“Elwood Blues,” left, performed by Danny Zeligman and “Jake Blues” performed by Chance Havens doing the “Blues Brothers” proud.

Having seen both the Triple Crown horse races and Branson’s Legends in Concert show recently, I feel confident in stating that the Legends in Concert show is to tribute shows what “American Pharaoh” is to horse racing. It has the talent, glitz, glamour, and excitement of a Las Vegas production, and for good reason. It is owned and operated by On Stage Enterprises, LLC who started Legends in Concert in Las Vegas in 1983 where it, along with expanding to other venues such as Branson, has been performing continuously ever since.

J.C. Brando during “Adle” set.

The obvious stars of the show are the tribute artists which we will discuss later. Equally important, however, in terms of the wonderful time I had at the show, was the way the talents of each of the tribute artists was integrated with the talents of the dancers, vocalists and live band into a spectacular and unique entertainment experience that holds the audience’s interest from the beginning to end.

The Legend Dancers are Stephanie Drey – Dance Captain, Cindy Dardas, Jamie Curry, and Aaron LeMoine, with Kenya Wilhite and Desta Pritchett both dancing and providing backup vocals. Their considerable talents are demonstrated, one way or the other, during the majority of the numbers presented during the show as they accent the performance of the tribute artists and increase the audience’s overall enjoyment of the show. The very first number of the Brooks and Dunn set, “Boot Scootin Boogie,” dramatically illustrates this point.

The Legend Band, composed of Kevin Allen – Musical Director and lead guitar; Lyman Clark, keyboards; Brian Zerbe, bass guitar; and Bill Lowden, drums, did an outstanding job. These extremely talented musicians not only have to be ready for the styles of six different tribute artists and the stars they portray, but a vast variety of different types of music blended into those styles and, performer after performer and number after number, were they ever ready!

Jay Dupuis during “Elvis” set.

From the very beginning, the hallmark of Legends in Concert has been the quality of its tribute artists. Each performer “not only looks like the star they portray, but uses their own natural voice to pay homage to their iconic music counterpart.” The six legends portrayed in the show I saw were “Brooks and Dunn,” performed by Doug Brewin & Larry Turner; “Adele,” performed by J. C. Brando; the “Blues Brothers,” performed by Danny Zeligman and Chance Havens; “Michael Jackson,” performed by Michael Knight; “Taylor Swift,” performed by Elizabeth Scarborough; and “Elvis Presley,” performed by Jay Dupuis.

There’s always a danger when one designates a favorite part of anything because their favorite part might not be yours. Recognizing that, here are my favorite number from each set: Brooks and Dunn, “Only in America;” Adele, “Rolling in the Deep;” The Blues Brothers, “Shout;” Michael Jackson, “Thriller;” Taylor Swift, “Blank Space;” and Elvis Presley, “If I Can Dream.” The Thriller number and the shows Rocking Finale are two more perfect examples of why Legends in Concert is one of Branson’s most popular shows.

Each act was a wonderful mini-concert containing only the hits of the Legend being portrayed, and was presented with the expressions, moves, mannerisms, and sound that, to me, were about as close to the original as one can get. When those individual performances are combined with elaborate theatrical sets, magnificent costumes and full array of incredible special effects, including three dimensional multimedia and multimillion dollar, state-of-the-art lighting, laser and sound systems;” the live band, dancers, and vocalists, the result is a spectacular production that is not only unique, but unequalled on any stage in Branson. It is truly a Legendary Branson show that should not be missed!

For additional information or tickets for Legends in Concert 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 .

Material Connection

The article below is for 2015

The Branson area’s skies will be aglow with fireworks celebrating the Fourth of July.

“As the Fourth of July grows closer, a common question we are asked is, ‘Where’s the best place to see 4th of July fireworks displays?'” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Which one is the ‘best’ is an individual choice, but one thing is for certain, starting with the College of the Ozarks’ “Honor America” on June 28, Branson visitors will have an unrivaled variety of quality displays to pick from,” she added.

The reason quotes are used in mentioning the “4th of July” fireworks is because some of the most popular have, historically, been on a day other than the 4th of July. Although that is the case this year for two of the events, with July 4 falling on a Saturday, the other three will be on the 4th of July.

Here is a list of five of Branson’s major “4th of July” fireworks displays along with contact and other information:

Name: College of the Ozarks “Honor America”
Place: College of the Ozarks
Phone: 417-690-2212
Date/Time(s) /Comment(s): June 28 starting at 6:00 p.m. with concerts by Kimberly Patrick, Red, Hot and Blue, and AYO, Voices of Glory with a Patriotic Program beginning at 8:30 p.m. followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

Branson Landing’s 8th Annual Liberty Light Up
Place: Branson Landing Town Square by Fountains
Phone: Branson Landing – 417-239-3002
Date/Time(s) /Comment(s): July 3, concert featuring the incredible Sandi Patty, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Dino and Cheryl Kartsonakis, Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, Cor Captis, and Cadence followed by fireworks.

Hollister’s 62nd Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration
Place: Historic Downing Street in Hollister
Phone: City of Hollister – 417-334-3262
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4 at dusk. Good Viewing Area: Along Business Hwy 65 in Historic downtown Hollister. Areas oldest fireworks display.

Fireworks at Chateau on the Lake
Place: Chateau on the Lake just north of Table Rock Dam on State Highway 165/265
Phone: Chateau on the Lake – 417-334-1161 or 888-333-5253
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4 at dusk. Easily and conveniently viewed for free from Table Rock Lake via boat or park in loop just south of new overrun floodgates on Table Rock Dam or the Chateau’s public areas.

28th Annual Fireburst Fireworks Display
Place: Kimberling City
Phone: Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce – 417-739-2564
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4 at dusk. Good Viewing Area: Right on Route 13 in downtown Kimberling City, near Kimberling City Shopping Mall, about 6 miles south of Branson West. It can also be viewed very well from Table Rock Lake near the north end of the bridge.

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood reminds those planning to see one of the fireworks displays that the 4th of July period is one of the busiest times of the year in Branson, that the displays are very popular and suggests planning to arrive, except for “Branson Landing’s 8th Annual Liberty Light Up,” at least an hour before dusk and to bring your own chairs etc. Although Branson Landing has limited seating at the fountains, it is advisable to bring your own if you want to be sure of having someplace to sit and, especially with the concert lineup this year, to plan to arrive at least by 5 p.m. for the best viewing and hearing positions at the fountain. The fireworks will not take place until after the concert.

Wood also recommends making advance reservations for lodging, attractions and shows and offers the services of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, to provide information or assist with reservations for lodging, shows and attractions as well as ticketing. Please contact the Branson Tourism Center either through their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or their website www.BransonTourismCenter.Com.

The Bretts, Brydon (L), Briahna, Tom, Andrea and Garon

“With the variety, quantity and quality of the live shows that Branson offers on a daily basis, it’s no surprise that it has many great morning shows,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Two of the most popular are the Bretts and Down Home Country. The comments below, taken from posts recently made to the Shows Forum of Branson’s biggest message board, www.1Branson.com are consistent with comments we routinely hear about these two shows,” she added.

The posts are published as originally written with the poster’s “on line” name preceding the comment in italics and underlined:

Bretts

Thesaint – The Bretts!!!! Our favorite morning show ever…lots of talent, variety, energy, and the family is pure class, and some of the nicest folks in town. Mom Andrea is an amazing songwriter/singer, and her “I Am a Veteran” poem always brings a tear to my eye. Dad Tom sings, plays guitar and piano and is the rock of the bunch. Daughter Briahna is multi-talented…a beautiful singer/dancer/musician, and the boys, Brydon and Garon…well, they are nothing short of amazing! Full of energy and talent (and they have some mean basketball skills!) and just plain fun! Live band, and the family comes out in the lobby for meet and greet afterwards. Don’t miss this show…

Daytimer – We love the Brett Family show! See it a lot, and never get tired of it.

bransoncutie – Can’t go wrong with The Bretts!!!!

Down Home Country

BobC – Best traditional country music show around. Get there early and have a great breakfast, including omelets made to order, plus everything else you can imagine to start the day.

Branson Junkie – Hard to go wrong with this one, and as was mentioned earlier the Grand Buffet is good for breakfast or lunch either before or after the show.

sanddunerider – Saw it today, “Mostly” all new this year. Lots of talent…

can’tcatchup – …If we could only attend one morning show – definitely Down Home Country. If they were not available then Buck Trent.

In addition, Branson has many other outstanding morning shows such as Amazing Pets, AYO starring the Voices of Glory, Buck Trent, Doug Gabriel and many more. For additional information or tickets for any of these shows or for information or tickets for 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 through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Petersen Family Bluegrass Band Matthew right, Karen, Ellen, Katie and Jon. *

Just about everyone is familiar with  the term “Bluegrass music” and has heard a “splash” of bluegrass here and there, but comparatively few have had the pleasure of experiencing the variety and quality of Bluegrass music as presented in Branson by The Petersen Family Bluegrass Band Show. No glitz and glitter here, just some of the best Bluegrass instrumental and vocals you will hear in Branson combined with their special familial spirit, warmth and humor that makes it a wonderful 90 minutes of entertainment for the whole family.

Some might say, “Bluegrass, what do I care about Bluegrass and I have kids in my family, why would I like it?” That’s a fair question. In terms of the Bluegrass music there’s just something in its unique combination of the fiddle, mandolin, banjo, acoustical guitar and string bass that just seems to resonate with the musical instincts of most people. Kids relate to the show because they not only see the Petersen family, siblings Ellen, Katie, Julianne, and Matthew performing together with their Mom, Karen and Dad, Jon, but readily relate to their peers performing on stage.

From their very first number to the last, the Petersen family blends their considerable musical talents with a mixture of antidotes and humor, all personably “choreographed” by the shows MC, Katie, into a fast paced highly enjoyable entertainment experience. They waste no time getting the show off to a great start with the whole family, except for Juliann, who works the lights and sound during most of the show, performing “If Wishes Were Horses” which speaks volumes about the instrumental and vocal talents of the Petersens and sets the bar for what is to come.

Lead vocalist and top 48 contestant on American Idol ,Ellen Petersen .

The featured vocalist is Ellen who also plays the banjo, yodels and was a “Top 48 Contestant on the 2015 season of the “American Idol.” In fact, during the show she performs “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” the same yodeling and banjo number she used to launch her “American Idol” journey. In addition to being the MC, Katie, plays the fiddle and is also an excellent vocalist, as demonstrated by her beautiful performance of “Living Prayer,” the “2006 Gospel Music Association Dove Award For Bluegrass Song of the Year.” Julianne, who is running lights and sound during most of the show, also plays the fiddle as she joins them on stage occasionally. Really enjoyed her fiddle performance of the “Tennessee Waltz.”

Matthew does vocals and plays the acoustical guitar. His performance of “The East VA Blues” both vocally and on the guitar with an instrumental feature from his sisters was exceptional.

“Momma,” Karen, on the mandolin is just fabulous. It is a sound that is an inherent part of Bluegrass music, but to just see and hear the variety of ways she blends in to and adds to performance of her children during the show not only adds to the total enjoyment of the show, but is a blessing to experience. After watching her perform you too will not only understand where the refrain, “Get it momma” comes from, but will be yelling it yourself.

Jon, the dad, plays the string bass. Although not featured as a vocalist you will not soon forget his participation in the performance of “My Daddy’s Got A Gun,” an original song written by Ellen and Katie.

As I write about each show that I go to I usually mention a couple of my favorite performances. Ellen’s performance of “Carolina in the Pines” featuring her mom on the mandolin and Katie on the fiddle was one. The other was the family’s a cappella performance of the Hank Williams classic “Lovesick Blues;” what a beautiful job.

It’s also interesting to note that the majority of the show is performed using one microphone and is commonly used by groups when performing in Bluegrass music contests, including the “Silver Dollar City / KSMU Youth in Bluegrass Band Contest” to be held on May 23 as part of Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ event. It’s neat watching them “work the mic” during their performance.

The Petersens only perform one show a week and that’s on Saturday evening. What a wonderful way for families visiting Branson to share something unique and special together.

For more information on the The Petersen Family Bluegrass Band Show 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, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

* Picture courtesy PetersenBand.com .

Top of the Rock with Table Rock Lake in the background.

“Buzzin in Branson” is a concise and easy to read list of the major events taking place in Branson, Missouri during the month being “Buzzed,” which is April of 2015 for this issue. Each issue contains the “Branson Buzz of the Month” and a list of the major special events, shows and events for the month.

Branson “Buzz of the Month for April 2015

Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge – This event is not only an amazing opportunity to be in the company of World Golf Hall of Fame members such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Gary Player, Ben Crenshaw and more, but to experience the unique PGA format of the tournament itself. It combines 18 holes of play on the 18 hole Buffalo Ridge course with 36 holes of play on the Top of the Rock par 3 Course resulting in a unique golfing experience, presented amid the beauty of the Ozarks and near to all the shows, attractions and other activities Branson offers.

The following list of major special events, shows and activities in April is sorted by event date and contains pertinent and timely comments and contact information, through either a link or phone number, that can be used to obtain additional information:

Apr 1 – May 31:       Ozark Mountain Shindig Festival
Apr 3 – Apr 4:           Easter Celebration at Silver Dollar City
Apr 4:                        Hollister Easter Egg Hunt
Apr 5:                        Easter Sunday
Apr 5:                        Easter Brunch at Keeter Center
Apr 5:                        Easter Shopping at Tanger Outlets
Apr 5:                        Easter Brunch at Chateau on the Lake
Apr 9 – May 3:         World-Fest at Silver Dollar City
Apr 11:                      Party With the Stars
Apr 11:                      Rick Springfield (Limited Engagement)
Apr 15 – Apr 19:       Kewpiesta 2015
Apr 17:                      Shoji Tabuchi Show opens 2015 season
Apr 18:                      Branson Moose Lodge Sporting Clay Shoot (417-365-9548)
Apr 18 – Apr 19:       Shindig Shopping Spree
Apr 20 – May 30      The Hits Starring the Osmonds (Limited Engagement)
Apr 22 – Apr 23:       Savor the Flavor at Welk Resort
Apr 22 – Apr 26:       Legends of Golf Tournament at Big Cedar
Apr 23 – Apr 25:       Branson.com Honors Purple Heart Recipients
Apr 25:                      American Cheer Power
Apr 25:                      Kayak Branson’s Biggest Flotilla Adventure
Apr 30:                      Hootenanny in the Park

“Buzzin in Branson” is produced monthly by the Branson Tourism Center as a service to its customers and others interested in what’s going on in Branson. If you have any further questions about these events or want information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or lodging 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.

‘Silver Dollar City’s $8 million” Fireman’s Landing” has ten rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

Silver Dollar City is surrounded by the beauty of the Ozarks and, from its inception, has been steeped in the tourism history of Branson. Indeed, over the years, as it has evolved from “Marvel Cave” into an international award winning theme park, it has “written” a large part of that history.

As Silver Dollar City begins its 2015 season, that tradition continues with the opening of its new $8 million dollar “Fireman’s Landing” featuring six new rides and four new attractions for families to enjoy together. Here’s a list of ten facts about Fireman’s Landing we hope you will find interesting and helpful:

1. The fictional story for Fireman’s Landing is based on the historical fact that “Marmaros,” an actual city located on the land now occupied by Silver Dollar City, burned to the ground in the 1880s.

2. Fireman’s Landing, while honoring America’s volunteer and full time fire service personnel, is themed on a fictional storyline that the reason the town burned down was because there was no volunteer fire department and a 1880s volunteer fire department recruitment fair designed to find “recruits” for the Silver Dollar City Fire Brigade to prevent it from happening again.

3. All ten of the rides and attractions at Fireman’s Landing are all related to that effort and enable potential “recruits,” or any other “kid” to have a lot of fun.

4. The center piece of Fireman’s Landing and all its rides and attractions is “Fire Station #3.”

Lucky’s Dizzy Dogs, a bouncy ride on Dalmatians racing around a fire hydrant, is sure to be hit with the younger “recruits.”

5. The rides located near Station #3 are:

“FireFall, an 8-story fire tower free-fall drop ride for the more daring recruits.
Fire Spotter, with soaring balloons for spotting fire dangers.
Fire Wagon Frenzy, a bouncing ride for bucket brigade volunteers.
Up The Ladder, a smaller tower drop ride for junior recruits.
Lucky’s Dizzy Dogs, a bouncy ride on Dalmatians racing around a fire hydranT.
Fireman’s Flyer, a low-flying swing ride for little firefighters.”

6. The attractions located inside Station #3, and right outside of it are:

“Firehouse Splash Yard, with squirting water jets and pump hoses for outdoor play,
Firefighter’s Fire Drill, with buckets, pumpers, foam ball cannons and targets for showering mock fires.
Firefighter’s Fire Escape, an obstacle course of tubes, mazes, climbing structures and slides.
Firefighter’s Junior Fire Escape, a soft play area for toddlers.’

7. Except for FireFall, the rides and attractions of Fireman’s Landing will have the most appeal to the “younger recruits.”

8. FireFall is for adults and older kids, but Up The Ladder gives the younger kids a similar style thrill at a lot lower level with multiple riders in wider seats and extremely slower speeds both up and down.

9. The Dalmatians of Lucky’s Dizzy Dogs have two seats permitting adults to ride with the kids on the ride.

10. The landscaping walls around the planters throughout the Landing are set at a height and width to make it comfortable for parents and grandparents to sit while the watch the “kids” enjoy the fun and excitement of Fireman’s Landing.

“Lucky the Rescue Dog “and his trainer, “Abby Barker.”

“Wait, you forgot something,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, “What about Lucky the Rescue Dog?” Oh my, how could I have almost forgot “Lucky?” He is a Dalmatian costumed character, representing the tradition of firedogs, who, along with his trainer, “Abby Barker” will be walking the Landing posing for pictures, answering questions and otherwise entertaining and interacting with kids and adults alike.