Category Archives: Branson

Is the heat of summer the ideal time to plan your visit to see Ozark Mountain Christmas?

Silver Dollar City's acclaimed dazzling 5-story special effects Christmas Tree.

Silver Dollar City’s dazzling 5-story special effects Christmas Tree.

“Yes! Why do we recommend planning for Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas, an annual event that runs from November 1 through December 31, in the 90-degree-plus temperatures of summer?” asked Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “The simple answer is that Ozark Mountain Christmas is easily the most colorful, exciting, inspirational, and busiest time of the year in Branson,” she added.

Wood points out that its overwhelming popularity creates a high demand, not only for the availability of the more popular shows and lodging establishments, but in getting the best choices in show seating and lodging accommodations. “For the best availability, and to save money on the ‘hottest’ deals, planning your trip to Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas in the heat of summer might just be the ‘cool’ thing to do,” Wood advises.

A major attraction of Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas for many is the fact that it’s a unique and special celebration of the traditional American Christmas not available in any other major tourist destination. From Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas to the large Adoration Scene on top of Mount Branson, Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson is filled with Christmas lights, shows, shopping, and a Christmas spirit that puts a special glow in the hearts of those who want to celebrate and experience the true spirit of Christmas.

In addition to the spiritual glow, there is the actual glow of millions of Christmas lights glittering throughout the Branson area. In Silver Dollar City alone, there are over five million sparkling Christmas lights transforming the park into a virtual Christmas wonderland as part of its celebration of Old Time Christmas.

The Shepherd of the Hills’ Trail of Lights provides a spectacular drive through lighting display with millions of glowing Christmas lights and numerous displays. It’s one of the most unique.and beautiful drive-through displays anywhere and is set within the natural beauty of our Ozark Hills. And the glow of Christmas lights doesn’t stop there as Christmas decorations and lights adorn utility poles, Branson Landing, and many of Branson’s shops, attractions, and theatres.

The vast majority of Branson’s shows share the spirit of Christmas by devoting a portion of their show 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 starring the Osmond Brothers and Lennon Sisters, Christmas Wonderland, and the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show. Speaking of shows, you’ll want to allow plenty of time while at Silver Dollar City so you have enough time to see its two spectacular Christmas productions, “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” and “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

BTC’s Wood points out that Branson provides a great shopping experience year round, but there’s just something special about shopping in Branson during Ozark Mountain Christmas. Its large variety of unique boutiques, specialty shops, galleries, craft shops, Branson Landing, and outlet malls like Tanger Outlets and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows make Branson the ideal place to get the ideal Christmas gift for everyone.

Wood re-emphasizes the point that during Branson’s regular season there are periods when shows and lodging fill up, and during Ozark Mountain Christmas, particularly with the more popular shows and lodging establishments, the situation increases exponentially. She explains that not only do the chances of non-availability 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.

For additional information on Ozark Mountain Christmas, 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 by visiting its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com .

Six great reasons why you should take your family on a one-of-a-kind Lake Taneycomo sightseeing cruise aboard the Lake Queen

Main Street Lake Cruises “Lake Queen” cruising Lake Taneycomo.

“Our goal is to provide our passengers with a unique, exciting, and unforgettable experience that will become a special part of their favorite Branson memories,” said Steve Johnson, the General Manager of Main Street Lake Cruises. “A cruise aboard the 84 foot long riverboat replica Lake Queen is reminiscent of the boats and the White River that played such an important part in Branson’s early history; it’s truly a one of a kind adventure produced by Mother Nature,” he added.

Here are some things you should know about taking your family on an amazing sightseeing cruise aboard the Lake Queen:

1. It’s Safe: The safety of you and your family is foremost. The Lake Queen and its crew are licensed, and the boat is inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard on a regular basis.

2. Full Modern Amenities: The Lake Queen is fully handicap accessible and offers modern amenities including full-sized modern restrooms, a well-stocked bar, snack food service, a fully enclosed environmentally conditioned lower deck and an open-air upper deck.

3. Enjoy Sights Never Seen by the Vast Majority of Branson’s Millions of Visitors Each Year: These sights include a unique mid-lake view of Branson Landing and its $7.5 million fountain, a spectacular synchronized fire, water, light, and music show; one of Missouri’s largest Blue Heron Rookeries; amazing bluffs carved naturally by Mother Nature over the centuries; spectacular Ozark vistas; and much more.

4. See Ozarks’ Birds and Other Wildlife: From your vantage point aboard the Lake Queen you’ll come upon the birds and other wildlife that abound on Lake Taneycomo and its shoreline. You could see deer, mink, river otters, the great blue heron, bald eagles, various species of ducks, Canada geese and other geese, as well as many other species.

5. Fully Narrated: Although there is plenty of time to relax and just enjoy the serenity of being on the lake, the Captain will provide a live, interesting narrative of what you’ll be seeing, both fixed and spontaneous sights … a bald eagle sitting in a tree, or a mink scurrying along the shoreline, or any number of things that just can’t be planned!

6. Relaxing: Whether you enjoy it inside the climate controlled lower deck, or in the fresh air of the open top deck, it’s hard to imagine anything more relaxing than cruising on Lake Taneycomo aboard the Lake Queen while enjoying the peace and serenity of the Ozarks.

For additional information or tickets for a cruise aboard the Lake Queen, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550, or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Five things kids will absolutely love doing in Branson

Silver Dollar City’s new $8 million” Fireman’s Landing” has ten rides and attractions for the younger kids to enjoy.

“Branson is packed with shows, attractions, shopping, and other activities for families to enjoy together,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “That said, we thought it would be interesting to see which of those activities people thought would be of the most interest to children between 8 and 10 years of age,” she continued.

To get the answer, BTC turned to those participating in their social media channels, particularly BTC’s Facebook page, and asked the question, “If you were bringing an 8 to 10 year old child to ‎Branson, what is the #1 attraction, show, or activity you would want them to see?” Dozens of Branson shows, attractions, and activities were named. Here’s the list of the five most popular things people thought 8 to 10 year olds coming to Branson would like to see:

1. Silver Dollar City: The number one activity was Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction, Silver Dollar City. It is constantly adding new reasons for families to come to the park and create special family memories that will last a lifetime. This year it added “Fireman’s Landing;” it contains 10 new rides and activities that families can share together; most of which are perfect for children between 8 and 10 years old.

2. Dixie Stampede: One of Branson’s most popular shows, Dixie Stampede offers families a wonderful feast, a great show featuring horses, pageantry, and action along with a friendly competition that appeals to all ages.

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a “Duck Splashdown.”

3. Ride The Ducks: This extremely popular attraction is a boatload of fun for the whole family aboard a WW II style amphibious DUKW, a.k.a. “The Duck.” During the 60 to 70 minute adventure, you will enjoy a tour narrated by a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain, who is every bit as good at entertaining as they are at being a driver and captain. You’ll especially enjoy the big Splashdown into either Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo. After the Splashdown, there is an opportunity for the kids to drive the Duck in the water. The area covered by the tour and the lake of the Splashdown depends on whether you board Ride The Ducks at Branson Landing or their Highway 76 location.

4. White Water: With over 13-acres and 2 million gallons of water, White Water is a wet, tropically-themed, wonderland of fun and adventure for the whole family! Whether it’s Splashaway Cay and Coconut Grove for the smaller children and toddlers, the excitement of sliding down the seven story Kalani Towers, or the thrill of the drops and speed of rides such as KaPau Plummet, Pipeline Plunge, or the Raging River Rapids, there is an adventure for every member of the family at White Water.

5. The Track Family Fun Parks: Go karts, water bumper boats, and miniature golf were mentioned quite a bit as a favorite activity for this age group. The Track Family Fun Parks offers each of those activities in a variety of forms. In go-karts alone, they offer rides all the way from Kiddie, Classic, and Rookie go-karts, to the four-story high steel and concrete Heavy Metal High Rise.

For additional information on these and other Branson attractions and shows, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, by calling 1-800-785-1550, or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

There’s definitely more to Branson Landing than shopping and eating

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a “Duck Splashdown.”

Branson Landing, the 95-acre, $435 million public/private multiuse project is not only the largest development in Branson’s history but, since its opening in 2006, it has become one of its most popular attractions. Located on the Lake Taneycomo shoreline adjacent to historic downtown Branson the Landing is primarily noted for three things.

First on the list would be its world-class shopping experience, anchored by Bass Pro Shops and Belk, along with dozens of other local and national retailers. Respectively, the second and third would be its selection of fine dining, casual eateries, and intimate cafes that provide a variety of dining choices unrivaled anywhere else in Branson, and its spectacular $7.5 million water fountain attraction featuring the first-ever merging of water, fire, light, and music. The Landing fountains feature a choreographed show with water shooting 120-foot geysers and fire cannons blasting fireballs into the air.

In addition, did you know that while you’re at Branson Landing you can:

Main Street Lake Cruises “Lake Queen” plying the waters of Lake Taneycomo.

Go on Sightseeing Cruises: Main Street Lake Cruises offers 1.5 hour Ozark sightseeing cruises aboard the Lake Queen with departures four times daily at 11:45AM, 1:45 PM, 3:45 PM, and 5:45 PM. The 140 passenger riverboat replica, while maintaining the nostalgia of that era, offers a full set of modern amenities, is fully handicap accessible, has full sized modern restrooms, and offers a full bar and snack food service with an option for a Bottomless Pizza Buffet on the 11:45 AM and 5:45 PM cruises. The Lake Queen will operate through September 7. Starting September 8, the cruises will be aboard the 100 foot luxury yacht Landing Princess, with one daily departure at 5:45 PM. It too offers a full bar and snack food service with an option for a Bottomless Pizza Buffet.

You will see birds and other wildlife that abound on Lake Taneycomo and its shoreline; these sightings may include deer, River Otters, the Great Blue Heron, and Bald Eagles, among others. Amazing natural bluffs dating back eons of time, and the spectacular majesty of Ozark vistas not seen by the vast majority of the millions of visitors who come to Branson each year, will also be seen, along with a view of Branson Landing and its water and fire fountain show that’s as unique as it is beautiful and inspiring.

Ride The Ducks: Ride The Ducks offers a boatload of fun for the whole family! During the 60 to 70 minute adventure, you will enjoy a tour through the scenic streets of historic downtown Branson, College of the Ozarks, a big Splashdown into Lake Taneycomo, and a 25 minute cruise that provides a unique lakeside view of Branson Landing and its spectacular fountains. Tours are narrated by U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captains who are every bit as good at entertaining as they are at being a driver and captain! After the Splashdown, there is an opportunity for kids to drive the Duck.

Zipline Across Lake Taneycomo: Parakeet Pete’s Zipline, next door to Famous Dave’s BBQ, provides a unique zipline experience that has you soaring high across Lake Taneycomo to the top of Mount Branson. The ride requires no harness or participation by the rider except getting strapped into the seat and enjoying the experience. Along the way you will get an amazing view of Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson and experience the exciting thrill of the zip back across the lake to your starting point at the Landing. The zipline is open daily from March 1 through December 31 during regular Branson Landing hours and operates rain or shine, day or night.

Ride a Balloon High Above Branson Landing: Parakeet Pete’s Steampunk Balloon, located just east of Belk on the Branson Landing Promenade, floats from 1 to 12 riders over 180 feet above Branson Landing, providing an amazing 360 degree bird’s-eye view of beautiful Lake Taneycomo, the Ozark Mountains, and historic downtown Branson. The balloon ride is open daily from March 1 through December 31 during regular Branson Landing hours, and operates rain or shine, day or night.

Walk the Branson Landing Boardwalk: The 1.5 mile long paved, level, and ADA compliant boardwalk runs the entire length of Branson Landing along the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo. It provides a convenient, easy, and safe way to view some of the lake’s wildlife and birds and the natural beauty of its constantly changing shoreline. You’ll also see activity both on and immediately off the lake including a unique lakeside view of Branson Landing and its spectacular fountains, Main Street Lake Cruises’ boats the Lake Queen and Landing Princess, other boats of all shapes and sizes traveling up and down the lake, riders enjoying the zipline, and much more. It is truly an ideal place for families to just walk and relax together for a special moment away from the normal hustle and bustle, and enjoy an environment that simply can’t be duplicated!

If you have questions on any of these activities or anything about Branson, 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 by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Five reasons why your family should spend the Fourth of July in Branson

Main Street Lake Cruises “Lake Queen” plying the waters of Lake Taneycomo.

“The Fourth of July is a special time throughout our Nation as we celebrate our independence, but it just seems a little more so in Branson because of the feeling of God, Country, and Family that permeates the very spirit of Branson’s fun and excitement, helping make it the special place it is,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Fun, fun, fun, fun, and more fun would be five great reasons for families to visit Branson, not only for the Fourth of July, but any time during the summer. Here’s five specific ways for your family to have fun, celebrate the Fourth of July, and create some great memories together,” she added:

1. Firework Displays: Fourth of July Firework displays actually start with the College of the Ozarks Honor America Celebration on June 28 followed by displays lighting up the skies over Hollister, Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Lake and Kimberling City on either the third or fourth of July. The article entitled These five Branson “4th of July” fireworks displays will absolutely amaze you contains details and contact information about five of the area’s biggest displays. Main Street Lake Cruises offers a unique and beautiful way to view the Branson Landing and Rockaway Beach firework displays while cruising on the Lake Queen or the Landing Princess.

2. Silver Dollar City’s “Star Spangled Summer Festival”: Designed especially for kids of all ages, the festival is in full swing, including a full slate of kid’s programs like the “Globetrotter Experience” starring the world famous Harlem Globetrotters.^® All the festival’s activities are in addition to everything else the world class theme park offers on a daily basis including its new $8 million Fireman’s Landing with 10 great new activities and rides for the whole family.

3. Cruise aboard Main Street Lake Cruise’s Lake Queen: On a hot summer day, very few things can compare with the relaxation and enjoyment of a sightseeing cruise aboard the riverboat replica Lake Queen while enjoying temperatures considerably cooler than the surrounding area because of the cold waters of Lake Taneycomo. Each 1.5 hour narrated cruise is as different as a snowflake in terms of the wildlife and birds seen, which can range from Bald Eagles and deer to any one of dozens of others abounding on Lake Taneycomo’s shoreline. You will see amazing natural bluffs stretching back into the eons of time and the spectacular majesty of Ozark vistas viewable only from Lake Taneycomo and not seen by the vast majority of the millions of visitors that come to Branson each year. Each cruise provides a lakeside view of Branson Landing, its $7.5 million fountains, and a spectacular synchronized fire, water, light, and music show that is as unique as it is beautiful and inspiring.

4. Moonshine Beach: Located within minutes of the famed Branson Strip, Moonshine Beach, operated for the public by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is just off the north end of Table Rock Dam on State Highway 165. Its large sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or beach volleyball. Its other amenities include picnic tables, food vendors, a boat launching ramp, showers, flush toilets, a large picnic shelter, and a kid’s playground.

5. White Water: With over 13 acres and 2 million gallons of water, White Water is a wet, tropically themed wonderland of fun and adventure for the whole family. Whether it’s “Splashaway Cay” and “Coconut Grove” for the smaller children and toddlers, the excitement of sliding down the seven story “Kalani Towers,” or the thrill of the drops and speed of rides such as “KaPau Plummet,” “Pipeline Plunge,” or the “Raging River Rapids,” there is an adventure for every member of the family at White Water.

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood advises that the summer season is extremely busy in Branson, and suggests making advance reservations for Branson lodging and shows to ensure not only availability, but the best accommodations and seating. Please feel free to call Branson Tourism Center’s Branson-based Travel Planners at 1-800-785-1550; they’ll be delighted to assist you in any way they can, from answering questions to actually reserving your tickets and lodging for you.

Please feel free to call Branson Tourism Center’s Branson-based Travel Planners at 1-800-785-1550; they’ll be delighted to assist you in any way they can, from answering questions to actually reserving your tickets and lodging for you.

A Father’s Day Tribute to a Father’s Father

When I thought of interviewing a Branson entertainer about their father in honor of Father’s Day, the first thing that came to mind was talking to Jimmy Osmond about his dad, George. Over two decades ago, as I sat in my very first Osmond show, I was very strongly impressed with the obvious affection and respect the Osmond Brothers had for their parents.

At intermission, I met George for the first time and asked him, “Amid all of their fame, how have you have managed to not only maintain your family, but to engender this type of respect and honor?” That question led to a relationship that I will cherish into eternity. The answer to that question will be evident in the responses that follow.

Recently, Jimmy Osmond, the new owner of the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, took time from his busy schedule of performances and managing the shows appearing at the theatre for an interview to share some thoughts and remembrances about what an amazing father he had, and the influence his father had, not only on his career, but on his life and that of the Osmond family. The interview was conducted with Jimmy (JO), on behalf of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), to honor fathers on Father’s Day by sharing an example of a father who truly exemplified the highest standards of what “Fatherhood” means.

BTC: What one word describes what your Father meant to you?
JO: Integrity.

BTC: Why that word?
JO: There’s no question that’s what he stood for in everything he did. In all my years I never saw my dad swear and I never saw my dad take a drink. He would say, “Choose the right, and let the consequence follow.” And he did. He was always honest in his business dealings even when there was an easier way.

BTC: What is the one thing your father said to you that has had the most influence on your life?
JO: “Pour it on, son.” Every time I think about my daddy, I think about “pour it on,” which meant “give it your all and keep going.” I remember so many times in my life when I did not want to keep going and I’d have that in the back of my brain, “Pour it on;” even when we buried my dad all I could feel was him saying “Pour it on.”

BTC: What’s your fondest memory of something you and your dad shared together privately?
JO: I can “yodel whistle” as could my dad. We had a ranch and since I was the youngest I always had to go with him to the ranch. As we traveled to and from the ranch we would whistle all the way up there and all the way back. Every night before we went to bed he would say his prayers with me and count his blessings which was each one of his kids. He would say, “I am only as strong as my weakest child,” which was pretty cool.

BTC: What was one of his characteristics that you admired the most?
JO: How he loved us all the same.

BTC: What’s your fondest memory of something your whole family shared together with your father?
JO: I think the best times ended up being the hardest times. We had a saying, “Tragedy plus time equals humor and we’d laugh about it someday.” We went through a lot of hard times and I look back now on how he was able to be stoic in those moments and pull us together. We do laugh at those struggles because when our mettle has been tested, it’s been the best of times.

BTC: What was one of the most important things he taught you?
JO: He was an amazing man. He didn’t teach me how to live, he showed me how to live.

BTC: You guys were famous at a relatively young age. How did he help keep things in perspective from a family point of view?
JO: It was always, “One for all.” It didn’t make any difference who was out front as long as it was an Osmond; and we were to support each other. We had a career that wasn’t as narcissistic as that of a lot of people in show business because we were part of a team and it wasn’t just about us individually. I was the first one in our family to record and have a hit record. I remember going to my dad and saying, “He dad, I’m number one, I have a Gold Record. Isn’t that cool?” He looked at me and handed me a stick with a poker on the end of it, we owned an apartment complex at the time, and said, “Go pick up the trash son. Do something valuable.” You’d think that was hard, but he always had a way of keeping me in perspective.

Jimmy pointed out that they always prayed before every show because his dad wanted them to keep the right perspective. He said, “We always felt when we were on stage that we had responsibility to not only entertain people and give them their money’s worth, but to bring God into our productions and to realize where we get our blessings from. Father always had a mission about him. It wasn’t necessarily to preach our religion but jut to share Christianity, love and family.”

Happy Father’s Day.

“Branson – Up Close and Personal” with Branson’s amazing bass icon, Mark McCauley

Mark McCauley, one of Branson’s premier bass singers.

Mark McCauley’s rich bass voice has been entertaining Branson audiences for over 30 years, during which time he has performed with a number of Branson shows and national stars. Currently, Mark is performing with Branson’s premier quartet, “New South,” in the Grand Jubilee show, where he’s been since the show’s inception more than 12 years ago. We hope you will enjoy this interview with this remarkable entertainer and individual!

“Branson – Up Close and Personal” is a service of Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and is intended to provide readers with an up close and personal look at a Branson star or personality. The interview with Mark McCauley (MM) uses a “Question and Answer” format, and was conducted for Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by Gary Groman, a 29 year resident of the Branson area, and a local columnist and freelance writer.

BTC: Where were you born?
MM: Tallahassee, Florida

BTC: When?
MM: 1961

BTC: When did you first realize that you had the gift of a bass voice?
MM: I was about 13 years old. It sprung from the exposure I had to gospel quartet singing and my fondness for it.

BTC: Are there different types of bass like there are different types of sopranos; and if there are, what type of bass are you?”
MM: Technically what I do is called “Contra Bass” in the classical music world. However, I believe it would be more accurate, in terms of the type I sing, to say that it is the type of bass normally associated with Southern Gospel quartets.

BTC: At what age did you first start singing and where?
MM: At about 10 years old I “started singing in the seats” with the “Inspirations Quartet” as they did shows around the area, brought their albums home, and sang around the house.

BTC: How did you transition from singing in the house to singing in public?
MM: My mother pulled a trick on me. We had a family group that kind of sang together when we got together, but I did not sing with them. We were at a family gathering one night, the group was singing and my mother, who knew I wanted to sing, said, “Go on up there and sing.” She ‘pushed’ me into doing it. If she had not, I never would have sung, but when I finished that first song something clicked inside and I knew that I wanted to sing.

BTC: Do you remember the name of that song?
MM: I most certainly do, it was the “New Jerusalem Way.”

BTC: When did you start singing professionally?
MM: I left home at age 16 and went to Pensacola, Florida to sing bass with a group called the “Singing Fowlers.”

BTC: Was your first trip to Branson for business or pleasure?
MM: Business, when we came to talk with Bill and Janet Dailey about moving our quartet, the “Tennessee Valley Boys,” to Branson.

BTC: What’s your first memory of Branson?
MM: It was Bill and Janet Dailey’s outdoor cookout with a giant roasted pig.

BTC: When and where did you first perform in Branson?
MM: In about 1983 at Bill Dailey’s “Country Music World” with the “Tennessee Valley Boys.” When the Tennessee Valley Boys split up I joined “Branson,” a new quartet made up of myself, Jimmy Ponder, Rick Baird, and Terry Kaufman that continued performing at “Country Music World.”

BTC: Throughout your career you have performed in the Branson shows of some big-name stars. Who were they?
MM: Loretta Lynn, Mel Tillis, and Anita Bryant.

BTC: How long have you been performing in the Grand Jubilee show at “Grand Country?”
MM: I am an original cast member and have been performing in the show since it started 12 or 13 years ago.

BTC: Do you perform in another show at Grand Country besides the Grand Jubilee?
MM: Yes the Branson Country USA Television show every Friday night and the New South Gospel show on Thursday afternoons.

BTC: Of all the songs you sing, what is your personal favorite and why?
MM: “How Great Thou Art” because I believe it is the greatest song ever written.

BTC: What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you while you were performing?
MM: During a rehearsal for the Mel Tillis show, while Connie Tillis was rehearsing “Mary Did You Know,” I did an impromptu dance around her and she had a hard time keeping a straight face. We were just kidding around and I did not know they had recorded it. The next night while I was singing the audience started laughing. I was perplexed as to why until I looked up on the monitors and discovered that they had recorded my “dance” for the whole world to see. It eventually became part of the show and, although I am not a dancer, I haven’t been able to get away from that stupid dance and am still performing it today.

BTC: What do you like best about performing in Branson?
MM: Being part of an entertainment industry that is based on the values of God, family, and country.

BTC: What do you like best about living in Branson?
MM: The people, they are some of the friendliest people I have ever met, and the natural beauty of the area.

BTC: What do you like to do when you are not performing?
MM: I really enjoy martial arts.

BTC: What kind of martial arts?
MM: Kenpo Karate in which I hold a 1st Degree Black Belt.

BTC: Do you have a little known fact about yourself that you would like to share?
MM: Well, not too many know about my involvement in martial arts.

BTC: If you could perform with and or meet any entertainer living or dead who would it be and why?
MM: That would be the “Oak Ridge Boys,” whom I have had the pleasure of meeting. To me they are the ultimate entertainers.

BTC: Your immediate family consists of?
MM: My wife Donel and my son Jacob.

BTC: Where and how did you meet your wife?
MM: I met her in Branson at a show where we worked together. It’s one of the best things that ever happened to me.

BTC: Why should people coming to Branson see the Grand Jubilee show?
MM: That’s an easy one to answer. There’s nothing missing out of the show. It’s fast moving, extremely well produced, has an extremely talented cast and has some of the best music and comedy in Branson. It truly has something for everyone. [The Grand Jubilee is one of Branson’s most popular shows and this review explains why.]

BTC: What’s in it for kids?
MM: Comedy, action, color, and music that will appeal to them. When it comes to quartets, kids are just like almost everyone else, they just like them.

BTC: Anything else you want our readers to know?
MM: I am a very blessed man.

Three “free” Branson activities for families to enjoy

Raceways at the Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery contain hundreds of thousand Rainbow and Brown Trout.

Raceways at the Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery contain hundreds of thousands of Rainbow and Brown Trout.

“Branson is one of the best vacation values in the country,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “It becomes even more so if the great value of its lodging, shows, and attractions is supplemented by one or more of the “free” activities available for visitors to enjoy,” she added.

From miles of trails, to a grist mill, scenic overlooks, and a $7.5 million synchronized fire; to water and music fountain show; a trout hatchery and much more, Branson has a variety of free activities for its visitors to enjoy. From among the many, here’s a list of three things selected especially for families with children:

1. Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery: The “Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery,” is located at the foot of Table Rock Dam. It is located just off State Highway 165, is operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, and is part of a complex consisting of trails, a wild life refuge, and a Visitor Center.

The Visitor Center features an interesting nature display and a short video on the hatchery and the process involved with producing the trout that makes Lake Taneycomo one of the premier trout fisheries in the nation. It also has a huge aquarium with some “lunker” Brown and Rainbow Trout showing the size that some of the trout in Lake Taneycomo can reach.

Guided tours of the hatchery depart the Visitors Center from Memorial Day to Labor Day on weekdays at 10 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 2 p.m. Visitors are welcome to tour the “race ways,” by themselves, during normal business hours. They will see thousands of trout in the various stages of development from the smallest of trout to the large “brood stock” used to produce them. The Visitor Center opens at 9:00 a.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

2. Historic Downtown Branson’s “Free Trolley:” The Free Trolley is a great way to get an overview and perspective of the historic downtown area, the Branson Convention Center, Branson Landing, and the Lake Taneycomo shoreline. It operates on a constant loop which passes 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 half a century ago.

Although there are many places to board the trolley in historic downtown Branson, we would recommend boarding at Branson Landing, either at its southern end near Bass Pro Shops or its northern end by the Belk store. This avoids the two-hour parking limitations that cover most of the parking in the historic district. The trolley operates March-December daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. In February, the schedule is Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.to 5 p.m.

3. Feed the Lake Taneycomo Ducks and Geese: The “unofficial “duck feeding area, that most people coming to Branson never see, is located just south of Branson Landing in the shadow of Scotty’s Trout Dock, near the southeastern corner of the City of Branson’s Campground. Not only is it a lot of fun for the kids to feed the ducks and geese, it provides a unique one of a kind Branson photo opportunity.

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.

Collin Raye to stir Branson hearts and souls with his irresistible country music

Collin Raye, Grammy winning country star who gets to the soul of country music.

Collin Raye, Grammy winning country star who sings to the soul of country music.

Jimmy Osmond, the new owner of the Moon River Theatre said that he is honored to be able to maintain and continue the tradition and legacy of Andy Williams by providing the type of entertainment that is consistent with the desire and love, his friend and mentor, had for Branson and the quality of entertainment it offered. Osmond said that there will be over 300 performances in the theatre this year including their outstanding lineup of “house shows” with Illusionist Rick Thomas, The Lettermen, Moon River and Me, and The Andy Williams Christmas Show; limited engagement performances from stars such as Loretta Lynn, and over a dozen others and “The Hits” series

“The Hits,” is a series of shows involving three award winning stars performing at different times through the rest of the year:

June 1 – Sep 19: The Hits starring Collin Raye
Sep 21 – 31: The Hits starring Mary Wilson
Oct 19 – Oct 31: The Hits starring the Osmonds

Osmond was excited about Collin Raye’s upcoming performances for the summer season. He said, “I’m so thrilled that Collin is playing our Theatre in Branson. I’ve been a fan and a friend of Collin for some time and I know it will be great for his fans to treat their families to the award winning HITS of his great Variety Show, along with the hilarious comedy of Two Time Comedy Magician of the Year, Chipper Lowell.”

It has been said, “Country music, at its core, is all about stirring the heart and healing the soul, and nobody does both better than the irresistible ‘Collin Raye.’” He has won a “Grammy,” nine combined awards from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association and has 20 Top Ten hits including songs such as, Love, Me; My Kind of Girl; In This Life; and I Can Still Feel You that all made #1 on “Billboard.”

Jimmy wasn’t the only one enthused about Raye coming to Branson. Collin said, “I am so excited to be in Branson this summer! A great destination of fun and entertainment for American families. Our show at the Moon River Theatre will be like nothing my fans have seen before. A variety of music, in a place where God and country still rule the day.”

“With the music of Collin Raye and the comedy and magic of Chipper Lowell, this will be a great show for the entire family,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. For more information on The Hits starring Collin Raye, or tickets, please feel free to call the Branson Tourism Center 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/

No fiddling around, the Shoji Tabuchi show is amazing entertainment

Shoji Tabuchi playing “Listen to the Mocking Bird.”

Shoji Tabuchi has said, “The fiddle and violin are the same instrument, their difference is how you ‘fiddle” around with them.” After seeing his show recently I can say, regardless of which instrument he is “fiddling around with,” from the first note to the last, it is simply a joy to listen to this master as he performs a variety of music ranging from “Live and Let Die,” the title song of the James Bond movie with the same name to “The Orange Blossom Special,” “Listen to the Mocking Bird,” a classical “Humoresque” and many styles in between.

If there was only Shoji that would be enough, but he is part of a production involving a live orchestra, singers and dancers, colorful costumes, beautiful choreography and excellent audience interaction. It is all superbly woven together into a two hour extravaganza of fast paced musical entertainment, by co-producers Dorothy and Christina Tabuchi that concludes all too quickly.

The dancers and vocalists, Alicia Winking, Robyn Hurst, Jeremy Sterling, Jonny Laughlin, Adam Henry and Norvin Breeck who is also the co-dance captain, are led by Shoji’s daughter, Christina Lingo-Tabuchi. She is also the show’s feature vocalist, vocal director, co-dance captain and the show’s co-producer. The versatility, talent and energy of these entertainers explodes onto the stage with a burst of energy and color as they open the show with “”Shake It Off” and, whether its dancing, singing a duet or playing the part of a cow, chicken or penguin, doesn’t let up until the curtain falls.

Christina Tabuchi, right and Alicia Winking during their performance of “Somethin’ Bad.”

Christina Tabuchi, in addition to being the co dance captain, is the show’s featured vocalist and sings a variety of solos and duets throughout the show demonstrating the range of her vocal talents. Two of my favorites would be her duet of the Miranda Lambert/Carrie Underwood hit, “Somethin’ Bad,” with Alicia Winking and her solo performance of the Lee Ann Womack hit, “I Hope You Dance,” which was simply beautiful and was dedicated to her daughter.

The show’s band, composed of Duggie Dugan, director and guitar player; Landon Rolf, bass; Anthony Walter:, drums, William Green, percussion; John Turner, piano; Carl Hose, Trombone and Wes Smith, flute and sax; does a magnificent job, not only from an instrumental perspective but in supporting all the diverse elements of the show. Of many, a prime example would be the shows big band number “Fly Me To The Moon” featuring the band, Shoji and the singers and dancers.

Of course the star of the show is the incredible Shoji Tabuchi who has been delighting Branson audiences with his blend of showmanship and fiddle and violin mastery for over 30 years. Whether he is playing the fiddle, which he does for the majority of the show, or the violin, from the first to the last note of every piece it is obvious that you are hearing and seeing a master of his craft performing.

From country to rock and roll to Elvis, Led Zeppelin and Brahms he performs a variety of musical styles. It’s extremely unlikely that there will be a greater variety of music presented at any concert or show featuring an instrumentalist playing the “fiddle and violin” and it’s a virtual certainty that you won’t hear one do it better. From among many, my three favorites were, “Through the Eyes of Love” from the movie “Ice Castles; the classical segment with “Humoresque,” “Brahms Lullaby” and “Little Night Music” and his extremely entertaining version of the song that turned a young Japanese violinist into a master fiddle player, “Listen to the Mocking Bird,” which he first heard performed when Roy Acuff and his band did a concert in Japan.

Giant Japanese “Taiko Drum.”

You will not want to miss the opening of the second half of the show, where the shows vocalists and dancers again demonstrate how multi-talented they are as, along with others, they open it with the “Taiko Drums,” from Shoji’s native Japan. Ten drummers play three different drums including the large “Odaiko” in a unique one of a kind performance. Make sure you watch the movements of the drummers on the smaller drums! Shoji plays “Sakura Sakura” and does a duet of “Sukiyaki,” with his daughter, Christina. The whole segment from the drums to the costuming and the music is something that will not soon be forgotten.

As I was watching the show I could not help but notice how much the group sitting just behind me was enjoying the show. At intermission I had a chance to chat with one of them, Jason Gillem, from Apple Valley, MN. He said that he was enjoying the show, would absolutely recommend it to others and that it was unique, energetic and reached out to all members of the audience.

Although an intangible, Shoji’s ability to relate to his audience, while playing, telling the story of how he came to be an American citizen or anyone of a variety of other anecdotes he shares periodically throughout the show, is an inherent part of the whole experience. As I have written before and would again ratify, “Simply put, Shoji Tabuchi is a master at his craft, loves what he does, relates to his audience not only on a musical, but personal level, surrounds himself with some of the best musicians, singers and dancers in Branson and stars in a unique, colorful and exciting one of kind entertainment production.”

For more information or tickets for the Shoji Tabuchi Show please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

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