Category Archives: Branson Shows

Free 2011 Branson Travel Guide available for download

Just one of the Guides many pictures, the 7-story multiple slide "Kalani Towers" at White Water. southwest Missouri's largest water park.

Branson, MO (03/29/11) “For those looking for a convenient way to get access to a lot of information on Branson, Missouri’s shows, attractions, lodging and everything else that is Branson in an easy to read book-like format, our free downloadable 2011Branson Vacation Guide, excuse the pun, just might be the ‘ticket,'” says Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. BTC has sold nearly three million Branson show and attraction tickets and is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “The Guide presents a lot of information in a familiar interesting, attractive, entertaining and precise manner,”

Johnson points out that the Guide is just another service that Branson Tourism Center provides for those interested in getting information on our favorite vacation destination. It is in addition to the extensive information provided on its websites which are updated on a daily basis.

Branson Tourism Center operates three major websites that provide extensive Branson information. These include www.Branson.Com, Branson’s first and most extensive website; www.BransonTourismCenter.Com, used in conjunction with its 800-785-1550 number to provide the free personal concierge type service for Branson visitors that BTC is noted for and www.BransonOnTheWeb.Com, a transactional site for those who want to do their own research and purchase tickets for Branson shows and attractions and their lodging on line.

The Guide is in a downloadable PDF format providing users with a familiar book-like look and interface. “It has everything from Branson history and average weather conditions for each month of the year to extensive information on Branson shows, attractions, lodging, golf, event schedules, area churches, lakes and much more. Its PDF format not only permits convenient and familiar viewing, but makes it easy to print for reading away from a computer.

This writer was particularly impressed with its organization and the beautiful photographs throughout. As an example, its listing of Branson Shows, organized alphabetically, contains a concise description of each show and is beautifully illustrated. It even has a section on the Limited Engagement shows that will be coming to Branson during 2011 starting with the Charlie Daniel’s Band and Sawyer Brown in April with acts like the Village People, Johnny Mathis and many more later in the year.

Johnson is quick to point out that the Guide is merely a supplement to BTC’s three websites and suggests they be consulted for the latest updates and changes. “Having said that however, it is a wonderful and convenient overview source of all that is Branson and yet another tool that can be used by those planning a trip to Branson,” she continued. Johnson offers the free services of Branson Tourism Center in answering any questions anyone might have about Branson or in assisting them with show or attraction tickets, lodging or anything else relating to the fun and excitement Branson offers. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson wins TripAdvisor recognition as one of “Great U.S. Destinations to Discover”

The Showboat Branson Belle cruising on Table Rock Lake combines the natural beauty of the Ozarks with great dining and entertainment.

“Over 7 million people a year get to experience firsthand what a great vacation destination Branson, Missouri is in terms of excitement, value and the number of things to do,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “Thanks to the willingness of many of them to share their opinion about what a great Branson experience they had with TripAdvisor®, Branson was recently named a winner of its inaugural “Travelers’ Choice® Family Award-winning Great U.S. Destinations to Discover.”

The award was announced in a recent TripAdvisor press release stating it was based on millions of reviews and opinions. The award went to those destinations receiving “the greatest number of recommendations from reviewers who traveled with family” and Branson was one of only ten named in the category of “Great U.S. Destinations to Discover.”

The narrative with the listing explains that “Branson is called the Live Music Show Capital of the World.” It explained the breadth of the entertainment offered by Branson shows pointing out that its 50 plus theatres offer “almost 90 music, magic and comedy shows on any given day.” The narrative also summed up some of the other great activities that Branson has to offer its natural native Ozark’s beauty and outdoor activities such as water sports, fishing, hiking and biking. Milton points out that Branson has the same quality and choice in its other attractions and activities as it does for live shows and outdoor activities.

She believes that with Branson attractions like Silver Dollar City, The Shepherd of the Hills, White Water Titanic Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not to the Butterfly Palace, The World’s Largest Toy Museum or one of Branson’s championship golf courses there are attractions and activities that will provide families with a constant stream of exciting ways to have fun together. “When Branson’s great shopping and all the other things that Branson has to offer are factored in, it’s easy to appreciate what a great destination city Branson is for families,” Milton added.

Milton points out that this most recent recognition follows Branson being recognized as “A Top Ten Family Destination for 2010” on Fodor’s Travel Blog, being selected by the “American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)” as one of the most budget friendly destinations for travelers in 2009 and others. “The recognition from organizations such as TripAdvisor, ASTA and others is wonderful, but from a personal perspective, the real joy comes from seeing the smiles and excited looks on the faces of families as they experience the entertainment, fun, excitement and adventure that is Branson as they create memories they will remember for a lifetime.”

Let’s use a little Branson Trivia for some respite from all that challenges us

Just one of the many aisles of merchandise in the unique shopping experience that is Dicks 5 & 10.

Even with Spring in the air it seems likes folks are down a bit with the economy, the horror of what those in Japan are going through, terrorism and just the plain uncertainty of our times. Let’s relax and lighten up for just a few minutes and have some fun with something whose very name illustrates all that is good about America and offers respite, relaxation and peace from all that would weigh us down, our home and the place millions of people visit each year, Branson, Missouri.

We’ll work through a series of ten “trivia” questions followed by the answers. It’s not how many we get right, it’s just the fun and entertainment of doing it.

1. True or False, Branson’s biggest attraction is located within the city limits of Branson?

2. Table Rock Lake has how many miles of shoreline?

3. The title of being Branson’s first music show rests with the Baldknobbers Jamboree. What is the name of Branson’s first and longest running paid attraction?

4. How clever are “The Cleverlys?”

5. The majestic “Grand Staircase” of the Titanic Museum in Branson, is a precise replica of the “Grand Staircase” on the Titanic. What were the tiles used on the staircase made of.

6. How many lodging establishments are there in Branson?

7. On what date was the City of Branson officially incorporated?

8. Out of the five Missouri golf courses listed in Golfweek’s recent article on the best courses in America how many were in Branson and which ones are they?

9. Within five thousand either way, how many items does the unique “Dick’s 5 & 10” in historic downtown Branson sell?

10. What Branson entertainers performed in 18 cities throughout China earlier this year?

Answers:

1. False. Even though it has a “Branson, Missouri” mailing address, Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular paid attraction, is located to the west of the Branson city limits on Indian Point.

2. 745 miles at its normal level, the “Conservation Pool,” and 857 miles at the top of its “Flood Control Pool.”

3. “Marble Cave,” was started by the Lynch Family in the late 1800’s and, except for a short period of time, has been operated as a Branson attraction ever since. The cave was renamed “Marvel Cave” and is currently located under and is part of the entertainment experience provided by Silver Dollar City.

4. Pretty clever because the Bluegrass band from “Cane Spur,” Arkansas has toured the United States, performed for an audience of about 40,000 at the closing of the 2010 CMA Fest in Nashville, TN and will be doing about 80 dates with one of Branson’s favorite comedians, Paul Harris at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre in Branson during 2011. The thing is, no one has checked out the accuracy of their bio written by Vera Mae Paradine Cleverly, the sister to Digger, Miles and VD Cleverly and the mother to Harvey D and his twin brother Harvey C Cleverly. However, when one considers that Paul Harris is Digger why bother. Let’s just sit back, laugh, be entertained and listen to their wonderful music.

5. Linoleum.

6. Remembering that the term “Branson” is not limited to the city limits of Branson the latest statistics from the Branson Lake Area CVB says there are 208 such facilities with 22,000 rooms.

7. April 1, 1912. It’s no “April Fool’s” joke and the city of Branson will be celebrating its 100 anniversary in 2012.

8. The article named three, the Payne Stewart Golf Club, Branson Creek and Murder Rock.

9. Dick’s offers over 175,000 items. It is said that “If you can’t find it at Dicks 5 & 10 you probably don’t need it.” Dick’s is more than a store it is a unique shopping and entertainment attraction that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

10.  That would be the Haygoods. Their extensive and successful tour of the 18 cities was conducted during January of this year.

Showboat Branson Belle cruises into 2011 with exciting new shows and menu

Showboat Branson Belle cruising on Table Rock Lake. *

(Branson, Missouri) “The wonder and freshness of Spring is not the only thing causing excitement in Branson, Missouri, the ‘Live music show capital of the world,”‘ said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “When the Showboat Branson Belle starts its 2011 season on March 25. plying the beautiful waters of Table Rock Lake, it will be cruising into the biggest year of change it has had in its 15 years of providing fun, excitement, entertainment, great food and ‘memories worth repeating,'” she continued.

Johnson said that information received from the Showboat indicates there will be two new shows this year along with new costumes, performers, sets, staging, lighting, décor and a new menu.

Janice Martin performing the unique aerial silk segment of her headline act while playing beautiful music. It is an amazing thing to see and it's just part of what this amazing performer does.

The show for the evening cruises will be “ENCORE!,” featuring the artistry and talent of Janice Martin, a world class violinist and vocalist as she brings her unique “high-flying theatrics to the Showboat stage.” Martin has performed in concert halls all over the world including Paris, Tokyo and Prague as well as the White House and Carnegie Hall. This writer had the opportunity to see this amazing artist perform during Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest last year and was amazed not only by her musical talents, but beauty, grace and skill involved with her aerial “silk” performance.

Also appearing in ENCORE! will be a new six man vocal and dancing group called “The Showmen” who will entertain Showboat passengers with a powerful blend of harmonies and solo performances. Returning, as the master of ceremonies, is Showboat favorite, magician and comedian, Christopher James and the Showboat’s signature live band “Rockin’ Dockers.”

Comedian and musician Chris Pendleton headlines the Showboats all new "Funny Fiddle" show.*

The Showboat Branson Belle’s daytime Comedy Cruises in mid-may will present “Funny Fiddle” featuring Chris Pendleton who is a nationally featured comedian and musician that has appeared on Fox network, Lifetime, Showtime and A& E’s “Evening at the Improv.” Appearing with Pendleton as emcee and fiddler will be Branson favorite and master at the fiddle, Dean Church.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “The Showboats new menu sounds scrumptious.” Chef Larry’s succulent entrée offerings include Royal Beef Roast and Chicken Focaccia dressed with Dijon Sauce for lunch and Braised Filet of Beef Tenderloin in a Cabernet Sauce and Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs with a touch of Dijon Sauce for dinner; salads featuring homemade Tomato Basil Croutons; Sweet Potato Mash and French Green Beans and Anna Belle’s Golden Brittle Torte drizzled with Caramel. Johnson also points out that all the meals are prepared in the ships galley and that, in addition to the Showboats regular menu there are specialty dining options available such as the “Paddlewheel Club Room” and “Captains Row.”

For tickets or additional information on the new and exciting things happening on 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. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

* Picture courtesy of Showboat Branson Belle

** Picture courtesy of www.JaniceMartin.Com

No travel trickery or photo fakeouts needed in Branson

No "Photo-Fakeout" here. This 1982 Cadillac Limousine, stretching over 30 feet with a heart shapped Jacuzzi, is just one of the many unique exhibits and activities available in Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.

Just in time for Spring and Summer vacation planning, a recent segment of “NBC Investigates ” on the NBC “Today Show” reinforces something we have all been warned about, travel scams involving making vacation plans on line. The segment entitled “Beware of Travel Trickery,” was presented by David Rossen. In introducing the segment Rossen said, “But, this time it’s different; our investigation found that it’s the hotels, restaurants and resorts themselves that may be misleading you.”

The report showed what were alleged to be actual photos of rooms, beaches and other scenes used in advertising that it alleged were either deceiving or outright false, sometimes referred to as “Photo-Fakeouts,” bogus reviews submitted to travel web sites and other questionable practices. One “insider informant” said they were speaking out because, “The consumer deserves to know what is truthful and what’s not truthful.” Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson, Missouri’s largest and most respected providers of travel services, show and attraction tickets and lodging, said, “I couldn’t agree more and that’s the great thing about selling Branson, Missouri, it is truly one of the most unique vacation destinations in the world and that truth needs no embellishment.”

Johnson said, The mission of BTC is to ensure that “our customers have a great Branson experience” and that starts by ensuring that the information we give them is as accurate as possible. BTC provides the bulk of that information through one of its three major Branson destination websites. WWW.Branson.Com is Branson’s first and most trafficked website and is one of the most complete Branson informational sites in existence; www.BransonTourismCenter.Com is the BTC Site used in conjunction with the toll free number 800-785-1550 to provide its free personal flagship concierge service via telephone with the assistance of a trained BTC Branson Vacation Planning Specialist and www.BransonOnTheWeb.com, is a transactional site for those who want to do their own research and ordering on the internet.

As one of the primary content writers for BTC’s websites, I strive to tell the Branson’s story as accurately and interestingly as possible. Whether it’s one of Branson’s great live shows, restaurants, attractions such as Silver Dollar City, fishing on one of our pristine lakes or something as simple as shopping or taking a walk on the Branson Landing Boardwalk, my goal is to paint a word picture that tells the story of what you will experience in Branson. That story is so exciting, varied and unique that no exaggeration or hype is necessary.

Pictures and videos are another way to communicate all that Branson offers. The pictures with the vast majority of the articles that I write are taken by me with a Cannon EOS Rebel T2i using available light or the on the camera flash through a Cannon EFS 17-55 mm Zoom lens and are simply shots taken to illustrate the story being written. There is no attempt made to make something bigger or seem closer than it actually is or any other type of “Photo-Fakeout.” What you see is what I saw. Some pictures I use are provided by the hotel, show or attraction, but they are used only if they accurately represent what is being presented based on my 20 plus years of covering all that Branson has to offer.

BTC has its own videographer, Chris Canote and makes extensive use of videos on its websites in an effort to provide potential Branson visitors with as realistic and exciting view of what they will experience in Branson as possible. Chris said, “When I go and film a Branson lodging establishment such as the Grand Plaza Hotel I do not do any polishing, except for some color correction during editing, but other than that, I point and shoot multiple angles of the room types, the lobby, and amenities. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I do some fun shots to make the video enjoyable to the eye, but there is no doctoring of these videos. We believe a customer wants to see what they will get and to the best of my ability that’s what we provide.”

“In addition, our free personal concierge service, via a toll free telephone call to 800-785-1550, provides the assistance of a trained Branson Vacation Planning Specialist who lives in and is familiar with the Branson area and all it has to offer,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson, who has over two decades of experience in helping Branson visitors have a great Branson experience. “Our excellent relationship with our vendor lodging facilities, shows, attractions, restaurants and other Branson activity partners puts us in an excellent position to not only get our customers exactly what they want and save them money at the same time, but to help resolve any problems that might arise,” she continued.

Johnson said, “It’s not only that people are investing their hard earned money and precious time into a vacation that causes us to do business the way we do, but that we want our Branson visitors to not only return to Branson, but to do business with us again when they do. The best way to accomplish that is by making sure they get what they expect when they come to Branson and have a great Branson experience.”

As this writer was reviewing the video of the NBC show he was so thankful that he lives in Branson, Missouri, a place so unique, naturally beautiful, overflowing with talent and the spirit of hospitality that it is the epitome of genuine friendliness, fun, entertainment and excitement with no “travel trickery,” required or needed.

Branson Spring limited engagements offer broad entertainment choices

Gatlin Brothers

“That a little town of about 10,000 people, located in the middle of the natural beauty of the Ozarks, has the broad choice of quality entertainment that it does is one of the best kept secrets in America. Still, over 7 million people a year visit Branson to experience its live shows, attractions, lakes, shopping and natural beauty,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. ” In season, it’s regular show schedule offers close to 100 live show performances a day encompassing a variety of live entertainment that would be the envy of any tourist entertainment destination let alone one the size of Branson,” she continued.

Johnson suggests that just the list of stars and acts that will be making limited engagements appearances in Branson during the Spring season gives a capsule overview of the breadth of Branson’s entertainment. The following list, current as of February 27, 2011 shows the major limited engagement acts scheduled for this Spring in Branson including a link for each providing a show description, schedule and ticket prices on each. The list is sorted alphabetically by date:

Neal McCoy, March 12 – 19*
Oak Ridge Boys, April 26*
Charlie Daniel’s Band, April 28
Sawyer Brown, April 29
70s Super Show with the Village People, May 5
Gene Watson and John Conlee May 14
Neal McCoy, May 19*
Neal McCoy, June 1 – 2*
Exile, June 16-17
Jungle Jack Hanna, June 19
Branson Gospel Music Revival, June 19 – Jul 1

Jungle Jim Hanna with one of his animal friends.

*Indicates performers who will also be appearing for limited engagement performances at difference times during 2011.

Johnson points out that the limited engagement shows are in addition to all the rest of the Branson Shows that perform regularly all season long. She said schedules could change and suggests, before making any plans to see a particular show, that you consult a show schedule similar to the Branson Tourism Center Show Schedule which is updated with current information daily. She said another convenient way to keep updated on the latest shows, schedules and Branson information is to make a free telephone call to a trained Branson Vacation Planning Specialist who will answer your questions free of charge and can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550.

A son and grandson honor the 100th birthday of the “King of the Cowboys,” Roy Rogers

Roy Rogers, Trigger and Dale Evans*

When Franklin Slye* was born on November 5, 1911, no one had any idea that he would one day become Roy Rogers, the “King of the Cowboys,” and the positive effect he would have on the lives of so many people, but that’s exactly what happened. Over the course of 100 movies, 15 years of the Roy Rogers show on radio and television and countless personal appearances , along with his wife, Dale Evans, the “Queen of the West,” and “Trigger”, the iconic golden palomino, he was a pillar of strength, honesty, fairness, courage and decency that impacted on the lives of countless people.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “We have just received information that in celebration and tribute of the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Roy Rogers, his son, Dusty Rogers, ‘Roy Rogers, Jr.’ and grandson, Dustin Rogers who, along with the High Riders, perform the Roy Rogers Jr. Show in Branson, Missouri, have dedicated the entire 2011 season as a tribute to Roy Rogers and what he stood for. She went on to say, “The spirit of what Roy Rogers and Branson represent are kindred and an inherent part of what makes America great.”

During an interview on February 18, 2011, Dustin Rogers said, “We want to celebrate his life and the positive way he touched people’s hearts.” The Roy Rogers Jr. show features a variety of music “including classic cowboy Western, bluegrass, country, and songs of faith.” Dustin points out that in addition, as part of the 100th anniversary tribute they will be adding some of Roy’s favorite songs that they have not previously had in the show. One of the numbers he will be singing is “Night Guard,” one his granddad’s favorite songs which includes a nifty bit of yodeling. He said that his dad, Dusty, will be doing another or Roy’s favorites, “Little Joe the Wrangler.”

Dustin said he is looking forward to performing an interactive number during which he will sing “Pecos Bill” while the actual video is being played in the background. It was one of the segments in the 1948 Walt Disney animated feature “Melody Time,” in which Roy Rogers, along with the “Sons of the Pioneers” narrated and sang the story of “Pecos Bill,” a love story that answers the age old question, “Why do coyotes howl at the moon?”

He said that the tribute will be part of the Roy Rogers Jr. Show at the Mickey Gilley Theatre during the entire 2011 season. On November 5, the actual 100th birthday of Roy Rogers, the show will be actually be performed in Apple Valley, California where Roy and Dale Rogers made their home and where they are buried.

* Franklin Slye legally changed his name to “Roy Rogers” in 1942

*Photo courtesey of www.RoyRogers.com

Escape to Branson for Spring Break excitement and adventure

The exciting and spectacular view of the natural beauty of the Ozarks from "Wildfire," Silver Dollar city's world class coaster.

Within a few short weeks, the signs of another Spring in Branson will begin to manifest itself. The first blush of Spring offers the opportunity to escape from the inside confines of winter to the freedom of the outdoors and the promise of the fun, recreation and excitement that lies just ahead. Spring in Branson, Missouri, especially during Spring Break, is a great way to start the fulfillment of that promise.

The natural beauty of Spring in the Ozarks will start blossoming forth during Spring Break as the Dogwood and Redbud trees bloom and the excitement and adventure of Branson’s 2011 season bursts forth. The opening of Silver Dollar City along with more of its live shows, outdoor attractions and other activities provide a great reason to escape to Branson to share and enjoy the excitement, fun and adventure of Spring.

Even as the snow is flying there are thoughts of “Spring Break” and the fun it will be. In fact, many of those within a day’s drive of Branson are probably wondering if Spring Break will be shortened to make up for the “snow days” that have been taken. One of the neat things about Branson is that all its fun, excitement, entertainment and natural beauty are just a short drive away for so many, making it an ideal family Spring Break escape to something that is fresh, exciting and different, whether it’s for a day or two, a week or more.

The majority of Branson’s major attractions such as the Titanic Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Veterans Memorial Museum, Dinosaur Museum and many others are open year round. Spring brings the excitement of the reopening of many of Branson’s other exciting attractions such as the Branson Scenic Railway, Branson Landing Cruises, Ride the Ducks, Branson’s many outdoor mini golf courses such as “Shoot for the Stars Mini Golf” and of course, its biggest and most popular attraction, Silver Dollar City.

Silver Dollar City, an internationally recognized 1880’s theme park, will open its 51st season in conjunction with the celebration of Spring Break. It is built to blend in with the beauty of the Ozark Hills that surround it and is one of the most unique theme parks in the world.

Silver Dollar City has over 30 rides including its high-flying multi-looping world class roller coaster “WildFire” reaching speeds of up to 66 miles per hour; some of the best live shows in Branson; demonstrating craftsmen working at crafts that have been passed down from generation to generation; unique shopping and food and a series of six world class festivals starting with World-Fest, the country’s largest international festival, running from April 7 through May 8.

Branson’s fantastic line-up of live shows will be bursting out with their new shows for 2011 during the Spring Break offering a variety of live entertainment that is unrivaled in any destination city of its size anywhere. Shows as varied as the Acrobats of China, The Baldknobbers Jamboree, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Haygoods, Hughes Brothers, George Dyer, Grand Country, Comedy Jubilee, Shoji Tabuchi, Pierce Arrow, Jim Stafford, Doug Gabriel, Legends in Concert and Amazing Pets, to mention just a few, will provide a “live show escape” for just about everyone.

The show scene in Branson during Spring Break gets even more exciting when some of the limited engagement performances are considered. Stars like Neal McCoy, the Oakridge Boys, Charlie Daniel’s Band and Sawyer Brown just add to the variety of exciting entertainment choices available in Branson during the Spring Break.

Not only does Branson provide an escape to great shows, attractions and entertainment, but to a great shopping experience as well. Its three factory discount malls, countless specialty shops in historic downtown Branson and throughout Branson and Branson Landing, with its lakeside location, fire and water show, restaurants, Bass Pro Shop and 100 other retail shops, provide a unique and unparalleled shopping opportunity.

Branson’s world class golf courses will be open for your Spring Break enjoyment. Courses including the Payne Stewart Golf Course at Branson Hills, Thousand Hills, Pointe Royale and Branson Creek, among others, will provide a golfing challenge for the beginner as well as the seasoned champion tournament player.

Spring in Branson provides an excellent opportunity to experience the natural wonder and beauty of the Ozarks. Whether its fishing for largemouth bass or crappie on Table Rock Lake or Rainbow Trout on Lake Taneycomo; a dinner cruise on the Show Boat Branson Belle; a tour of the Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery or just a walk or hike on one of Branson’s many accessible trails or walk ways such as the Branson Landing Boardwalk, you will be surrounded and amazed by the natural wonder of an Ozark’s Spring in Branson.

“If you are like most people your first Spring Break escape to Branson will more than likely lead you to come back to that special place visitors call ‘Branson’ and we call ‘home,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning service.

Limited engagements add even more Branson show choices

"The Village People," just one of the limited engagements adding to the variety and excitement of Branson show choices.*

“Branson. Missouri is referred to by some as the ‘Live music show capital of the world’ because of the variety and quality of the shows it offers on a regular basis,” said Mark Bryson, the Director of Operations for Branson on the Web, a subsidiary of Branson Tourism Center. “That alone provides Branson visitors with a  choice of live entertainment that is unrivaled by its competition and made even more so with the addition of limited engagement performances.”

Bryson notes that, as he uses the term, “limited engagements” are special performances or shows that are available only during specific time periods and do not perform in Branson on a regularly scheduled basis for the majority of the season. The following is a list of limited engagement performances taken from the Branson Tourism Center Show schedule and is sorted by the date of the first performance:

Neal McCoy, March 12 through 19
Oak Ridge Boys, April 26 & 27
Charlie Daniel’s Band, April 28
Sawyer Brown, April 29 only
70s Super Show with the Village People, May 13
Gene Watson and John Conlee, May 14
Neal McCoy, May 19
Branson Gospel Music Revival, June 28 through July 1
Neal McCoy, June 1 & 2
Neal McCoy, July 1
Neal McCoy, July 5
Neal McCoy, July 25 & 26
Neal McCoy, August 3
Diane Bish, August 8 through 19
Andy Williams with Ann-Margret, September 12 through October 22
Diane Bish, September 9 through 23
Neal McCoy, September 15 & 16
Gatlin Brothers, September 20 through 22
Oak Ridge Boys, September 20 through 22
Oak Ridge Boys, October 4 through 20
Aaron Tippin, Joe Diffie and Sammy Kershaw, October 15
Gatlin Brothers, October 4 through 20
Neal McCoy, October 6 through December 9
Tim Conway and Friends, October 21 & 22
Andy Williams  Christmas Show, November 1 through December 10
Daniel O’Donnell, November 1 through 23
Gatlin Brothers & Debby Boone Together, November 1 through December 7
Hollywood Christmas Spectacular, November 1 through December 10
Mel Tillis and Family Christmas November 1 through November 17
Miracle of Christmas, November 1 through December 31
Oak Ridge Boys, November 1 through 17
Tony Orlando Christmas, November 1 through December 9
Diane Bish, November 5 through December 7
Johnny Mathis Christmas Show, November 18 & 19

Bryson points out that the list includes some performers more than once because they perform for limited periods on more than one occasion and some that perform only during certain periods of the year such as Andy Williams, Daniel O’Donnell and the Christmas Shows. He advises that the list will change and suggests three ways to have the most current information on not only limited engagement performances, but Branson shows in general.

The first two involve checking the show schedules on either the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) or Branson On The Web. In the majority of cases limited engagement performances are indicated by a “clock symbol” to the right of the entry on Branson Tourism Center. Using the “Limited Engagements” filter on Branson On The Web will show the limited engagement performances. Bryson said that another excellent way to get information on limited engagement performances, all Branson shows, attractions or lodging is by using the free personal assistance of a Branson Tourism Center Vacation Planner which is available by calling BTC at their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

* Photo courtesy of www.OfficialVillagePeople.com.

Branson’s Grand Country Music Hall provides a grand variety of entertainment

Grand Jubilee's" New South", Jason,left, Trey, Jason and Mark.

“The ‘Grand Country Music Hall,’ stands out, even in Branson, Missouri, the ‘Live music show capital of the world,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It offers a variety of entertaining, exciting and funny shows on a regular basis that is not available anywhere else in Branson.”

Mike Patrick, the General Manager of the Grand Country Music Hall (Grand Country), producer, and a cast member in two of its shows said, “We offer eight different shows on a regularly scheduled basis providing fun and enjoyment that covers the complete entertainment spectrum. We have it all from animal acts to gospel, country and just about any music genre a person could want along with some of the best comedy on the planet.”

Patrick, with the assistance of associate producer Andy Holloway, the cast and musicians in the shows, produces and directs all of the shows. Patrick explained that he has been involved with just about every aspect of the Branson entertainment industry since 1990 and is still performing in two of the shows being performed at Grand Country, the Grand Jubilee and tBranson Country USA. When asked what he believes makes a great show he said, “One that the audience relates to and enjoys. I just love it when I see our audiences laughing, interacting with the cast and having a great time. That’s what it’s all about.”

Grand Jubilee is an evening musical comedy variety show featuring the vocals of “New South,” a male quartet consisting of lead vocalist, Trey Wilson, tenor Jason Robinson, baritone Jason Pritchett and bass Mark McCauley. New South is one of the most talented singing groups in Branson and is noted for their tight harmonies, power and vocal range, singing everything from the Eagles and Beatles to gospel, country and pop. New South provides the main vocal thrust in three of Grand Country’s shows the Grand Jubilee, New South Gospel and Branson Country USA. Jackie Brown is featured the female vocalist and Todd Bradshaw the male vocalist. The comedy is provided by one of Branson’s funniest comedians, the multitalented Jamie Haage as “Jim Dandy” with Patrick as the straight man and the show’s emcee.

The cast of the hillariously funny Comedy Jubilee.

The Comedy Jamboree is an afternoon musical variety featuring the vocals of the “Jamboree Singers,” Jackie Brown, GiGi Hutchison, Jon Drockelman, Justin Tews with featured male vocalist and emcee Todd Bradshaw. The comedy is provided by comedians Shannon Thomason as “Apple Jack” and Jeff Jenkins as “Guppy McGee.” This show has it all, hilarious, clean comedy, floor-pounding clogging and dancing and all your country favorites.

Patrick points out that the basic musical comedy format is the same for both the Grand Jubilee and Comedy Jubilee. He adds that there is plenty of side splitting comedy for everyone in both show, but there is more emphasis on comedy in the Comedy Jubilee show.

Down Home Country is a traditional classic country music show that will take you back in time to enjoy the classics of George Jones, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and many more. The host and featured vocalist is Bob Davison with the female vocals provided by Melody Hart who also plays the fiddle. Patrick points out that although fiddle players Wayne Massengale and Melody Hart are married and have been playing in Branson for years this will be the first time they have performed in a show together.

New South Gospel is offered only on Thursday afternoons and features New South and female vocalist Jackie Brown. The show was developed in response to audience requests for New South to do more gospel music and provides a wide range of gospel music “from the early roots of southern gospel to the hand-clapping gospel hits of today and from the Jordanaires to Bill Gaither.”

Amazing Pets is a morning show that is completely different from any other show, not only at Grand Country, but in Branson. It features Valery Tsoraev, Olga Demicheva and Anna Savvina with an amazing troupe of trained dogs and cats performing amazing feats that amazes young and old as well as the birds of Alena Oulianova and the mule and turtles of Tony King. Add a lot of audience participation from kids in the audience and the comedy and hosting of Chris Stanley and the result is a unique entertainment experience that will be enjoyed by “kids” of all ages.

Sunday Gospel Jubilee is offered only on Sunday afternoon and is the continuation of a two decade Sunday gospel tradition featuring the Bacon Family performing your gospel favorites as only they and their familial harmonies can. It also features Randy Plummer, bass guitar and vocals; Lance Taylor, Piano and vocals, Eric Michel, drums; Michael Davis, lead guitar and George Geiser, steel guitar.

Ozark Jubilee is offered only on Sunday evening and “celebrates the country classics of yesteryear combined with today’s hot, country hits. The show is presented by the Bacon Family and the same cast that presents the Sunday Gospel Jubilee.

Branson Country USA is a 10:30 p.m. show offered only on Friday co-hosted by Jamie Haage, as Jim Dandy, and Patrick. The show features the vocals of New South and Jackie Brown, the Grand Band and has a rotating roster of Branson talent consisting of stars such as Mickey Gilley and the  up-and-coming stars of tomorrow.

Patrick points out that it takes talented musicians to support the variety of shows and music performed at Grand Country and proclaimed that the musicians of the “Grand Band” are second to none. The band consists of Michael W. Davis and Tracy Heaston, piano and keyboard; Wayne Massengale, fiddle and acoustic guitar; Larry Allred, bass guitar; Rob Blackburn, drums; Matt Hanshaw, lead and acoustic guitar and Danny Yancey, steel and acoustic guitar and banjo.