors Christmas Show on November 1st at 8 PM with

the early morning hours of Feb. 29. This is just a glimpse of the havoc and damage the storm caused to the the theatre.

Two out of the three shows are obviously Christmas shows and Shoemaker – Tennison points out that there will be some Christmas in The Tribute to the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys show also. She sounds excited about some of the new additions and changes in the The Twelve Irish Tenors Christmas Show.

As the theatre proceeded through its extensive recovery remodeling process, David King, the Owner and Producer agreed to the Killarney Castle idea to stay within its Ireland theme. Formerly known as the “Bobby Vinton Theatre” and  the “Branson Variety Theatre,” the newly remodeled re-themed theatre will now be called the “King’s Castle Theatre.” Shoemaker – Tennison said that there are a few things to finish over the off season, some of the signage has been delayed, but that the theatre is open and ready for business and invites people to “come by and have a look.”

For additional information or tickets for the Christmas in Hollywood, The Tribute to the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys or The Twelve Irish Tenors Christmas Shows 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.

Daniel O'Donnell.

BRANSON, Mo., October 20, 2012 — A collective sigh of relief was breathed by Daniel O’Donnell fans when he said, “We will continue to do our block of shows in Branson Missouri” as he announced he would be cutting back on his touring schedule after his 2011 tours. Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, ” Branson audiences and Daniel O’Donnell are an ideal fit. We are so delighted that he will continue to perform in Branson.”

Johnson points out that Daniel O’Donnell show will start its 2012 limited engagement in Branson on November 1. It will run through December 8 with 2:00 PM shows every day of the week except Sunday and Thursday and Friday November 23.

Known in the United States through his many PBC Specials and tour appearances, O’Donnell has been called “Ireland’s most popular ‘easy listening’ entertainer and is immensely popular in Branson. His discography history in the UK is phenomenal with 14 Top 10 Music Videos, 20 “UK chart albums” and his newest music video, “Songs of Faith” topping “the UK music charts.” His Branson shows will feature guest artist Mary Duff as they “bring a little bit of Ireland “to the Ozarks singing a wide variety of cherished Irish and American classics “as well as songs celebrating the Christmas Season.

O’Donnell is known for his charismatic performances and ability to connect personally with his audiences. The story, entitled Daniel O’Donnell illustrates the ‘heart’ that makes Branson so special, published on line on Branson.com/news in November of 2011,” illustrates that his stage persona goes to the genuineness of the man and, helps explain why is so special to his fans.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests that Ozark Mountain Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year, O’Donnell is very popular and that it might be advisable to make advance arrangements for tickets not only to see Daniel O’Donnell, but for other Branson shows, attractions and lodging as well. She invites anyone wanting more information or tickets to the Daniel O’Donnell show, other Branson shows, attractions or lodging to call 1-800-785-1550 for assistance. The Branson Tourism Center may also be reached through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Dick's 5 & 10 in historic downtown Branson provides one of the most unique shopping "adventures" available anywhere.

BRANSON, Mo., October 18, 2012 — Branson is called the “Live music show capital of world” because of the number and quality of its live shows, but it is also a shopper’s dream. From small specialty shops to the $400 million Branson Landing, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Taneycomo, with its 100 specialty retail stores, shops and services, Branson offers one of the broadest selections of stores, values and merchandise available in any travel destination of a similar size..

Interestingly, as thousands of people each day go to Branson Landing they either drive through or around Historic Downtown Branson and some of the most best and easily accessed shopping opportunities in Branson. Cris Bohinc, executive director of the Downtown Branson Main Street Association points out that the Historic District has about 80 specialty retail stores, shops and services. She said, “If people want a great selection, unique specialty items and a great value, all offered in a comfortable laid back down home environment, Historic Downtown Branson is a place that should be on their ‘Branson Shopping Bucket List.’”

“Dick’s 5 & 10,” one of Branson’s most popular shopping attractions and easily the anchor of Historic Downtown Branson’s shopping, illustrates the uniqueness and excitement that shopping in downtown Branson offers. Steve Hartley, the son of the stores original founders, Dick and June Hartley, points out that it’s not just the number of items they have in the nostalgic “5 & 10,” over 175,000, or their low prices, it’s the breadth of their selection that makes the shopping experience in Dick’s so unique. He said, “In candy alone we have one of, if not, the largest selections of candy in Branson. We specialize in Old Time and hard to find candies such as ‘Rocky Road,’ ‘Big Hunk Candy Bars,’ and ‘Abba-Zaba;’ novelty candies such as ‘Wax Lips’ and ‘Nickle Nips’ and a full selection of regular candy.”

There is a local saying, “”If you can’t find what you want in Dick’s then you don’t need it.” When asked about the saying in connection with the celebration of Dick’s 50 Anniversary Hartley said, “Well, we do have over 175,000 items, from basics, toys, novelties, gifts, souvenirs and just about anything most people would expect in a variety store and more.”

Another unique downtown experience, is available at “Crain Creations Gallery” located at 214 S. Main Street just a few doors west of Dicks. T.(Tom) Morgan Crain, is Branson’s preeminent wildlife, bird, western, outdoor and nostalgia painter who can be found painting, most Mondays through Saturdays, in his downtown studio, located just inside the window of the gallery. The gallery and studio, are as warm, comfortable and inviting as are the artist and his wife Susan.

The Burlington Annex is another store featuring artist and gift lines that are unique and not available anywhere else in Branson. Its wide selection of unique gifts, glassware and jewelry coupled with the expertise, friendliness and helpfulness of their employees make shopping at the Burlington Annex a special shopping experience only available in downtown Branson.

The “Hollywood Studio Store & More” located at 109 S Commercial Street is yet another example of the unique and fun filled shopping experience available in the historic downtown shopping district. Its selection of Hollywood collectibles, jewelry, gifts, art glass, wind chimes, and much more is as phenomenal and interesting as it is value priced.

“Branson is filled with so much great shopping,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, “but these and the dozens of other stores in the downtown shopping district, coupled with the ambiance, variety and uniqueness of the shopping they offer creates and exciting, unusual one of a kind shopping experience.” For additional information on downtown Branson’s shopping and everything else it has to offer please call either the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or the Downtown Branson Main Street Association at 866-523-1190.

The Duttons, siblings Jonathan, right, Benjamin, Abigail, Timothy, and Amy with parents Sheila and Dean starting the second half of the show with a little "Motown."

BRANSON, Mo., October 16, 2012 — What is it that makes the Duttons show so special? Is it their singing, their amazing instrumentality, the flow of the show as it seamlessly progresses from one entertaining segment to the next or the familial synergy and energy that permeates everything they do on stage? In this writers opinion, it includes all of that, which in and of itself equals two of the most entertaining hours available on any stage in Branson and “then some;” an intangible that infuses itself into that entertainment to create a truly unique, special and memorable experience that should not be missed.

A clue to that “intangible” comes as the Duttons open their show with a medley including “We Are Family.” Anyone who has ever seen the Duttons perform, whether in Branson; as they progressed to the Finals of the NBC prime time hit, “America’s Got Talent;” in their PBS Specials; on the road or in their winter stomping grounds in Mesa, Arizona, knows just how important family is to them. In the opinion of this writer, it is their innate ability to share themselves and their family with their audience and, even if for only a couple of hours, make the audience not only want to be part of that family, but feel the perception that they are that takes an already great entertainment show and elevates it to a special personal experience.

From a musical variety perspective this show has it all from country and western to classical, Motown, gospel, patriotic and more. With the Duttons show it’s not just what they do, it’s how they do it. Many have heard and seen the “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” performed, but when you see and hear it performed “Dutton style,” as the whole family participates, with each soloing on their favorite instrument, you realize and appreciate just how talented this family is. Bluegrass or classical, it makes no difference. Their “Classical Medley” with Timothy on Guitar for “Capricho,” “Czardus” featuring Judith on the keyboards and Amy on the violin and “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Summer Movement” with Amy on the violin and the rest of the family accompanying her, is simply a joy to hear.

Another thing the Duttons do is vary their method of presentation during each different segment to hold their audiences interest and keep them in a constant state of anticipation. Whether it’s Timothy and Judith singing their beautiful duet “When you Say Nothing at All” with Dean and Sheila dancing to it; Benjamin’s cousin “Julio,” who looks a lot like Benjamin, “horning” in with Jonathan in one of the funniest and unique versions of “Dueling Banjoes” in existence; “Highway Patrol,” featuring Dean with some of his younger grandchildren, Leila, Luke and Damien providing a special “driving touch;” the “Girls Medley,” with “Da do ron ron” featuring Abigail, “It’s My Party” featuring Rachel, “Johnny Angel” featuring Amy or “Lollipop” featuring Jessica, the audience is invested in the show and eagerly waiting to see what comes next.

The Duttons, Benjamin, left, Jessica, Abigail, Jonathan, Amy and Timothy performing their signature Finale.

Some who have seen the show are probably thinking, “You didn’t mention my favorite part of the show, Timothy and Amy’s fiddle duet of ‘Orange Blossom Special,’ the ‘Rock Around the Clock’ number featuring the dancing of Benjamin and his wife Brande or their outstanding Veterans Tribute featuring a touching narration and dancing by Jonathan’s wife Belle, Julio’s comedy etc. They would be absolutely right, but any review describing a show having this much quality entertainment and variety packed into it must be broken into highlights if it is to fit into an article. If someone else were writing the article there would be different highlights and that’s the wonderful thing about the Duttons show.

It is a show that truly has been designed and produced to have highlights for everyone, adults as well as teens and younger children. Each performance is a celebration of family, one of the finest entertainment experiences available in Branson or anywhere else and is a special sharing of their family with yours. It is a wonderful experience that will be remembered long after the curtain comes down.

For additional information or tickets for the Duttons 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. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.