Even with a record 73,000 plus cfs of water going through Table Rock Dam into Lake Taneycomo, there was no impact on the shopping along the Branson Landing Promenade.

Current media reports about flooding throughout Missouri and in Branson has caused some concern about traveling to Branson for fear that it might be flooded. The media did the same thing in 2008 and 2011. The simple truth is this; the Branson that millions of tourists enjoy year round was not flooded in 2008 or 2011, and is not flooded this week!

What happens is that a relatively small number of homes and businesses, located in low-lying areas along Lake Taneycomo and its tributaries, are susceptible to flooding and can become flooded following periods of high rain. This risk becomes a virtual certainty when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases water through the spillways of Table Rock Dam into Lake Taneycomo as part of its White River flood control plan. As regrettable and unfortunate as the damage to those relatively few structures is, one assumes a certain amount of risk when living in the shadow of a flood control dam or near creeks and other water sources. The good news for about 99% of Branson visitors is that the high water in these areas doesn’t impact one iota on the experience they will have in Branson.

“Even during this week, where there were record releases of 72,000 plus cubic feet of water per second (cfs) through Table Rock Dam, with the exception of the White River Fish House, the Branson Landing boardwalk, and the Branson Landing Fountain, all of which are located right on the Lake Taneycomo shoreline at Branson Landing, Branson’s shows, attractions, shopping, restaurants, and other activities were not impacted at all by the water in Lake Taneycomo,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “The vast majority of Branson’s visitors continued enjoying the fun, adventure, and excitement that makes Branson such a wonderful place, not only to visit, but to live,” she added.

Some will say, “But we saw pictures and videos of Branson Landing and Branson flooding.” If you look at the pictures and videos of Branson Landing, they will invariably show the docks, boats, fountains, and low-lying parking spots, as well as the White River Fish House along the Lake Taneycomo shoreline. These images ignore the fact that there are plenty of parking spaces not covered with water, and that all the stores and restaurants along the famed Branson Landing Promenade had not been impacted at all by the high water.

As heart wrenching as it is to see the damage caused to the homes and businesses impacted by the water, they are located in areas not visited by 99% of Branson tourists when the weather is sunny, dry, and perfect. From Branson Landing to Silver Dollar City, and from Dick’s 5 & 10 in historic downtown Branson, to Clay Cooper’s Country Express, The Haygoods, The Million Dollar Quartet, Grand Jubilee and the rest of Branson’s shows and attractions, the high water in Lake Taneycomo has no impact on the experience enjoyed by the typical Branson visitor!

If you have any questions about the current conditions in Branson, or questions about Branson’s incredible shows, attractions, or lodging, please don’t hesitate to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). BTC can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM seven days a week, or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Silver Dollar City’s unique Harvey Water Clock

Sometimes amazing things are “hidden” in plain sight. Each day that Silver Dollar City, Branson’s award winning 1880s styled theme park, is open, literally thousands of people entering the park walk within 50 feet of one of its most unique items without even noticing that it’s there.

At first glance it appears to be a large water wheel, but upon closer examination it becomes apparent that it’s much more. According to the sign near the wheel, it’s a unique “Harvey Water Clock,” patented in 1798.The clock requires no winding, batteries, or solar power. It operates as water flows down a trough through its unique “Fly Ball Governor,” which controls the movement of the hands on its display as the water passes through and goes on to the water wheel.

In addition, the water clock displays the Year, Month, Day, and Hour. The picture of the clock displayed was taken at 9:53 AM on May 30, 2012. At first glance, it appears that the year is wrong because the Year is displayed as 1882, when it’s actually 2012. The clock only displays the last digit of the current year, which is the last digit of the year the hand is on; in this case the hand is on 2, the last digit in the year displayed 1882, and the current year, 2012.

The Harvey Water Clock is located in front of Guest Services, located on your right as you walk through the main entrance into the park and approach the turnstiles. Not only is it unique to see, it’s also a wonderful spot to take a one-of-a-kind photo as a remembrance of a special day at Silver Dollar City.

“It’s just one of many things to experience and share as part of a wonderful day of fun, exploration, adventure, and excitement at Silver Dollar City,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. Wood reminds potential Branson visitors that, although the last day of its 2015 season is December 30, it reopens for its 2016 season on March 12.

For more information about Silver Dollar City or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions, or lodging, please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of over 4.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets. BTC can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550, or through its web site www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

A special moment as a ‘Living Angel Statue,’ shares butterflies with family during “White Flight.”

“The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure‘s White Flight provides Branson with a unique ‘White Christmas,'” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center “Like Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, Branson’s live Christmas Shows, and much more, it’s yet another unique Branson Attraction that makes Christmas in Branson so special,” she added.

Brittney Smith, the General Manager of the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, said that one of the major features of White Flight is a unique exhibit consisting of thousands of white, green, and red butterflies. You will walk in a ‘rain forest’ amid thousands of fluttering butterflies, colorful red and white poinsettias, sparkling lights, and ‘living angel statues’ to the sounds of beautiful Christmas music. She adds that this is the seventh Christmas season for this special, limited engagement exhibit which runs through January 1, 2016.

The butterflies in White Flight are comprised of many different tropical species; with the most common being the ‘Paper Kite Butterfly,’ also referred to as the ‘Rice Paper Butterfly.’ As is the case with the most of the butterflies exhibited at the Butterfly Palace, they live out their average three week life span in a predator free environment. They arrive, via air express, from tropical rain forests in their chrysalis (cocoon) stage; after emerging, they’re released into the exhibit in the aviary.

Another amazing feature of White Flight is the beautiful and subtle performance of the centuries-old art form of ‘living statues’ in the form of ‘White Angels.’ The statues slowly, and barely perceptibly, coming to life as people approach while butterflies flutter around and alight on them. It might be just a subtle change in the position of a head or the extension of a hand, but it’s fascinating to watch as the living statues interact with the guests.

The aviary is decorated with a number of poinsettias and other flowers and highlighted by a large poinsettia Christmas tree, providing an excellent place for picture taking. The whole White Flight experience, from the thousands of White Butterflies to the living angel statues and beautiful music, is a unique experience for the whole family to enjoy.

Smith points out that White Flight is in addition to all the other activities offered by the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure for the enjoyment and entertainment of the whole family. Ongoing features of the attraction include a Living Rainforest Science Center, the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze, a Rainforest Theater, and the Banyan Tree Bungee Adventure.

For additional information or tickets for Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, or any of Branson’s shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, 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.

Dick’s 5 & 10 in historic downtown Branson provides one of the most unique shopping “adventures” available anywhere.

“Branson is known for the quality and variety of its live shows, attractions and other exciting activities,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “In addition, it’s a fabulous shopping destination offering an unparalleled shopping adventure at its hundreds of different national chain stores, boutiques, flea markets, craft malls, famous-name outlet stores, and specialty shops,” she added.

Wood points out that there’s one often overlooked shopping opportunity; one that virtually hundreds pass through on their way to Branson Landing every day…historic downtown Branson …it has dozens of unique and exciting shopping opportunities offering gifts, art, and crafts that are available only downtown. From among many, here’s a list of five that illustrate this point:

1. Dick’s 5 & 10, 417.334.2410, one of Branson’s most popular shopping attractions, illustrates the uniqueness and excitement that shopping in historic downtown Branson offers. Steve Hartley, the son of the store’s original founders, Dick and June Hartley, points out that it’s not just the number of items they have in the nostalgic “5 & 10,” over 175,000, or their low prices; it’s the breadth of their selection that makes the shopping experience in Dick’s so unique. He said, “In candy alone, we have one of, if not the, largest selections in Branson. We specialize in old-time and hard to find candies such as Rocky Road, Big Hunk Candy Bars, and Abba-Zaba. In addition, we feature novelty candies such as Wax Lips and Nickle Nips, and a full selection of regular candy.”

2. Crain Creations Gallery, features the work T. (Thomas) Morgan Crain, Branson’s preeminent wildlife, bird, western, outdoor and nostalgia artist. He can be found, and viewed while painting, most Mondays through Saturdays in his downtown studio, located just inside the window of the gallery. The gallery and studio are as warm, comfortable, and inviting as the artist and his wife, Susan.

3. The Burlington Annex, 417.335.4789, features artist and gift lines that are unique and not available anywhere else in Branson. Its wide selection of unique gifts, glassware and jewelry, coupled with the expertise, friendliness, and helpfulness of their employees make shopping at the Burlington Annex a special shopping experience only available in downtown Branson.

4. The Hollywood Studio Store & More, 417.243.7660, is yet another example of the unique and fun-filled shopping experience available in the historic downtown shopping district. Its selection of Hollywood collectibles, jewelry, gifts, art glass, wind chimes, and much more is as phenomenal and interesting as it is value priced.

5. The Copper Coin, 417.551.1208, is operated by Susan Abar, the author of “Against All Odds,” and her husband Ron. The shop sells many gifts, but its spirit is based on our National Motto, “In God We Trust,” and the shop features a line of custom jewelry and other gift items incorporating a single copper penny into their design, delivering that message in an exclusive and beautiful way.

Dana Parker as Dyanne, with Elvis, Tyler K. Hunter, in scene from the “Million Dollar Quartet.”

Branson’s newest hit show, Million Dollar Quartet, brings a legendary night to the Branson stage in a show that combines music everyone already knows with a great story, creating a one of a kind entertainment experience. It’s based on one of the greatest jam sessions in rock n’ roll history; an impromptu gathering of four young recording legends-to-be: Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, that took place on December 4, 1956 in the Memphis storefront recording studio of Sun Records.

With the four, soon to be stars, that night was a young Las Vegas dancer who accompanied Elvis Presley. Dana Parker, as Dyanne in the Million Dollar Quartet, does a great job of not only representing that girl, but of interacting with the four musical icons and Sam Phillips, both musically and dramatically, adding a special dynamic to the other elements that make this show a not-to-be-missed Branson experience.

“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 Dana Parker (DP) 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 Just for fun opener: If you were marooned on a desert island, what three things would you hope you had?
DP: Something to listen to music, my yoga mat and, right now, a book by Kent Huruf.

BTC: Where were you born?
DP: Deerfield, IL.

BTC: When?
DP: August 26, 1990.

BTC: Any comments about your childhood that you think would be of interest to our readers?
DP: I had a really blessed childhood with two wonderful parents and two older brothers. I feel very lucky to have the childhood that I had.

BTC: When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor professionally?
DP: When I was about six years old, I did a play in the basement of a church, and I really fell in love with the art of storytelling. The name of the play was “The Reluctant Dragon,” and I played the part of Jennifer.

BTC: When did you become interested in music?
DP: In the third grade, I had a solo. It was a random song that the teacher had written, but when I sang it, my mom said, “You can sing,” and things just naturally progressed from there.

BTC: Do you have any formal training in theatre or acting?
DP: Yes. I graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, with a BFA in Acting.

BTC: What type of roles do you enjoy performing the most?
DP: I enjoy roles that take me outside of myself and force me to take on characteristics and qualities that do not manifest themselves every day in my daily life.

BTC: Have you ever been to Branson before you started rehearsal for MDQ?
DP: Never. I had never even heard of Branson, but I am so glad that I did, because it’s an awesome place.

BTC: What do you like best about Branson?
DP: I love the nature and how beautiful the Ozarks are with its lakes, trails, and mountains.

BTC: What is your favorite thing to do in Branson when you are not involved with MDQ?
DP: Hiking and I have found an amazing yoga studio, Kom Hot Yoga, which I try to go to every day.

BTC: Have you seen any Branson shows? If “Yes” which ones?
DP: Yes, I have been to see the noon show at the Showboat Branson Belle, Clay Cooper’s Country Express, and Legends in Concert…twice.

BTC: When did you first hear about the musical Million Dollar Quartet (MDQ)?
DP: When it first started in Chicago a number of years ago.

BTC: Where did you audition for the Million Dollar Quartet?
DP: Chicago.

BTC: What made you decide to audition for the part of Dyanne in MDQ?
DP: I do a lot of musical theatre and have a singing background. As I researched the show prior to the audition, I fell in love with the story and the songs Dyanne sings in the show; “Fever” and “I Hear You Knocking.”

BTC: They used the real names of everyone else in the show. Why do you think that they used the name “Dyanne” instead of her real name, “Marilyn,” in the show?
DP: It’s theater; the character of Dyanne in the show is embellished for the show in terms of her involvement and participation with what actually went on at the jam session. As far as I know, Marilyn was a dancer and played no active role that night other than she was accompanying Elvis Presley. The rest of the roles, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Jay Perkins, Fluke, and Sam Phillips were actively involved in the events that transpired.

BTC: Did you do any research on the historical jam session, that is the basis for the show, prior to the audition or beginning of the rehearsal for the show?
DP: Yes. I try to get as much information as possible.

BTC: What did you know about Marilyn Evans (Knowles-Riehl) prior to deciding to audition for MDQ?
DP: There’s not a lot of information about her, but I knew that she was not a very serious girlfriend of Elvis, was a dancer not a singer, and that, unlike many others, she did not try to gain anything from her association with Elvis.

BTC: What is your favorite Elvis Presley song? Why?
DP: I Love “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.” I just love its melody.

BTC: What part do you like most about playing Dyanne in the Million Dollar Quartet? Although I love performing the songs I sing, I enjoy the jamming, singing, and dancing in the background.

BTC: What is your favorite part in the show?
DP: That would be “Party” with Elvis and Carl right after I sing “I Hear You Knocking.” It’s a fun jam song that I have so much fun doing.

BTC: Why should someone coming to Branson plan to see MDQ?
DP: Because it is a perfect combination of amazing music that people love and have grown up with, along with a really incredible story about a real event that a lot of people have never heard.

BTC” Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you or the show?
DP: The show has an amazing cast that is supported by an equally amazing and incredible crew behind the scenes. They take such good care of us and what they do contributes so much to the audience’s overall enjoyment of the show.

For additional information or tickets for the Million Dollar Quartet, or any of Branson’s shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550, or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Gourd painting is just one of the many crafts featured at Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival .

“On a day to day basis, it’s doubtful if there is another town in America that offers its visitors the variety of live entertainment, natural beauty, lakes, and other activities that Branson does,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “It becomes even more so when the special events, activities, and limited engagement shows are factored in,” she added.

In addition to Branson’s spectacular lineup of resident live shows and attractions, here’s a list highlighting the major special events and limited engagement performances you can enjoy in Branson during September, 2015 as well as our featured Show, Event, and Limited Engagement of the month:

Featured Show: Presleys’ Country Jubilee continues to be a mainstay on the list of Branson experiences you can’t miss! Long before anyone ever heard of Branson, Missouri, the Presley family had people from across the country lined up every night to hear the type of country music and comedy that eventually made Branson a household name.

Mary Wilson, founding member of “The Supremes.”

Featured Limited Engagement: The Hits Starring Mary Wilson nabs a Motown superstar for just seven shows – the ‘supremely’ legendary, “Mary Wilson!” She’s well respected in the music industry, as a founding member of the superstar group from Detroit, The Supremes, and as a solo artist. The Supremes had mega-hits like You Can’t Hurry Love, Love Child, and Stoned Love.

Featured Event: National Harvest & Cowboy Festival at Silver Dollar City is a sure sign that fall is in the air as our beautiful Ozark Hills start to burst into their fall colors, and one of the largest gatherings of American artists and craftsmen begins. The National Harvest Festival is a true celebration of American craftsmanship, illustrating why Silver Dollar City is called “The Home of American Craftsmanship.”

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Sep 1-19: The Hits starring Collin Raye
Sep 5: Prince Ivan
Sep 12: Ray Stevens
Sep 18: Clint Black
Sep 20: Shenandoah with Marty Raybon and Johnny Lee
Sep 21-Sep 26: The Hits starring Mary Wilson
Sep 22: Larry’s Country Diner-Dailey & Vincent
Sep 23: Larry’s Country Diner-Jimmy Fortune
Sep 24-Sep 25: Larry’s Country Diner-Gene Watson
Sep 26: Bill Engvall
Sep 27: Larry’s Country Diner-Joey + Rory
Sep 27: Terri Clark & Aaron Tippin

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Sep 1-Sep 7: Southern Gospel Picnic Festival at Silver Dollar City
Sep 1-Sep 30: Tanger Mall Thanks Teachers in September
Sep 4-Sep 7: Labor Day Weekend Sale at Tanger Mall
Sep 11-Sep 13: Country Music Weekend Festival at Silver Dollar City
Sep 12: 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Sep 13: Tanger Club Ladies Night Out at Tanger Mall
Sep 16-Oct 31: Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival
Sep 17-Sep 19: Autumn Daze Arts & Crafts Festival (866-523-1190)
Sep 25-Sep26: Branson Landing’s Artisan’s Market (417-239-3002)
Sep 26: Annual Tanger Style Fit for a Cure 5K Run/Walk

For additional information on these events, or any of Branson’s shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, 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.

Branson’s comedy show trifecta Jay Wickizer, left, Cecil, and Herkimer.

Branson’s nearly 100 shows offer a variety of live entertainment that would be the envy of any major tourist destination. That variety includes spectacular productions such as Jonah or Million Dollar Quartet; music shows covering every genre of music including rock n’ roll, country, gospel, and just about everything else in-between, including magic shows, comedy, and much more.

Although known primarily for its music shows, a major element of Branson entertainment industry, from its very first show, the Baldknobbers Jamboree, has been comedy. The paradigm of music, with comedy routines strategically worked in throughout the show, is a Branson staple that has been entertaining Branson visitors for over 55 years. It is used by some of Branson’s most popular shows including Billy Dean With Jarrett, Clay Cooper’s Country Express, Comedy Jamboree, Grand Jubilee, Paul Harris and the Cleverlys, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, and others. With all the great comedians performing in these and other Branson shows, coupled with the variety of the comedy they offer, it would be virtually impossible to pick a winning trifecta of Branson comedy shows. The comedian(s) in every one of them will have you laughing throughout the show!

In terms of a comedy trifecta in a Branson show, who would bet against comedians Gary and Eric Presley, assisted by their straight man, Jay Wickizer? Ever since the Presleys opened Presleys’ Country Jubilee on the Branson strip in 1967, the multi-talented Gary Presley, a.k.a. “Herkimer,” has been bringing laughter to Branson audiences with his uniquely humorous jokes and comedy antics. That tradition has continued to grow exponentially with the addition of his son Eric, a.k.a. “Cecil,” and straight man extraordinaire Jay Wickizer. The show’s comedy offers a one of kind blend of one-liners, action and skits that keeps the audience, kids and adults alike, laughing and wondering what’s coming next.

From Herkimer’s signature hillbilly garb, Ozarks logic, and comedy, to the complex simplicity of Cecil’s interaction with both Herkimer and Jay, this is one funny trio. They add hilarious comedy to one of the best vocal and instrumental shows in Branson, at just the right time. While some might question the use of the word “trifecta” in this instance, to this writer, the uproariously funny and distinctive comedy of Herkimer, Cecil, and Jay in Presleys’ Country Jubilee, is a trifecta of outstanding, hilarious comedy unlike any other in Branson!

For additional information or tickets for Presleys’ Country Jubilee, or any of Branson’s other 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.

Youth Baseball National Championship Aug 19-22, 2015.

“There’s always something that’s fresh, fun, and exciting to do in Branson,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Here’s a list of a dozen exciting things happening in Banson during August, along with our Featured Show and Featured Event for August,” she added.

Featured Show: The Hits starring Collin Raye – Country music, at its core, is all about stirring the heart and healing the soul, and nobody does both better than the irresistible Grammy Award-winning Collin Raye. He has had over 20 Top Ten hits, including “Love, Me;” “My Kind of Girl;” “In This Life;” “I Can Still Feel You,” and many more.

Featured Event: Youth Baseball Network National Championship – Some great baseball will be featured during this inaugural championship that will include the 2015 12U Champions from AABC, AAU, CABA, Dizzy Dean, and NABF.

Aug 1-Sep 19: The Hits starring Collin Raye
Aug 1-29: Forever Young
Aug 4-8: ALL FRETS Convention
Aug 6-8: Shepherd of the Hills Super Summer Cruise
Aug 5-14: Prince Ivan
Aug 8: Rock The Spectrum
Aug 15: KidSTYLE Fashion Camp
Aug 19-22: Youth Baseball Network National Championship
Aug 27-Sep 7: Southern Gospel Picnic Festival at Silver Dollar City
Aug 28-30: 27th Annual Fiddle Festival Presented by Grand Country
Aug 29: Kansas

For additional information on these events, or any of Branson’s shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, 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.

Shoji Tabuchi playing “Listen to the Mockingbird.”

For over three decades, four words – fiddle, production show, and incredible – have been synonymous with the name Shoji Tabuchi and his show. The show has become a Branson icon, not only because of the talent of its star, but because of its production, choreography, costumes, leading edge special effects, and its supporting cast that includes Shoji’s very talented daughter, Christina, and great live band.

“Branson-Up Close and Personal,” is a service of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) and is intended to provide readers with an unprecedented look at a Branson celebrity or personality. The interview with Shoji Tabuchi (ST) was conducted earlier this week for BTC by Gary J. Groman, a 29 year resident of the Branson area, local columnist and freelance writer, and is presented in a Question and Answer format:

BTC: What came first, the violin or the fiddle, and whichever it was, how did you learn to play it like you do?
ST: As I have said many times on stage, they are both the same instrument, it’s just how you fiddle around with them. My mother started me playing the violin using the “Suzuki method” when I was seven years old.

BTC: What caused you to start fiddling around with the violin?
ST: I started fiddling around with the violin when Mr. Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys came to Japan and did a concert that I went to out of curiosity. It included “Listen to the Mocking Bird,” played by fiddler Howdy Forrester that just knocked me out. It was that song and the music and encouragement of Mr. Acuff that inspired me to start fiddling and come to the United States.

BTC: How did your mom feel about your change to fiddling around instead of playing the classical violin?
ST: My mom was a little questionable, but she was open about it. I had a problem with my violin teacher because initially she, “Wasn’t buying it.” Eventually however, they both came around.

BTC: When did you come to the United States?
ST: A long time ago – 1967.

BTC: How did you end up in Branson?
ST: I was working in and out of Nashville, as well as all over the country performing concerts. A friend of mine told me about Branson. It sounded really interesting so I decided to come and visit. I fell in love with the beautiful surroundings and with the warmth of the people who live here.

BTC: What is your first memory of Branson?
ST: The great fishing! I just loved the warm water fishing for bass in Table Rock Lake and being able to fish for trout in Lake Taneycomo.

BTC: How long have you been Performing in Branson?
ST: I have been performing in Branson for about 34 years, of which, 27 have been in my own show.

BTC: Why did you build your own theatre?
ST: Dorothy and I had a vision of the kind of show we wanted to present. There was not an available existing theatre in Branson at the time that would enable us to fulfill that vision, so we built our own.

BTC: The Shoji Tabuchi Show became the de-facto standard for a musical production show in Branson. How did that evolve?
ST: The theatre was specifically designed for a production show but, in addition, it is thanks to the vision, planning, and production of my wife Dorothy that we enjoy our reputation in that regard.

BTC: Your theatre has been recognized nationally because of its extravagant and unusual restrooms. How did they evolve?
ST: They were Dorothy’s idea. I was initially against the idea, but WOW, am I ever glad that she didn’t listen to me!

BTC: Who in your family is involved with the show?
ST: My daughter Christina sings and dances in the show and, along with my wife Dorothy, co-produces the show.

BTC: Recently you became a grandfather to a beautiful granddaughter. What is her name and the story behind how she got the name?
ST: Yukie Bailey-Jae. “Yukie” was my mom’s first name.

BTC: What do you like best about performing in Branson?
ST: The audiences, and being able to have my own theatre, which allows me to perform my show the way that I want to and permits me to give them the very best show possible.

BTC: What’s your favorite thing to do in Branson when you are not performing?
ST: I just love spending time with my family.

BTC: If you could perform or meet with any entertainer/person (living or deceased) who would it be and why?
ST: I would love to have seen and met Jascha Heifetz when he was alive. He was truly such an exceptional master of the violin.

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?
ST: The performance that has meant the most to me personally was the first time my mom and dad came from Japan and saw me perform in my own theatre in Branson.

BTC: Do you have a favorite hobby or activity and what is it?
ST: I used to fish, fish, and fish; now, I golf, golf, golf, and do a little bit of fishing.

BTC: Do you have a little known fact about yourself that you think our readers would enjoy?
ST: I absolutely love to paint and also enjoy landscaping.

BTC: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in front of an audience?
ST: It wasn’t funny at that moment, but is now. It’s one of those situations that can happen any time when you have a live show. In the Finale of the show, the first four pickup notes were in the same key of the previous segment that I played, which was a gospel number. My wife Dorothy, daughter Christina, and all of the cast were on stage ready for the finale and I started playing the gospel number again. The band did not know how to follow me and I fumbled around playing until I finally got back on track with the correct song. I don’t think that many in the audience noticed anything was wrong, but we certainly did!

BTC: What part of your current show do you enjoy performing the most and why?
ST: I love talking with the audience and the variety of music we play which runs all the way from Michael Jackson and Led Zeppelin to rock-n-roll, western swing, Gospel, and a lot in-between.

BTC: Of all the songs you have played in your Branson shows, which is your favorite and why?
ST: “Looking Through the Eyes of Love” from the movie “Ice Castles” because it’s such a beautiful melody and story.

BTC: Anything else you want our readers to know?
ST: Our goal, each and every year, is to have our guests come see the show and walk away saying, “I didn’t think it could get any better, but it has!” Making our guests feel, at all times, from the time they drive into the parking lot to the time they leave, that they are very special and deserve the very best. That is our daily goal. We want our guests to know that our dream of having our own theatre would never have been possible without their support. We would like to say a great big thank you!

For additional information or tickets for the Shoji Tabuchi Show or any of Branson’s shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, 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.