Presleys' Country Jubilee comedian "Herkimer," Gary Presley, in the red shirt and drummer, Steve Presley, have been performing on a continuous basis since the show first opened on the Branson Strip in 1967.
BRANSON, Mo. “Although there will be other special events in connection with Branson’s Centennial celebration, the show billed as ‘Branson’s Birthday Spectacular – The Show of the Century’ will truly be one of the most popular highlights of the Centennial,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It might very well be the most unique and entertaining show ever presented in Branson,” she added.
Bill Lennon, the show’s producer concurred adding, “It’s a show that will be full of history, nostalgia and entertainment, but most of all fun. After all, it’s a birthday celebration!” From the show’s original overture, incorporating 100 years of Branson history and music, to its historical elements, entertainers and the way it is all woven together, it is truly a once in a hundred year event of special significance.
There will be some special and unique performances. How often have the Baldknobbers Jamboree, acknowledged as Branson’s first show, and the Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Branson’s first show on the Branson Strip, performed together? How about a jam session with Jim Stafford and Ronnie Prophet and perhaps another special guest performer? Is there a possibility that the “Foggy River Boys” might be singing with “New South?” The unique possibilities and potential surprises for this once in a lifetime show are as endless as they are exciting.
Shoji Tabuchi and his daughter Christina are just two of the many Branson stars, present and past, scheduled to perform in the show.
That’s even more so when performances by the incredible Shoji Tabuchi and his daughter Christina; the Lennon Sisters; Yakov Smirnoff and a host of other Branson entertainers including “local songstress and portrayer of Aretha Franklin at the Legends in Concert, Nedgra Culp…; The Haygoods; Roy Rogers, Jr. and the High Riders; a special pre-show welcome from noted ventriloquist Jim Barber; a Happy Birthday sing-along with ‘Marilyn Monroe’, who also appears at Legends in Concert” and other surprises are factored in. It is easily one of most star studded shows Branson has seen in its 100 year existence.
To add to the enjoyment and fun, the live performances, Carrie April Tillis will act as the mistress of ceremonies and there will be a live 11 piece house band. Other special events and surprises will be incorporated into the show highlighted by an interactive performance of historical pictures and videos, music and a live narration presented by an “Original Ozark’s Mountain Gem,” Greg Pyron.
“In a sense, it has taken 100 years for this show to come to fruition and it’s not something most of us will see again in our lifetimes,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson. She points out that there will only be one performance of this show, starting at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday April 15, tickets are selling fast and suggests that those wanting tickets get them as soon as possible. She expects large crowds in Branson that weekend because of the combination of Silver Dollar City’s WorldFest and the Titanic Museum Attraction’s “A Night to Remember” on April 14 in addition to Branson’s Birthday Spectacular – The Show of the Century and all the fun and excitement Branson offers on a regular basis. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center either by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.