Category Archives: Branson Shows

Branson Landing and Branson is open and brimming over with fun, excitement and adventure

Even with the last of the rain showers passing through the area the Branson Landing Promenade is open for business.

BRANSON, Mo. “All Branson Landing’s shops and retail stores are and have been open for business throughout this record high water and are providing our visitors with the same quality shopping experience as always,” said Tammy Scholten, the Director of Marketing for Branson Landing. Scholten pointed out that although it is located right on the banks of Lake Taneycomo, which is currently experiencing record high flows of water because of the water being released from Table Rock Dam, its retail promenade level, where all the landings retail shops are located, was built to permit their continued normal operation under conditions just like these.

She points out that the record releases have covered the fountains located at the lower levels, well away from its promenade level near the lake’s normal shoreline, forcing the temporary cancellation of the Fountain’s water, fire, light and music shows. In addition, it has resulted in the temporary closing of the floating White River Fish House Restaurant and the restaurants located on the east side of the promenade because of restrictions relating to using the propane their use for cooking which is located in the lower levels.

After talking with Sholten, this writer walked the Branson Landing promenade and did not find one shop or store that was closed. He enjoyed lunch at “Charley’s Grilled Subs,” serving what he considers the best steak sub in Branson. As he walked back to his car he observed many, just like himself enjoying themselves and having a good time.

Some might be asking the question, “But the media is showing pictures of Branson being flooded, how can Branson Landing, located right on the shoreline of the very lake that is flooding still be open?” The answer is simple, “Because the vast majority of Branson, particularly the areas of Branson containing its shopping, shows, attractions, and a host of other exciting and fun filled activities has not been impacted one iota by the record high water levels.” The pictures and stories in the media are based on what is happening to a few homes and businesses in certain low-lying areas directly off of Lake Taneycomo and do not relate to any of Branson’s shows, attractions, and shopping; historic Downtown or other areas normally frequented by the majority Branson’s visitors.
Branson Landing and Branson is open and brimming over with fun, excitement and adventure

On April 27th Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said that the few areas affected by the record high water levels in Branson are primarily residential areas that the typical Branson tourist would not be visiting. She points out that these areas are located quite a distance from Branson’s shows, attractions and those activities that the majority of Branson’s guests participate in and will not impact on their Branson experience at all.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services reports that all of Branson’s attractions, shows, and major tourist activities are open and have not been impacted by what is happening in some of the low-lying areas of Lake Taneycomo. She said that anyone having a questions about the availability of Branson shows, attractions or lodging may call BTC using their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or reach them through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

From Branson Landing on the shores of Lake Taneycomo on the east to Silver Dollar City on the west, Branson is open and sharing its new 2011 Branson season with even more excitement, adventure and entertainment than ever. It’s not only a great entertainment experience, but a great value. Why not plan to share it with your family this season?

Another first for Presleys’ Country Jubilee

Two firsts joined together to provide another first when “Presleys’ Country Jubilee Television Show,” live from Branson, Missouri, first aired on the “RFD-TV Network” on March 6 of 2010. When the world’s first 24 hour rural TV network combined with Branson’s Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the first show on the now famous Branson Strip, the result was the telecast of the first Branson show to have its own regularly scheduled show on a national TV network.

In a recent interview with Steve Presley, one of the original co-founders of the Presleys’ Country Jubilee, he said that the TV show stems from a relationship that was established between Patrick Gottsch, the founder of RFD-TV, and the Presleys’ almost from his first days in Branson. In announcing the initial show Gottsch said, “The Presley family is an absolutely perfect fit for RFD-TV. Our audience loves country, gospel, bluegrass, and family-oriented humor. To have all these interests combined into one, terrific, fast-paced show with the Presley touch is sure to be a hit.”

“When the opportunity with RFD-TV came about, with its reach into over 40 million households in the United States and even more internationally, it just seemed like a natural fit for our show and Branson,” said Presley. “We saw an opportunity to reach potential Branson visitors before they came to Branson by giving them a snippet of what the Presley show is like and highlighting other Branson shows, attractions and activities.” He indicated his hope that the result would be to bring more people to Branson to experience not only their show, but everything else that Branson has to offer.

He said that they went on the air on RFD-TV on March 6, 2010 and filmed their first season of 26 half hour episodes, each of which has aired twice. They are currently filming episodes 31 and 32 of their second season. All the programs are filmed in the Presleys’ Theatre on the famed Branson Strip and are a natural extension of their live show.

The show uses the same successful format that has made them a Branson standard for over for 45 years, a variety of music, vocals and instrumentals, from country to pop and gospel with just about every music genre in between and their unique brand of comedy provided by Herkimer and Cecil (Gary & Eric Presley). In addition, the TV show usually includes the addition of a guest performer each week who is either a regular Branson performer or a performer currently performing in Branson.

Steve who has been performing as the drummer in the show since he was ten years old said, “I’ve learned more new songs over the last year than I have in my whole career.” He points out that the development of the new material for the TV show has given them even more opportunity to experiment and add new material to their Branson show almost on a weekly basis.

The “Presleys’ Country Jubilee TV Show” is broadcast every Saturday night at 6:30 Eastern Time and 7:30 Central Time on RFD-TV. For additional information or tickets for the Presleys’ Country Jubilee in Branson or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Photo courtesy of Presleys’ Country Jubilee

Student youth groups discovering the Branson experience

Performing youth group from Sauk Prairie High School performing at the Branson Variety Theatre. Photo by: Randy Luher

BRANSON, Mo. “Branson is one of the fastest growing destinations in the student group market,” said Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center. “It’s catching on with the youth groups market that Branson is a blast of a place to go, is filled with fun and excitement and, from an expense perspective, offers is a lot of value as compared to many other destination cities.”

One unique segment of student youth groups is “performance” groups, generally those school, church and other groups who sing, dance, play instruments or are otherwise involved in performing. Wood points out that the term also includes things other than singing and dancing such as production, lighting and sound and how uniquely positioned Branson is to service that market.

She said that one of the key things about working with youth performance groups is being able to keep them focused on music and the arts by providing them with the chance to come to a place like Branson and giving them the opportunity to see and experience how it really works from backstage to actually performing. With its 50 theatres and 100 live shows, Branson offers youth performance groups an opportunity to perform in a state of the art theatre with professional lighting and sound technicians before a live audience. They perform in venues such as Silver Dollar City and do 20 to 30 minute pre-shows at Branson theatres. It is not uncommon to have youth performance groups perform in more than one venue while they are in Branson.

In addition, many of the groups also attend workshops or clinics as part of their Branson experience. Wood said that because of the relationship Branson Tourism Center has with a lot of the entertainers and theatres we know which ones will fit in best with a particular type and size of group; are able to provide a selection of workshops and clinics that will meet just about every group’s need from singing and dancing to choreography, production, lighting and sound. All the entertainers and professionals used for the clinics and that help the kids in our groups are very personable, kid friendly and work hard to make them feel at home as they perform on their stages.

And when they are not performing or in clinics they do the same thing that the rest of the youth groups that come to Branson do, just have fun. We have wonderful shows, attractions such as The Titanic Museum, The Track Family Fun Parks, Silver Dollar City, White Water and all kinds of things that they enjoy experiencing including Table Rock Lake and its 745 miles of shoreline and 45,000 surface acres of watery fun, adventure and excitement.”

Wood, who works with a staff of seven Group Sales managers explains that whether it’s performance youth groups, church, school or other youth groups all it takes is one phone call to 800-268-4014 and Branson Tourism Center will handle it all. “Our staff is dedicated to just one thing, helping you provide your group with the best Branson experience possible,” she said, “We look forward to opportunity of sharing all that Branson has to offer with you and your youth group.”

Fill your Easter with Branson spirit, fun and excitement

The spectaular and unique view from Silver Dollar city's world class coaster, "Wildfire."

BRANSON, Mo. “The combination of its core beliefs, spirit and values, along with all the amazing opportunities it provides for fun, entertainment, shopping and just plain relaxing, all amidst the natural wonder and beauty of the Ozarks makes Branson a unique and special place to visit not only during Easter, but all year-round,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “From a Sunrise Service on the shores of beautiful Lake Taneycomo, to Easter Egg hunts, numerous buffet choices and all the shows, attractions, entertainment, and shopping that Branson is known for, Easter in Branson is a special time.”

The immediate Branson area has dozens of churches of every denomination that will be celebrating the true meaning of Easter with special services. Click here for a list of most of the Branson Area Churches with contact information. There will be a special Sunrise Service and Breakfast in the beautiful Rockaway Beach Park on the shores of Lake Taneycomo starting at 6:45 a.m. on Easter morning.

A special Easter meal is a traditional part of the celebration of Easter for many people. With over 200 restaurants in Branson, there is no problem finding just the right restaurant, meal and price range for your Easter meal. Here’s a list of some of Branson’s most popular restaurants and buffets as listed on www.Branson.com. For many, an Easter buffet is traditional. The Golden Coral, Grand Country Buffet and others offer great buffets on a daily basis and Easter will be no exception. In addition, click here for information about the elaborate Easter buffets being offered by the Keeter Center at the College of the Ozarks, Level 2 Steak House at the Hilton Branson Convention Center and the Chateau on the Lake. The Easter dinner cruise aboard the beautiful Branson Landing Princess is yet another choice that is available. Another exciting and fun filled dining and entertainment option is the excitement and adventure of Dixie Stampede.

Two major Easter Egg hunts are scheduled, one sponsored by the Hollister Chamber of Commerce and the other by Factory Merchants Mall. The Factory Merchants Mall (Red Top Mall) Easter Egg Hunt is for children ages 10 and under, will be held in the upper courtyard, have a special area set aside for toddlers and will start promptly at 10:30 a.m. The 26th Annual Hollister Easter Egg Hunt will be conducted on Saturday, April 23rd from 12:30 – 2:00pm at the Hollister High School Football Field. It includes children’s activities and games such as giant inflatable’s, clowns, face-painting plus a visit from the Easter Bunny. The event starts at 12:30 p.m. with the Easter Egg Hunt starting at 1:00 p.m. promptly.

Branson’s largest and most popular attraction, Silver Dollar City will be open throughout the Easter week except April 24 – 26 with it celebration of World-Fest continuing until May 8

3 Red Neck Tenors, Billy Joe, right, Billy Billee and Billy Bob

In addition, the majority of Branson Attractions will be open for the entire Easter week including The Titanic Museum, The Track Family Fun Parks, Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and the Vigilante Zipline to name a few. Branson’s championship golf courses, as well as hiking, fishing, boating, shopping and all the other exciting and fun filled activities that Branson is known for are also available for Easter visitors enjoy.

And of course, what would the Branson experience be like without its live shows? Most of Branson’s live shows are open for the season and will be performing their regular schedules throughout Easter week. In addition, the following shows also be open on Easter Sunday and are sorted alphabetically by time:

9:00 a.m.
IMAX Theater

2:00 p.m.
A Tribute to Marty Robbins
Always Patsy Cline
Red, Hot & Blue
Shake Rattle & Roll
Sunday Gospel Jubilee

3:00 p.m.
Legends in Concert

5:30 p.m.
Dixie Stampede

7:00 p.m.
Motown Downtown
Ozark Mountain Jubilee

8:00 pm
3 Redneck Tenors
Acrobats of China
Alabama Revival
Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express
Hank Williams Revisited
Haygoods
Hooray for Hollywood
Jim Stafford
Legend of Kung Fu
Legends in Concert
Mickey Gilley

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that in addition to Branson’s great lineup of regular shows there will be limited engagement performances during Easter week by the Oak Ridge Boys, Charlie Daniel’s Band and Sawyer Brown.

For additional information or tickets for any of the shows, attractions or activities listed in this article or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

With Jim Stafford you can’t hold the laughter in

Jim Stafford performing his rendition of "Wildwood Flower."

BRANSON, Mo. “Laughter has its own way out if you try to hold it in,” says Jim Stafford as he begins two hours of making it just about impossible not to laugh. As I was reviewing a recent performance of the Jim Stafford Show for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, it was easy to see how this remarkable entertainer has gained iconic status in Branson over his 22 years of entertaining Branson audiences with his unique brand of humor, charisma, and musical talent.

Jim’s comedy is the mainstay of the show and is worked in throughout to keep the audience in a constant state of anticipation and laughter. He has a unique style and ability that gets the audience involved in the humorous stories he is telling about things to which we can all relate. For example, most of us have all been in a hot tub at one time or another, but after hearing about Jim’s hot tub escapade it is doubtful any of us will ever get into a hot tub again without chuckling.

The shows first number, “Let the Good Times Roll” really tells the story of what is going to be happening for the next two hours as the audience experiences one of the most unique comedy and musical presentations on any stage in Branson. It’s not just the music or the humor, although that would be enough, but it’s the way it is combined to flow effortlessly from one segment to the next along with great special effects.

From lighting and sound to holography, black light and 3D, this show is packed with special effects. This writers favorite and one that really appealed to the kids in the audience, was the “black light” presentation in conjunction with Jim’s performance of “Spiders and Snakes.” The shows use of 3D in the second half was another segment that, while entertaining the whole audience, just had the kids mesmerized.

Shea and GG Stafford perforning "Chariots of Fire."

I could not help, but notice that the show held the interest of the whole audience, including children, as it effortlessly went from one exciting segment to another. While being primarily an adult show its special effects, surprises like the “stampede” and the tossing of cow patties make this an ideal show for both adults and children.

Jim is also a talented musician on a number of instruments, particularly the acoustical guitar. His rendition of “Malaguena” is simply beautiful and I loved his rendition of the old country classic “Wildwood Flower, but it should be remembered that in this show laughter could be but a note away. Jims two children, his daughter GG and son Shea play a variety of music throughout the show from GG’s unique version of the old rhythm in blues standard “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” to Shea’s rendition of the fiddle classic “Orange Blossom Special.” This writer’s personal favorite was their version of “Chariots of Fire” with Shea on the piano and GG on the harp.

Perhaps the words of Patina and Don, from Maine, who attended the same show I did, sum up the Jim Stafford Show experience best. “When we came to the show, we were in a blah mood because of the rain, clouds and no sun, but we’re in a light hearted sunny mood now. He’s really funny and so personable. His son and daughter are so fantastic on the piano. I loved the whole show and his guitar playing, but my favorite part is when he tells his jokes. We definitely recommend this show, it’s fantastic.” And to that this writer would say, “Amen.”

World-Fest’s “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” will have you smiling

Dearbhail Finnegan playing "Inisheer" on the Irish Harp.

BRANSON, Mo. All eyes are smiling not just Irish eyes at Silver Dollar City‘s “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” show being presented as part of the nation’s biggest international festival, World-Fest. As I sat in the show reviewing it for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, I was struck by the unique beauty of the music and its manner of presentation.

Anyone who appreciates Irish music or wants a special and unique musical experience will simply love this show. It is a straight forward, simple, and elegant presentation of Irish music well played and sung by a great harpist, a wonderfully talented tenor vocalist and a great live band.

From her very first note on the Irish Harp or “Clairseach,” the official National Emblem of Ireland, it is very clear why Dearbhail Finnegan is considered Ireland’s Premier Harpist. It is one of those unique and beautiful things that, but for World-Fest most people would never experience and, the sad thing is, would never know what they had missed. Although she plays a number of songs, my personal favorites were her lilting presentation of “Inisheer,” about the small island of Inisheer, located in Galaway Bay, Ireland and her rendition of “How Are Things in Glocca Morra” from the musical “Finian’s Rainbow.

Michael Londra during his performance of "Danny Boy."

From his opening number, the modern Irish folk song called, “Wild Mountain Thyme” or “Will You Go Lassie, Go” to his closing number, a touching presentation of “Danny Boy,” the tenor voice of Ireland’s Premier Tenor, Michael Londra is a joy to hear. The unique way that both Dearbhail and Michael interact with the audience simply enhances the entertainment experience and by the time they joined together with the audience for the finale, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” this writer had a smile not only in his eyes, but in his heart.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said that “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” is but one of the special shows and activities being presented for World-Fest. Other shows and acts include the “Russian Academic Band;” “Diego Martin Footprints Folk Performers” from Trinidad and Tobago with steel drums, stilt dancing and fire limbo; “Ecuador Manta;” “Canadian Powerhouse,” world-championship fiddlers and step-dancers and the “Mayorov Russian State Circus” featuring the “German Wheel,” amazing acrobatic feats, barbell juggling, comedy and much more.

She points out that all the World-Fest activities and shows are in addition to everything else Silver Dollar City offers on a daily basis. The 1880’s international award winning theme park features 30 rides and attractions encompassing everything from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to a new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7 and dozens of demonstrating craftsmen. World-Fest will continue through May 8.

Live shows or outdoors Branson is fun, excitement and adventure

George Dyer Branson’s “tenor extraordinaire.”

Many refer to Branson as “The live music show capital of the world” because of the number, quality and variety of the live shows it offers. “One of the things that makes Branson so unique and exciting,” says Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “is that in addition to ‘what’ Branson offers, great shows, attractions, shopping, value lodging, golf, fishing, boating and a host of other activities is ‘where’ they are offered, in the peace, beauty and outdoor splendor of the Ozark Mountains.”

How can anyone who wants to see live entertainment not have fun in a place like Branson with the caliber and diversity of the shows it offers. Branson has an unrivaled choice of live entertainment that is fresh, fun and exciting. Where else can you find a variety of live shows offering the great tenor voice of George Dyer, the music of the 70s Super Show with the Village People or the violin and fiddle playing of the incomparable Shoji Tabuchi? How about the honky-tonk of Mickey Gilley, harmonies of the Osmonds, the music and comedy variety of Pierce Arrow, Presleys’ Country Jubilee or unique one person comedy or music show such as Red Skelton – A Tribute by Tom Mullica or A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country featuring Cody Dooley and so many others? The answer is, “Not many if any and absolutely none that offers it in conjunction with the opportunities for outdoor fun, adventure and excitement that Branson does.”

The par 3 fourth hole at the Branson Creek Golf Course.

Its natural beauty and three lakes, Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals, provide an unparalleled opportunity for families to experience the same level of quality, variety, excitement and fun in outdoor entertainment as is offered by Branson’s shows. Whether it’s a leisurely walk along the Branson Landing Board Walk or hiking one of Branson’s many other trails; golfing at one of Branson’s championship golf courses; enjoying a round of miniature golf at the unique Shoot for Stars course or one of Branson’s other mini-golf courses; zip lining on one of Branson’s zipline attractions such as the Shepherd of the Hill’s Vigilante Zipline; bird watching; swimming; fishing; boating, kayaking, geocatching or…well, I guess you get the drift, just about anything to do with outdoor fun and excitement, Branson has it.

Branson’s biggest and most popular attraction, the 1880’s theme park Silver Dollar City, blends in so beautifully and naturally with the Ozarks beauty that surrounds it. This writer has never seen a theme park that has incorporated the natural outdoor beauty surrounding it into its very essence like silver Dollar City has. It’s an inherent part of the Silver Dollar City experience. Couple that with its many exciting rides, including the spectacular and extraordinary view from the top of its multi-loop world class coaster ride “Wildfire” and it’s hard not to realize what a huge part of the Branson experience involves the outdoors and natural beauty of the Ozarks.

The spectacular Showboat Branson Belle cruising Table Rock Lake.

Of course Branson’s Lakes are a major source of outdoor excitement and fun. Lake Taneycomo is one of the finest trout fisheries in the Nation and runs 22 miles from the foot of Table Rock Dam right by downtown Branson and Branson Landing. Although the water temperature and current from power generation at Table Rock Dam makes swimming impracticable fishing and boating, including canoeing and kayaking are very popular.

By far, Branson’s most popular lake is Table Rock Lake. Its 745 miles of shoreline and 45,000 surface acres provides a watery paradise of fun, adventure and excitement. Its bass fishing is legendary. It hosts national tournaments for groups such the Professional Anglers Association, and FLW, regional tournaments such as the Central Pro-Am Association and thousands of individual fishermen providing all with one of the finest bass fishing experiences available anywhere.

Table Rock Lake’s warm water temperature makes it ideal for boating, water skiing and just about every water activity imaginable. The majestic Showboat Branson Belle cruises Table Rock Lake giving its passengers a unique opportunity to see scenic Ozark vistas as it silently glides along while also providing them with an exciting production show and a scrumptious meal.

Still Waters Resort on the shores of Table Rock Lake

One excellent way for families to enhance their outdoor and Table Rock Lake experience would be the convenience, excitement and adventure of staying in one of the resorts located right on the lake. Two full service resorts offering a full range of accommodations and recreational amenities would be the Treehouse Condominiums and Still Waters Resort. They have the added benefit of being located within the natural beauty and serenity of Indian Point and being located just moments from the back, virtually traffic free, entrance, to Silver Dollar City while being just a short trip away from everything else Branson has to offer.

The Branson experience is all about excitement, entertainment, adventure and people having fun together. It offers a blend of live entertainment, attractions, shopping and other activities all presented within the background of the natural outdoor splendor of the Ozarks providing an unique entertainment experience not available anywhere else and one, that once experienced will not soon be forgotten.

New excitement as the Showboat Branson Belle again cruises Table Rock Lake

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle as she leave the dock on her first cruise of 2011.

BRANSON, Mo. – Amid an aura of excitement, Senior Captain Don McMahon edged the Showboat Branson Belle away from her moorings at the White River Landing on Table Rock Lake for its 4:00 p.m. cruise on April 7. It marked the beginning of a new era for the magnificent ship as she cruised the waters of Table Rock Lake for the first time since she drifted ashore in December of 2010.

Jim Moeskau, General Manager of the Showboat said that they were excited to actually be cruising again and being able to add that element back into the experience that is the “Showboat Branson Belle.” He went on to say that, in addition to a brand new state of the art propulsion system, major changes have been made to the interior of the ship, particularly the show room, lighting, the show and the menu. He said, “It’s an all new experience this year. Even if you have been on the showboat before you really haven’t experienced anything like you will experience this year.”

He points out that the show is completely different from anything the Showboat has had in its 15 year history. Entitled “ENCORE!,” it features the artistry and talent of Janice Martin, a world class, Julliard trained violinist, musician and vocalist as she brings her unique talents to the Branson Belle’s stage. One of the highlights of the show is her aerial silk performance high above the stage as she plays the violin.

Also appearing in ENCORE! is a new six man vocal and dancing group called “The Showmen” who perform a powerful blend of harmonies and solo performances with a variety of music from the 60’s 70’s and 80’s. Christopher James will be returning as the master of ceremonies, magician and comedian, and the Showboat’s signature live band “Rockin’ Dockers” complete the shows cast.

“In addition to the new show, there is an entirely new menu,” Moeskau said. The dinner cruise includes Beef Tenderloin in a Cabernet Sauce and Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs with a touch of Dijon Sauce, Sweet Potato Mash and French Green Beans and a fabulous dessert, “Anna Belle’s Golden Brittle Torte” drizzled with caramel.

“Ladona,” who recently experienced the 2011 Showboat experience prior to today’s cruise said, “This is a great show for any age with great food and service. I loved the shows variety with music, magic, an aerialist and the violin and the way it rotates between the different acts to keep things fresh and moving along. My favorite performer was Janice Martin, the violinist, aerialist and singer and my favorite part of the show was when she played “Stairway to Heaven” on the violin while doing her aerial silk act.”

“We at Branson Tourism Center share the excitement of having the Showboat Branson Belle again cruising on Table Rock Lake.” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is one of our most popular shows and attractions receiving consistently high reviews from our clients and staff.”

For additional information or tickets for the Showboat Branson Belle or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

How 4 and no red neck jokes equals the 3 Red Neck Tenors

What a funny musical journey it is from this in Paris, Texas...

In one of the funniest and most relaxed interviews he has ever had the pleasure of participating in, Matthew Lord, one of the 3 Red Neck Tenors set him straight on a couple of things. There are actually four and not all of them are tenors. He plays “Billy Joe” in the show along with “Billy Bob” and “Billy Billee,” who was named after his ma’s pa “Billy Floyd” and his pa’s pa “Billee Duane” from which they came up with the “imaginatory” name of “Billy Billee.”

Lord said that in spite of the name of the show and its humorous content, “There’s not a red neck joke in our show” explaining that the show is actually about the humorous and musical journey of “3 Red Necks” from a trailer park to the opera in New York City and they wouldn’t be making “red neck” jokes about themselves. Actually, having seen the shorter version of the 3 Red Neck Tenors that appeared in Branson last year, this writer can testify that this show doesn’t need “pure red neck jokes” to have you rolling in laughter. Click here for his review of that show.

Lord points out that the show artfully incorporates a blend of unique humor and a variety of music including country, pop and classical into a two hour comedy and musical entertainment experience that entertains audiences of all ages. When asked if people have expressed a desire for one type of music more than another he said that happens. Some want more pop or country etc, but the “most popular number we do in the show, bar none, is ‘Nessun dorma’ from the opera ‘Turandot’ by Puccini and made extremely popular by Pavarotti.” Having heard the number last year in their show this writer can readily understand the truth in that statement.

to this in Carnegie Hall. Left to right, Alex Bumpas a.k.a. Billy Joe, Matthew Lord, a.k.a. Billy Bob and Blake Davidson, a.k.a. Billy Billee

He said that audiences really appreciate the patriotic medley at the end of the show. Lord said it was not put in the show just for Branson, but was designed into the show six years ago when it was originally written, in part in honor of his dad who was a Veteran of World War II and Korea. As is the case with the whole show, it is performed in Branson exactly the same way as it has been performed since the beginning including their performances in Las Vegas because it was conceived and written for the whole family to enjoy and required no cleaning up or modifying for Branson audiences.

Lord said they are looking forward to being able to present their full two hour show for a full season in Branson at the beautiful Mansion Theatre. “The addition of the ‘3 Redneck Tenors’ to the exciting lineup of live shows in Branson adds another unique quality entertainment experience for Branson visitors to experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center who also points out that they are scheduled to perform in Branson from April 22 through December 10.

For additional information or tickets for the 3 Red Neck Tenors or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Informal personal mini reviews on some of Branson’s most popular shows

Jim Stafford performing during March 31st matinee.

As would be expected in Branson, Missouri, a place noted as the “Live music show capital of the world,” there are any number of reviews written on its shows by Branson writers including this writer. Almost without exception, they are a “review” and description of the contents of the show and are not a formal critical review, which in the opinion of this writer, would be meaningless in the Branson entertainment environment of just having fun.

It has been this writer’s experience that Branson has some of the finest musicians, singers, shows and productions available anywhere. The people who come to Branson are not coming to write a critique or critical review of its shows, but to be entertained by and have fun at those shows. It is in that spirit that these mini personal reviews present the comments made by people, indicated only by their first name, on the Branson shows they have seen in the last week or so.

Presleys’ Country Jubilee

Mary – “I just loved it from beginning to end. It is my favorite show in Branson. I have seen it 20 times over the years and this is their top show. In fact we liked it so much we bought the shows DVD.

“I just loved the comedy and the jokes. Herkimer [Gary Presley] and Cecil [Eric Presley] are too much and the kids just loved it. They have such colorful costumes, the band is excellent and Ambrus [Presley] sings “I Will Always Love You,” so beautifully. The show was just superb.”

Jim Stafford Show

Patina and Don – “When we came to the show, we were in a blah mode because of the rain, clouds and no sun, but we’re in a light hearted sunny mood now. He’s really funny and so personable. His son and daughter are so fantastic on the piano. I loved the whole show and his guitar playing, but my favorite part is when he tells his jokes. We definitely recommend this show, it’s fantastic.”

Show Boat Branson Belle show “Encore!”

Debra -“It was a high energy show with a lot of audience interaction by Janice Martin, The ShowMen and Christopher James, who was very funny. Janice Martin is great at whatever she is doing in the show.

“Whether it’s playing the piano, violin, or singing it is intense. She is just so good. She is so in her element; the way she plays the violin is just unbelievable. I was really impressed when she played the violin while performing an aerial silk act high above the stage, but my favorite was her rendition of the ‘Orange Blossom Special.’

“You could just feel the energy level of the ‘The ShowMen’ throughout the audience as they sang songs of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s and the live band was just awesome.”

LaDonna – This is a great show for any age with great food and service. I loved the shows variety with music, magic, an aerialist and the violin and the way it rotates between the different acts to keep things fresh and moving along. My favorite performer was Janice Martin, the violinist, aerialist and singer and my favorite part of the show was when she played “Stairway to Heaven” on the violin while doing her aerial silk act.

Rankin Brothers Show

Debra – “The Ranking Brothers, Matt and Mark, are just full of energy and life and people are just amazed by their talent. While they are singing you can just close your eyes and picture the original artists they are performing. My favorite number in the show is when Matt sings the Righteous Brothers Bill Medley song, ‘Unchained Melody.’

“Whenever I go to their show I just watch the audience’s reaction and the people that were around us are just amazed at the talent they have. They are awesome, hold the audience’s attention and relate so well to them. It is an awesome show that I will see again and recommend that people coming to Branson make this one of their top shows to see.”

For information on any of the shows mentioned in this article or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.