Category Archives: Branson Events

“Cruise With The Stars” ends season in Legendary fashion

Dean Z, the winner of the 2013 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, is just one of the "stars" on the cruise.

BRANSON, MO, November 30, 2013 —  “The extremely successful 2013 Cruise With the Stars entertainment experience concludes in ‘legendary’ fashion on December 5th,” said Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center. “Those participating in this unique entertainment experience will join the stars of Branson’s Legends in Concert for an exclusive luncheon cruise at 12:15 PM on December 5 aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ 100 foot climate controlled luxury yacht, the Landing Princess,” she added. During the cruise they will get to meet and interact with the stars performing in the Legends in Concert Show “Stevie Wonder,” “Alan Jackson,” “Cher,” “The Blues Brothers” and “Elvis.”

“Cruise With the Stars” provides the ultimate complete entertainment experience combining two activities, the unique VIP luncheon cruise and the opportunity to see these amazing performers perform live in the Legends of Concert Show. While on the cruise guests will have an unparalleled opportunity for personal interaction with these amazing performers, get autographs and take pictures while enjoying the beautiful view of Lake Taneycomo and its environs including the opportunity to see Bald Eagles and the Great Blue Heron.

Then, either before or after the cruise, those participating in the event will have the opportunity to see these “universally-renowned performers,” who transform themselves through hours of practice at their craft, using their own natural voices, to not only look and sound like the stars they portray, but incorporate their mannerisms into their tribute performances. How good are they?

Dean Z, who does the Elvis tribute in the show, won the 2013 national “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest,” in front of a full house at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis, TN earlier this year. Sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ involved hundreds of Elvis tribute artists competing in 28 preliminary Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ events all over the United States for cash and an invitation to the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ Finals in Memphis during Elvis Week.

Jeannie Horton, the General Manager of “Branson’s Legends In Concert” said that although the Legends in Concert is presenting “a Christmas show you won’t want to miss, each performer will sing the songs that made their character the ‘Legend’ they are today.” She also points out that the performers for the Christmas show have been hand-picked because they also have a great Christmas hit which will be performed during each performers set as “Dean Z performs BLUE CHRISTMAS which was Elvis’s signature holiday song, Alan Jackson performs LET IT BE CHRISTMAS, Cher sings PLEASE COME HOME, Stevie Wonder performs THIS CHRISTMAS and The Blues Brothers perform a Grinch Medley that is truly one of a kind. The show finishes with a beautiful finale sure to give you goose bumps as Bucky Heard (Jake Blues) and Kelly Smith (Cher) perform a special rendition of MARY DID YOU KNOW. In addition, there’s an appearance from Santa and snow in the auditorium.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood advises that there are only a limited number of seats left for the December 5th Legends Cruise With The Stars and recommends making advance reservation as soon as possible. For tickets or information on the exclusive event please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-875-1550.

 

 

Mother Nature puts on a Branson show for Fall

The first blush of 2011's Fall colors as viewed from Point Lookout at the College of the Ozarks.

BRANSON, MO, September 25, 2013 – From that first tint of color to the peaceful drift of cascading leaves falling from the trees, the foliage of the Ozark Mountains in Branson provides a beautiful canvas for one of Branson’s best shows, brought to you by Mother Nature. Foliage color typically comes with warm days and cool nights, according to Greg Cassell, Resources Forester for the Missouri Department of Conservation. He says the colors peak during the third week in October. And because of Branson’s designation as a “Tree City,” the area has learned to grow while still protecting this important part of the natural landscape.

“We had a pretty wet spring this year,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for Branson Tourism Center, “meaning the colors should be a visual delight for our visitors.” One of our visitor’s most common questions is, “What’s the best way to see the foliage?” Johnson responds that there really is no best way; fall beauty is simply there at just about every turn. With that said, Johnson suggests that your list of things not to miss should be topped by the “unique panoramic” view found from the deck of the Lake Queen, a historic paddlewheel boat operated by Main Street Lake Cruises. Using “up close” and “panoramic” together to describe this stunning view of the Ozark Mountains seems contradictory, but in the case of the Lake Queen, it’s the perfect way to describe the experience.

The Lake Queen cruises Lake Taneycomo, a long and narrow impoundment of the White River, with shorelines much closer together than what can be found on Table Rock Lake. A typical sightseeing cruise on the Lake Queen provides an up-close chance to view Branson’s abundant wildlife in its natural environment. The majestic bald eagle, the great blue heron, a variety of smaller birds, and deer are a common sight along the lake’s shoreline. You can enjoy the wildlife and panoramic vistas only found from your vantage point on the water. As the foliage changes color, these vistas turn into a magnificent canvas of nature’s painting.

As seen from the bow of the Lake Queen, one can only imagine what this scene will look like over the next month as the foliage changes color.

Another unique fall view comes from the lofty heights of the 230-foot-tall Inspiration Tower located atop Inspiration Point, one of the highest points in southwest Missouri. Found at Shepherd of the Hills homestead, the tower provides an unparalleled panoramic view of the Ozarks’ foliage from a different perspective. Glass elevators transport guests up the enclosed observation deck from which, on a clear day, hundreds of square miles of foliage can be viewed as far as 90 miles away, presenting a spectacular view unmatched anywhere. Enjoy the view while leisurely strolling along the deck, or take a more thrilling sightseeing approach by zipping down from the tower on the Vigilante Ziprider. A quick trip in a comfy seat, hitting speeds up to 45 mph, and met at the bottom by a shuttle that will take you on a meandering trip through the beautiful Shepherd of the Hills’ grounds, returning you to the tower.

There are a number of scenic lookouts that provide a superb birds-eye view of the Ozarks’ fall foliage. These include lookouts on State Route 165, about a mile south of its intersection with State Route 265; the Table Rock Dam overlook, located on the south end of Table Rock Dan, across the road from the Dewey Short Visitors Center, and the Henning Conservation Area lookout located about a mile west of the junction of State Route 76 and State Route 376 on the north side of the road. There are also scenic lookouts only minutes away in several of the small communities surrounding Branson.

Another excellent panoramic view is provided at Point Lookout on the campus of College of the Ozarks. Located atop a bluff overlooking Lake Taneycomo, it provides a unique vista of both Branson’s fall foliage and the narrow winding lake; a simply breathtaking sight. While at the College, you might plan to eat at the Keeter Center, famous for their massive Sunday brunch that features food raised or grown on campus. Include a visit to Edwards Grist Mill and one of the area’s best kept secrets, the Ralph Foster Museum, affectionately known as the Smithsonian of the Ozarks. The museum is home to one of the only remaining Beverly Hillbillies’ trucks featured on the beloved television show.

Branson Tourism Center’s Tammy Johnson will also tell you that a great way to see wide-ranging views of Branson’s fall foliage is aboard the Showboat Branson Belle on Table Rock Lake, or on the Branson Scenic Railway, a real old-fashioned steam engine train.

National Harvest Festival salutes craftsmanship and cowboys

One of many visiting artists and craftsmen.

BRANSON, Mo., September 12, 2013 — “Silver Dollar City’s annual National Harvest Festival (Festival), running from September 12 – October 26, is an excellent illustration of why the U.S. Congress proclaimed Silver Dollar City as ‘The Home of American Craftsmanship,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The festival will feature over 125 visiting craftsmen and artists from all over the country along with Silver Dollar City’s 100 resident craftsman and artists,” she added.

The Festival offers a unique a opportunity to see craftsmen and artists demonstrate their craftsmanship and artistry on a variety of American crafts at one of the largest gatherings of some of the top craftsmen and artists in America. See demonstrations on crafts such as cornshuckery, weaving, jewelry making, glass blowing, knife making, cooperage, Native American flutes, gourd carving and dozens of others “including Best of Missouri Hands juried artists and a showcase of Western artists.”

The Festival’s theme will be the American Cowboy. “The Pinkerton Man,” an original new Western stunt show debuting during the 2012 Festival has been expanded to include “a bigger cast and expanded fight scenes.” The musical production is presented in the parks 4,000 seat Echo Hollow Amphitheatre because it’s the only venue in the park big enough to hold all the “high-flying action and special effects, including dramatic 3-story falls, high-slide rappels, hero fights, pyrotechnic effects and explosions, with professional stunt men and women leading a cast of 16, plus live animals, comedy and original live music performed by the ‘Sons of the Silver Dollar.'”

Texas Trick Riders.

New this year will be the new “Texas Trick Riders show which will be presented in Silver Dollar City’s Red Gold arena through October 6. The show has a troupe of 7 stunt riders and 9 horses who will perform “precision trick riding and daring stunts” from Roman riding to flying vaults and much more.

The Festival’s entertainment also includes Western musicians such as “double-Grammy-winning musicians and 7-time Western Music Association’s (WMA)  ‘Entertainers Of the Year’ “Riders in the Sky;” WMA Crescendo Award winner “The Quebe Sisters Band” and others. Other featured events include Kent Rollins, a ranch owner whose chuck wagon cooking talents has put him on the Food Network’s “Chopped” and “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” will be demonstrating trail-side cooking; mustang expert Fred Woehl will tame and train rescued wild mustangs and three-time winner of the Academy of Western Artists’ “Will Rogers Award,” Cowboy Poet Chris Isaacs will present cowboy stories and poems.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that all of the activities of the National Harvest Festival are in addition to everything else the award winning 1880’s theme park offers on a daily basis including 30 rides and attractions. Recently its new Outlaw Run wooden coaster received the coveted “Golden Ticket for Best New Ride” from “Amusement Today Magazine.”

In term of value and being able to enjoy all that Silver Dollar City has to offer at your leisure, she points out that the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) has two day Silver Dollar City tickets for the price of a one day ticket. For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, the National Harvest Festival or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact BTC by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/.

 

5th Annual CAM Branson Gospel Sing Off

Guest performer Jimmy Fortune

BRANSON, Mo., August 20, 2013 — The spectacular Sight & Sound Theatre, the home of the spectacular production of Joseph and the Miracle of Christmas will host the 5th Annual Christian Action Ministries (CAM) “Gospel Sing Off” on Sunday September 1st starting at 2 PM.  Jack Burke, CAM Board Chairman said that the ten finalists were chosen from over 80 entrants and will be competing for over $3,000 in cash, trophies and the opportunity to sing at Silver Dollar City during the last day of its “Southern Gospel Music Picnic,” September 2.

The finalists will be judged by a panel of six local celebrity judges. They are Avery Cole, from “The Voices of Glory,” and AYO Show; Ben Dutton, singer, dancer, and versatile musician with The Duttons; George Dyer, Branson’s premier tenor from The George Dyer Show; Jak Knudsen of the popular Branson entertainment group SIX; Joe Sullivan, who has been producing Branson shows and bringing national talent to Branson stages for over 20 years and Ronnie Page, entertainment editor for the Branson Daily Independent and singing with The Statler Brothers Revisited.

The ten finalist acts performing in the Gospel Sing Off are:

The Farnums, a family of eight from Galena, Missouri.  Mom and Dad, plus their six children ranging in age from 7 to 20, focus on preserving historical and traditional gospel music.

DC-3 Trio (Daughters of Christ) is based in the greater Chicago area and has been singing together at church and community events for 17 years.

Mark Dean is an award-winning gospel singer and Branson resident who has dedicated his talents to praising the Lord after a near-death heart incident seven years ago.

Joy2 is an a cappella quartet from Harrison, Arkansas.  The four members were all involved in choral music prior to coming together in 2011 as a group.

Joanne Hall, a Forsyth resident who was born in Thibodaux, Louisianna, started singing at age 5, but has spent the last 25 years raising her family.  She was originally known as the little girl with the big voice.

Changed is a family group from Lebanon, Missouri who have expanded their singing together around the piano to become more organized as a gospel-singing group.

The Haining Family of Branson began performing Christian family-building music in 2004 with a unique blend of vocal harmonies, instrumental skills, and yodeling.

Jericho, based in the DeSoto area of Missouri, is a quartet of working men who fill their spare time by musically sharing their love of the Lord with others.

Ashley Jischke is a talented, young woman from Kimberling City who loves to sing, play the piano and guitar, and write her own songs and music.

The Gospel Cousins are two sisters and their cousin who have been active in the music ministry, Sunday school, and choir at their Quinton, Oklahoma church for the past three decades.”

For the 5th consecutive year, Bob Hubbard of the “Foggy River Boys” and “The Jordanaires,” will emcee the Sing Off. Guest appearances will also be made by Jimmy Fortune of The Statler Brothers, “Voices of Glory,” who finished in the Top Five of the NBC prime time hit show “Americas Got Talent,” and are staring in their Branson Show Ayo; last year’s winners The Fair Family, and saxophonist Gary Dooms.  Ventriloquist Kerry Miller and his gospel-singing puppets will be providing pre-show entertainment in the Sight & Sound lobby.

The Gospel Sing-Off is the “only operational fundraiser” for Christian Action Ministries (CAM), who “operates food pantries in Branson and Forsyth, as well as a monthly mobile outreach to eastern Taney County. Reserved seat tickets are a $12 donation for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. For further information or tickets please feel free to contact either the Sight and Sound Theatre or the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550.

 

Cruising into spectacular Branson Fall foliage

View of the first "blush" of Fall foliage from the bow of the "Landing Princess."

BRANSON, Mo., August 25, 2013 – “The rains experienced during July and August have set Branson up to have a great fall foliage season,” said Loralei McCoy, Director of Operations for Main Street Lake Cruises. “It’s a spectacular show put on by Mother Nature and one of the best seats ‘in the house’ to experience it is on Lake Taneycomo while cruising aboard one of Main Street Lake Cruises’ boats,” she added.

Lake Taneycomo, is a long narrow impoundment of the White River, with its shorelines being much closer together than other lakes such as Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lakes providing a unique opportunity to truly experience the brilliance, color and vividness of the Ozark’s fall foliage. A typical cruise aboard one of Main Street Lake Cruises’ boats is a spectacular experience any time of the year offering an up close chance to view Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, other birds, deer, other wildlife, panoramic vistas and bluffs not available through any other means except by boat on Lake Taneycomo. They are seen by very few the millions who visit Branson each year.

As the foliage changes color, these panoramic vistas turn into magnificent “masterpieces” that have to be seen to be believed. Operating the only cruises on Lake Taneycomo, whether on a sightseeing cruise aboard the Lake Queen, a modern day replica of the grand riverboats which used to ply the White River or a dinner cruise aboard the 100 foot luxury yacht Landing Princess, the boats of Main Street Lake Cruises provide an unparalleled view of not only the magnificent beauty of the changing Ozark’s foliage, but of Lake Taneycomo and its natural scenic wonders.

Main Street Lake Cruises’ McCoy points out that, depending on the weather, the first blush of color is toward the end of September with its peak at about the third week of October. Because of the popularity of these cruises she suggests making advance reservations. For additional information on Branson’s fall foliage season or Main Street Lake Cruises please call 1-877-382-6287.

CPAA/Bass Pro Fall Big Bass Blast provides opportunity for amateurs to win big money

Central Pro Am Fall Big Bass Blast

BRANSON, MO, July 23, 2013 – “With a guaranteed prize of $10,000 for the biggest fish, weigh-ins and prizes every two hours and no professionals or guides permitted, the Central Pro-Am Association’s Fall Big Bass Blast (Blast), presented by Bass Pro Shops and the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, is an excellent opportunity for amateurs to fish for a day, have fun and win a lot of money,” said Mike Webb the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association. The Blast will be held on Nov. 2, from 7 AM to 3 PM at Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina, 378 Long Creek Road, Ridgedale, MO on Table Rock Lake.

He further explained that the Blast is designed for non-professional fisherman and, unlike normal tournaments where there is one weigh-in and it is the total weight of all the fish that wins, in the Blast, there are four independent weigh-ins with only one Bass from each fisherman eligible to be weighed in at each. There will be cash prizes paid for the largest bass at each individual weigh-in.

Although the amounts for each will vary, depending on the number of registrations, with 300 registered participants, EACH independent Weigh-In Payouts would be 1st: $3,000 2nd: $2,000 3rd: $1,000 and progressively less from 4th to 10th place. The independent Weigh-Ins will take place every two hours at 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM. In addition to the cash prizes for the individual “Weigh-In Payouts” there will be “Big Bass Payout”, for the three biggest fish of the day of 1st: $10,000 2nd: $5,000 and 3rd: $3,000.

Webb points out that although the amounts shown as payouts above for each of the four Weigh-In Payouts and 2nd and 3rd in the Big Bass Payouts are based on 300 registrations for the Blast. If there are more or less the prizes would be adjusted up or down accordingly. The $10,000 1st for the Big Bass of the tournament is the guaranteed minimum regardless of whether or not there are less than 300 registrants.

Another unique feature of this event is the way the tournament starts. There will be no day of tournament registrations or massive “take off” from one spot. All participants must pre-register and participants can be anywhere they want to be on Table Rock Lake ready to fish when they get the text message at 7 AM that the tournament has started.

To facilitate this type of start all participants must Check-In at the Springfield Bass Pro Shops, 1935 S. Campbell Avenue, Springfield, MO between the hours of 12 PM and 7 PM on Nov. 1. Registration is $150.00 per participant and may either be done on line or at the Check-In. All participants “must be enrolled in the Bass Pro Shops®Outdoor Rewards® Program which is free and may either be done on line at www.basspro.com/rewards or on site during the event Check-In. You may also enroll on-site during event Check-In and either way, all Blast participants received double rewards points on all purchases made at the Springfield Bass Pro Shops

There will be additional on-site activities on Nov. 2 in addition to the Weigh-Ins at the Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina. These include free NITRO® Boat Demo Rides, free Food and Beverages and NITRO®, Mercury®, and NASCAR® displays.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the sponsors of the Central Pro-Am Association reminds those attending and participating in the Blast that Nov. 2 is during the first week of Ozark Mountain Christmas and signals the beginning of one of busiest periods of the entire Branson season. She recommends making advance arrangements not only for lodging, but for shows. For information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to 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.

America’s biggest National KidsFest celebrates final year

The "barrell roll" is one of the three inversions on the world record setting "Outlaw Run."

BRANSON, MO, June 19, 2013 – “It may be the last year of America’s biggest KidsFest at Silver Dollar City, but two things are for sure,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “This year’s final National KidsFest (KidsFest), running through July 21 will be filled with the family fun, excitement and adventure that Silver Dollar City’s world class festivals are known for and, knowing Silver Dollar City, whatever replaces it next year will be even bigger and better. I can’t wait to see what it is!”

With its 30 plus rides and attractions every day, Silver Dollar City has something for kids, teens, adults and every member of the family from the fun and security that Half Dollar Holler offers the littlest kids to the excitement of Silver Dollar City’s newest attraction, the world record setting wooden coaster ride Outlaw Run for everyone who wants the adventure and ride of a lifetime. In between there is a variety of other rides such as Geyser Gulch®, 10 rides that the whole family can enjoy together at The Grand Exposition, “Spine-tingling, super-swooping, multi-looping thrills aboard rides like The GIANT Barn Swing, WildFire®, PowderKeg® and more!” Beat the heat of the Ozarks summer with the “wet” fun and excitement of Silver Dollar City’s exciting and entertaining “water rides including RiverBlast, Lost River of the Ozarks and American Plunge.”

Added to the parks demonstrating craftsmen and other activities are the special KidsFest shows. These include “‘Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience’ featuring amazing canine athleticism and a powerful message about pet adoption;” “Wacky Science With Professor David Willey” as he takes his “audiences for a walk on the wild side of science” and “Championship Cloggers.” Close out your day by seeing “Country Nights in Echo Hollow®. Great American Country and Silver Dollar City present the nation’s only live stage version of the popular television show, Wednesday through Monday evenings at ‘park closing.'”

Kids can meet their favorite cartoon characters such as Backyardigans; George Jetson & Astro; Scooby Doo & Shaggy; Team Umizoomi; Fred, Barney & Dino and many more who will be appearing at different times during National KidsFest at “Character Meet-And-Greets” and “Character Breakfasts.”

In addition to the excellent food service offered on a daily basis  through out the park. Silver Dollar City’s Reunion Hall will feature a special “Pizza Buffet” from 11 AM to 3 PM daily except Sunday. It will feature a variety of foods for the whole family including of course Pizza with a wide variety of toppings; Pasta with Spaghetti Sauce; Mac and Cheese; Garlic Bread; Chicken Strips; Hot Chips; Assorted Salads; Chocolate Pudding and more!”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that those purchasing their Silver Dollar City tickets through the Branson Tourism Center will receive a two day pass for the price of a one day pass. For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, the National KidsFest or any of its other festivals or for Branson lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Material Connection

Great-granddaughter shares thoughts on the “Unsinkable Molly Brown”

Helen Benziger and her service dog "Brojan" at the foot of the Titanic's Grand Staircase.

BRANSON, MO, June 18, 2013 – Helen Benziger, the great-granddaughter of one of the heroines of the Titanic, the “unsinkable” Margaret “Molly” Brown will be making a special two day appearance at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson on Thursday, June 20 and Friday, June 21. John Joslyn owner of the Titanic Museum Attraction said, “Benziger ‘s great-grandmother proved to be ‘unsinkable’ in life and on Titanic. And, as the guardian of her famed relative’s legacy, so too has her remarkable, great- granddaughter. We urge all Titanic fans to make plans to meet Helen and to hear first-hand, the real inside stories she has to tell about her bigger-than-life ancestor.”

During an interview in the Spring of 2012, when Benziger was in Branson at the Titanic Museum Attraction for the dedication of the “museum’s extensive ‘Margaret Tobin Brown Gallery’ honoring her famous ancestor,” she said that she had never met her great grandmother and that she first became interested in the Titanic when she attended the movie, “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” starring Debbie Reynolds,” with her sisters and mother at the age of 13. In the movie there is a scene in a bar where Reynolds sings “Belly Up to the Bar, Boys” and, among other things, starts dancing on the bar. At that time Benziger’s mother said, “And by the way that’s you’re great grandmother.”Benziger recalled thinking “How cool was this.”

She points out that while the movie showed one side of her great grandmother’s spirit that she was actually a very sophisticated woman of great substance. She points out that she spoke five languages, played the piano like “Horowitz,” was involved in the woman’s suffrage movement and actually ran for the U.S. Senate eight years before women had the right to vote.

When asked why she believes that people are so enthralled by the Titanic she said, “If you think about it the Titanic was the absolute first global disaster. It involved people from just about every country.” She goes on to say that people seem to be able to relate to the disaster on a personal level and that when she goes through the museum and sees all the phenomenal artifacts and exhibits she sees them as a vehicle for people to understand that it’s all about the people who were on the ship.

In talking about the exhibit that has been dedicated to her great-grandmother she said, “I am just so humbled and honored that for the first time they have dedicated a room to one of the passengers and that it was my great-grandmother.” Along with items from the movie “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” the exhibit contains Benziger’s “Unsinkable Molly Brown’ Artifact Collection” featuring furniture, crystal glass ware from Ireland, artwork, photographs, Titanic memorabilia and many other treasures gathered from around the world to grace her great-grandmother’s homes which are being displayed publically for the first time.

Joslyn recommends that those interested in seeing the exclusive exhibit do so soon because it will only be on display until December 31 of this year. He reminds that those coming to the attraction on Thursday, June 20 or Friday, June 21 that they will also have the opportunity to “meet “Molly” Brown’s fascinating great-granddaughter, in person.”

For additional information or tickets for the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction, or for any of Branson’s other attractions and shows or for 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.

Violin played while Titanic sank to be displayed at Titanic Museum Attractions

The iconic violin played by bandmaster Wallace Hartley as the Titanic sank.

BRANSON, MO, May 20, 2013 — “The Titanic Museum Attraction has always been noted for the excitement and freshness of the experience it provides its guests,” said Lianne Milton, one of the owners of the Branson Tourism Center, “but this is out of the box. Imagine, the very violin that played ‘Nearer My God To Thee’ as the greatest maritime tragedy of all time was unfolding, over 101 years ago, will have its first and only American displays at the Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge and Branson; how special is that?” Milton’s comments followed the press release by Titanic Museum Attractions earlier this morning that the long lost violin of the Titanic’s bandmaster, Wallace Hartley, commonly referred to as the “Titanic Violin” will be displayed in America exclusively and for a limited time only at the Titanic Museum Attractions, first in Pigeon Forge, TN from May 23 to July 27 and in Branson, MO from August 1 to September 7.

The band and their courageous act of continuing to play “Nearer My God To Thee” in the midst of the frantic and hectic activity taking place all around them as the doomed ship gradually sank into her frigid watery grave was described by one newspaper at the time as an act that “Will rank among the noblest in the annals of heroism at sea“ and has played a pivotal role in the memory of that horrific night in books, movies and other depictions of the event. News accounts indicate that Hartley’s body was found floating 10 days after the sinking with his violin in his leather valise, with some jewelry, strapped to his chest above his life vest.

There is general agreement that it was returned to Maria Robinson, who was Hartley’s fiancée and had given it to him in 1910 when they became engaged. Reports indicate that after her death in 1939 the violin was given to “a Major Renwick of the Bridlington Salvation Army” who then gave it to a violin teacher who gave it to the mother of the current owner, in whose family it has been in for the last 70 years, many of them in an attic, until it was discovered by her son in 2006 when he found it in a leather case with the initials “WHH” engraved on it.

He, while remaining anonymous, turned it over to the auction house of Henry Aldridge and Son of Wiltshire, England, because of their expertise in dealing with Titanic artifacts and memorabilia, for authenticity. That process has taken a number of years and involved both extensive forensic testing of the violin and its silver engraved plate reading “For Wallace on the occasion of our engagement from Maria” as well as the examination of a trail of documentary evidence.

The results have led experts to much the same conclusion as that expressed by Craig Sopin, owner of one of the largest private Titanic collections of artifacts and memorabilia. He said, “To say that I was skeptical at first would be an understatement. But after I conducted an exhaustively detailed investigation into the history and forensics of the instrument, I became convinced beyond a doubt that this violin belonged to Wallace Hartley and that is was with him on the Titanic.”

John Joslyn, the owner of Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO said, “After careful review of all the facts, we agree with the experts that this violin belonged to Wallace Hartley, bandleader on RMS Titanic. We’re honored our museums are the only two in the United States to display this important artifact and share the Wallace Hartley story.”

After the violin’s final American display at the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction from August 1 through September 7 it is scheduled to travel back to England for auction by Henry Aldridge and Son on Saturday, Oct. 19. Due to this historical exhibit, for the first time the museum will host a special VIP preview at 8:30 a.m. everyday starting, in Branson, on August 1 which will be limited to 25 people per day. Regular admission tickets will begin daily at 9 a.m. Reservations are required for all tickets and may be purchased through the Branson Tourism Center by calling 800 785-1550or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Sound of Bluegrass & aroma of BBQ permeate Silver Dollar City

Rhonda Vincent, described by the Wall Street Journal as "the Queen of Bluegrass," and her band "The Rage" will be performing at the festival.

BRANSON, Mo., May 9, 2013 — The smell of Ozark style cooking and the sound of people having fun are a routine part of a day at Silver Dollar City (SDC), but when those smells take on a BBQ aroma and the music has a distinctly bluegrass sound it can only mean one thing, it’s time for Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival which will run through Memorial Day, May 27 and has been recognized by the “International Bluegrass Music Association” having received its “Bluegrass Event of the Year” award.

“What a combination of fun, excitement, music and food,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She said that the festival activities are in addition to everything one expects from the 1880s styled award winning theme park such as 30 rides and attractions, including its new world breaking wooden coaster “Outlaw Run,” with its initial 162 foot 81 degree drop; dozens of demonstrating craftsmen; unique shopping and great live shows and entertainment. “When coupled with hundreds of performances by some of the best Bluegrass groups and artists in the country and the opportunity to taste just some of the finest BBQ and sauces around there’s simply no other experience like it anywhere,” she added.

The Bluegrass portion of the festival will include “more than 40 bands and hundreds of performances, from international award-winning musicians to the hottest new bands in bluegrass today.” These include Rhonda Vincent and her band “The Rage, ” as well as “the Grammy-nominated Grascals; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, 6-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year winners; Blue Highway, the IBMA Vocal Group of the Year; the Boxcars, featuring 9-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year and 5-time Grammy winner Adam Steffey; and the Gibson Brothers, winner of the 2012 IBMA Entertainer of the Year and up-and-coming bands in bluegrass, such as The Bankesters, the Snyder Family Band, the Hillbenders, Monroeville and more.” In addition there will be two national Bluegrass competitions, The Youth In Bluegrass Band Competition on May 25 featuring “amateur bluegrass musicians 21 years of age or younger” and the 7th Annual National Single Mic Championship” on May 18 which “highlights the performance skills” of each band as they perform “around a single microphone and balances their sound by moving toward or away from the microphone.”

The “BBQ” part of the festival includes the cooking and serving of thousands of  pounds of mouth watering BBQ prepared on “large outdoor charcoal grills and a custom-made 9-foot smoker.” In addition to Silver Dollar City’s famous flavor feast with “St. Louis ribs and smoked chicken to Texas brisket and sweet roasted corn on the cob” to the “all you-can-eat BBQ rib feast each afternoon” the flavors of two award winning BBQs, “Hawgwild BBQ” out of Aurora, Missouri and “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit” from Texas will also be featured. Guests will be able to sample over 100 different BBQ sauces including Silver Dollar City’s new Outlaw Run Zesty Honey sauce with a kick. The festivals BBQ offerings are in addition to the excellent food service normally available throughout the park.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson also points out that those purchasing their Silver Dollar City tickets through the Branson Tourism Center will receive a two day pass for the price of a one day pass. For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, any of its festivals or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

 

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