Category Archives: Branson Shows

The new 2017 Ultimate Branson Guide to touring national stars

Rhonda Vincent, Neal McCoy, Loretta Lynn, Jimmy Fortune, Daniel O’Donnell, and the Oak Ridge Boys are just a few of the touring national stars appearing in Branson during 2017 for Limited Engagement performances!

“The quality and variety of Branson Shows is one of the major reasons people come to Branson,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is a combination of Branson’s excellent resident shows^* and touring national stars that attracts them,” she added.

Most of Branson’s most popular local shows are on our list of Most Popular Shows. Here’s two lists of touring national stars and acts performing in Branson during 2017. For ease of use, the sorting on the first list is by “Name” and the second by “Date:”

2017 Limited Engagements Sorted by Name

America: Oct 8
Hallmark Presents Maxine’s Christmas Carol: Nov 1-Dec 16
Loretta Lynn: Oct 14-15
Neil Sedaka: Oct 21
Paul Anka: Nov 12
Tanya Tucker: Sep 16
Bill Anderson & Moe Bandy: Jun 23
Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson: Apr 19-20
Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune: Oct 17-18, Nov 11-12
Branson Music Fest: Apr 21-22
Charley Pride: Sep 29
Country Unplugged Tour: Nov 8
Daniel O’Donnell: Oct 30-Nov 18^*
Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone, & B.J. Thomas: Oct 6-7
John Conlee: Jun 7
Johnny Mathis with Gary Mule Deer: Nov 17-18
Kris Kristofferson: Apr 7
Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers: Nov 1 & 15
Larry’s Country Diner-T. Graham Brown: May 1 & Sep 18
Larry’s Country Diner-Mo and Holly Pitney: May 4
Larry’s Country Diner-Mark Wills: May 5
Larry’s Country Diner-Gene Watson: May 3 & Sep 20
Larry’s Country Diner-Jimmy Fortune: May 2 & Sep 21
Larry’s Country Diner-Rhonda Vincent: Sep 19
Larry’s Country Diner-The Isaacs: Sep 22
Menopause The Musical: May 18-21
Neal McCoy: Nov 1-16^*
Oak Ridge Boys: Apr 21-22, Sep 20-21, Oct 4-31 & Nov 1-16*
Raiding the Rock Vault: July 6-22
Richie McDonald: Aug 13
Ricky Nelson Remembered: Apr 12
Roots and Boots Tour starring Pam Tillis, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Raye: Oct 13
Sister Sledge: Jul 7
T. G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang: Jul 5
The Bellamy Brothers: May 31
Titanic Dance: Nov 1-12^*
Trace Adkins: Jun 30
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest: Apr 8
Vicki Lawrence and Mama: May 14

2017 Limited Engagements Sorted by Date

For more information on these shows or other shows please call one of our Branson based Travel Planners at 1-866-593-9740. They’ll also answer any questions about Branson including its hotels, attractions, and shopping and can help make the appropriate reservations. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 9:00 AM to 8.00 PM.

^*Check schedule for specific performance dates

If the Million Dollar Quartet isn’t a quartet what is it?

The Million Dollar Quartet, David Brooks as Jerry Lee Lewis, left, on the piano; Brad Waters as “Carl Perkins;” Austin Wilson as “Jay Perkins,” the bass player; Tyler K. Hunter as “Elvis Presley;” and Cliff Wright as “Johnny Cash”

The Million Dollar Quartet is an entertaining Tony Award-winning musical. It’s the story of the most famous rock and roll “jam session” in history. The show features four of the most famous rock and roll stars of all-time Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins singing together, but were they a quartet?

What’s a “quartet?” In musical terms, it’s a group of four people intentionally playing instruments or singing together as a group. Examples are “Jazz quartet,” “the Four Lads,” and “string quartet.”

Four people sang together, why isn’t it a quartet? If they weren’t a quartet, why is the show named the Million Dollar Quartet? To get the answers, let’s go back to the storefront recording studio of Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee on December 4, 1956.

Sun recording artist, Carl Perkins, was in the studio doing a recording session for what would become his next hit, “Matchbox.” Playing with him was his brother Jay on bass, drummer, “Fluke” Holland, and budding Sun recording artist, Jerry Lee Lewis, on the piano.

Johnny Cash, another Sun recording artist, stopped by to watch the session and talk with Sam Perkins, the owner of Sun Records. Later, RCA, and ex-Sun, recording artist Elvis Presley, just dropped by with a young woman he was seeing at the time.

At the end of the Perkins recording session, the four young performers spontaneously started talking, playing music, and singing. The resulting unplanned jam session, involving four of the greatest rock and roll performers of all-time in the early stages of their careers, was a unique onetime event. They never performed together again!

When Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records, discovered the jam session, he called Bob Johnson, the entertainment editor of the “Memphis Press-Scimitar.” Johnson came to the studio with a photographer. The next day he published an article entitled, “The Million Dollar Quartet.”

That would have been the end of it, and the “Million Dollar Quartet” would have been a forgotten footnote of history. In fact, it was for decades, and would have remained that way except for the foresight of sound technician Jack Clement. He had recorded the Perkins session and was still in the sound booth. When the impromptu jam session started, he recognized its significance and recorded it without anyone’s knowledge.

The recording went into the Sun Records “library,” where it remained unnoticed for decades. It was discovered by a new owner of Sun Records and was recorded and released in Europe in 1981 under the title “Million Dollar Quartet.”

The recording and the events of the original jam session became the basis for the musical Million Dollar Quartet, written by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott, which premiered in 2007. This Tony Award winning hit has played in Chicago, Broadway, and Las Vegas and has toured extensively in the US and abroad. It’s currently one of the hottest shows in Branson, Missouri, performing at the Welk Resort Theatre.

The common definition of “quartet” is immaterial. Bob Johnson’s headline, the day after the jam session, “Million Dollar Quartet,” has stood the test of time. It will forever describe what Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins were, and did, on December 4, 1956.

“Family” starts Presleys’ amazing 50-year Branson odyssey

Gary , left, and Steve Presley sharing memories about their first 50 years on the Branson Strip .

The first 2017 performance of Presleys’ Country Jubilee, on March 10, will be the beginning of the Presley family’s 50^th year performing in Branson. During a recent interview, Gary Presley said, “When we originally opened, as the ‘Mountain Music Theatre,’ on June 30, 1967, it was a cooperative family effort. That same family effort, our love for one another, and what we do, has blessed us throughout these first 50 years,” he continued.

Going back to those early days, Presley said that he; his two sisters, Deanna and Janice; and dad, Lloyd played at “Fantastic Caverns” in Springfield, Missouri. In about 1962, separately, he also played “Herkimer” and was the comedian in the “Underground Theatre Show” near Kimberling City. It was in a cave located in the same valley as “Talking Rock Caverns.” The show featured Bob White, Slim Wilson, Speedy Haworth, others, and occasionally, Red Foley.

Around 1964, some of the cast members quit. Lloyd and his two sisters, Deanna and Janice, came and performed a few shows with us in the cave. The idea for a theatre on Highway 76 in Branson started to take root around that time.

Highway 76 was a two-lane road, outside of the Branson City limits, that tourists used to travel to the growing “Silver Dollar City,” “Shepherd of the Hills,” and “Table Rock Lake.” Presley said that the theatre becoming a reality was a family effort involving four couples. The original partners were his Mom, Bessie, and Dad, Lloyd; he and his wife Pat; his sister Deanna and her husband David Drennon; and Larry and Francis Drennon, David’s parents.

“We got together and decided that if we could put a building on Highway 76 we might have a few people show up,” he said. He points out that the move from that point to opening the theatre was a co-operative effort of all the partners. “It never would have been built without the effort and sacrifice of the total family,” he added.

As the theatre took form, a show was developing along the format that Lee Mace’s “Ozark Opry” was using so successfully in the Lake of the Ozarks. Based on short sets of country music broken up by comedy, it fit in ideally with the Presley family’s talents.

The musical talent of the Presley family Lloyd, Janice, Deanna and her husband David, Steve, and Gary, supplemented with other cast members, addressed the music. Add the comedy of Gary as “Herkimer” and the result was an ideal fit for the Presley family.

Steve Presley pointed out that, if show didn’t make it, they had a backup plan. Although only ten years old at the time the building was built, he recalled that it was built with a flat floor and huge double doors in the back. The thinking was that if things didn’t work out with the show the building could be used to store boats. Well, it’s worked pretty good so far! As Lloyd Presley once, smilingly said to his sons, “Tell you what…we never had to store any boats in the theatre, did we boys?”

“No sir, you sure didn’t!” That building, and the Presley family has become a constant beacon for the spirit of Branson’s family entertainment and what it represents. Their talent and that of the cast performing with them in Presleys’ Country Jubilee has entertained, and continues to entertain, millions of Branson visitors.

It’s an entertainment experience blessed with the innate ability of the Presleys to communicate their genuine love for what they are doing, each other, and family, to their audience. For 50 years, and counting, they have created wonderful Branson memories as they inspire and entertain Branson audiences. Congratulations and thank you!

Best Branson Insider Highlights for February 2017

The Hughes Brothers from our Featured Show of the Month, “It starring the Hughes Brothers.”

“Valentine’s Day and President’s Day Weekend provide February’s focus for romance, fun, shopping, and entertainment,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “It’s hard to imagine a more romantic spot for Valentine’s Day or a better shopping destination during President’s Day Weekend. And it just gets better, as many of Branson’s most popular shows open their 2017 Season,” she added.

Here’s our Featured Show and Event of the Month, with a list of Special Event Highlights you can enjoy in Branson during February, 2017:

Featured Show of the Month: As words go, “it” is a short word. The show it Starring the Hughes Brothers, shows how big “it” can be, with music, fun, inspiration, and entertainment for every member of the family!

It’s one thing to be “world’s largest performing family.” It’s entirely something else when that performance results in a show listed on Branson Tourism Center’s Most Popular and Highly Recommended Show List. The majority seeing “it,” hearing “it,” and experiencing “it,” as I did, know why. From the opening curtain to the finale, “it” is one of the most energetic, unique, colorful, and inspirational shows in Branson, entertaining all ages simultaneously.

Featured Event of the Month: The beginning blush of Branson’s 2017 live show season with the opening of some of its most popular shows including:

Amazing Pets
Branson Country USA
Comedy Jamboree
Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies
Grand Jubilee
The Haygoods
it starring the Hughes Brothers
Legends in Concert
New Jersey Nights

Special Event Highlights (Sorted by starting date.)

Feb 4:     Father/Daughter Valentine Dance
Feb 5:     Super Bowl LI at The Paddlewheel
Feb 7-14:  Tanger Outlets Share the LOVE Event
Feb 10-14: Valentine’s at Chateau Grille
Feb 11:    Hot Winter Fun at Trophy Run
Feb 12:    2017 Branson Bridal Show
Feb 14:    Valentine’s Day
Feb 14:    Valentine’s Weekend in Branson
Feb 14:    Valentine’s Day Dinner at Keeter Center
Feb 15:   The Massacre at Ledgestone Country Club
Feb 17-19: Tri Lakes Building & Home Show
Feb 17-20: President’s Day Weekend Sale – Tanger Outlets
Feb 23-26: VisionCon – Gaming, Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Anime Convention
Feb 25:   Vince Elfrink Memorial Tournament – Lilleys’ Landing

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood said that weather and seasonal show, attraction and lodging availability are important when planning a trip to Branson during the winter months. She suggests calling the Branson Tourism Center, toll-free at 1-800-785-1550, and talking with one of its Branson-based Vacation Planning specialists. They’ll answer any questions and help with show reservations, ticketing and lodging. There’s no charge for this service.

So you think that all Branson shows are country!

Moses. The Haygoods, and the Million Dollar Quartet illustrate the breadth of entertainment that Branson shows offer.

“It’s absolutely amazing that so many people have the mistaken opinion that Branson shows are predominately country,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “While Branson’s rich live entertainment tradition is rooted in country music and humor, as reflected by the celebration of the 50^th anniversary of Presleys’ Country Jubilee this year, and it offers many great country music shows, an examination of some of Branson’s most Popular Shows, indicates the majority of those shows are not country at all providing a marvelous variety of live entertainment for Branson show goers to enjoy.”

Here’s three of Branson’s most popular shows that illustrate this point:

Million Dollar Quartet: This Tony Award winning musical is based on an actual, one time impromptu jam session involving four young performers in the early stages of their career, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis that took place on December 4, 1956, in the storefront recording studio of Sun Records, in Memphis, TN.

The storyline, the historical moment in rock & roll history it tells, and the way it is artfully woven around timeless music that everyone knows and loves, brings the excitement and spontaneity of that almost forgotten jam session to life. Add an outstanding cast, great production, the show’s unique set and the result is an incredible entertainment experience for the whole family that should not be missed.

The Haygoods: Many sibling singing groups are blessed with a God given sound that makes their harmonies a joy to hear, but The Haygoods have that blessing along with an instrumental talent that is amazing! When the Haygoods combine the two, a synergy is created that just must be experienced to be believed.

The music, energy, action, and special effects of The Haygoods show will captivate and hold the interest of all adults and most children simultaneously throughout the show. As the ads say, “Where else can you check out a guitar-playing LED robot rocking out to ‘The Cotton Eye Joe’” or “see an amazing harp player performing in a magical light up dress.” In a town filled with great live entertainment, this show is a WOW on so many levels. It should not be missed!

Moses: This powerful and epic biblical story follows Moses on his quest for personal identity; what that meant as he decided to follow his God and, unbeknownst to him at the time, change the course of human history. Journey back to that time with your family and witness some of the greatest moments in biblical history; experience the exhilaration and celebration of the Israelites as they brush past you on their path to freedom; feel God’s awe-inspiring power as you sit amid the parted Red Sea, and the moment God first speaks to Moses at the burning bush, all presented as only Sight and Sound can do.

“While maintaining its inspirational biblical perspective, Moses is the most spectacular, technologically advanced show that Sight & Sound Theaters has ever put on stage,” said Mike Pitman, the Business Development Manager for the theatres. He said that people expect the inspirational and spectacular from Sight & Sound, but Moses takes it to an entirely new level! That’s saying a lot, especially when one considers some of the other Sight and Sound productions that have been presented in Branson such as Noah – the Musical, Miracle of Christmas, Joseph, and Jonah. Moses will be performed from March 4 through October 20, at which time it will conclude its 2017 season to make way for the spectacular Miracle of Christmas which will run from November to December 30.

How about an awesome Spring Break in Branson?

Gliding high above the Ozarks on Silver Dollar City’s WildFire coaster, Main Street Lakes Cruises Lake Queen, and the fascinating Branson Titanic Museum Attraction.

“In the middle of winter and on many days, cold weather, the promise of Spring seems like an illusionary dream,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “For many however, that dream is tempered with the knowledge that there’s, but a few short weeks until the start of ‘Spring Break’ and all the fun and excitement that promises,” she added.

Wood points out that Branson probably isn’t the place to come for Spring Break for those looking for the alcohol dominated, scantily clad women, and raucous Spring Breaks commonly shown on TV from other destinations. “It does however, offer an amazing opportunity to have a recharging Spring Break, amid the spring beauty of the Ozarks, while enjoying all the fun and excitement that Branson is known for and the wholesome spirit of family, God, and country that defines Branson.

No matter where one is in Branson, they are virtually surrounded by the awesome natural beauty and wonder of the Ozark Mountains. That is especially so during the spring, as the Ozarks awakens to the freshness, promise, and beauty of a new year. Whether seen from the deck of the river boat replica Lake Queen while cruising on Lake Taneycomo, the top of one of Silver Dollar City’s roller coasters, or just driving around Branson, it’s a beautiful one of a kind show produced by “Mother Nature.”

And speaking of shows, even as spring blossoms throughout the Ozarks, Branson’s 2017 show schedule will come into full bloom offering over 100 live shows. From Branson’s first show on its famed “Branson Strip,” celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2017, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, to the Grand Jubilee, it starring the Hughes Brothers, and The Haygoods; pure country music shows such as Clay Cooper’s Country Express and Raiding the Country Vault, the biblical spectacular Moses, the amazing story of the most famous rock-n-roll jam session of all time, the Million Dollar Quartet; and so many more, there’s a show just right for everyone.

Fun and adventure is around every turn in Branson! There’s no better example of that than Silver Dollar City, Branson’s international award winning 1880s styled theme park. Whether it’s riding one of its over 40 exciting rides, including its world class coasters such as “Outlaw Run®” or its iconic WildFire®. Coaster; watching dozens of practicing crafters demonstrate their crafts; going hundreds of feet beneath the ground on a guided tour of Branson’s original attraction, “Marvel Cave; a day at Silver Dollar City, is pretty hard to beat for adventure, fun and excitement!

That’s just the beginning! Whether it’s the Ralph Foster Museum at College of the Ozarks; an exciting eco-adventure on Branson Zip Line; getting a spectacular view of the beauty of spring in the Ozarks from the deck of the river boat replica Lake Queen while cruising on Lake Taneycomo; Riding the Ducks; great golfing; hiking; fishing; boating; a “voyage aboard” the Titanic Museum Attraction; or anyone of dozens of other attractions and activities, it’s hard to imagine a Spring Break Destination that has more to offer than Branson.

Compared to other Spring Break destinations, Branson is a great value in terms of its prices for lodging, shows, attractions and other activities. Branson Tourism Center’s Wood points out that it becomes even a better value when lodging is packaged, “bundled,” with shows and attractions. For more information on saving money by “packaging” or personal assistance in planning the perfect Spring Break, please call one of BTC’s Branson based Travel Planners at 1-800-785-1550 or through their web site, www.BransonTourismCenter.Com. They will be delighted to assist and answer any questions you might have about Branson shows, hotels, or attractions. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily from 9:00 AM to 8.00 PM.

2017’s first concise ultimate Branson show guide!

Three of Branson’s most popular shows, Raiding the Country Vault, Ayo starring the Voices of Glory, and SIX will all have new venues for their 2017 Branson season.

“The Grand Country Music Hall kicks off the amazing 2017 Branson show season on January 12, as the Grand Jubilee opens its 2017 season,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC.) “We thought it would be timely to publish a ‘concise ultimate’ Branson Show Guide, containing links to the shows that have furnished their 2017 show schedules and appropriate information to us, for publication and ticket sales; new Branson shows that we are aware of; shows moving from one theatre to another; and the ‘limited engagement’ performances by national touring stars, as of January 7, 2017,” he added.

Garrison points out that, at this point, Branson’s 2017 Show Schedule is an evolving thing and that, although some Branson’s shows have not furnished their 2017 show schedules and other appropriate information, most of our Most Popular Shows have. Branson Tourism Center’s Show Schedule contains not only scheduling information, show descriptions, pictures, videos, and ticket pricing but, more importantly, is one of the, if not the most, current Branson Show Schedule available. It is updated immediately, as changes occur.

Here is a list of new Branson shows, and current shows, that are moving to new theatres in 2017 that we are aware of as of January 7. It includes links to those who have furnished us their 2017 show schedules and appropriate information for publication and ticket sales. It should be noted that the links refer to listings in Branson Tourism Center’s Show Schedule:

New Shows

Janice Martin’s Aerial & Musical Variety Show: Americana Theatre
Menopause the Musical: American Bandstand Theatre, May 18-21 only
Ozarks Country (Tammy and Tonya Bilyeu): Grand Country Music Hall
Ozarks Gospel (Tammy and Tonya Bilyeu): Grand Country Music Hall
Raiding the Rock Vault: Starlite Theatre, July 6-22 only

Shows Moving to New Theatres

#1 Hits of the 60s: Clay Cooper Theatre
Abba Tribute: Thank You for the Music: Hamners’ Variety Theater
Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai: Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre
AYO staring the Voices of Glory: Starlite
Billy Dean: Jim Stafford Theatre
Beach Boys California Dreamin: Hamners’ Variety Theater
Blackwoods: Dutton Theatre
Bretts: Schedule shortened to Sep-Dec only
Buck Trent: Baldknobbers Theatre
Forever Young: Americana
George Dyer: Americana
Raiding the Country Vault: Starlite Theatre
SIX: Hughes Brothers Theatre

Garrison said that Branson’s regular shows provide a variety and quality of entertainment easily rivaling that of any tourist destination in America. That entertainment experience is further enhanced throughout the year as nationally recognized touring stars perform limited engagements in Branson. The following list, current as of January 7, will be updated in Branson Tourism Center’s Show Schedule as new stars are added:

Branson Limited Engagements as of January 7, 2017

Bill Anderson & Moe Bandy
Charley Pride
Daniel O’Donnell
Earl Thomas Conley
John Conlee
Kris Kristofferson
Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers
Larry’s Country Diner-T. Graham Brown
Larry’s Country Diner-Gene Watson
Larry’s Country Diner-Jimmy Fortune
Larry’s Country Diner-Rhonda Vincent
Menopause The Musical
Richie McDonald
Ricky Nelson Remembered
Roots and Boots Tour starring Pam Tillis, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Raye
The Bellamy Brothers
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest
Vicki Lawrence and Mama

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

“Branson – Up Close and Personal” with George Strait Tribute Artist Larry Turner

George Strait tribute artist Larry Turner

A comment made to gospel music singer Larry Turner, by George Strait’s father, during a chance meeting, planted the seed that eventually led Turner into country music and a career as a George Strait Tribute Artist. Starting at smaller venues, and working other gigs in between, he had spent almost a decade perfecting his Strait tribute. In 2008, he reached the pinnacle of most Tribute Artist’s careers when he started performing his Strait tribute in the world’s greatest tribute show, Legends in Concert.

“Branson – Up Close and Personal,” is a service of the Branson Tourism Center and is intended to provide readers with an up close and personal look at a Branson star or personality. The format will be “Question and Answer” with Larry Turner (LT) being interviewed for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by Gary J. Groman, a 31 year resident of the Branson area, local columnist and freelance writer.

BTC: If you could perform or meet with any entertainer/person (living or deceased) who would it be and why?
LT: The Oak Ridge Boys. Although they have played in Branson several times, I have never gotten to meet them.

BTC: In terms of your performance as George Strait, what term do you prefer people use when they describe what it is you do, “Tribute Artist” or something else?
LT: Tribute Artist.

BTC: Where were you born?
LT: In Carthage, Missouri, about 100 miles from here.

BTC: When?
LT: 1953. I’m one year younger than George [Strait].

BTC: How old were you when you first started singing?
LT: I was a Junior in high school.

BTC: What were the circumstances?
LT: I was playing football, had to stop because of asthma, and started singing in the high school choir because of the encouragement of the Music Director.

BTC: When did you first realize that you wanted to make a living singing?
LT: Probably, when I was a Senior in high school.

BTC: Where was your first professional gig?
LT: Don’t know exactly, but it would have been some church in southwest Missouri because I traveled around leading the music for revivals.

BTC: What is your favorite genre of music?
LT: Gospel and second would be country.

BTC: When did you first perform in Branson?
LT: I came here in 2004 with Presleys’ Country Jubilee.

BTC: Had you ever been to Branson before that?
LT: Many times as a tourist and to see shows..

BTC: Where did you work prior to coming to Branson?

LT: I was at Precious Moments in Carthage, Missouri for 12 years as the entertainment director and performer.

BTC: Did something happen while you were there that steered you toward your current role as a George Strait Tribute Artist?
LT: George’s dad came to one of our shows around 1992, when the movie “Pure Country” had just come out. Afterwards he came up and told me that I looked a lot like his son, that got me thinking.

BTC: When did it start to become a reality?
LT: In the late 90’s my wife and I were on vacation in Las Vegas. We saw the ads for the Legends in Concert tribute show, and went to see it. As we walked out of there, I recalled what Georges father had said and I thought, “Hmm, there might be a possibility for something like this.”

BTC: When did you first perform as a George Strait tribute artist?
LT: I started doing some small gigs right about that time and did some George Strait during the Precious Moments Show.

BTC: When did you start as a George Strait Tribute Artist with Legends in Concert?
LT: In about 2008.

BTC: What do you like best about performing in Branson?
LT: The people, the way we honor our Veterans, and the fact that you can be a Christian here.

BTC: What’s your favorite thing to do in Branson when you are not performing?
LT: Work in the yard, play with the dog, and just enjoy my family.

BTC: What specific efforts do you go through to recreate George Strait’s mannerisms, style, and vocal characteristics to provide as authentic a George Strait as possible.
LT: Although at first glance his style is primarily stand and sing, I have studied his videos and You Tubes to incorporate his nuances such as his stance, the way he accentuates his words the way he holds his mike, and other mannerisms into my performance.

BTC: Whether it’s currently in the show or not what is your personal favorite George Strait song?
LT: No question about it, “The Chair.”

BTC: Based on your feel of the audience reactions to your performances, which George Strait song is the audiences favorite?
LT: “Cross My Heart” from the movie “Pure Country.”

BTC: George Strait or not, what is your personal favorite song?
LT: We are standing on “Holy Ground.” I just love that song.

BTC: In your career, of all the performances you have made and you have been in, no matter how big or small, which one personally meant the most to you and why?
LT: Well, there’s really two that are kind of special; performing at the Dove Awards as a member of the “Gospel Lads,” and performing for President George H.W. Bush at Precious Moments.

BTC: Do you have a favorite hobby or activity and what is it?
LT: Love to play golf at Thousand Hills.

BTC: Do you have a “little known” fact about yourself that you think our readers would enjoy?
LT: I always have a lemon drop in my mouth when I perform.

BTC: What brand and why?
LT: It doesn’t matter, whatever brand I can find. It keeps saliva in my mouth.

BTC: How do you feel about performing in Legends in Concert?
LT: I love it; I’m living a dream.

BTC: Anything else you want our readers to know?
LT: I’m a diehard Royals and Chiefs’ fan, have seven grandchildren, three sons, three of the greatest daughter-in- laws you could ever ask for, and have been married to my beautiful wife, Beverly, for 40 years.

When Legends in Concert kicks off its legendary 2017 Branson season on February 3, Turner’s George Strait will joined by Dusty Springfield, The Temptations, The Blues Brothers™ and Elvis Presley in its spring lineup with Guest Artist Prince joining them starting on February 16. Additional information or tickets for the Legends in Concert or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or lodging can be obtained through the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson’s powerful 2017 show season off to a Grand start!

Grand Jubilee's New South Quartet; Jim Dandee with straight-man, MC, and producer Mike Patrick; and the lovely Jackie Brown.

Grand Jubilee’s New South Quartet; Jim Dandy with straight-man, MC, and producer Mike Patrick; and the lovely Jackie Brown.

Branson’s exciting 2017 show season starts with the Grand Jubilee show, premiering its 2017 production during their New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, 2016. Continuing a long-standing tradition, the next year’s show is produced and rehearsed simultaneously with the performance of their Christmas show and premiered as part of their New Year’s Eve celebration.

“This will be the 15th year of the show and I’m just as excited as the first year we started,” said Mike Patrick, the show’s producer and MC. “It continues to be extremely fast moving, showcasing great music, performed by a talented cast that has never been better, and I’m taking full advantage of it.

In developing the 2017 show, Patrick says that the challenge is to keep the things that their audiences like and expect as they work new elements and numbers into the show to keep it fresh. He said that two, of many, show stopping moments will be the quartet “New South” singing the late Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” a song most people wouldn’t expect them to perform, and Jackie Brown singing, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” He said, “We combined several popular recordings of ‘Hallelujah’, taking the best parts of each, to create our own version which I know audiences will absolutely love and, Jackie Brown is guaranteed to bring the house down with her powerful rendition of this historical Hank Williams country classic.”

The considerable vocal talents of New South and Jackie Brown are enhanced and supported by one of the best bands in Branson, “The Grand Band,” or as its fans refer to it “The Rhinestone Mafia.” This includes some of the most talented musicians in Branson: Michael W. Davis, Piano/Keyboard & Vocals; Wayne Massengale, Fiddle and Acoustic Guitar; Larry Allred, Bass Guitar; Rob Blackburn, Drums; Chad Cathell, Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar and Gene Mulvaney, Steel Guitar, Electric Guitar, Banjo and Band Director.

Add the comedic talents of the multi-talented Jamie Haage, as “Jim Dandy”, and you have a total entertainment experience that is hard to beat. Patrick says that he keeps the audience in stitches with his comedy and funny characters during the course of the show, and then surprises the audience with his wide range of musical abilities at the end of the show, demonstrating why he’s the current “Entertainer of the Year” for Branson.

Based on my experience I can say that Patrick is a master at taking all these talented elements and producing a show that seamlessly mixes them together, at just the right time to keep things exciting, people laughing, and everyone enjoying a wonderful entertainment experience that passes all too quickly. From the intimacy of the Grand Country Music Hall, the entire cast coming out during intermission to meet the audience, talk, and sign autographs, and the way the cast relates to the audience during the show, this is a “close up” entertainment experience where it is obvious that both the audience and the entertainers are having fun!

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

Branson Entertainers Unite to Create a “Showstopping” Mannequin Challenge

BTC Videographer, Chris Canote, “shooting” Shoji Tabuchi during Mannequin Challenge.

Over 40 entertainers from some of Branson’s most popular and iconic live shows gathered at the Yakov Theater to create a truly showstopping Mannequin Challenge video that embodies the immense talent that graces the Branson stage on a daily basis.

The Mannequin Challenge is a viral internet trend that attempts to mimic the dynamic sequences in movies like “The Matrix” with individuals frozen in place throughout the entire filming process.

“Branson’s filled with unparalleled performers,” says Tammy Johnson, Vice President and General Manager of Branson Tourism Center. “We have world-class dancers, aerial acrobats, comedians, beautiful costuming, the greatest musicians and attractions…what could possibly make a more engaging video?”

Entertainers from Branson shows, attractions, and theaters participating in the Mannequin Challenge included Shoji Tabuchi, The Baldknobbers, The Acrobats of China at the Yakov Theater, “it” starring The Hughes Brothers, Branson Zipline, The Duttons, Patsy Cline Remembered at the Americana Theatre, Down Home Country at Grand Country, Dublin’s Irish Tenors & Celtic Ladies at King’s Castle Theatre, Parakeet Pete’s Steampunk Balloon, Legends in Concert and The Bretts at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, and The Petersen’s at the Little Opry Theatre.

Branson’s Showstopping Mannequin Challenge, created by Branson Tourism Center and the Branson Show League, can be found on:

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