Titanic Museum Attraction earlier today in all her Spring Break splendor

BRANSON, Mo.  In the wake of the tornado that hit Branson during the early morning hours of February 29 some might ask, “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 have a great time with your family and enjoy the unique exciting experience that only Branson can provide.”

That potentially raises another question, “But is it the same experience after the storm as before?” Without diminishing in any way the anguish and damage suffered by those whose lives or property was impacted by the storm, Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the largest providers of Branson travel services says, “The answer to that question would have to be a resounding, ‘Yes.’”

Yesterday, while at Scotty’s Trout Dock in downtown Branson, I received confirmation of that fact from a chance encounter. A man came into the office with his two sons and rented a pontoon boat. As he was out in the boat rigging up the rods they would use to fish we started to talk and “shoot the breeze.”

I did not get his name, because we just talking and shooting the breeze at the time, but he is from Memphis, TN and had never been to Branson before. He and his family decided to come and spend their “Spring Break” in Branson because they had heard a lot of great things about it and, although they own a lake property nearer to Memphis, they decided they wanted to try something different this year.

When asked if the tornado had almost caused them not to come he said that it had not, because when they “checked it out” they decided that they could do anything they wanted to do. During their week in Branson, among other things,  they plan to go trout fishing and can check that one off their list; see SIX; visit the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Titanic Museum Attraction and go to Silver Dollar City later in the week.

Given that Branson was hit by an EF-2 tornado, the blessing is that it’s direct impact on the lives, property and economy of the area it tracked over was no greater than it was. Media sensationalism to the contrary, the reality is that there were no fatalities; relatively few injuries and, as this family found out, the vast majority of the property over which the tornado passed was left undamaged including the vast majority of the attractions, shows, shopping and other activities that are the foundation of Branson’s tourism based economy and provide the fun, excitement and adventure for which Branson is famous.

Branson Tourism Center’s Milton adds that from a fun and entertainment perspective, the Branson named as one of 2012’s Best Family Vacation Destinations by Away.com, a division of Orbitz.com, is ready to provide your family with one of the most exciting, unique and entertaining vacations they will ever experience. For additional information about Branson and all it has to offer, please contact the Branson Tourism Center 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.

Vocalists Justin, right, GiGi, Todd, Jackie and Jon.

BRANSON, Mo. Grand Country’s Comedy Jamboree has plenty of comedy, but it is so much more. It has one of the best live bands in Branson, great singing and dancing and provides two hours of exceptional music and comedy that truly has something for everyone.

As this writer watched the show on Feb. 2, he was equally enthralled with the  musical talents of the cast and the presentation of each number. The shows vocal group, the “Jamboree Singers,” its “Grand Band” and lead male vocalist did a great job from a musical point of view that, when combined with the production and choreography accompanying each number, results in some of the best live musical entertainment  on any Branson stage.

The primary vocal role is carried by the shows vocal group, the “Jamboree Singers” composed of Jackie Brown, GiGi Hutchinson, Jon Drockelman and Justin Tews. From the show’s opening number, “Love Somebody” to its last, “This Is America,” both together and as featured soloists, the vocal talents of this group and its individual members is obvious. The shows lead vocalist and Master of Ceremonies is “Branson’s Country Gentlemen,” Todd Bradshaw.

The “Grand Band,” is composed of some of Branson’s finest instrumentalists. They are Tracy Heaston, Piano/Keyboard, who is also the shows Musical Director; Wayne Massengale, Fiddle, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar and Dobro; Larry Allred, Bass Guitar; Rob Blackburn, Drums and Matt Hanshaw, lead and acoustic guitar. To say that they do an outstanding job would be an understatement.

Those are the show’s individual musical elements, but it is the way they are all brought together by the show’s director and producer, Mike Patrick and associate producer Andy Holloway with the staging and choreography of GiGi Hutchinson that makes this show such a great musical experience. Virtually every number involves not only vocals, but choreography and the integration of various elements and performers into its performance. Two examples would be “The World,” beautifully sung by Todd Bradshaw featuring Wayne Massengale on the fiddle and the number “Just A Kiss,” beautifully sung by Jon and Jackie as GiGi and Justin performed an exquisite dance routine. The number was as much joy to watch as it was to hear.

And that’s just the musical part of the Comedy Jamboree. The performance that I saw featured Shannon Thomason as “Apple Jack,” and Adam Western as “Rusty Bucket,” who, from the preshow to the final comedy skit, seemed to come along at just the right time to tickle the funny bone with a stream of one liners and comedy skits. One feature of the show’s comedy is its intensive audience participation and the added fun it provides. This writer can guarantee laughter and that, among other comedic experiences, you have never seen a polka like these guys do and you will know for a certainty exactly how many of each type of animal Moses took on the Ark with him. It should be pointed out that Western was filling in for the shows other regular comedian, Perry Edenburn as “Harley Worthit” while he is fulfilling another engagement.

What a delightful way to spend an afternoon. For additional information or tickets for the Comedy Jamboree 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.

Branson's newest restaurant, the "Burger Shack" opened this week on the famed Branson Strip.

BRANSON, Mo. When I noticed that the Burger Shack had opened, diet or no diet, I had to stop by and try it. I very seldom write restaurant pieces, but as I was eating my burger, facing back toward the “fry” station and noticed the way it appeared that they were making their fries, I realized that it was just possible that I was looking at the equivalent of the “Branson Trifecta” for burgers, fries and shakes. That piqued by curiosity and I decided to check it out after I finished eating.

As things worked out, I talked with Jon Rasmussen, the General Manager of the Burger Shack and the son of one of the partners, who was kind enough to sit down and chat with me for a few minutes even though it was the lunch hour. When I asked him why they decided to open another burger place in Branson he said, “Burgers are one of those things that everybody likes. Everyone wants a good burger. There are good burgers in town, but we thought we could do things our own unique way.” As the interview progressed, it became very clear that burgers are not the only thing done in a unique way at the Burger Shack.

Everything at the Burger Shack involves high quality ingredients and freshness. Every Burger Shack Burger is made from 100 percent fresh ground chuck that is ground locally; is always fresh, never frozen and is cooked after it is ordered. This takes about eight minutes and is one of the primary reasons they don’t have a drive through. Another unique feature of the Burger Shack is that they have free peanuts guests can help themselves to while waiting for their order.

The burger is just under a quarter of a pound uncooked. Rasmussen said, “Gentlemen should get doubles and the ladies singles. From my perspective, the cheeseburger, with mayo, green peppers and grilled onions I had, along with an order of fries and diet coke, was plenty big enough.

As you order your burger there is a list of about 15 condiments and other things that you can top your burger with from the standard catsup, mustard, mayo, lettuce and tomatoes to mushrooms, grilled onions, green peppers and more; the possible combinations are endless. Rasmussen said you can add as many as you want without any additional charge.

Typically, to me, a burger’s bun is just to keep my hands from getting greasy while I eat the burger, but in this case the bun was delightful. It was warm and soft yet not soggy and really noticeably added to the overall enjoyment of the burger. When asked about the bun, Rasmussen said that it is all part of what makes a Burger Shack burger unique and special and it didn’t just happen. He said, “I have eaten a lot of buns in the last three months.”

The in house start of the Burger Shack's "famous "natural cut fries.

About 50 years ago this writer worked part time in a McDonald’s when they made their fries from scratch, that’s right, from the raw potato to the finished fries right in the store. Well, those days are back again at the Burger Shack.

When asked what makes their fries “famous” and so different from most others, Rasmussen said, “The amount of effort we put into them. Those boxes of potatoes that you see stacked when you come in are the potatoes that will become the fries that we serve.” Rasmussen took me back into the kitchen where the potatoes were being washed, sliced and made ready to go out for the multiple step “frying” process. The one difference between the McDonald’s fries of 50 years ago and the Burger Shack’s is that McDonalds took the skin off the potato, but the Burger Shack’s fries leave the skin on. One thing for certain though, the Burger Shack’s process sure adds new meaning to the term “natural cut fries,” and, speaking from personal experience, they were delicious.

Even their milk shakes are made the old fashioned way. Each is made from ice cream, not mixes, that is hand dipped. In deference to my diet, as I scoffed down the cheese burger and fries with gusto, I washed it down with a Diet Coke and did not get to try a milk shake, but they looked really really good. They also have a full selection of soft drinks and will be offering, bottled beer within a couple of weeks.

The Burger Shack is located in the building where Schlotzsky’s, followed by Gloria Jean’s Coffee, used to be, on the south side of Highway 76 across from the Grand Country Complex. It is open seven day a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. right now, but will have extended hours during the summer and holds about 88 inside. Rasmussen said that during the summer they will also have patio seating and special parking up front for “cool cars” and hot rods.

It is basically a self serve restaurant with the customer placing the order, getting a number and drink cups which they fill themselves. When their number is called they go up and get their order. Although the Burger Shack serves some other items such as a Salmon Burger and has a kids menu, it’s the burger, fries and shakes that their menu emphasizes. The single cheese burger that I had, with a soft drink, regular order of fries came to $8.81. The cheese burger alone was $4.49 without tax.

Pierce Arrow will be celebrating Valentines Day with performances.

The British poet and humorist, Thomas Hood, said, “Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!” It seems that on Valentine’s Day extra effort is made to show those we love how much we care, but how much more special each day would be if we followed Hood’s, words and treated those we love in a manner that said, “Thou art every day my Valentine?”

With Valentine’s Day coming up on Tuesday, February 14th, what better way to show your Valentine how much you care than by celebrating Valentine’s Day in Branson, Missouri, “the live music show capital of the world?” Whether that celebration takes place the weekend before or on Valentine’s Day itself, Branson, with its many restaurants, shopping, shows and other activities offers a variety of ways to share a special Valentine’s Day with that special someone.

From the simple café fare of a downtown staple like Clocker’s Café to an elegant romantic gourmet meal at the Chateau on the Lake, Candle Stick, Table 22 or the Level 2 Steak House and everything in between, Branson offers a variety of Valentine dining experiences for every budget and taste. Many will be offering special menus just for Valentine’s Day and it is suggested making reservations as early as possible.

Branson Landing Cruise line has special Valentine’s Day dinner cruises scheduled on the Branson Landing Princess on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11 and on Valentine’s Day. The Landing Princess is a 100 foot long luxury yacht and the cruise will include a romantic gourmet dinner, served while cruising Lake Taneycomo, and seeing the spectacular nighttime view of Branson Landing and its fire and water Fountain Show from the water.

As one would expect in Branson, Missouri, there is a variety of live entertainment shows available to share with your Valentine. Shows including the Hamner Barber Variety Show; Grand Country’s Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, and Amazing Pets; the Hughes Brother’s presents “It”; the Haygoods and Pierce Arrow will be performing during the weekend of February 11. In addition, all the shows listed above except for the Hamner Barber Variety Show and Amazing Pets will also be performing shows on February 14, Valentine’s Day.

For those coming for the weekend, a package, combining lodging, shows, attractions and more offers not only a romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but to save money. One example is Branson Tourism Center’s “Sweetheart Package.” It offers 3 days and 2 nights lodging, two tickets to either the Hamner Barber Variety Show or the Hughes Brothers Presents “It”, two tickets to the Titanic Museum Attraction, a special “romance basket” and more.

With all Branson has to offer, why not plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day, with your special Valentine, in Branson? For additional information or tickets on Branson’s 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.

Silver Dollar City's world class coaster, "Wildfire" and its spectacular view of the Ozark Hills and Table Rock Lake.*

BRANSON, Mo. “There is an infinite choice of things to see and do in Branson, Missouri and one of the questions we are asked the most often by first time visitors is, ‘What are the “must” things to see and do?’” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Obviously that will change with the particular needs or desires of the person asking the question, the season of the year and other factors, but on average, the following three things should certainly be at the top of anyone’s ‘must see and do’ Branson itinerary’”

Silver Dollar City
See a Show
Branson Landing

Silver Dollar City is an 1880s styled theme park that is Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction. It has six world class festivals a year, 30 thrilling attractions and rides including its new kids area – “Half Dollar Holler,” 60 unique craft shops craftsmen demonstrating skills in pioneer crafts, great food and much more.

Branson is called, by some, “The live music show capital of the world” and during the season offers a variety and quality of live entertainment that is unequaled in any other travel destination of its size, perhaps any size. With all the shows in Branson there is sure to be a show that will appeal to just about everyone. Johnson points out that the original show on the Branson Strip, “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” is iconic not only for that, but because two of its cast members, drummer Steve Presley and his brother Gary Presley, the show’s comedian, have been performing continuously since it opened on the what is now the “Branson Strip “in 1967 and set a new “record” every time they perform. She points out that it is also one of Branson’s most popular shows and its mixture of music and “action comedy” will entertain the entire family.

Constructed at a cost of about $400 million in 2006, Branson Landing is at the same time, one of Branson’s main attractions and a premier shopping destination. It is located immediately adjacent to historic downtown Branson and the Branson Convention Center, on the shores of beautiful Lake Taneycomo. With its unique promenade construction; 100 specialty retail stores, shops and restaurants; $7.5 million fire, water and light fountain show; board walk and attractions, Branson Landing is a unique part of the Branson experience.

Johnson says that Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, has a staff of over 100 people dedicated to just one thing, helping people plan and have a great Branson experience. BTC would be pleased to have one of their knowledgeable local Branson Vacation Planners assist anyone in planning their Branson vacation at absolutely no charge either by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

* Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Be a Polar Bear for the 2012 Branson Polar Plunge .

BRANSON, Mo. At 2 p.m. on February 11 some special people are going to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” as they plunge into the cold water of Table Rock Lake in the 7th Annual Branson Polar Plunge. The reason the participants, appropriately designated as “Plungers,” will be “freezin’” is to support the more than 1,700 athletes in the Southwest Area of the “Special Olympics of Missouri (SOMO).” The 2011 Branson Polar Plunge raised more than $30,000 for the Special Olympic Athletes. The goal for the 2012 is $34,000.

Branson’s Polar Plunge will be held at the marina of the Still Waters Resort, 21 Still Water Trail, just south of Silver Dollar City in Indian Point, Road . Registration starts at Noon and the Plunge itself is right after the “Plunger Parade of Costumes,” at 2 p.m. After the Plunge there will be “free food, music and a silent auction” at the Post Plunge Party that will be held at the Best Western Branson Inn and Conference Center in Branson West.

Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the corporate sponsors of the event and herself a past “Plunger” said, “The event a great fund raiser for a great cause and is a lot of fun, not only for the ‘Plungers,’ but for those who come out to watch and support them.” She notes that there will be food and concession sales featuring food and warm “Plunge” clothing. One of the highlights will be the opportunity to see the costumes worn by some of the competing “Plungers” as groups and individuals compete for the coveted “Golden Plunger Award.”

Milton encourages everyone to come out and support the event and to donate what they can to support the “Special Olympics of Missouri” and its athletes. For further information on the Branson Polar Plunge or other Branson shows, and events please call Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or visit their web site wwwBransonTourismCenter.com.

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle is just one of the many things available to do in Branson.

When Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center, Branson’s leading provider of Branson travel services, first read about Branson, Missouri being ranked Number 3 in a listing of the Top 50 Group Tour Destinations for 2012 in a recent “Byways” online article entitled, “North America’s Top 50 Group Tour Destinations,” she enthusiastically and understandably said, “Yeah Branson!!” Calling Branson “the small town that transformed the entertainment business,” the article reports that Branson was surpassed only by Number 1 Washington, D.C. and Number 2 New York City on the list finishing ahead of cities such as Pigeon Forge, TN; Myrtle Beach, NC; Orlando, Las Vegas and dozens of others.

The listing was based on Byways “annual nationwide survey of tour operators and where they think their groups will be going during 2012.” The article explains that the survey is not a random survey, but is based on a “compilation of information received from tour operators throughout North America who responded to the annual Byways survey.” “Byways” is a bi-monthly publication “distributed electronically, via email to more than 4000 tour operators and 20,000 travel agencies” including bank travel managers, school band and athletic planners and meeting planners.

In addition to reporting and listing the Top 50 Group Tour Destinations for 2012, the article also listed the “Top 30 State Tours Destinations” with Missouri ranking Number 6 ahead of states such as Florida, Hawaii, and North Carolina. Branson also offers five out of the “Top Ten Tour Group Friendly Hotel chains including the Number 1 listed Holiday Inn Express, Number 3 Best Western, Number 4 Hampton Inns, Number 6 Comfort Inns and Number 9 Radisson Hotels.

The 1880′s theme park, Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular attraction was listed Number 14 out of the “Top 15 Man-Made Attractions,” in the survey. The list included the Statute of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, Disney World and the Grand Old Opry. In addition to six world class festivals each year, the international award winning theme park features 30 rides and attractions encompassing everything from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to their new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7; dozens of demonstrating craftsmen and some of the best live shows and entertainment available anywhere.

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood feels that Branson is popular with groups for the same reason it is popular with families and individuals. The natural beauty of the Ozarks and its lakes, when combined with Branson’s great value; live shows; attractions; golfing; fishing; shopping and other activities makes Branson a wonderful unique travel destination for groups and families alike.

Highway 76 entrance with Mel's Diner and, to the left, a glimpse of "interior" of Grand Village Shops.

Shopping is an integral part of the Branson experience for many people,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She also points out that its availability, like the majority of Branson’s other attractions, is year round and not weather or seasonally dependent.”

The variety and quality of the shopping offered by Branson’s outlet malls, Branson Landing, its historic downtown shopping district and other specialty shops is well known. Perhaps not as well known, but providing one of the most unique, interesting and attractive shopping experiences in Branson, is the Grand Village Shops located in the middle of Branson’s entertainment district at 2800 W. Highway 76 on the famous Branson Strip.

Opened in 1993, the Grand Village Shops’ architecture and design is a not an attraction to be missed. Its beautiful fountains, plantings, brick walkways, flower beds and buildings were designed based on “the look of old town Charleston, South Carolina” and provide a charming relaxing shopping venue that is unique in Branson.

From apparel, gift, specialty, toy. book and jewelry stores the shopping experience provided at the Grand Village Shops is exceptional. The confluence of the gallery and fine arts of Helwig Art Glass, Peter Engler Woodcarving and Design, Thomas Kinkade Signature Art Gallery and Mark Karpinski Photography add to the  total shopping experience available at the Grand Village Shops.

The Grand Village Shops has two restaurants that are as unique as its design and shopping. “Sugar Leaf Treats” has some of the most delicious hand crafted treats, cookies, cakes and pies available in Branson to go with their specialty soups, salads, quiches, sandwiches and other items.

Mel’s Hard Luck Dinner, is noted for serving “the biggest banana split in Branson,” its “famous Root Beer Malts” and serving hearty portions of good home cooked food and one other thing, entertainment. As it serves up its delicious food, Mel’s staff of singing servers, interface with the customers in an up-close and personal one on one entertainment experience that the customers from kids on up just love. The singing servers come from varied backgrounds such as Broadway, cruise ships, shows and TV. Two of these servers, Jason Yeager and Matt Kester, appeared on the hit Fox Show “American Idol,” Yeager in 2008 and Kester in 2005.

The Grand Village Shops has great shopping, food, entertainment all presented within a unique and relaxing environment. “It’s another of those unique quality experiences that makes Branson so exciting and interesting,” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson added. For additional information on the Grand Village Shops or Branson’s other shopping, shows, attractions, or lodging please feel free to 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.

The Titanic Museum Attraction is just one of the many shows and attractions on the famed "Branson Strip."

BRANSON, Mo. Branson was recently recognized as one of the “15 Destinations on the rise” by TripAdvisor.Com in a select list with the likes of Nashville, TN, Austin, TX, Charleston, SC and others. In naming Branson as Number 7 out of the 15 destinations recognized, the article said that Branson’s natural beauty, attractions, live entertainment, shopping and other activities “draw 8.4 million tourists a year.”

While pointing out that the “live music and comedy shows, numerous restaurants, theme parks, shopping outlets and myriad hotels” available on the famed “Branson Strip” is reminiscent of the non-stop entertainment provided by Las Vegas the article stresses some very important differences. There are no casinos and all that Branson provides is done amid “small town rural surroundings” by a “warm, hospitable town tucked into the foothills of the Ozarks.”

The article goes on to say that Branson’s “Rolling hills offer 200 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking, and three scenic lakes that are havens for fishing and water sports.” Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, said that not only is Branson surrounded with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, but that, from Silver Dollar City to Branson Landing, that natural beauty has been integrated into the Branson experience. “When all that Branson has to offer, in terms of live entertainment, attractions, shopping and other activities is considered together with its small town atmosphere, spirit and natural beauty, the result in a unique experience that can only be found in Branson, Missouri,” she continued.

Milton said, “What an honor it is for Branson to be recognized as one of the of “15 Destinations on the rise” by TripAdvisor.Com.” She also explains that during the Spring of this year Branson also received recognition from TripAdvisor as one of the “Great U.S. Destinations to Discover.” She feels that such recognition is in large part due to the efforts of all those involved with Branson’s Tourism Industry to ensure that Branson’s guests have a great Branson experience and a philosophy of ‘If it’s important to you then it’s important to me.”‘

To those who have never been to Branson before she suggests, “Why not plan a visit to Branson during 2012 to see what all the excitement is about?” Too, she reminds those who have visited before that Branson will be celebrating its Centennial throughout all of 2012 providing an ideal time to revisit and enjoy all that Branson has to offer. For assistance in planning a trip to Branson or getting your questions on Branson answered by local Branson experts, Milton offers the free services of 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.

Christina Lingo Tabuchi right after our interview.

BRANSON, Mo. One of Branson’s most popular shows is the Shoji Tabuchi Show which has been entertaining audiences in Branson, in its own theatre, for going on 23 years. Starting out as an eight year old performer, Shoji’s daughter, Christina Lingo Tabuchi, has been singing and dancing with her dad for just about everyone of those years and has developed into an extraordinary singer and dancer who is the shows Vocal Director and Co-Captain of the Dancers. In addition to performing with the Shoji Tabuchi show this very personable young lady is also in the process of developing a solo career.

BTC was fortunate to catch up with her before she left Branson for Nashville, where she resides when not performing or working in Branson. In the “off season” Christina will not only be working on projects for her solo career, but will also be involved with the production, auditioning and costume designing for the show and the buying of merchandise for the theatres gift shop. The Shoji Tabuchi Show will open its 2012 season on April 13th.

“Branson – Up Close and Personal,” is a service of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and is intended to provide readers with an up close and personal look at a Branson star or personality. The interview with Christina Lingo Tabuchi (CT) uses a “Question and Answer” format with the interviewing being done for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by Gary J. Groman, a 26 year resident of the Branson area, local columnist and free lance writer.

BTC: At what age did you first start singing and dancing?
CT: I started singing and dancing when I was three and started performing for audiences when I was five. My first non-school performances were on the stage of “Country Music World” when Bill and Janet Daily would let me perform.

BTC: When did you first start performing in the Shoji Tabuchi Show?
CT: In 1989 when we started our own show in the old “auto show” building. [It is the theatre currently located behind the Olive Garden Restaurant.]

BTC: Do you remember the first number you performed?
CT: Oh absolutely. The first song I ever sang on stage in front of people was Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough to Take My Man.” For the Shoji Tabuchi Show I believe that the very first song I sang was “Swinging on a Star.”

Christina performing the Carpenter's hit "Merry Christmas Darling."

BTC: What part of this year’s Shoji Tabuchi Show did you personally enjoy performing the most and why?
CT: That’s really hard, but I really had a fun time doing “Undo It” by Carrie Underwood with two of the dancers Cory Hansen and Brandt Brinkley in the regular show. Although I know that anybody who knows me and is going read this will laugh, one of my favorite parts in the Christmas Show was dancing and doing the polka to “Deck the Halls” and “Jingle Bells.”

BTC: What is your first memory of Branson?
CT: It’s funny because when you say that, instantaneously, I think of Shepherd of the Hills [Expressway] being a dirt road and the charcoal plant.

BTC: What do you like to do most in Branson when you are not performing?
CT: I’m kind of a homebody. I just enjoy resting and relaxing with family and friends

BTC: What do you like best about performing in Branson?
CT: My family’s here. It can’t get any better than that. I’ve always loved hanging out with my parents so it’s just been a dream for me. Another thing I love is the great family atmosphere of Branson. It is a great place to visit and a great place to live.

BTC: If you could perform or meet with any one entertainer/person (living or deceased) who would it be and why?
CT: I don’t know. How I am supposed to pick between George Jones and Dolly Parton.

BTC: Let’s take them both.
CT: George Jones was a favorite of my “Nanny,” my mom’s mom. That’s who she listened to and pretty much what I was raised on. I just think he’s amazing. And Dolly Parton is just amazing. She’s an entertainer, entrepreneur, writes her own music, plays guitar, has a great sense of humor, acts and is involved with the whole range of entertainment. I just respect her a lot.

BTC: In your career, of all the performances you have been in, no matter how big or small, which one personally meant the most to you and why?

CT: You know, it kind of makes me a little teary, but it was when me, mom and dad were all three doing the show together. Take any one of those.

BTC:  Do you have a favorite hobby or activity and what is it?
CT: I seriously love just hanging around with my family, friends and dogs.

BTC: What kind of dogs?
CT: Rescued mutts. I have a little wired hair terrier, his name is “Gus” and little poodle, schnauzer terrier mix and her name is “Petunia.”

BTC: Do you have a “little known” fact about yourself that you think our readers would enjoy?
CT: I am obsessed with cup cakes.

BTC: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in front of an audience?
CT: Oh, good grief. One that sticks out was during our first year of shows when I was about eight years old. While dad was playing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” I came out from behind a little “Candy Land” house that was wheeled out and sang with him. This one day, I got the hiccups and had them all during the song. The audience was laughing during the whole song. I remember thinking, “Oh, they’re laughing at me” and they said, “No they’re laughing because it’s cute and you have the hiccups and can’t get rid of them.”

BTC: What is your favorite genre of music?
CT: I can’t pick just one. I love all types of music.

BTC: In addition to being a performer in the Shoji Tabuchi Show, what other duties do you perform in connection with the show?
CT: I am the Vocal Director for the theatre, the Co Captain of the Dancers and am involved with some of the costume designing, back stage management and the buying of merchandise for the gift shop. In addition, I hold the auditions for singers and dancers for the show.

BTC: Are there any special projects you have on tap for next year that you would like to share with our readers?
CT: I have a new album that will be released next year and will be available when we start our 2012 season on April 13th. I am also working on two other albums, a duet album with friends and a Christmas album.

BTC: Are you on Facebook andhttp://ww Twitter?
CT: I sure am. www.facebook.com/pages/Christina-Lingo/75740939185 and www.twitter.com/ChristinaLingo

BTC: Anything else you want our readers to know?
CT: Plan to come and see our show next year, you’ll have a great time and there’s something for everybody.

BTC: Can you give us a hint of what will be in the show next year?
CT: We haven’t had our production meetings for next year yet, but I guarantee that it will be a great show!