Author Archives: Gary Groman

What could be more amazing fun than Christmas Week in Branson?

Many of Branson’s most popular shows will be open Christmas Week.

What could be more amazing fun than Christmas Week in Branson?

“Not much! If you’re looking for excitement, fun, and entertainment during your Christmas vacation then Christmas Week, the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, in Branson is the place for you!” said Preston Garrison, Business Unit Manager, for the Branson Tourism Center. He points out that although there’s a misconception that there’s not much to do in Branson during Christmas Week, that’s simply not the case.

Although many of Branson’s shows are closed, many of its most popular shows are open, as is Silver Dollar City with its Old Time Christmas, and most of Branson’s other attractions. From butterflies and tigers; to drive through Christmas lighting displays; acrobats; museums; world class shopping; golfing, indoor and out, weather permitting; and New Year’s Eve celebrations, Christmas Week in Branson is full of the fun, entertainment, and shopping that Branson is noted for.

Here’s a list summarizing just some of the major highlights:

Branson Shows: Although many of Branson’s shows are closed for the season, some of Branson’s most popular shows will be open during Christmas Week. Among others, this includes, in alphabetical order, Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai, Amazing Pets, Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, Comedy Jamboree, Dixie Stampede, Grand Jubilee, Hamner’s Unbelievable Variety, Million Dollar Quartet, The Haygoods, Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Legends in Concert, Pierce Arrow‘s “Decades,” Samson, and the Showboat Branson Belle.

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas Festival: Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas Festival is one of the Nation’s top Christmas events. The award winning 1880s styled theme park is aglow with over 6.5 million sparkling Christmas lights, including 1.5 million added just last year for its spectacular “Christmas in Midtown.” The park’s Broadway styled shows including “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol’ and “It’s A Wonderful Life;” unique shopping; food; weather permitting, dozens of exciting rides; and demonstrating craftsmen are just some of what the Festival offers. At dusk, each evening, the 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree in the city square comes to life, with its 350,000 colorful sparkling LED lights, choreographed to Christmas music, and making over 100 light changes per second. “The most famous reindeer of all” leads Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade through the square. The parade amazes with its musical floats, illuminated with 200,000 ultra-bright LED lights; 33 colorful costumed characters, including Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, 14-foot moose characters, 12-foot tall elves and 10-foot candy canes, penguins, and a troupe of marching wooden soldiers.”

Spectacular Christmas Lighting Displays: Evan after Christmas Day, Branson’s spectacular major drive through Christmas lighting displays will remain open through Christmas Week. These include the Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights, Branson’s Gift of Lights, the giant 30 foot illuminated nativity scene on top of Mount Branson overlooking Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson.

Branson Attractions: The vast majority of Branson’s attractions will be open. This includes its oldest and most popular paid attraction, the international award winning Silver Dollar City presenting its “Old Time Christmas;” the Titanic Museum Attraction decked out for its beautiful “Edwardian Christmas;” the unique White Flight exhibit at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure; National Tiger Sanctuary; World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex and many more.

Branson Shopping: Branson’s legendary shopping is “always” open and Branson’s Christmas Week is no exception. From the outlet malls such as “Tanger Outlet” and “The Meadows” and the unique “Branson Landing,” with its 100 retail stores, restaurants and entertainment venues; to the shops of Historic Downtown Branson, featuring “Dicks 5 & 10;” and specialty shops offering arts and crafts and one of a kind items, Branson’s Christmas week shopping should not only satisfy the most avid shopper, but just might have a few “after Christmas sales” to boot.

New Years Eve – In addition to other New Year’s Eve celebrations, among other, the following shows will have special New Year’s Eve celebrations:

Dec 30:  Hughes Brothers New Years Eve Party
Dec 31:  Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess
Dec 31:  Legends in Concert
Dec 31:  Americana New Year’s Eve Show
Dec 31:  Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve
Dec 31:  Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety (New Year’s Eve Fiesta)
Dec 31:  Pierce Arrow

BTC’s Garrison points out that the off season scheduling of shows, limited seating; possibility of winter weather, and the fact that some Branson lodging facilities are closed requires some thought and advance planning. He suggests that an easy way to get the most current information, avoid problems, save time and, in many cases money, is by simply calling the Branson Tourism Center, toll free at 1-800-785-1550 and talking with one of their Branson based Travel Planners who will be delighted to answer any questions and assist in making any show or lodging reservations. There is absolutely no charge for this service.

 

Is Million Dollar Quartet rock and roll’s greatest Christmas Gift?

The “Million Dollar Quartet.”

The Tony Award winning musical Million Dollar Quartet is one of Branson’s hottest shows, but how could it possibly have anything to do with being “rock and roll’s greatest Christmas Gift?” For many, and especially so in Branson during its celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas, the Christmas season includes the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It was during that time frame, December 4, 1956 to be exact, when an impromptu, spur of the moment, jam session by four young recording super stars to-be, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash, took place inside the Memphis storefront recording studio of Sun Records. It was not intended to be a “gift” or even recorded and except for a single newspaper article in the “Memphis Press-Scimitar,” and its accompanying photo, dubbing the four the “The Million Dollar Quartet” the jam session went virtually unnoticed for decades. Yet, that jam session during the Christmas season of 1956, and the virtual miracle of the preservation of its memory, might very well be rock and roll’s greatest Christmas Gift.

Unbeknownst to the four, the session had been informally recorded and put in the Sun Records library, where it remained, unnoticed for decades. When it was discovered by the new owners of Sun Records and recognized for the true gift to rock and roll history that it was, selected tracks from the recording were released as an album entitled “Million Dollar Quartet” in 1981. That jam session and resulting album became the inspiration for the Tony Award winning musical Million Dollar Quartet, sharing the music, spontaneity, and drama of what took place that 1956 December day when these four legends performed together for their first and only time.

The Branson production of the Million Dollar Quartet weaves an outstanding cast, a great storyline, and timeless music that just about everybody knows, into an amazing entertainment experience that the entire family will enjoy.

The four super stars represented in the lead roles, plus the iconic music being performed, requires some extremely talented entertainers to do it all justice. Cliff Wright as Johnny Cash, Tyler K. Hunter as Elvis Presley, John Countryman as Jerry Lee Lewis, and Brad Waters as Carl Perkins do an outstanding job with hits including “Matchbox,” “That’s All Right,” “I Walk The Line,” “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” “Hound Dog,” “Peace in the Valley,” “Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and many more. From among them, two of my personal musical highlights are “Ghost Riders In The Sky,” sung by Johnny Cash| and “Peace in the Valley,” not simply because| of the way it was sung, but how the storyline integrated personal memories from each of the performers seamlessly into its performance. It was a special moment.

Lindsey Perenchio plays the role of “Dyanna.” She does a great job, not only in her role as the girl Elvis was with that night, but in interacting with the four singers and Sam Phillips to add a dramatic element with a hint of romance and “commonsense” to the show. Her vocal performance of “Fever” also demonstrates her considerable vocal talents and is yet another example of how she enhances the shows overall entertainment experience. Daniel Dossey plays the drummer, W.S. Fluke Holland, with Austin Wilson rounding out the cast as Jay Perkins, the bass player and brother of Carl Perkins.

“As amazing as the music is, it’s the storyline, the historical moment it describes that’s so expertly woven into the musical tapestry surrounding it that makes this such an entertaining show. Matt Joyce as Sam Phillips, the founder of Sun Records, the man many call the “Father of rock n’ roll,” and the person who essentially set the circumstances in motion that ultimately lead to the jam session, does an excellent job of telling the story in a manner that ties all its diverse elements together and holds the audience’s interest throughout.

It is a mixture of historical facts and fiction about what happened that day, the relationship between the stars themselves, the mechanics of how the record business worked in those early years, and the very beginning of rock n’ roll history. “This includes the part Sam Phillips played in bringing the four together that day; the answer to the question on everyone’s mind at the time, ‘Why did Phillips sell Elvis Presley’s contract to RCA for $40,000 in 1955?’ the angst Carl Perkins, the old man in the group at age 24, felt towards Elvis Presley over Blue Suede Shoes; why Johnny Cash was leaving Sun Records for Columbia Records; the jealousy some felt regarding the emphasis Phillips had placed on Elvis Presley, and much more. Watching the connection between Jerry Lee Lewis, the not so bashful rookie in the group ,evolve is as interesting as it is entertaining.”

“How a simple recording session by Carl Perkins, with his brother and a drummer, evolved into what is perhaps history’s greatest rock n’ roll jam session, as presented in the Million Dollar Quartet, is as wonderfully entertaining as it was unlikely to have occurred in the first place. From beginning to end its nonstop music, fun, drama, and entertainment with no intermission. Oh, and when you think the show’s over, hold onto your seat and remember the old Yogi Berra saying, “It ain’t over| till it’s over.” We don’t desire to spoil the surprise, so just “Wait for it!” It’s a grand ending to a totally delightful and absolutely entertaining show!”

The Million Dollar Quartet will be performing at the Welk Theatre in Branson for selected dates through December 30. For scheduling information or tickets please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s biggest and most respected vacation planning services, by calling 1-800-785-1550, or going to www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

BTC’s Best Branson Insider Highlights for Ozark Mountain Christmas 2018

Presleys’ Country Jubilee, in its 51st year of entertaining Branson guests, is one of Branson’s many shows celebrating Ozark Mountain Christmas with special Christmas shows.

Ozark Mountain Christmas, from November 1 through December 31 each year, is one of the most beautiful, entertaining, and inspiring times of the year in Branson. It’s easily America’s biggest celebration of the traditional American Christmas with its millions of Christmas lights, the award winning “Old Time Christmas Festival” at Silver Dollar City, Branson’s shows presenting their Christmas shows, world class shopping, and all the fun and excitement Branson is noted for.

BTC’s Best Branson Insider Highlights, for Ozark Mountain Christmas 2018, highlights limited engagement performances by national touring stars and major events taking place during Ozark Mountain Christmas that are in addition to all the other live shows, attractions, and everything else Branson offers on a daily basis. They are listed by category, sorted in order of starting date, and are preceded by our Featured Show, Limited Engagement, and Event.

Inspiring Nativity from Hughes Brothers Christmas show.

Featured Show: The Hughes Brothers Christmas Show has been described as “the ultimate Christmas experience and a triumph of everything you want to feel at Christmas,” and for good reason. The Hughes Brothers and their extremely talented family, “transport you to a Christmas wonderland filled with the season’s best vocal harmonies, exciting dances, inspiring instrumentals, and of course, the enchantment and light-hearted humor that everyone loves about the Hughes Brothers Show. Along with all the festive surprises and treasured family traditions, see Santa in a new light when he explains the symbols of Christmas in the most moving Christmas presentation you’ve ever witnessed.”

Daniel O’Donnell and Mary Duff.

Featured Limited Engagement: Daniel O’Donnell is a perennial favorite of Branson audiences. He has performed in Branson many times, but this year, to the delight of his Branson fans and for the first time, he is performing his Christmas show, Christmas With Daniel. This new, full Christmas stage production features O’Donnell singing many Christmas and other festive songs from across the decades. He is joined on stage by the very talented Mary Duff and local choirs. With the limited number of performances, the interest in this new Branson Christmas show, and the way many of Daniel’s shows sell out in advance, it is suggested that those wanting to see his show make advance reservations to ensure both availability and the best seating. It should be noted that the last performance is scheduled for December 1, 2018.

The center of Silver Dollar City’s “Old Time Christmas.” It’s town square and five story special effects Christmas Tree.

Featured Event: Silver Dollar City’s “Old Time Christmas” celebrates the true meaning of this special magical season amidst the glow of over 6.5 million dazzling lights, including 1.5 million for its newest light spectacular “Christmas in Midtown.” It’s been proclaimed as “The Most Illuminated Park on Earth” by the Travel Channel and “One of the most sparkly, lively holiday celebrations anywhere” by Midwest Living. And that’s not all, there’s the Broadway style shows with the musical adaptations of, “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” and “It’s A Wonderful Life;” The Living Nativity; “Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade;” plus demonstrating craftsmen; great shopping; weather permitting, all of the rides including its new “Time Traveler,” the “World’s Fastest, Steepest & Tallest Spinning Coaster;” and everything else the park offers on a day to day basis.

Limited Engagements (By Starting Date)

Nov 4-17: Mickey Gilley & Johnny Lee – The Urban Cowboy Reunion*
Nov 6-15: The Texas Tenors*
Nov 6: Tony Orlando
Nov 6-24:Yakov, Famous Russian Comedian
Nov 7- Dec 1: Daniel O’Donnell
Nov 7: Lee Greenwood
Nov 7-29: Neal McCoy*
Nov 8-9: Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson
Nov 8-15: Oak Ridge Boys*
Nov. 10 & 30: Dailey and Vincent
Nov 11: Lonestar
Nov 11: T.G. Sheppard & Moe Bandy
Nov 14: Crystal Gayle Christmas Show
Nov 14-19: Nathan Carter
Nov 18: BJ Thomas
Nov 25: Frankie Avalon
Nov. 30-Dec 8:  Dailey and Vincent*
Dec 1: Daniel O’Donnell
Dec 2: Diamond Rio
Dec 4: Mickey Gilley & Johnny Lee – The Urban Cowboy Reunion
Dec 5: Lee Greenwood Christmas Show
Dec 9: Romantic Piano Sensation Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas
Dec 13: Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune
* On select dates during period. Please check schedules for exact dates.

Major Special Events (By Starting Date)

Nov 1 – Dec 29: VIP Tours of Branson Christmas Light Tours
Nov 1 – Dec 31: Branson Landing’s Winder WonderLanding
Nov 1 – Dec 31: Let there be lights! Christmas Drive Thru…Promised Land Zoo
Nov 1 – Dec 31: Ozark Mountain Christmas at Château on the Lake
Nov 3 – Dec 30: An Old Time Christmas – Silver Dollar City
Nov 5 – Nov 11: Veterans Week Events Page
Nov 6 – Nov 9: Branson’s 7th Annual Naval Memorial
Nov 10: 22nd Annual Military Gala and Banquet – Château on the Lake
Nov 11: Veteran’s Day Parade
Nov 16 – Nov 17: Branson Market Days
Nov 22: Château on the Lake Thanksgiving Day Brunch – Château on the Lake
Nov 22: Moonlight Madness & After Thanksgiving Sales – Tanger Outlets
Nov 22: Thanksgiving Brunch at the Keeter Center
Nov 23: Branson Landing’s Black Friday Blowout!
Nov 23: Santa Visits Branson Tourism Center
Dec 2: Adoration Parade
Dec 6: Million Dollar Quartet – on 62nd Anniversary of actual “Jam Session.”
Dec 25: Christmas Day Brunch & Evening Dinner at Château on the Lake
Dec 31: New Years Eve Celebrations and Shows
Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration and Fireworks Display – Château on the Lake
Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Keeter Center
Dec 31: Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve

For more information, tickets or reservations on these or other Branson shows, attractions, events, or lodging, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of over 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Shoji’s amazing Branson audiences with his awesome Christmas show!

The incredible Shoji Tabuchi during opening set.

The Christmas spirit springs alive in Branson shows this week as most begin their Christmas shows. They will not only provide excellent entertainment for you and your family, but fill you with the spirit of the traditional American Christmas and celebrate the “reason for the season.

Among Branson’s Christmas shows, there’s always been something extra special about Shoji Tabuchi’s Christmas show. That’s even more so this year as the show, Celebrate 25 Days of Christmas With the Tabuchis, marks the first time Shoji has performed a show in Branson since a fire damaged his theatre in the Spring of 2017. And, after seeing the show on October 29, all I can say is, “WOW, what a show!”

From Santa Claus arriving on the very first number to the closing, with the “reason for the season,” this show is all about Christmas. Oh there’s a few special Christmas gifts strategically placed throughout the show, audience favorites, such as Through the Eyes of Love, Pure Imagination, and the Orange Blossom Special, but from beginning to the end, this show is a delightful celebration of the joys, spirit, and wonders of Christmas.

In addition to the amazing Shoji Tabuchi, the show features Christina Lingo-Tabuchi as the featured female vocalist. She is also the co-dance captain and co-producer of the show. The show’s entertainers, who add so much to the show, among other things, dance, sing, and, unless my guess is wrong, “magically” appear as reindeer and penguins. They are Kami  Ballard, Norvin Breeck (Co-Dance Captain), Jeremy Sterling, and Sharlyn Todd.

The shows live band adds another enjoyable dimension to the show. It consists of Dougie Duggan, Guitar (Band Director), Carl Hose, Trombone, Dan McMasters, Bass, Collin Rozario, Keyboard, and Anthony Walter, Drums. They play in just about every number and featured in many.

The opening number sets the Christmas tenor right away with Here Comes Santa Claus featuring Shoji Tabuchi. What better time to have Santa Claus himself arrive and, to the delight of the audience, especially the kids, come down into the audience and wish them a “Merry Christmas.”

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer goes Hawaiian.

Speaking of kids, they should love this show! There’s the music of Christmas, which most will relate to, and colorful unique costuming. Starting with the arrival of Santa Claus there are strategically placed numbers and things that will excite and entertain kids, such as the march of the drumming toy soldiers, penguins, the Hawaiian reindeer in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and when they get a chance to come up on stage, interact with Christina and receive a “little gift.”

The set list for this show covers the full range of Christmas music that celebrates both the fun and excitement of Christmas as well as the “reason for the season.” The fun music of Christmas includes music such as Here Comes Santa Claus, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty The Snowman, Jingle Bells, Reindeer Boogie and others. The inspirational music of Christmas includes, among others, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, and Oh Holy Night.

Interestingly, although there is a mixture of both kinds of music throughout the show, both the first and second half of the show end with versions of Joy to the World. The first half with Shoji and the band playing a unique instrumental arrangement incorporating three variations of music, Latin, Pop, and Rock and the second with the whole cast singing it along with the audience. What an inspirational way to end both halves of the show with the “real reason” for the season.

Fully recognizing that your favorites might be different than mine, and from among many, I typically pick two things from each show that are my favorites. Shoji and the bands instrumental version of Joy to the World, with its different beats and Christina’s rendition of “Oh Holy Night” were as inspiring as they were entertaining. OK, I’ve got to mention two more. The mandolin and violin duet with Shoji and Sharlyn Todd of Christmas Time’s A Comin’ provided a fun change of pace and a bit of bluegrass that I particularly enjoyed. Shoji’s favorite song is Through the Eyes of Love, from the movie “Ice Castles.” I have had the privilege of hearing him play it for over 20 years, it’s my favorite Shoji number, and it always touches my heart. This time was no exception.

Not only is it a special joy to see Shoji performing in Branson again, but particularly to see him continue his legacy of legendary Branson Christmas shows. If, regardless of age, you want to be entertained and celebrate all that is Christmas don’t miss this show. It will be performing at the Clay Cooper Theatre on selected dates through December 21. For more information on Celebrate 25 Days of Christmas With the Tabuchis or other Branson Shows, attractions or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or through their website https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/.

Branson’s most special week starts Branson’s Veterans Week and Ozark Mountain Christmas

Silver Dollar City aglow in Christmas spender. Veterans paying respects at the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Wall at the Welk Resort, and the Hughes Brothers Christmas show.

If one was asked to pick the busiest week of the year in Branson, it would most likely be the first week of November. It hosts the start of two of Branson’s most popular annual events, Branson’s Veterans Week, running from November 5 through November 11, and Ozark Mountain Christmas, running from November 1st through December 31.

Branson’s Veterans Week is the Nation’s biggest “Veterans Day” celebration. From its Opening Ceremony to the 86th Annual Branson Veterans Day Parade through historic down town Branson and Branson Landing, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11 month, it’s a week filled with special events and activities to honor and entertain America’s veterans, active duty Armed Forces personnel, and their families. These include, but are not limited to:

Nov 5: Opening Ceremony-Vets for Vets Celebration Show – 2:00 PM
Nov 5 – 10: Traveling Vietnam Veterans Wall at Welk Resorts
Nov 5: WWII Mini Reunion 1 – 2:30 PM
Nov 5: Shindigs Welcome Home 3 – 5:00 PM
Nov8: Navy Memorial Service
Nov8: Medics, Nurses, & Combat Vets Mini Reunion
Nov 8: Afternoon Dessert for Gold, Silver and Blue Star Mothers
Nov 8: Fourth Annual Spirit of Branson Tree Lighting
Nov 9: Time for Prayer
Nov 9: Rose Petal Ceremony – 2:00 PM
Nov 10: P.O.W. Network 22nd Annual Military Gala & Banquet
Nov 10: Walmart Tribute to the Veterans – Starts 9:00 AM
Nov 11: Annual Branson Veterans Day Parade – 11:00 AM
Nov 11: Veterans Day Observation

Ozark Mountain Christmas starts November 1 and runs through December 31. Christmas permeates the air with millions of Christmas lights, Christmas shows. special events and, of course, its famous shopping. From Silver Dollar City’s award winning “Old Time Christmas’, with over 5 million Christmas lights, to the west to Branson Landing ‘s Winter Wonderlanding” to the east, Branson is alive with the excitement and wonder of Christmas. Here’s a list of some of the major events and links to further infomation:

Nov 3: ‘Most Wonderful Time of Year’ Parade’ 10AM – Noon
Nov 4 – Dec 30: An Old Time Christmas – Silver Dollar City
Nov 1 – Dec 31: Christmas Drive Thru Display Branson’s Promised Land Zoo
Nov 1 – Dec 31: Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights
Nov. 23: Branson Tourism Center Gets a Special Visit from Santa!!
Dec: 2: Annual Adoration Parade and Lghting Ceremony
Dec 24 – 30: Christmas Week Shows & Attractions
Dec. 25: Chateau on the Lake Christmas Day Brunch
Dec 25: Christmas Evening Dinner at Château on the Lake
Dec 25: Christmas Day Shows & Attractions

Most of Branson’s shows start their Christmas Shows with their first show in November. Basically there are two Christmas formats used. The first contains about one half of the show that is the best of their 2018 show and the other half is Christmas. Examples of this format are Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Grand Jubilee, and the Haygoods. The second is where the show is all, or primarily, Christmas. Examples of this format are the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and the Andy Williams Ozark Mountain Christmas Show.

For more information on Branson shows, or lodging reservations for Branson Veterans Week or Ozark Mountain Christmas please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. They can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

 

BTC’s Best Branson Insider Highlights for October 2018

The Texas Tenors, Kent Rollins Chuck Wagon Cooking, and the Ozarks’ Fall Foliage are just some of the Branson Highlights for October..

One of the most spectacular Branson highlights during the month of October is the beauty of the Fall Foliage which usually peaks during the last two weeks of the month. When combined with Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival, typically smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, and all the exciting live entertainment, attractions, shopping, and other exciting things to do, October is an ideal time to visit Branson

BTC’s Best Branson Insider Highlights, for October 2018, highlights limited engagement performances and major events taking place during the month that are in addition to all the other live shows, attractions, and everything else Branson offers on a daily basis. They are listed by category, sorted in order of starting date, and are preceded by our Feature Show, Limited Engagement, and Event of the month.

Featured Show of the Month: Dolly Parton’s Stampede is the ideal family place for the whole family to have fun while enjoying a tasty four-course feast! Enjoy stampeding Buffalo, hilarious racing pigs, competitions, as well as its Grand Patriotic Finale of red, white and blue set to Dolly’s own, Color Me America. See their 32 magnificent horses as their incredible riders perform amazing feats and stunts at amazing speeds. Experience first hand what Dolly means when she says, “It’s the most fun place to eat in Branson.”

Featured Limited Engagement of the Month: Since their national debut on NBC’s hit prime time show America’s Got Talent in 2009, The Texas Tenors have become one of the most popular singing groups in America. In addition, to a full concert schedule and many hit recordings, they have filmed two PBS Specials, “You Should Dream” and, just recently their newest, “Rise.” The show is in concert format containing many covers and original music including country, classical, gospel, Broadway, and more. From their first number to the last, the power, beauty, and intensity of each totals up to an unforgettable entertainment experience that should not be missed!

Featured Event of the Month: Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival showcases the largest gathering of demonstrating craftsmen in the country as more than 125 visiting craftsmen and over 100 of Silver Dollar City’s resident craftsmen showcase their diverse array of talents and skills. The festival also features a “Salute to the Great American Cowboy” including Buck Taylor’s Cowboy Emporium; an old-fashioned barn dance; Kent Rollins chuck wagon cooking; the final year for the Buffalo Bill inspired Wild West Show; and much more. It was named “One Of The Nation’s Top 8 Fall Harvest Festivals” by U.S. News & World Report Travel, as well as “The Best Fall Festival in Missouri” by Travel & Leisure! And it’s all in addition to everything else this world class theme park offers on a daily basis.

 Limited Engagements (By Starting Date)

Oct 1-28: Mickey Gilley & Johnny Lee – The Urban Cowboy Reunion*
Oct 3: Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
Oct 3-31: Dailey and Vincent *
Oct 3-31: Oak Ridge Boys*
Oct 4-5: Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson
Oct 5: Charley Pride
Oct 6: Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers
Oct 10: Marty Haggard and Georgette Jones
Oct 12: Joseph Hall
Oct 12-18: Neal McCoy*
Oct 12-31: Yakov, Famous Russian Comedian
Oct 17: Janie Fricke, Jeannie Seely, and Moore & Moore
Oct 18: Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune
Oct 24: Moe Bandy
Oct 26: Charley Pride with Special Guest Billy Dean
Oct 27: Jeanne Robertson
Oct 27: Jeff Tracta – The Singing Trump
Oct 20: Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan: Grits & Glamour Tour
Oct 18: Paul Harris
Oct 24: Ronnie McDowell
Oct 19: The Bellamy Brothers
Oct 16-25: The Texas Tenors
Oct 19: Trace Adkins
Oct 12-31: Yakov, Famous Russian Comedian

* On select dates during period. Please check schedules for exact dates.

Major Special Events (By Starting Date)

Sep 12 – Oct 27: National Crafts & Cowboy Festival-Silver Dollar City
Sep 13 – Oct 31: First Annual Fall Extravaganza – Harvest Festival
Oct 13: Color Me Grape 5k 2018
Oct 13: Hollister Grape Fall Festival
Oct 24 – Oct 28: Balloons Over Branson
Oct 27: Halloween Boonanza at the Branson Recplex
Oct 31: Tanger Style Safe Trick or Treat
Oct 31: Branson Landing’s Annual Safe Trick or Treat

For more information, tickets or reservations on these or other Branson shows, attractions, events, or lodging, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of over 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

How about an amazing magical Branson experience?

Three of Branson’s amazing magicians, Reza, Taylor Reed, and the Hamners with their amazing birds.*

For a town of Branson’s size, the choice of live shows is almost magical in terms of their variety, quality, and quantity. That means there is not only a wide choice of the type of shows, but of shows within a particular type. There is a live music show for just about every genre of music, and generally a choice within each type. Similarly, when it comes to magic shows, there’s is a wide choice of quality magic shows to pick from. Here are three diverse shows, representing the variety of magic available for you and your family to enjoy in Branson:

Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show is the realization of a dream that Dave and Denise Hamner had to produce and present an entertaining family friendly magical variety show that would appeal to all ages. And do it they have! This show is a virtual cornucopia of magical entertainment that transcends mere illusions. Along with the Hamners’ award winning magic, including their signature illusion, featuring beautiful Macaws and Cockatoos, this unbelievable show features some of the best dance, music, comedy, and acrobatic performers in Branson as “Birds Appear, People Fly, and Voices Soar.” It’s two hours of magical entertainment that the whole family will love.

Reza Edge of Illusion features one of the hottest young magicians of today. His fresh approach to the of the centuries-old art of magic adds an eclectic touch as he combines some of the old-style magic; the disappearing birds, or the beautiful assistant being sawed in half, with fresh, cutting edge illusions running the gamut from close up and “mind” magic to the spectacular. A Helicopter disappears, motor cycles roar, and the simple elegance of a magical painting are just a small part of this wonderful show. Reza makes liberal use of his audience throughout the show which just adds so much. One comment from someone who saw the show recently pretty well sums up how people that have seen the show feel and why you might want to share it with your family. “This show was a last minute decision for us. I am so glad we took the time to see it! It was amazing from beginning to end. Speaking of endings, your mind will be blown by the time you leave! Very impressive to people of all ages!”

The Magic and Comedy of Taylor Reed is a unique combination of comedy and illusions that truly provides a magical entertainment experience. He appeared on the hit NBC Prime Time show Americas Got Talent and is currently mesmerizing audiences in Branson, leaving them asking the question, “How’d he do that?” An engaged couple who saw the show recently said, “What a phenomenal show! My fiancé and I took our first trip to Branson and he was the first show we saw! Definitely worth every penny! A family with a 12 year old said, “My family loved the show! The illusions were amazing and we loved how he mixed in some comedy! Our 12 year old loved the audience interaction during the show and meeting Taylor afterwards. We highly recommend this show…it is a must see if you are in Branson!”

For more information, tickets or reservations on these or other great Branson shows, attractions or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of over 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

  • Pictures used in composite courtesey of respective shows.

Titanic Museum Attraction honors Women of the RMS Titanic Who Made a Difference

Three of the 19 women featured in “The Amazing Women” on Titanic,” Irene (Renee) Harris, Eva Hart, Violet Jessop.

Jamie Terrell, the First Class Maid on Titanic Museum Attraction Attraction in Branson said that this is the attraction’s 12th year in Branson and that every year they feature a different theme. “This year it’s ‘The Amazing Women on the Titanic’ featuring 19 women who did things that women weren’t supposed to be doing, but they did it anyway. Some did it before sailing on the Titanic and some afterwards, but they were all among the first to break what is today called the “glass-ceiling,” and made a huge difference in the early struggle for the rights women enjoy today.

“These women were visionaries, spearheading cultural revolution,” said Mary Kellogg, the Titanic Museum Attractions’ President/COO and co-owner. “In 1912, if a woman spoke her mind in public, she was considered rebellious, but speak up they did, and the world heard them roar. These amazing women’s personal and professional stories are riveting and intimately revealing,” she continued.

Today, the world is full of successful women in just about any endeavor imaginable. Their ability to succeed is limited only by their talent, effort, and persistence. It’s hard to imagine a time when that was not the case but, during the early 20th century, before women even had the right to vote the prevailing philosophy was that “a woman’s place was in the home” and there were not a lot of women in the work place, let alone in leadership or ownership positions.

Yet, even then, before the term “glass curtain” had been invented, there were early pioneers. Their actions made such a difference that the flaws in that philosophy gradually became evident, opening forever changing the opportunities for women, not only in the work place, but in virtually every area of life.

Titanic First Class Maid Terrell said that the exhibit features the exciting and revealing personal and professional stories of these amazing women and their accomplishments. She goes on to point out that among the highlights is the “Lucile Collection,” featuring fashions designed by Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon who, ahead of her time, was one of the world’s leading fashion designers, the “Armani” or “Versace,” of her day. Not only was she the first woman to have a successful fashion line, she was the first to use the runway and models to preview her fashions.

She designed everything from gowns and dresses to negligees, setting the fashion world aghast at some of her “daring” and “revealing” fashions. So much so that it was included in the movie “Titanic.” While at the ball, Rose points out Lady Duff Gordon and her husband to Jack saying, “And over here, we have Sir Cosmo and Lucile, Lady Duff-Gordon. She designs naughty lingerie, among her many talents. Very popular with the royals.” The story of how Lady Duff Gordon and Cosmo go off the Titanic together adds additional excitement and mystery to this amazing lady’s story.

Terrell says that another of her favorites, from among these amazing women, is Margaret Brown, who most know as the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” because she was born in Hannibal, Missouri, had a “feisty” attitude, and for all she did to make a difference. Her exploits during the Titanic disaster have been widely chronicled on stage, in literature, and movies, but most do not know that among many other things, she ran for the Senate in the State of Colorado and the U.S. Senate, years before women had the right to vote; “helped establish the first Juvenile Court in Denver,” and co-organized an international women’s rights conference, the “1914 Conference of Great Women,” attended by human rights activists from around the world, where she spoke “about workers’ rights.”

“The Amazing Women on the Titanic” runs through November and is just one of the exciting, educational, and fun activities that passengers enjoy on a Titanic Museum Attraction “cruise.” For more information on the Titanic Museum Attraction, or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions, or lodging,  please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC has sold over 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets; is proudly located in Branson, and is a BBB A+ accredited business and may be contacted by calling 1-800-785-1550 or visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com

BTC’s Best Branson Insider Highlights for September 2018

Weaving is just one of the many crafts displayed and demonstrated at Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival  (Courtesy of Silver Dollar City).

September brings the start of fall activities and festivals, and, although weather dependent, the start of the Ozark’s Foliage Season. Every day, Branson offers a choice of exciting live entertainment, attractions, natural beauty, shopping, and exciting things to do that few, if any, other travel destinations can equal.

BTC’s Best Branson Insider Highlights, for September 2018, highlights limited engagement performances and major events taking place during the month that are in addition to all the other live shows, attractions, and everything else Branson offers on a daily basis. They are listed by category, sorted in order of starting date, and are preceded by our “Feature” show, Limited Engagement, and Event of the month.

 

The amazing Clay Cooper.

Featured Show of the Month: Clay Cooper’s Country Express combines the vocal talent and down-home crowd pleasing personality of one of Branson’s favorite entertainers, Clay Cooper, with the talents of over 20 other entertainers to take the audience on an entertainment “express ride” like no other. These include Clay’s multi-talented wife, Tina, who does the shows choreography and leads the show’s ten phenomenal dancers; the multi-talented Matt Gumm providing comedy and so much more; outstanding youth entertainers, Colt & Caden Cooper; the best six-piece band in Branson; and the trio, “Third Power,” with harmonies that are second to none! “It’s two hours of great music, dancing, fun, laughter, and variety that whisks adults and children alike, “down the tracks” on a delightful entertainment journey.”

Featured Limited Engagement of the Month: Mickey Gilley & Johnny Lee – The Urban Cowboy Reunion is an incredible show featuring “Mickey Gilley” and “Johnny Lee,” two country music legends, in one show! Enjoy this wonderful entertainment experience as they share some of their chart topping songs complete with memories of the 1980 hit movie, “Urban Cowboy.” Gilley and Lee have earned an outstanding 38 Chart singles with 20 #1 hits including Gilley’s Room Full of Roses, Don’t the Girls all Get Prettier at Closing Time, and Lee’s Cherokee Fiddle and Lookin’ for Love.

 Featured Event of the Month: Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival showcases the largest gathering of demonstrating craftsmen in the country as more than 125 visiting craftsmen, join over 100 of Silver Dollar City’s resident craftsmen, in showcasing their diverse array of talents along. The festival also features a “Salute to the Great American Cowboy” including Buck Taylor’s Cowboy Emporium; an old-fashioned barn dance; Kent Rollins chuck wagon cooking; the final year for the Buffalo Bill inspired Wild West Show; and much more. It was named “One Of The Nation’s Top 8 Fall Harvest Festivals” by U.S. News & World Report Travel, as well as “The Best Fall Festival in Missouri “by Travel & Leisure! And it’s all in addition to everything else this world class theme park offers on a daily basis.

 Limited Engagements (By Starting Date)

Sep 8: Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees
Sep 14: Tommy James & The Shondells
Sep 15: Ronnie Milsap
Sep 16-30: Mickey Gilley & Johnny Lee – The Urban Cowboy Reunion*
Sep 17: Larry’s Country Diner-Rhonda Vincent
Sep 18: Larry’s Country Diner-Jimmy Fortune
Sep 19-27: Oak Ridge Boys*
Sep 19: Larry’s Country Diner-The Malpass Brothers
Sep 20: Larry’s Country Diner-Gene Watson
Sep 21: David Spade
Sep 21: Larry’s Country Diner-T. Graham Brown
Sep 22: Jeff Foxworthy
Sep 22: Tanya Tucker
Sep 23: Michael Bolton
Sep 26-27: Dailey and Vincent

* On select dates during period. Please check schedules for exact dates.

Major Special Events (By Starting Date)

Sep 7-Sep 9: Country Music Weekend, Silver Dollar City
Sep 8: Fourth Annual Landing to Landing Canoe and Kayak Race
Sep 8-Sep 9: Bass Pro Shops’ Outdoor Days, Table Rock State Park
Sep 11: 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, Branson Landing
Sep 11: The Amazing Women on Titanic
Sep 12-Oct 27: National Crafts & Cowboy Festival, Silver Dollar City
Sep 13-Sep 15: 45th Autumn Daze in aHistoric Downtown Branson
Sep 14-Sep 15: Shepherd of the Hills Car Show
Sep 15: State of the Ozarks Festival
Sep 29: Tanger Fit for a Cure 5k Run/Walk

For more information, tickets or reservations on these or other Branson shows, attractions, events, or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of almost 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Jim Stafford show celebrating 28 years in Branson

Among his many talents, Jim Stafford is considered a “guitar virtuoso.”

Jim Stafford has been billed as the “consummate entertainer,” and for good reason. He’s been doing it all since the 1970s, singing; song writing; playing a variety of instruments, all self-taught, including the guitar, fiddle, banjo, and piano; and comedy. And doing it well!

He hit the entertainment scene on the heels of a number of hits including, among others, “Swamp Witch,” “My Girl Bill,” “Wildwood Weed,” and his most popular hit, “Spiders & Snakes,” which rose to “No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.” He came to Branson and started the Jim Stafford show in 1990. This year, the show is celebrating its 28th year of entertaining Branson audiences. With decades of material to draw from, his unique combination of talents, and ability to relate to his audience, it’s a celebration not to be missed!

Stafford says, ““I’ve got new vocals, new stories and new instrumentals I’m working on. There is one new instrumental piece I’ve been working on for the past 16 months, and the reason why is because it’s hard.”

He also points out that as he has added new elements to his show over the years that some really “good bits fall by the wayside.” For the celebration of his 28th year in Branson, Stafford says that in addition to the new material, he’s decided to bring back some of his favorites from the past that he hasn’t done in many years.

One person who saw the show recently summed thing up pretty well. They called him a “comedic genius” in terms of his style and timing, suggesting that his style is reminiscent  of the comedy styles of Tim Conway, Phyllis Diller, Rodney Dangerfield and Elmer Fudd. They went on to say that “Jim Stafford is the real deal. An extraordinary entertainer.”

Stafford points out that in addition to his show, that the Jim Stafford Theatre is home to three more great shows offering a variety of live entertainment choices including:

Heartland Country a brand new classical country music show. It brings two of Branson’s long time favorites, Splinter Middleton and Casey Ellison, back to the stage along with Kailey Adams and Logan Allen and a great live band.

Parrottville, a tribute show covering the 40 years of all the great hits of the amazing Jimmy Buffet. It’s all presented by singers and a band with the talent to “make the magic happen,” amidst a show full of family fun, entertainment, and surprises.

The Magic and Comedy of Taylor Reed will keep you on the edge of your seat and wondering, “How did he do that?” This master of comedy and illusion has almost 40 years of experience entertaining audiences with his world class magic. Enhanced by fun story lines, wonderful sets, colorful costumes, and music, this high energy magical show will be enjoyed by the whole family.

For more information, tickets or reservations on any of these shows please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of almost 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.