Category Archives: Branson

Branson hosts America’s biggest “Veterans Day” celebration

Branson's Veterans Memorial Garden is just one of the many ways Veterans are honored in Branson on a daily basis.

BRANSON, Mo., October 17, 2013 – “Inherent to the Branson Spirit of God, Family and Country is patriotism and the honoring of Veterans, active duty Armed Forces personnel and their families,” said Tammy Johnson the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Veterans and active duty Military Armed Forces personnel are honored on a daily basis, but even by Branson standards ‘Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week’ is special.'”

She points out that it is the nation’s biggest “Veterans Day” celebration running from November 5th through November 11th each year and features a variety of events and activities honoring Veterans and their service. These events encompass everything from reunions, special shows such as Tony Orlando’s “Yellow Ribbon Salute to Veterans,” to one of the longest running Veterans Day Parades in America as the “80th Annual Veterans Day Parade” taking place in Historic Downtown Branson at the 11th Hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

The following list of scheduled events, although subject to change, is current as of October 16, 2013, does not include a myriad of specials and other things that local businesses, shows and attractions are doing, and are sorted by date and time:

November 5

1400 – 1630 Official Opening Ceremony and Welcome to Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week at Clay Cooper Theatre

0900 – 1530 Registration & Souvenir Commemorative Collectors Button Sales at Branson Mill Craft Village

0900 – 1530 “Remembering Our Fallen” The photo display, which includes photos of each Armed Forces Missourian who has fallen in the war against terrorism.

2000 “Special Salute to Veterans,” Showboat Branson Belle

November 6

1230 – 1430 Veterans Spouses Luncheon, Radisson Hotel, RSVP required call 417-230-1178

1400 Special Showing of “Four-star Country Boy,” Keeter Center Royal Oak Forum, College of the Ozarks, 417-690-2212. A play based on the life of former Assistant Commandant of the United States Marine Corps General Terrence R. Dake as conveyed by the book “The Four Generals of Hard Work U,” by Jerry C. Davis.

1500 – 1700 “Vietnam Veterans Thank You, Reception” with light Hors d’oeuvres, The Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks, 417-690-2212

November 7

0820 – 1130 Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion hosted by VVA Chapter 913, Branson, MO at the Golden Corral, 417-230-2278.

1200 – 1700 Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion, Camden Hotel & Conference Center, 417-230-2278

November 8

0800 2nd Annual Navy Memorial Service, Main Street Lake Cruises Branson Landing, 877-382-6287. Brief welcome at the dock or inside in case if inclement weather, followed by a short cruise and wreath ceremony honoring those departed members of the U. S. Naval Services for their service. After the boat returns to the dock there will be refreshments and fellowship.

0900 Wal-Mart Tribute to Veterans, Wal-Mart Supercenter in Branson Hills, 417-230-2278

1130 – 1330 Gold Star and Blue Star Mothers Luncheon, Landry’s Seafood Restaurant, Fran Davis 417-272-0630

1200 – 1500 Korea War Veterans Mini Reunion, Stone Castle Inn – 3050 Green Mountain Dr. 417-230-2278

1400 Tree Dedication at Veterans Grove, Alumni Center Lawn, College of the Ozarks, 417-690-2212

1500 – 1700 WWII Mini-Reunion, The Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks, 417-690-2212

1400 – 1900 4th ID Hospitality Room, Savannah House, 165 Expressway, 902-684-0147

1500 – 1930 Women Veterans Mini Reunion , Golden Corral with social hour, meal and show. Must RSVP 417-230-2278.

November 9

1200 – 1500 Korea War Veterans Mini Reunion, Stone Castle Inn – 3050 Green Mountain Dr. 417-230-2278

1900 U.S. Submarine Veterans Base Candlelight Ceremony, 918-786-8851 hosted by members of the Topeka-Jefferson City U.S. Submarine Veterans Base.

November 11

0700 Flag Raising/Wreath Laying Ceremony, Main Campus Flag Pole, Chapel Lawn, College of the Ozarks, 417-690-2212

1100 80th Annual Veterans Day Parade, Historic Downtown Branson

1400 Tony Orlando’s “Yellow Ribbon Salute to Veterans”, Welk Theatre, 417-337-7469 This will be Tony’s 20th and final year of presenting this annual free show to Veterans in Branson. Reservations may be made by calling 417-337-7469.

1900 Patriotic Convocation Jones Auditorium in the Nettie Marie Jones Learning Center, College of the Ozarks, 417-690-2212.

For additional information on “Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week,” any of Branson’s shows, attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to  call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Tessa Kate a “hidden” Branson gem

Singer songwriter Tessa Kate performing at Main Street Marina's Paddlewheel.

BRANSON, Mo., October 15, 2013 – Even after having lived in Branson for over 27 years the amount of musical talent in this little town still amazes me. Most will recognize the primary stars in Branson’s shows, but there is hidden talent all over Branson performing other jobs and doing other things waiting for opportunity to knock. It might be your server, a nurse, a high school class mate or, as is the subject of this article, the person selling you a ticket to a Branson attraction such as a sightseeing or dinner cruise aboard one of Main Street Lakes Cruises‘ boats, the river boat replica Lake Queen or the 100 foot luxury yacht Landing Princess.

Some of this talent performs in Branson shows, some want to be in Branson shows and others like singer songwriter Tessa Kate, an “Office Lead” at Main Street Lake Cruises “by day” and a singer songwriter “by night” just want to perfect their craft in a non-show environment, perform somewhere, be themselves and be in a position to take advantage of any career boosting opportunity that presents itself.

During a recent interview, just prior to starting her one person gig at Main Street Marina’s Paddlewheel, a unique floating restaurant and pub just off the Branson Landing Boardwalk, Tessa pointed out that her mother said, “I started singing to the beat of a washing machine before I could talk.” When asked what the primary inspiration was that caused her to develop her talent she said, “Can’t say that I ever developed it. I’ve always loved to sing and don’t remember ever not singing.” She learned to play the guitar when she was about 14 because her dad, although not professionally, played the guitar and sang her whole life and she wanted to learn to play the guitar so she could play with him.

Born in a log cabin in Western Grove, Arkansas in 1988 Tessa has been singing in church and talent shows since she was seven years old, has never worked as a full time professional singer and has always had a “full time” time “day” job, singing and writing songs on a part time basis. She started performing professionally about seven years ago at a coffee shop in Harrison, Arkansas singing songs that she had written and has performed various gigs since then, some with bands and some solo using a mixture of “cover songs” and her own songs.

As an “Office Lead” for Main Street Cruise Lines Tessa sells tickets, helps with customer service and substitutes as a crew member on the boats when needed. When asked how she got the gig at The Paddlewheel she said, “After opening The Paddlewheel here at Main Street Marina they said they wanted to have music entertainment at night so I threw myself out there and told them that I play and sing. Even though the owners and management of Main Street Marina and The Paddlewheel are the same and she knew them she said, “My audition for them was the scariest ‘show’ I ever did. I’d rather play for a hundred people than one on one for someone that I know.”

Obviously, the audition went well because, shortly after our interview she began her performance at The Paddlewheel where she is scheduled to perform for three hours each Thursday evening and for special events. As I sat there and listened to this very special young lady sing the John Denver classic, “Leaving On A Jet Plane” and reflected on our interview I thought, “What a beautiful voice and sweet spirit. She’s the real deal and when ‘opportunity’ comes knocking at her door she’s going to open the door and embrace it.”

Heavenly match of fun, music and food at Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic

Great Southern Gospel music and fun at Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

BRANSON, Mo., August 12, 2013 — “Running for only 11 days, from August 23 – September 2, Silver Dollar City‘s Southern Gospel Picnic has one of the shortest running times of any of Silver Dollars City’s world class festivals,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It’s almost ‘Heavenly,’ the way they integrate and combine all the rides, excitement and adventure of a world class theme park with over 60 of the finest Southern Gospel music acts available anywhere and a ‘picnic’ Silver Dollar City style.”

Information received from Silver Dollar City about the event said there will be over 60 acts performing Southern Gospel music throughout the park during the festival. The Festival’s coordinator D.A. Callaway said that they will feature everything from “…legendary performers and Dove award winners to contemporary artists and family bands,” offering “impeccable harmonies and uplifting songs” that will be appreciated by fans of Southern Gospel Music while offering those “new to the genre” an excellent opportunity to sample different types of Southern Gospel Music presented by some of the top artists in the field.

Guy Penrod the host of the show “Gospel Music Showcase” on the Daystar network and one of Southern Gospel’s premier performers will be performing at the Festival. In addition to his album “Hymns” being the top selling Southern Gospel album of 2012 Penrod’s credits include more than a decade of performing with the Gaither Vocal Band, singing backup for Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain as well as being nominated as the Inspirational Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year.

And that’s just one of the acts that will perform hundreds of performances during the Festival. Other acts include Karen Peck & New River, 2012 Dove Award Country Song of the Year & Southern Gospel Album of the Year; Triumphant Quartet, Four 2012 Singing News Fan Awards including Favorite Traditional Quartet, Favorite Musician & Album of the Year; The Hoppers, 2012 Singing News Fan Awards Favorite Soprano – Kim Hopper and dozens of others. Click here for a complete schedule.

The daily performances will be followed each night by the “Southern Gospel Nights” concert which will be held in Echo-Hollow, Silver Dollar City’s 4,000 seat amphitheater and will be hosted by gospel emcee Duane Garren. On Sunday August 25 and September 1 there will be a special worship service featuring the Hosea Bilyeu Family on August 25 and noted humorist and evangelist Dennis Swanberg on September 1.

“Well that takes care of the ‘Southern Gospel’; the The House of Chicken & Fixin’s on the Square is going to add the ‘Picnic,'” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson. In addition to all the delicious food normally available throughout the park The House of Chicken & Fixin’s will be offering the park’s guests mouthwatering double-battered fried chicken, smoked barbecue chicken and more with their favorite “picnic fixings.”

In addition to all the special activities and events involved in the Festival, all the excitement and adventure that the international award winning 1880s theme park is noted for is also available. This includes 100 resident craftsmen and over 30 rides and attractions including Silver Dollar City’s new ground-breaking wood coaster Outlaw Run featuring “the world’s first and only double barrel roll on a wood coaster, with a 720-degree (double) barrel roll.

For further information on Silver Dollar City, its Southern Gospel Picnic or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

 

Branson one of Condė Nast’s Top Ten Friendly Cities

Silver Dollar City associates have exemplified the standard for friendliness in Branson for over 50 years.

BRANSON, MO, July 31, 2013 – Branson was just named one of the top ten friendliest cities in America by the readers of Condė Nast Traveler in its “2013 Annual Readers Choice Survey” along with cities such as Asheville, North Carolina; Austin, Texas; Sonoma, California and Telluride, Colorado. In commenting on the results of the Condė Nast survey, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center was not surprised. “Along with the fabulous shows, attractions, fun and excitement that Branson is noted for, one of its ‘Hallmarks’ and things that helps make Branson so special is the friendliness of its people.”

She points out something that expresses just how important “friendliness” is to all that Branson is. “The Branson Promise,” says, “We believe that new people aren’t strangers, just friends who haven’t visited. We believe that every guest can be a part of our Branson family. From headline performers to the folks who sell the tickets, we invite you to become part of the fun we create every day.”

In summarizing why Branson was chosen as one of the top ten most friendliest cities, Condė Nast Traveler said, “‘A throwback to gentler times,’ Branson, Missouri, is a popular destination for visitors looking for a Southern twist on ‘great family entertainment for all ages.’ Newcomers to Branson also find themselves falling for the ‘good folk’ who call the city home. ‘The people are terrific, the shows are fun, and the area is peaceful and beautiful,’ says one fan of the area, which plays host to dozens of theaters, wineries, and tourist-friendly attractions. ‘Fun is at every turn.'”

“What better way to make special memories for your family than to take them to a place where there is ‘fun at every turn’ provided by some of the friendliest people in America,” Johnson said.

Clay Cooper delights passengers on first 2013 Branson Cruise With The Stars

Clay Cooper "at the helm" of the Landing Princess .

BRANSON, MO, July 27, 2013 — “Just look at the way he relates to the passengers and the great time they are having with him,” said Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the facilitators for Branson Tourism Center’s exclusive “Cruise With The Stars” event. She was referring to Branson star Clay Cooper, of the Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express show, as he interacted and shared with them on an individual basis during the Clay Cooper Cruise With The Stars event on July 26.

All of the passengers were part of an event combining two elements, seeing the Clay Cooper Country Music Express show and an exclusive VIP luncheon cruise with Cooper aboard Main Street Cruise Lines‘ 100 foot luxury yacht, Landing Princess. The VIP luncheon cruise with Cooper was available only as part of the Cruise With The Stars entertainment experience offered exclusively to Branson Tourism Center customers because of the special relationship it has with Clay Cooper’s County Music Express and Main Street Lake Cruises.

As each passenger boarded the Landing Princess they were greeted by Cooper who posed for pictures with them. After the cruise got underway, everyone had a chance to see Branson Landings spectacular “$7.5 million “Fountain Show” featuring the merging of music, fire, water, and light into an amazing and dazzling display of water fountains shooting 120-foot geysers and flame bursting from fire cannons all choreographed to light and music. They enjoyed a wonderful lunch as they cruised beautiful Lake Taneycomo. Fortunately, even though it was raining, the fog had lifted except for lingering wafts which added an additional element of surreal beauty to the scenery as the boat glided by.

As they ate and cruised Clay personally visited with each group and table. It was an honor watching him interact with the guests aboard the boat. When one sees his show they cannot help but be impressed with how he almost instantly established a rapport and relationship with his audience. It’s not something that is learned. One either has it or not and he has the gift. From the looks on the passengers faces and their comments it was obvious that the passengers felt that they had a special experience and one they would not soon forget.

Many asked for the schedule of future cruises because they wanted to plan to participate. Subject to change, the following Branson stars will be participating in Cruise With The Stars on the dates indicated:

Mickey Gilley – September 19th, 2013

The Haygoods – October 4th, 2013

Yakov Smirnoff – October 14th, 2013

Tony Orlando – November 7th, 2013

Legends in Concert – December 5th, 2013

As was the case with the Clay Cooper Cruise With The Stars, along with a unique view of beautiful Lake Taneycomo, Branson Landing and spectacular Ozark vistas each VIP cruise will include lunch and an unparalleled chance to interact with the star(s) on the cruise. This includes opportunities for photos, autographs and a unique up close and personal experience that is available only to those who have taken advantage of the exclusive offer and purchased Cruise With The Stars tickets.

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

Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles

One of the majestic Lake Taneycomo Eagles.

BRANSON, MO, July 17, 2013 –Along with viewing magnificent vistas, beautiful stone cliffs carved by the mighty White River, wild life and the constantly changing beauty of Lake Taneycomo’s shoreline thousands of passengers aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen sightseeing trips have met “Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles”. Although from time to time, especially during the winter months, other Bald Eagles visit Lake Taneycomo short periods of time, the pair of Bald Eagles referred to in this piece as the “Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles” are have been nesting downstream from the junction of Roark Creek and Lake Taneycomo virtually year round for the last few years providing a rare opportunity to see these majestic birds in the wild on a fairly “regular” basis.

Bald Eagles, are “Raptors,” birds of prey, having an average length of 36 inches, a wing span of 84 inches and a voracious appetite for fish. Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles have had their picture taken on more than one occasion feasting on one of the trout that makes Lake Taneycomo one of the finest trout fisheries in America.

Dinner time in the trees.

They have one of the largest nests of any bird which can be up to seven feet across and ten feet deep. The nest of the Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles is located a short distance back from the banks of Lake Taneycomo and is best observed in the spring before the foliage blocks the view. The eagles themselves however, are often seen sitting in trees right on the banks of Lake Taneycomo providing an excellent opportunity for photos of these majestic birds.

Although many people have seen Lake Taneycomo’s Eagles at various times, including the eaglets “emerging” from the nest, according to Leah Eden, Naturalist, for the Missouri Department of Conservation, no official records have been kept of the number of eaglets born each year etc. She said that typically, each pair will have two eaglets. When asked if the parents will kill the weaker eaglet she indicated that what could happen, in a situation where food is scarce, is that the one born first, generally the stronger, will survive, because it gets the majority of the food.

When asked why, based on the number of years they have been nesting on Lake Taneycomo, there were not more Bald Eagles permanently around she said that after fledging, getting feathers and leaving the nest, there is a gradual process where they leave their home nesting area. For the next couple of years the immature eagles travel seeking food as they reach maturity and find a mate. Bald Eagles mate for life.

No one knows exactly how old Lake Taneycomo’s Eagles are, but the average life expectancy is about 20 years. Meanwhile, one of more or these majestic birds are observed quite frequently from those boating or fishing on Lake Taneycomo. Quite often, while on a sightseeing cruise aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen or a dinner cruise on the Landing Princess they will stop the boat just so that people can take pictures of Branson’s natural stars, the Lake Taneycomo Eagles. How many places can one go and have the opportunity of sharing something like that with their family? Not many, not many at all and once shared, it will be a memory not soon forgotten.

Ozark Mountain Christmas planning in July?

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

BRANSON, MO, July 13, 2013 — “It might seem strange talking about Ozark Mountain Christmas, running from November 1 through December 31 each year, as we swelter in the heat in the middle of July ” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “In addition to the cooling effects that such thoughts might have on ones psyche however, it should be noted that Ozark Mountain Christmas, is the most colorful, exciting, inspirational and busiest time of the year in the Branson,” she added. “To get the ‘hottest’ deals and best availability on a trip to Branson for Ozark Mountain Christmas, planning in July might just be the ‘cool’ thing to do.”

Johnson explains that Ozark Mountain Christmas, is a unique and special Branson Christmas experience that is not available anywhere else on earth. From the Silver Dollar City’s “Old Time Christmas” to the West to the large Adoration Scene on top of Mount Branson to the East, Ozark Mountain Christmas, sets Branson aglow with Christmas lights, shows, shopping and, most important of all, the true spirit of Christmas that “resonates in the hearts of those wanting to celebrate and experience the traditional celebration of Christmas.”

Over a million sparkling Christmas lights transform Silver Dollar City into a Christmas wonderland as it celebrates its “Old Time Christmas,” as only it can do with special shows and activities in addition to everything else it offers.  The Shepherd of the Hills’ Trail of Lights and the “Branson Area Festival of Lights” both provide spectacular drive through lighting displays with millions of glowing Christmas lights and numerous beautiful displays. And the glow of Christmas lights doesn’t stop there as Christmas decorations and lights adorn utility poles, the Branson Landing Roundabout, the Titanic Museum Attraction as the ship celebrates Christmas with the Fantasy Princess, Branson Landing and many of Branson’s shops and theatres.

And speaking of theatres, the vast majority of Branson’s shows share the spirit of Christmas by devoting a portion of their shows to the celebration of the traditional Christmas. In addition, there are a number of shows that are only available during Ozark Mountain Christmas, such as the Andy Williams Christmas Show staring Osmond Brothers and Lennon Sisters, Sight and Sounds spectacular production of the Miracle of Christmas presented on a 300 foot surround stage, Christmas in Hollywood, Tony Orlando staring in the final Branson season of his Great American Christmas show and others.

“Its large variety of unique boutiques, specialty shops, galleries and craft shops, Branson Landing and discount malls like the “Tanger Factory Outlet Center” and “The Shoppes at Branson Meadows” provide a great shopping experience in Branson year round,” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson continued. “Mix in a little Ozark Mountain Christmas, and it’s not hard to see why many do their Christmas shopping in Branson.”

She points out that during Branson’s regular season there are periods when shows and lodging fill up, but that during Ozark Mountain Christmas, particularly with the more popular shows and lodging establishments, the situation increases exponentially. Johnson explains that not only do the chances of nonavailability increase, but the chances of getting the best show seats, choice of accommodations, and the best prices decrease the longer one waits to make their Ozark Mountain Christmas, travel plans. She reiterates, “To get the ‘hottest’ deals and best availability on a trip to Branson for Ozark Mountain Christmas, planning in July might just be the ‘cool’ thing to do.”

For additional information on Ozark Mountain Christmas, or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/ .

Branson’s Twelve Irish Tenors stand alone

Twelve Irish Tenors performing Scarborough Fair.

BRANSON, MO, July 11, 2013 – There is no lack of variety in the types of live shows that Branson offers on a daily basis during its season. The Official Branson.Com Branson Show Schedule, powered by the Branson Tourism Center, shows almost 100 shows, from acrobats to outdoor dramas and music shows of every genre, but, after seeing the July 10th performance of the Twelve Irish Tenors this writer can say that it stands alone in terms of the harmony, power and beauty of its vocals; and the unique and exciting entertainment experience it provides.

Individually the 12 performers making up the Twelve Irish Tenors are Jay McManus, Justin Sassanella, Jeff Wait, Chism Ruden, Cory Seay, Tony Turner, Alex Webster, Alex Oberholzer, Clark Roberts, Martin Bennett, Gavin Rees and Rhys Tees. As some perform solos during the show their individual vocal talent becomes obvious, but from their very first number, it is the power and beauty of those voices singing in combination that brings “goose bumps” and makes one realize that they are hearing and experiencing something very special.

The simply beautiful and powerful rendition of “Danny Boy” the 12 opened the show with is a perfect illustration as it sets the tenor for the unique wonderful musical entertainment experience that follows. The key words here are “musical entertainment experience.” As I was taking notes the words “powerfully and beautifully sung” were used a lot and if that was all there was this would still be a great show, but it’s not. Whether it’s the whole group or part of the group, each number is choreographed to combine different additional elements and actions such as dancing humor, special effects, sets and audience interaction. This enhances the total audience enjoyment of the show.

A perfect example would be their performance of one of my favorite segments of the show, a three number medley from “Les Miserables.” It starts with a darkened stage and Cory Seay sitting at a table with a single “candle” as he sings the poignant “Empty Chairs and Empty Tables,” which expands into the full group singing a rousing version of “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from which Tony Turner emerges as the featured singer in the group’s performance the beautiful and moving “Bring Him Home.” Wow, talk about a powerful and inspirational experience!

And that’s just one segment of the show. It makes no difference if the song is an Irish folksong like “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” “An Irish Lullaby (Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra),” the Barry Manilow hit “I Write The Music,” the Bette Midler classic “The Rose” or the aria “Nessun Dorma,” it is simply one amazing performance after another from both a musical and total entertainment perspective.

Realizing that my show highlights might not be the same as someone else’s, I generally mention one or two of my favorite highlights. That would include, in addition to the “Les Miserables” segment noted above, their performance of Josh Groben’s “You Raised Me Up,” and “The Prayer.” Ok, I just have to mention one more, their performance of “Phil The Flutters Ball” was a fun high energy piece with some great dance moves by all, but especially the Irish Dancing display put on by Jay McManus.

The show’s creator and producer David King said, “The music will make you melt and the individual voices would be enough to hold their own on any stage, but when you combine twelve the result is breathtaking.” That it is, as well as unique, fun, inspirational and extremely entertaining.

For additional information or tickets for the Twelve Irish Tenors or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities 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.

 

 

Material Connection

On Branson stage, TV and boat Mickey Gilley’s “Too Good to Stop Now”

The legendary Mickey Gilley

BRANSON, MO, July 9, 2013 – The title to his 1984 hit “Too Good To Stop Now” pretty well sums up the current Branson activities of the legendary country music star Mickey Gilley. For some, the 2009 near fatal accident that left him paralyzed to the point where doctors thought that he night never walk again might have ended a five decade musical career that generated over 39 hits, including 17 number one hits on the country music charts, but not for Gilley.

He fought back to the point where he was not only walking, but in 2011 resumed performances at his Branson theatre where he currently performs the Mickey Gilley Show Sunday through Wednesday. Backed by the “Urbanetts” and the “Urban Cowboy Band” Gilley takes center stage and, displaying the magic that has made him the legend he is, captivates his audience with a trip through his career complete with all seventeen of his number one hits as well as stories of his past 50 years in show business and those he shared it with, such as his cousin Jerry Lee Lewis.

Not only is Gilley performing on the stage in Branson he is also staring on the RFD TV Show “Gilley’s Place TV.” Staring Gilley with Branson entertainers Delena Ditto and Katie Lynn assisting, the weekly show is filmed at “Gilley’s Texas Café” in Branson. The show features Gilley performing, “Mickey’s Musical Moment” sharing a performance from the past 50 years of his legendary career as well as guest appearances and interviews with current Branson and other nationally known performers. The Oak Ridge Boys were the guests on his first show of the season. Other guests appearing in Season One are:

July 12th – Daniel O’Donnell

July 19th – Gatlin Brothers

July 26th – Paul Harris

August 2nd – Tony Orlando

August 9th – Shoji Tabuchi

August 16th – Barbara Fairchild

August 23rd – Jim Barber

August 30th – Baldknobbers & Clay Cooper

September 6th – Mel Tillis

September 13th – Gene Watson

September 20th – Buck Trent

September 27th – T. Graham Brown, Linda Davis & Neal McCoy

And if that’s not enough, Gilley is participating in Branson Tourism Center’s exclusive Cruise With The Stars event consisting of two separate Branson entertainment activities which have been exclusively and uniquely combined into one “event.” In Gilley’s case the first event is seeing the Mickey Gilley Show at his theatre. The second, and separate activity, is going on an exclusive VIP luncheon cruise with Gilley aboard Main Street Cruise Lines‘ 100 foot luxury yacht, Landing Princess at 11:45 AM on September 19. It should be noted that although the Landing Princess has a spectacular dinner sightseeing cruise daily, the VIP luncheon cruise is available only as part of the Cruise With The Stars entertainment experience offered exclusively to Branson Tourism Center customers because of the special relationship it has with each of the shows involved and Main Street Lake Cruises.

Even after 50 years of entertaining, a near fatal accident and other things that might have made many people stop, Gilley continues doing what he loves to do. It adds special meaning to the words, “But it feels too good to stop now” as he sings the last line in the chorus of his 1984 hit “Too Good to Stop Now.”

Three “free” Branson activities for families to enjoy

The free downtown trolley at Stop #4 just accross from Dicks 5 & 10.

BRANSON, MO, June 11, 2013 — “One of the reasons Branson is known as a value travel destination is because of the reasonableness of the prices for its lodging, attractions and shows,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “That value and the fun that families can have is enhanced by activities they can enjoy for free,” she added.

From the many free activities that are available I n Branson here is a list of three varied things that families can enjoy and have fun sharing together and not have to spend a penny:

1. Historic Downtown Branson’s “Discovery Trolley” – A good place to board the Trolley is at Stop #2 on Commercial Street in historic downtown Branson. Free three hour parking is available in the public parking lot at the southwest corner of Commercial and Atlantic Street and Stop #2 is at the “Commercial Street” end of the lot.

The Trolley ride is a great way to get an overview and perspective of the historic downtown area, the Branson Convention Center and Branson Landing. Along the way you will pass a number of Branson landmarks including the grave site of the man the city of Branson is named after Ruben S. Branson; the Owens Theatre, Branson’s first theatre, the Branson Convention Center, Branson Landing and the spot where the “Baldknobbers” performed Branson’s first live music show over 53 years ago. About 15 to 20 minutes after boarding the trolley it will complete its loop and drop you back at Stop #2.

2. Feed the Lake Taneycomo Ducks and Geese – Nestled near Branson Landing in the shadow of Scotty’s Trout Dock, near the public boat loading ramp on the southeastern corner of the City of Branson’s Camp Ground, is the “unofficial “duck feeding area that most people coming to Branson never see. The owner of Scotty’s, Lamar Patton, said that on any given day, depending on the season, there are about 50 to 200 Canada Geese, pigeons, Mallard ducks and other water fowl swimming around between his dock and the shoreline waiting to be fed. Scotty’s sells bags of corn to feed them with, but Patton points out that they will also eat crackers and bread, etc. The unofficial duck feeding area provides what in the old days was called “a Kodak moment” and can provide some great pictures of the family feeding the ducks.

3. The Dewey Short Regional Visitors Center at Table Rock Dam –  The new $7.9 million, 15,000 square foot U.S. Army Corps of Engineers visitor center has been called the “the crown jewel of Table Rock Lake” and for good reason. It is one of only 11 Class A visitor centers in the U.S. and offers an unparalleled view of two of Branson’s lakes, Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo that can be seen from the floor to ceiling glass windows on the Table Rock Lake side of the building. Among other things, the Center features interactive activities, displays on area history nature and the inner workings of Table Rock Dam, movies, a gift shop with unique merchandise and an interesting film on the construction of Table Rock Dam. It also serves as the starting point for tours of the inside of Table Rock Dam for which there is a charge.

And that’s just three. From grist mills, to scenic overlooks, a trout hatchery, a giant bass kids can stand in, a $7.5 million synchronized fire, water and music show, Dicks 5 & 10, nature trails, hiking trails, parks and more Branson has many free activities that visitors can enjoy. For more information on these activities, Branson shows, attractions and lodging please feel free to call the Branson Tourism Center toll free at 1-800-785-1550.