Within a few seconds of leaving the “station,” riders on Silver Dollar City’s “Time Traveler” spinning coaster are in a 10 story, 90 degree vertical drop down the Ozark mountainside.

After two years of planning and development, Silver Dollar City announced the biggest attraction in its history today, the new $26 million “Time Traveler.” Already well under construction and scheduled to open in the Spring of 2018, Time Traveler is the world’s fastest, steepest, and tallest spinning coaster.

“This coaster’s state-of-the-art controlled spin feature provides riders a unique thrill experience while still appealing to families,” said Brad Thomas, President of Silver Dollar City Attractions. “It’s a revolutionary coaster ahead of our time, and there’s only one place on the planet to experience it; that’s here in Silver Dollar City!” he added.

The Time Traveler, spinning coaster, will be a world-record-breaking coaster from many different aspects. With a top speed of 50.3 miles per hour, it will be the fastest and its “immediate out-of-the-station 10 story, 90 degree vertical drop”… straight down the Ozark mountainside, is the steepest drop. Other “first and only” features include three inversions, a Dive Loop, Vertical Loop, and a Zero-G Roll; a 95-foot tall Vertical Loop; and a double launch.

Riders, who must be a minimum height of 51 inches tall, will be in “trains” of four “vehicles.” Each vehicle will have two rows with two people in each row and will be spinning a full 360 degrees as the coaster speeds over the mountainous terrain on its half a mile plus journey. Its track crosses over itself 14 times. Want to experience a short virtual ride on Time Traveler?

The spin on each vehicle will be controlled by a state-of-the-art magnetic spin control system. It was developed specifically for the Time Traveler by the renowned coaster manufacturer, MACK RIDES of Waldkirch, Germany.

The theme of the coaster will be “Time Travel” along with the challenge to “Dream Big-Do Good.” “For over 57 years Silver Dollar City has dreamed big and has done so much good for Branson and the tens of millions it has given ‘Memories worth repeating’ to,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “What a wonderful and exciting way to continue that tradition, while sharing the past with their guests and bringing them into the future with this revolutionary new family ride,” she added.

The “Amazing Pets Show” and “Silver Dollar City’s Star Spangled Summer Festival,” featuring the return of The Harlem Globetrotters, are two of the Branson Tourism Center’s featured events for June.

“Branson’s always a special place, but never more so than when families enjoy it together,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “With school out, it’s a pure joy to see families together as they share the adventure, fun, and excitement of a vacation in Branson.”

Here’s an insider’s highlight list, containing some of the best of what’s going on in Branson during June, our Featured Show, Limited Engagement, and Event of the Month:

Featured Show of the Month: Amazing Pets features delightful circus-like acts performed by a most unusual cast! Cats galore, cuddly canines, and even brilliantly colored exotic birds put on a show sure to delight “kids” of all ages! It’s a magical touch of mayhem and furry frivolity and fun for the whole family to enjoy!

Trace Adkins

Featured Limited Engagement of the Month: Trace Adkins, the beloved big man, with the bold baritone voice, hits the Branson stage for the first time. During his impressive career, Adkins has scored Top 40 Hits with nearly every single he’s released! These include the catchy and clever Honky Tonk Badonkadonk; his Grammy nominated collaboration and #1 hit single with Blake Shelton, Hillbilly Bone; Songs About Me; Every Light in the House; The Rest of Mine; and many more.

Featured Event of the Month: Silver Dollar City’s Star-Spangled Summer Festival offers family fun and entertainment you won’t find anywhere else. See the world famous Harlem Globetrotters for their final season at Silver Dollar City, your favorite cartoon characters, Championship Cloggers, and much more! And that’s beside everything else Silver Dollar City offers. The 1880s styled them park has over 40 thrilling rides and attractions including “The World’s Most Daring Wood Coaster,” Outlaw Run, demonstrating craftsmen, shows, and other activities.

Featured Limited Engagements (Sorted by starting date.)

Jun 7: John Conlee
Jun 16: Home Free
Jun 23: Bill Anderson & Moe Bandy
Jun 30: Trace Adkins

Special Event Highlights (Sorted by starting date.)

Jun 1-2: Ballparks of America – Memorial Day Classic (10U-13U)
Jun 1-Sep 4: Branson Landing’s Annual School Shoes For Kids
Jun 2: Gold Wing Road Riders Association Parade & Light Display
Jun 2: Missouri Truck Driving Championships
Jun 3: Relay For Life
Jun 3: 18th Annual Mopars in Branson
Jun 3-9: Ballparks of America – Week 2 Summer Kickoff Tournament 10U-13U
Jun 3-Jul 16: Silver Dollar City Star Spangled Summer Festival
Jun 9-10: Branson Skaggs Classic Golf Tournament
Jun 9-10: Scott’s Challenge Firefighter Combat in Branson!
Jun 10: Run for a Vet; 5K & Half Marathon
Jun 10: Ballparks of America – Week 3 Branson City Lights Classic 10U-13U
Jun 10-17: Law Enforcement Recognition Week Celebration in Branson
Jun 15-17: Law Enforcement Recognition Week – Light Cruise Parade
Jun 17-Jun 23: Ballparks of America – Week 4 Father’s Day Classic 10U-13U
Jun 18: Father’s Day
Jun 18: Father’s Day Brunch and Car Show at Keeter Center
Jun 18: Chateau on the Lake Father’s Day Champagne Brunch
Jun 23: The Taneycomo Festival Jazz Orchestra – Live in Concert
Jun 23-25: Branson Invitational Golf Tournament
Jun 24-30: Ballparks of America – Week 5 Bring the Lumber Tournament 10U-13U
Jun 28: Branson Fly Fishing Expo

For additional information on these events, Branson’s shows and attractions, or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com, or calling 1-800-785-1550 and talking with a Branson-based vacation planning specialist. They will be delighted to answer any questions, and assist you with show or lodging reservations and there’s absolutely no charge for this service.

Down Home Country’s Wayne Massengale and Melody Hart.

“Branson has over 100 live shows of every type and kind of music,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Some shows however, feature country music providing country music fans the opportunity to ‘binge’ on country music from morning till night,” she added.

Here’s four of from our list of Branson’s Most Popular Shows that will fill your day with great country music:

Down Home Country is country music, and then some, at its best! What a great way to start the day with this morning show. This show features traditional country tunes including songs from big time, beloved artists like Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Hank Williams, and others. In addition, these talented singers and the “Grand Band” will give you a taste of gospel, bluegrass, and western swing as well. And there’s more. Jamie Haage is joined by Melody Hart, one of Branson’s premier fiddle players. and that crazy and colorful comedian, Jarrett Dougherty and some of his crazy characters. Good music, clean comedy, and a whole lot of country charm make this a great way to start a day of country music binging.

Raiding the Country Vault will highlight your afternoon^*with 90 minutes of non-stop “definitive country music hits” presented by musicians with the extraordinary skill and experience to bring that music to life.”  It takes its audience on a wonderful trip through many of country music’s greatest hits by celebrated artists including: Conway Twitty, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Charlie Daniels Band, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Dwight Yoakam, George Strait, and many, many more.” A large LED screen displays the history of each song and the artist making it famous adding to the enjoyment of the show.

Either of the following evening shows would be the perfect completion to a “binge” day of country music in Branson:

Clay Cooper’s Country Express features the vocal talents and audience charisma of Branson favorite, Clay Cooper. And that’s just the start! It has some of the best dancers and choreography on any Branson stage, the vocal talents of featured female vocalist Kari Garrison, and one of the most talented live bands in Branson. Add the talent and comedy of Matt Gumm, the rope and gun handling performance of Johnny Lonestar. The result is two hours of great country music, dancing, fun, laughter, and variety.

Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Branson’s first show on the Branson Strip, is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary this year. As many times as I have seen this show, every time I see it, I feel like I’m witnessing a Branson treasure. Its country origin, and the faithfulness of four generations maintaining the traditions and heritage of that origin, make Presleys’ Country Jubilee special.  The spirit and talents of the Presley family and cast, musical variety, and uniqueness of the show’s humor is a one of a kind entertainment experience. It flows seamlessly from one entertaining part to another.  With this formula, there can only be one result…a special, unforgettable Branson entertainment memory that should not be missed!

For more information on these or other great Branson shows or lodging, please contact the Branson Tourism Center. Reach it by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com. Selling almost 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets, it’s Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services.

Sarah Tweedle as “Dyanne,” in Million Dollar Quartet

The smash hit show Million Dollar Quartet, at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson, tells the story of one of the greatest jam sessions in rock n’ roll history. A unique, impromptu, and one time jam session including four young recording legends-to-be: Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The events of what took place in the storefront recording studio of Sun Records on December 4, 1956, come to life on the Branson stage in a wonderful musical production for the ages.

Also there that night, was a young lady who was with Elvis Presley. That presence provides the basis for the character “Dyanne” in the show.  This edition of Branson Up Close and Personal, is with Sarah Tweedle (ST) who plays the role of “Dyanne” in this “ground shaking” not to be missed Branson production

“Branson – Up Close and Personal” is a service of Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. It uses a “Question and Answer” format to provide readers with an up close and personal look at a Branson star or personality. The interviews are conducted for the Branson Tourism Center by Gary Groman, a 31 year resident of the Branson area, local columnist, and freelance writer.

BTC: Outside of your Dad, if you could perform or meet with any entertainer/person (living or deceased) who would it be and why?
ST: Judy Garland 100 %! The first movie I remember watching as a kid was the “Wizard of Oz.” My dad bought it and we would watched it over and over and over again. I absolutely feel that it inspired me to become an entertainer.

BTC: Where was your last gig before theMillion Dollar Quartet
ST: My husband and I were working for Carnival Cruise Lines cruising the Caribbean.

BTC: When did you get married?
ST: I married my husband Drew on May 10, 2015. We have known each other since elementary school.

BTC: Is he an entertainer too?
ST: He’s a spectacular guitar player. He plays in the Eagles Tribute Concert and the Lynyrd Skynyrd & Suthyrn Fryd Frynds Tribute shows at the Tribute Theatre.

BTC: Where is home?
ST: Branson.

BTC: When did you first hear about the musical Million Dollar Quartet?
ST: I was a musical theatre major. My first introduction to the Million Dollar Quartet was in 2010 when I was watching the Tony Awards with my family. It was nominated for a Tony Award as “Best Musical” and one of the actors [Levi Kreis] won the Tony for “Best Featured Actor in a Musical” for his role as Jerry Lee Lewis in the show.

BTC: When did you hear about the Million Dollar Quartet in Branson?
ST: While working aboard the cruise ships in 2015. We got reports that the Million Dollar Quartet had opened in Branson and would really be a ground shaking production for the town.

BTC: Where did you audition for the Million Dollar Quartet?
ST: In my living room.

BTC: How did that come about?
ST: I had heard about the role opening up while we were on the cruise ships. We didn’t get back until the end of October 2015. I was a little burnt out and kind of wanted to rest a bit before making any decisions about what to do next, but I kept on hearing about the role. In early 2016, I decided to get in touch with people I knew at the theatre. They sent me some songs and scenes and asked me to set up a video camera in my living room and record myself. I did, sang “Fever” and “I Hear You Knocking,” read a scene, and sent them to Chris Cathcart, the show’s Production Manager. A couple of days later I went in for a meeting. Shortly after the meeting I was offered the part.

BTC: What made you decide to audition for the part of “Dyanne” in Million Dollar Quartet?
ST: I am a musical theatre major and I love musical theatre. Up to the Million Dollar Quartet, I have always done review shows or fronted rock bands. To be able to be part of a show in Branson that was a book musical, where I could build a character, memorize lines, and be a part of the new age of musical theatre in Branson, really excited me.

BTC: They used the real names of everyone else in the show. Why do you think that they used the name “Dyanne” instead of her real name, “Marilyn,” in the show?
ST: That’s an interesting story. Elvis actually did bring a woman, Marilyn Evans, with him that night. In “The Picture,” if you zoom out, she is sitting at the end of the piano. Her involvement in the jam session was minimal except for the fact that she had come with Elvis. The producers of the show developed a new character, “Dyanne”, who sings and adds an additional dimension to the show that would otherwise not be there.

BTC: What did you know about Marilyn Evans prior to deciding to audition for the Million Dollar Quartet?
ST: I had seen the picture with her in it, but didn’t really know anything about her.

BTC: What is your favorite Elvis Presley song? Why?
ST: “Can’t Help Falling In Love” because of its beautiful message.

BTC: What do you like most about playing “Dyanne” in the Million Dollar Quartet?
ST: There’s two things. The first is that everything she does, vocally and music wise, is different from the last thing she did. “Fever” is quiet and sultry, but “I Hear You Knocking,” is big and I get to wail on some stuff. In “Peace in the Valley” I get to sing with the boys, and I get to use some of my classical training in some of the backgrounds such as “Ghost Riders in the Sky.” The second thing I love is that I have the best seat in the house. I get to sit on stage every night and get to watch my incredibly talented cast mates “rock and roll.”

BTC: Whether you’re in it or not what’s your favorite part of the show?
ST: I really love the Concert Finale. I’m not even on stage, but when the jackets come down and the boys go into their finale it’s a joy to experience the audience’s excitement and reaction!

BTC: Why should someone coming to Branson plan to see the Million Dollar Quartet?
ST: It’s a beautiful top notch production, full of fun and timeless music, telling a story that entertains and spans generations. There’s nothing else like it in Branson. And be ready, because once you see it you will want to come back and see it again!

BTC: In your career, of all the performances you have made and you have been in, no matter how big or small, which one personally meant the most to you and why?
ST: In 2013 my dad [John Tweed] and I did a show called “Reelin’ in the Years” that we had developed together. It was toward the end of the season and my brother Jacob, who is my best friend and who had never performed on stage with us, did. He came out on stage and sang, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” as my dad played guitar and I just sat next to them crying.

BTC: Where were you born?
ST: Costa Mesa, California

BTC: When?
ST: January 15, 1988.

BTC: Was there something special about your childhood that you think our readers would be interested in?
ST: Just that I was blessed growing up in a family surrounded by music.

BTC: When did you realize that you wanted to sing professionally?
ST: When I was 14 we went to New York City and I saw “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway. I remember walking out of the theatre and matter of factly saying to myself, “I think I’ll do that!”

BTC: Do you have any formal training in theatre or acting?
ST: I’m a graduate of the two year “Musical Theatre Program” of the “American Musical and Dramatic Academy” in Hollywood, CA. I loved it because most of the teaching staff were working professionals.

BTC: When did you first perform in Branson?
ST: When we moved here in April of 1995.

BTC: What was you first impression of Branson?
ST: I was just seven years old when we moved here from Los Angeles. I thought it was exciting and had a lot of fun things to do.

BTC: What’s your favorite thing to do in Branson when you are not performing?
ST: I sew a lot. My “Happy Place” is in front of my sewing machine.

BTC: Do you have a “little known” fact about yourself that you think our readers would like to know?
ST: I’m such a big Judy Garland fan that I actually wore ruby slippers when I got married and walked down the aisle to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

For additional information or tickets for the Million Dollar Quartet, or any of Branson’s shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550, or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Two popular Branson shows, AYO starring the Voices of Glory and SIX will be shuffling off to new theaters for the 2017 season.

Not to be confused with the “Shindig Shuffle,” that’s part of Branson’s unique fun filled Ozark Ozark Mountain Shindig, the traditional, “Branson shuffle” is well underway. Ever since The Baldknobbers started it all and Presleys’ Country Jubilee opened the first show on what is now the famed “Branson Strip,” decades ago, the Branson Shuffle has been a part of Branson’s live entertainment.

The Baldknobbers, “shuffled” from their original location in historic downtown Branson before settling into their current location on the Branson Strip in 1969. Ironically, Branson’s iconic first show on the Branson Strip, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, has never been involved in the Branson Shuffle, and will be celebrating their 50^th year in their original location during 2017.

It’s uncertain whether the “shuffle” more relates to the shuffling of cards or a dance, but one thing is certain, it does involve movement and change. Each year, there is a “shuffle” as some shows move from one theatre to another and  others decide they have made their final Branson curtain call. Here’s the current status of the Branson Shuffle, sorted alphabetically, as of December 14, 2016:

#1 Hits of the 60s: Clay Cooper Theatre
Abba Tribute – Thank You for the Music: Hamner Variety Theater
Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai: Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre^*
AYO starring the Voices of Glory: Starlite
Billy Dean: Jim Stafford Theatre
Beach Boys California Dreamin: Hamners Variety Theater
Blackwoods: Dutton Theatre
Bretts: Same theatre. Major schedule change just performing  Sep 5-Dec.15
Forever Young: Americana
George Dyer: Americana
Janice Martin: Americana
Menopause the Musical: American Bandstand Theatre
Raiding the Country Vault: Starlite Theatre
SIX: Hughes Brothers Theatre

The result of the Branson Shuffle is a constant excitement and anticipation as Branson shows move into the locations and timeslots that they believe will best enable them to develop and entertain Branson visitors and new shows are added to the almost 100 shows that make Branson the special wonderful entertainment destination it is.

The Branson Tourism Center’s Branson Show List, updated on a daily basis as information becomes available, is Branson’s most current list of shows, schedules, ticketing and other information. If more information on the current status of the Branson Shuffle for Branson’s 2017 shows is desired, please call one of Branson Tourism Center’s Branson based Travel Planners at 1-866-593-9740. They will be delighted to answer any questions you might have about Branson shows, hotels, or attractions and assist you in planning your Branson trip. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

The “Voices of Glory”, the stars of “Ayo,” Avery, right, Nadia, and Michael.

In 2009 America got their first taste of the talented Cole siblings, Michael, Avery, and Nadia, when they competed on the hit NBC prime time show “America’s Got Talent” (AGT)” as the “Voices of Glory.” Their musical talent and inspiring story took them to a fifth place finish in the Finals. Since AGT, the Voices of Glory have been traveling the world perfecting their already considerable skills, and have opened their own show, Ayo starring Voices of Glory, in Branson.

As I watched Ayo recently, I was reminded of their AGT appearance, feeling both the talent and the intensity of the story that inspired the start of their musical career. They came together and sang in the hospital to entertain their mother who was in a coma as the results of a horrible automobile accident. They sang, day after day, for 8 months until their mother came out of the coma, and have been entertaining and inspiring others, and her, ever since.

They still have that special talent and charisma that captured America’s heart when they performed on AGT, but now, it has matured and aged, like a fine wine, and is even more of a joy to see, hear, and experience. I expected great vocals and got them, but there was much more. Not only did they interact and relate to the audience, making them a part of their own entertainment experience, but I was as amazed, as I was entertained, at the choreography that has been worked into most of the numbers.

They don’t just sing; they perform each number. Whether it’s subtle hand, other body movements, or dance steps as they sing, it was a pleasure to see. Now some are probably asking, “Don’t all performers do that?” I imagine so, but this is the first time that I noticed it enough where it added something to my enjoyment of the performance. This is no staid, stand at the microphone concert! Although, present to one degree or another in just about every number, a perfect illustration of what I am referring to would be, one of my favorite numbers in the show, their performance of As Long As I’ve Got King JESUS.

While talking about dancing, I just have to mention one, “surprise,” change of pace, number, I Won’t Dance. It’s a delightful dance number with all of them dancing featuring some nifty moves by Avery and a wonderful tap segment. The audience, including this writer, really loved it!

Nadia Cole performing the Whitney Houston classic, “I Will Always Love You.”

Both as a group and individually, they perform a broad variety of music including pop, jazz, gospel, and more. My four WOW musical moments, from among many, would be all three singing, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough; Nadia’s performance of I will Always Love You; Holy, Holy, Holy starting with an old video of them singing it when they first started, that fades into them singing a beautiful a capella version live; and Michael’s performance of My Funny Valentine with a trumpet feature by Ray Harris. Their original song, about the miracle involved with their mother’s survival of her accident, You Sent A Miracle, was as inspirational as it was beautifully performed.

Ayo’s band is composed of some of Branson’s finest musicians, Tim Pope, drums; Marty Wilhite, bass; Barry Bales, guitar; and band leader, Ray Harris, keyboards and trumpet. Not only do they do a great job on a variety of music, but, as noted above, they are “featured” during a number of the vocals adding another wonderful element to an already great show.

Ayo’s Christmas show starts with their first show in November. Nadia said that they are really excited about it because it will contain the very best from their current show during the first half. The entire second half of the show will be devoted to Christmas. When asked what her favorite part of the Christmas show was, without hesitation she said, “I love when we sing ‘Oh Holy Night,’ it’s one of my favorite Christmas songs.”

The way that the vocal talent and charisma of the Voices of Glory is artfully combined with costuming, choreography, large video screens, lighting, a great band, and other special effects, into a wonderful unique entertainment gem, is truly a “joy” to experience. It’s a show that the whole family can enjoy together from beginning to end.

For additional information on Ayo starring Voices of Glory or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com