Up Close and Personal with Raiding the Country Vault’s Sir Harry Cowell

Sir Harry Cowell, CEO of Papa Entertainment PLC, the company responsible the hit shows “Raiding the Country Vault” and “Raiding the Rock Vault.”

Following the successful format used in their hit Las Vegas show Raiding the Rock Vault, Sir Harry Cowell, and his partner Simon Napier-Bell, premiered their new show, Raiding the Country Vault in Branson. It’s a show filled with some of the greatest country music classics, of all time, with an outstanding cast,performing music they know, love, and respect. Every song in the show is a song that most, whether a country music fan or not, will recognize.

“Branson – Up Close and Personal” is a service of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. It uses a “Question and Answer” format to provide readers with an up close and personal look at a Branson star or personality. Sir Harry Cowell, one of the owners of Raiding the Country Vault and its manager, is our guest for this interview.

BTC: Are you related to Simon Cowell
Sir Harry: No.

BTC: What separates Raiding the Country Vault from other country shows?
Sir Harry: Each of the songs in the show is a classic country hit that was a number one song for the artist. The great thing about the show is that it’s country music, almost everyone will recognize.

BTC: What is it about Raiding the Country Vault that sets it apart from other Branson shows?
Sir Harry: It’s pretty simple. We do a straight 90 minute concert of some of the finest classic country hits of all time, sung and played by, some of the people who wrote or performed them and some of the most talented country music vocalists and instrumentalists around.

BTC: What will the audience notice about each of the songs in the show?
Sir Harry: They are all big hits, most number one hits, and done exactly as they were originally done.

BTC: What’s the relationship between the performers in the show and either the songs they perform or the performers who made the songs famous?
Sir Harry: This is the real deal. Everyone in the show, has had country hits in their own rights. Billy Yates has played the Grand Ole Opry 49 times.

BTC: What’s your personal favorite song in Raiding the Country Vault?
Sir Harry: The Glen Campbell hit, Wichita Lineman. It’s a great song, telling a great story and Michael Peterson really nails it.

BTC: Why should someone coming to Branson plan to see Raiding the Country Vault?
Sir Harry: If you want to see a show filled with country classics, lights, lasers, and special effects this is the show for you.

BTC: What do you like best about Branson?
Sir Harry: The people and the weather. I feel very much at home. The weather changes, although a little more extreme, reminds me of England.

BTC: Why do people call you “Sir Harry?”
Sir Harry: I went to school in the UK with a lot of royalty and so my nickname became “Sir Harry.”

BTC: Where were you born?
Sir Harry: In Dorking, Surrey, near London.

BTC: Are you a United States citizen?
Sir Harry: No, I am absolutely English.

BTC: How much time do you spend in the United States?
Sir Harry: I have a work permit and, between Las Vegas and Branson, spend about 75 to 80 percent of my time in the United States.

BTC: How did you get involved with show business?
Sir Harry: I was a drummer in a band in the 70s. I had my own recording studio, published music, and managed bands, including the band “Asia,’” alongside of Simon Napier-Bell, my partner.

BTC: What’s your specific involvement with the Starlite Theatre?
Sir Harry: We lease and totally operate the theatre.

BTC: What else would you like our readers to know about the Starlite Theatre?
Sir Harry: From the quality and variety of the entertainment we offer; to some of the best BBQ in Branson at the “Getting Basted” restaurant in our lobby; gift shop; flat parking; and other amenities, there’s not another theatre or entertainment experience in Branson like ours.

For additional information or tickets for Raiding the Country Vault, or any of the other shows at the Starlite Theatre, please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550, or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

“Country on the Lake” is so much more than just a show!

Vocal cast of Country on the Lake Ali Lynn Antonetz, right, Santino Tomasetti, Brian Nolf, Kelly White, Kelsie Watts and Brendan Young.

“To describe ‘Country on the Lake’ strictly as a show doesn’t do it justice,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It’s part of a wonderful entertainment adventure, including the show, cruising Table Rock Lake aboard the 278 foot-long Showboat Branson Belle, and a delicious meal,” he added.

Recently, I had the opportunity to cruise aboard the magnificent Showboat. It’s something I have enjoyed on many occasions in the past but WOW, “What a difference a year makes!”

During her off season, the Showboat underwent Phase One of a two year multi-million dollar “relaunch” project. Nick Guevel, Director of Operations for the Showboat Branson Belle, said it included a complete redo of the theatre and dining area’s carpeting, stage, chairs, wall paper, painting, and an expansion of the premium dining area. It also includes a major modification made to the panoramic windows throughout the boat so that the curtains won’t have to be drawn while guests enjoy the show; and much more.

All I can say is that it’s beautiful. There is more space between seats and I really enjoyed being able to look out the windows during the show. They have even changed the boarding process to eliminate long lines and permit a more relaxed experience from the very beginning.

“Country on the Lake” and its BBQ menu is also part of the “relaunch.” The show, and its menu was developed in response to what research indicated their guests wanted. Soon after boarding, the “Country on the Lake Band” started playing classic country songs as the Showboat’s excellent servers started serving lunch. It includes a great spring mix salad; slow smoked pork, smoked at Silver Dollar City and delivered fresh to the boat each day; BBQ Chicken; loaded baked potatoes; roasted corn; homemade rolls; and ice cream pie for dessert.

After lunch, and ample time to stroll the boat and enjoy the scenery, “Country on the Lake” starts. It uses a straight concert format. It‘s different from the “variety” format typically used on the Showboat’s other shows such as its evening cruise show, “CELEBRATE.” The cast features “some very talented rising Nashville stars backed by a live band performing country hits from Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, Garth Brooks, The Judds, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire and many more!”

The shows vocalists are Brian Nolf, who also Hosts; Alyssa “Ali Lynn” Antonetz; Santino Tomasetti; Kelsie Watts; Kelly White; and Brendan Young. They are accompanied by the “Country on the Lake Band,” composed of band leader and pianist, Ricki Holmes; guitar player, Grant Moody; fiddle player, Dean Church; drummer, Brian Duvall; and bass player, Austin Wilson

From their opening number, Party on the Lake, to their closing number, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, the talent and passion of this cast is a joy to experience. My custom is to describe three of my favorite highlights from each show I write about in the hope that it will give a feel for what to expect.

Dean Church has been playing the fiddle for Branson audiences for decades. His rendition of the Charlie Daniels hit “Devil Went Down to Georgia,” with the integration of the videos screen on the side was one of the most entertaining and exciting performances of this song that I have every experienced. Two other highlights were Alyssa Antonetz’s performance of the Carrie Underwood hit “All American Girl,” and the all cast Finale including Aaron Tippin’s “Stars & Stripes & Eagles Fly” and the “Battle Hymm of the Republic.”

As we debarked, the cast was there to say, “Hi,” pose for pictures, and sign autographs. From beginning to end the entire experience was a delight. What a great way to start an afternoon in Branson!

For more information or tickets for the Showboat Branson Belle and its shows please contact the Branson Tourism Center. They can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com,

From mustangs to crafts – Silver Dollar City’s National Crafts & Cowboy Festival has it all!

Mustang expert Fred Woehl is just one of the unique and exciting things to experience at Silver Dollar City’s National Crafts & Cowboy Festival.

“Silver Dollar City’s National Crafts & Cowboy Festival is a sure sign of fall in Branson,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It’s a joint celebration of the legacy of the ‘Great American Cowboy’ and ‘1880’s style craftsmanship.’ There’s not another like it anywhere,” he added.

The Festival runs from September 13 to October 28 and is one of the largest gatherings of demonstrating craftsmen in the country. About 125 “visiting craftsmen, including Best of Missouri Hands juried artists,” will join Silver Dollar City’s 100 traditional craftsmen for the festival. It’s a unique chance to experience and see demonstrations of a variety of American crafts all in one place, including basketry, cooperage, knife making, stained glass, glass blowing, pottery & ceramics, quilt making, and many more.

Silver Dollar City’s Wild West Show, is returning, by popular demand, and will run through October 15. It’s hosted by trick roper and bullwhip artist A.J. Silver. Reminiscent of the Wild West shows of the 1880s, the show features “trick riders, 8-time World Champion Native American Hoop Dancer Nakotah LaRance, performing canines, and a new marksmanship demonstration by sharpshooting champion Kala Howard, who fires at targets while riding horseback.”

The Festival’s musical entertainment includes “Western Music Association 7-time Female Performer of the Year Belinda Gail, 3-time Group of the Year Miss Devon and the Outlaw, Entertainer of the Year and 2-time Female Performer of the Year Kristyn Harris, plus The Malpass Brothers, and The Home Rangers.” The popular Barn Dance, with Silver Dollar City’s own “Horsecreek Band,” will be held at the Carousel Barn each day.

See the “Extreme Mustang Makeover,” as mustang expert Fred Woehl tames and trains rescued wild mustangs. Kent Rollins, a ranch owner, whose chuck wagon cooking talents have been featured on the Food Network’s “Chopped” and “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” returns for daily demonstrations of trail-side cooking. “Watercolor artist and Gunsmoke star Buck Taylor shows off his and other artists’ work in Buck Taylor’s Cowboy Emporium, located in the Silver Dollar City Frisco Barn. A cowboy art-lover’s dream; it features craftsmen with cowboy-inspired crafts like saddle making, leather crafting, Native American jewelry making, antler art, moccasin crafting and turkey feather painting.

In addition to the excellent food offered throughout the park daily, there will also be special Festival food offerings. These include Harvest Skillets with vegetables and smoked ham, bacon-wrapped smoked Turkey Legs, slow-smoked Prime Rib, and Apple Dumplings with homemade Cinnamon Ice Cream.

Branson Tourism Center’s Garrison points out that all the activities of the National Harvest & Cowboy Festival are in addition to everything else the award winning 1880’s theme park offers daily. This includes over 30 rides and attractions, 12 stage venues, 60 shops and more.

In terms of value and being able to enjoy all that Silver Dollar City has to offer at your leisure, he points out that the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) has a two day Silver Dollar City Pass that offers a greatly discounted price over two one day admissions. For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, including the National Harvest & Cowboy Festival, or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions, or lodging, please contact BTC by either calling their toll-free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/.

Branson Entertainment District voted Missouri’s Best Attraction!

Just a small glimpse of the entertainment, fun, and adventure available in “Branson’s Entertainment District.”

“What an honor it is for Branson’s Entertainment District to be voted ‘Missouri’s Best Attraction’” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. Wood was referring to the recent USA Today’s 2017 10Best Missouri Attractions Readers’ Choice Travel Awards voting that honor to “Branson’s Entertainment District.” “It’s even more so when you consider all the other great attractions in Missouri.”

From all of Missouri’s attractions, a panel of four “experts,” working with the editors of USA’s “10Best,” nominated 20 Missouri attractions for 10Best’s readers to vote on. The experts were Laura Heck (Missouri Life), Diana Lambdin Meyer (www.mojotraveler.com) and Susan Manlin Katzman (Sweet Leisure) who “were chosen based on their knowledge and experience of travel in Missouri.”

From the 20 nominees, 10Best readers voted for “their favorite must-see attractions in the state.” They did. The results are in; the “Branson Entertainment District is Number 1!”

In announcing the award, Branson’s awesome live shows were featured. It said, “Branson is known as the ‘Live Music Show Capital of the World,’ so it’s no surprise that this entertainment district has something for everyone. Besides 50 live performance theaters, the area has a walkable downtown with loads of shopping options.”

The quality, quantity, and variety of Branson’s live shows is legendary. Branson offers over 100 live shows every day, during the season. And what a variety! From the Amazing Pets show to Branson’s first show on the “Branson Strip,” Presleys’ Country Jubilee, and dozens in-between, there truly is “something for everyone.”

Like the pure sound of the old country classics sung by some of the greats who made them famous, Raiding the Country Vault is the show for you. Want a little variety, including some great dance routines, trick roping, and one of the best entertainers in Branson? Clay Cooper and the cast of Clay Cooper’s Country Express have all that and then some. How about spending some time with some of music’s greatest legends at Branson’s Legends in Concert, or some of the greatest music from Broadway in Broadway’s Greatest Hits?

Music’s not your thing. How about the fun and excitement of a dinner show at Dixie Stampede or the wonder Sight and Sound’s biblical spectacular, Moses? You and your family will absolutely love what the furry lovable animals at the Amazing Pets Show do. Want a little magic in you entertainment? The Illusionist Rick Thomas show is filled with stunning magic, illusions, and spectacle.

In addition to Branson’s shows, the Branson Entertainment District has many outstanding attractions. Like Branson’s shows, they offer a wide variety of fun and excitement. The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, Titanic Museum Attraction, The Branson Ferris Wheel, and the Branson Auto & Farm Museum are just a few.

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood points out that the Branson Entertainment District encompasses more than what is referred to as the “Branson Strip.” She points out that some of Branson’s most popular shows and attractions are not on the strip. These would include shows such as the Million Dollar Quartet and Moses and attractions like Silver Dollar City.

Can SIX voices and zero instruments be a top Branson music show?

SIX, Owen, left, Kevin, Jak, Lynn, Curtis, and Barry.

If those SIX voices belong to the Knudsen Brothers, Barry, Curtis, Kevin, Lynn, Owen, and Jak, the answer is, “Absolutely!” I remember the first time I saw SIX in Branson; I couldn’t believe what I was hearing and not seeing. I kept looking for the band that was accompanying them, but there was none.

Even by Branson’s standards, SIX is something special! There’s great vocals with the sound of an amazing “band.” Yet, there is not an instrument or band member anywhere in sight. That’s because the band sounds are coming from the voices of the SIX brothers simultaneously with their singing. As was the case with me, first timers, will not believe what they are seeing and hearing. As many times as I have seen them before, it still amazes me!

What they do vocally is awesome. So is their ability to relate to their audience. There’s no dead space in this show. When they are not singing they are interacting with the audience. Their mix of humor and stories entertains and transitions the audience seamlessly from one song to another. That combination results in a one of a kind show that is as entertaining as it is unique.

The core of the show is the music. What a great job they do performing a variety of music from Garth Brooks to Coldplay. It’s hard to explain, but a phrase from CBS’s prime time hit, “Big Brother,” comes to mind. “Expect the unexpected.” One minute you’re listening to Owen doing a high energy “drum” routine, with not a drum in sight. The next he’s singing a beautiful solo of the folksong, Oh, Shenandoah. And that’s just one of the SIX.

From among many WOW moments here’s three of my favorites. Lynn’s performance of the Garth Brooks classic, The River was beautiful. Lee Greenwood’s God Bless The USA, sung and “played” by all SIX, was a powerful demonstration of their unique talents. It brought the audience to its feet. Their moving a cappella Finale, How Great Thou Art, touched my heart. The simple beauty of just their voices and the song’s message was a joy to experience.

The shows lighting was outstanding, helping to show highlights and establish “moods” throughout the show. The use of the theatre’s large video screens added so much to the enjoyment of the performance. Two occasions stand out. One was during their inspiring performance of God Bless The USA and the other during Lynn’s touching tribute to their Mother, as he sang, Love Times Ten, dedicated to her memory.

While talking with Kevin Knudsen after the show he said, “This year’s show is the best show we’ve done since we have been in Branson. It’s 30 years rolled up into two hours.” When asked what his favorite part of the show was he said, “God Bless The USA.” He likes its message about what it means to be an American, and the way it seems to touch and unite everybody in the audience.”

For additional information or tickets for SIX please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. They can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com .

Ozark Mountain Christmas aglitter with Branson shows!

Sight and Sounds “Miracle of Christmas,” “Christmas Wonderland,” and the “Hughes Brothers Christmas Show.”

“Ozark Mountain Christmas is a spectacular two-month, one-of-a-kind, celebration of the traditional American Christmas,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “It has millions of Christmas lights, drive through Christmas lighting displays, festive Christmas decorations, great shopping, and a world class theme park, but many tourist destinations have that. What they don’t have is Branson’s Live Christmas shows to go with it!” she added.

All year long, Branson’s shows light up the stage with a variety and quality of unique entertainment that is unrivaled. Wood points out that doesn’t change during Ozark Mountain Christmas. “What changes,” she said, “is that they sparkle with ‘the reason for the season,’ and are as personal and unique as the ornaments on a Christmas tree.”

Ozark Mountain Christmas starts the first week of November and runs through December 31. Silver Dollar City’s world class Old Time Christmas Festival starts on November 4 and runs through December 30. Most of Branson’s Christmas Shows start with their first November performance.

The Christmas shows are presented in one of two formats. One is shows that are totally Christmas. These include Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza, Sight and Sounds’ Miracle of Christmas, Christmas Wonderland, Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Dixie Stampede, The Texas Tenors, and others.

The second, involves a mixture of the “best” from their regular season shows and Christmas. Typically, about half of the show is devoted to the best of their regular season, and the other half, usually the last half, to their Christmas show. This would include many of Branson’s most popular shows such as Clay Cooper’s Country Express, the Haygoods, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, SIX, and others.

Many of Branson’s most popular shows will close out their 2017 season, including their Christmas shows by December 17. These include Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Andy Williams Christmas Show, Duttons, and George Dyer. Other popular shows such as Dixie Stampede, Clay Cooper’s Country Express, Dublin’s Tenors and the Celtic Ladies, New Jersey Nights, Grand Jubilee, Haygoods, Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Legends in Concert, Million Dollar Quartet, and SIX remain open. It’s a good idea to check the individual show schedule, particularly for those remaining open after December 17, because they operate on abbreviated schedules.

Ozark Mountain Christmas is not only one of the most special times of the year to visit Branson, but it’s also one of the busiest. It is suggested that you make reservations to insure availability and get the best seats. For more information on Branson’s Christmas Shows please contact the Branson Tourism Center, at 1-800-785-1550 or through their website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Touring national stars appearing in Branson during balance of 2017

Daniel O’Donnell, Tanya Tucker, Jay Leno, and The Oak Ridge Boys.

“Branson offers a great selection of live shows. How many tourist destinations can match the quality and variety of Branson’s shows?” said, Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “With well over 100 diverse resident shows, there’s quality live entertainment for just about everyone.”

Touring national stars add even more to Branson’s entertainment choices. Although a few perform for longer periods of time, most only perform “limited engagements” for short periods of time. These usually range from one to three days. Most occur between September and December with the increases in the number of people coming to Branson to see the Ozark’s fall foliage, share in “Branson’s Veteran’s Week,” and “Ozark Mountain Christmas.”

To make it easier to see whose performing when, here’s a list of the limited engagement performances for September through December 2017, sorted by the starting date:

September

Sep 1: Ben & Noel Haggard and The Strangers
Sep 16: Tanya Tucker
Sep 18: Larry’s Country Diner-T. Graham Brown
Sep 19: Larry’s Country Diner-Rhonda Vincent
Sep 20-21: Oak Ridge Boys
Sep 20: Larry’s Country Diner-Gene Watson
Sep 21: Larry’s Country Diner-Jimmy Fortune
Sep 22: Larry’s Country Diner-The Isaacs
Sep 23: Righteous Brothers
Sep 29: Charley Pride

October

Oct 4-5: Oak Ridge Boys
Oct 5: Dailey and Vincent
Oct 6-7: Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone & B.J. Thomas
Oct 8: America
Oct 11-12: Oak Ridge Boys
Oct 12-13: Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson
Oct 13: Neal McCoy
Oct 13: Roots and Boots Tour starring Pam Tillis, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Raye
Oct 14: John Michael Montgomery
Oct 14: Sawyer Brown
Oct 15: Sara Evans
Oct 17-18: Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune
Oct 18: Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Dennis Tufano, and La La Brooks
Oct 20: Bill Engvall
Oct 21: Neil Sedaka
Oct 25: Easton Corbin
Oct 26: Oak Ridge Boys
Oct 27: William Shatner: Shatner’s World
Oct 28: The Golden Boys
Oct 30-31: Daniel O’Donnell
Oct 31: Oak Ridge Boys

November

Nov 1-18: Daniel O’Donnell
Nov 1-30: Hallmark Presents Maxine’s Christmas Carol
Nov 1: Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers
Nov 1-2: Neal McCoy
Nov 1-2: Oak Ridge Boys
Nov 3: Charlie Daniels Band
Nov 3: Jay Leno
Nov 7-9: Oak Ridge Boys
Nov 8: Country Unplugged Tour with Joe Diffie, Lorrie Morgan and Mark Chesnutt
Nov 8-9: Neal McCoy
Nov 11: Scotty McCreery
Nov 11-12: Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune
Nov 12: Paul Anka
Nov 14-16: Oak Ridge Boys
Nov 15: Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers
Nov 15-16: Neal McCoy
Nov 17-18: Johnny Mathis with Gary Mule Deer

December

Dec 1-16: Hallmark Presents Maxine’s Christmas Carol
Dec 2: Home Free
Dec 9: Wynonna Judd
Dec 31: Bill Anderson & Friends

WOW, look at the “friends” appearing with Bill Anderson at the Welk Resort Theatre on New Years Eve!

For more information or tickets for any of these shows, please call one of Branson Tourism Center’s Branson based Vacation Specialists at 1-800-785-1550. They’ll also be delighted to answer questions about Branson, make reservations, and get you the best available show seats and lodging. There is no charge for this service and they’re available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9.30 PM.

Look at the amazing 2017 entertainment coming to Legends in Concert!

Legends in Concert’s Barbra Streisand, Elvis, and Blues Brothers™.

“Legendary entertainment and the Legends in Concert show fit together like a pair of gloves,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “What an amazing show! It combines the talents of the best Tribute Artists in the world into one of the most realistic, exciting, and colorful productions anywhere,” she continued.

“How exciting are the Legends coming to Branson for the fall and Christmas season?” asked Legends in Concert’s General Manager, Jeannie Horton. These include:

FALL: Sep. 7-Oct. 31

Sep. 7-Oct. 31: Frank Sinatra
Sep. 7-Oct. 31: Aretha Franklin
Sep. 7-Oct. 31: Johnny Cash
Sep. 7-Oct. 31: The Blues Brothers
Sep. 7-Oct. 31: Elvis

CHRISTMAS: Nov. 2-Dec. 31

Nov. 2-Dec. 31: Michael Jackson
Nov. 2-Dec. 30: Barbra Streisand
Nov. 2-Dec. 31: Alan Jackson
Nov. 2-Dec. 31: The Blues Brothers

The successful Legends in Concert format involves each of the Tribute Artists performing a mini-concert containing four or five of the top hits of the stars they are portraying. What distinguishes a Legends in Concert Tribute Artist from others is the quality of that portrayal. Each Tribute Artist not only looks and sounds like the star they’re portraying, but has the mannerisms, expressions, and moves of that star as well. It’s about as close to the original as one can get. Heightening the audience’s overall enjoyment of the show, is an extraordinary live band, fabulous dancers, and some talented backup vocalists.

Horton said the Christmas show resonates with the spirit of the season. During their individual sets, one of the hits each Tribute Artist performs is a Christmas song of the star they are portraying. Another, is the shows finale. “Our Finale is always spectacular, but the Christmas Finale is special,” she said. “All the Tribute Artists, dancers, vocalists, and the band come together for a Christmas Finale unlike most have ever seen.”

Want a Legendary New Year’s Eve celebration? How about celebrating it at the iconic Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre in Branson? At 8:30 PM revelers will receive party favors, hats, noise makers, beads, and a deluxe box lunch as they enter the auditorium. Champagne and other alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase and may be taken into the auditorium to enjoy. The party continues with a 9:30 PM performance of the amazing Legends in Concert show featuring “Michael Jackson,” “Alan Jackson,” “The Blues Brothers™,” “Elvis,” along with special guest star “Cher”. It ends with the traditional midnight countdown, done Legends in Concert style.

For more information or tickets for Legends in Concert, contact the Branson Tourism Center. Please either call 1-800-785-1550, or visit www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Best Branson Insider Highlights for September 2017

One of the over 115 craftsmen who will be demonstrating at Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival; Clay & Tina Cooper performing in “Clay Cooper’s Country Express;” and the “Oak Ridge Boys.”

“Branson’s beautiful fall foliage season starts in mid-September. The colorful show continues through the middle or end of October,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “That, coupled with cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and most of its Attractions and Shows being open, make September an ideal time to visit Branson.”

Here’s an insider’s highlight list, containing some of the best of what’s going on in Branson during September, our Featured Show, Limited Engagement, and Event of the Month.”

Featured Show of the Month: Clay Cooper’s Country Express combines the vocal talent and audience charisma of Clay Cooper, with the best dancers and choreography on any Branson stage. This amazing show also includes, the vocal talents of featured female vocalist Kari Garrison, the talent and comedy of Matt Gumm, the rope and gun handling performance of Johnny Lonestar, one of the most talented live bands in Branson, and so much more. It’s two hours of great music, dancing, fun, laughter, and variety that whisks adults and children alike, “down the tracks” on a delightful entertainment journey.

Featured Limited Engagement of the Month: Country music legends, the Oak Ridge Boys return to Branson, with their harmonies and an amazing career spanning several decades. It’s a career including five Grammy Awards, the Song of the Year, from both the “Country Music Association” and the “Academy of Country Music,” for their hit Elvira. Their hits include Touch a Hand, Make a Friend, Make My Life with You, American Made, (I’m Settin’) Fancy Free, It Takes a Little Rain (To Make Love Grow), Bobbie Sue, and many more.

Featured Event of the Month: Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival showcases the largest gathering of demonstrating craftsmen in the country. In addition it features a Buffalo Bill style Wild West Show; chuck wagon cooking by Kent Rollins; expert horse trainer Fred Woehl taming beautiful wild mustangs; Silver Dollar City’s Barn Dance; and much more.

Limited Engagements (Sorted by starting date)

Special Event Highlights (Sorted by starting date.)

Sep 1 – Sep 4: Branson Landing’s Annual School Shoes For Kids
Sep 1 – Sep 4: Silver Dollar City Southern Gospel Picnic Festival
Sep 1 – Sep 3: Showboat Branson Belle Labor Day Weekend Cruises
Sep 1: Resurrection: A Journey Tribute – Live in Concert
Sep 1 – Sep 2: American Independent Tae Kwon Do Tournaments
Sep 1 – Sep 2: Treasure Lake RV Resort Wood Carvers Club Show and Sale
Sep 1 – Sep 2: Labor Day Weekend Open House – Branson Mill
Sep 1 – Sep 4: Labor Day Weekend Sale at Tanger Outlets
Sep 1 – Sep 4: Branson Landing Labor Day Weekend Sales
Sep 2: Stars & Stripes K-Life Run
Sep 2 – Sep 3: Generations Tour Hosted by Reflections Art Gallery
Sep 3: Chateau on the Lake Celebrates Labor Day
Sep 4: Doggie Dive-In-Branson RecPlex
Sep 8: Clubs for a Cause Benefiting HOPE Foundation
Sep 8 – Sep 9: Orphan Car Show
Sep 8 – Sep 10: Table Rock Lifted Truck Nationals
Sep 8 – Sep 10: Silver Dollar City Country Music Weekend
Sep 9 – Sep 10: SHOW ME Shakeup 4 Car, Truck, & Bike Show
Sep 10: 9/11 Observance Ceremony
Sep 11: 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
Sep 11: 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Sep 11: 9/11 Branson Remembers at the Branson Landing
Sep 13 – Sep 17: CAF AirPower History Tour
Sep 13 – Oct 28: National Craft & Cowboy Festival at Silver Dollar City
Sep 14 – Sep 16: Autumn Daze Arts, Crafts, & Music Festival
Sep 15: Makenna & Brock – Live in Concert
Sep 16: Fall Community Garage Sale
Sep 23: Blues, Brews, & Barbeque Festival
Sep 28 – Oct 1: Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Team – Kids Camp Reunion
Sep 30: Memorial Stair Climb

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 visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com, or calling 1-800-785-1550.

Why not plan an amazing Branson get-a-way just to relax?

The scenic relaxing setting of the Welk Resort.

At first, it might seem like an oxymoron to even suggest that one relax amid all the entertainment, excitement, and fun that Branson offers, but it’s not! What’s wrong with planning a get-a-way to Branson just to relax? Absolutely nothing!

A relaxing get-a-way to Branson doesn’t mean that you must miss out on any of what Branson offers. It just means that, from the selection of lodging, to your activities and entertainment you plan for “relaxation.” That would mean different thing for families with children and couples coming alone. Here’s just one idea for a relaxing “couples get-a-way” to Branson.

It all starts with a hotel or lodging accommodation that will provide the opportunity for relaxation in terms of location, accommodations, and amenities. The Welk Resort, is one such resort.

Its location provides a rustic flavored experience, surrounded by luxury and convenience, where you can experience the outdoors and beauty of the Ozarks away from all the traffic and bustle of the Branson Strip. It’s totally relaxing, yet ideally and uniquely located to provide access to everything Branson offers.

The hotel just underwent a total multimillion dollar renovation of its lobby, common areas, corridors, and all 159 guest rooms and baths in 2013 making it one of the “newest” hotels in Branson. The relaxing colors and textures of each of the renovated rooms reflects the casual, warm and friendly culture of the Ozarks. Each room contains features such as granite vanities, a work space with an ergonomic desk chair, wall-mounted AC controls, desk lamps with easy reach dual outlets, mini-fridge, Welk Signature Ecology bath amenities, 32” LCD widescreen TVs, free wireless internet, Seattle’s Best single cup coffee system and Starbucks’ Tazo Teas, and everything else needed for a completely enjoyable and relaxing experience.

The opportunities for relaxation, on property, include a fitness room, a game room, gift shop, a 10,000-square foot “Splash-A-Torium,” mini-golf course, and an outdoor patio overlooking the resort’s award-winning, landscaped gardens. Off property, the Pointe Royale Golf Club, miles of hiking and biking trails, some of the finest trout fishing anywhere, scenic overlooks, and Table Rock Lake are all less than ten minutes away.

Whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, the resort’s “Stage Door Restaurant” serves affordable American favorites in a casual, relaxing atmosphere. Service is available from the menu or their incredible buffet! Easy access to many of Branson’s most popular restaurants are less than ten minutes away.

One of Branson’s hottest new shows, the “Million Dollar Quartet” is just steps away.

It doesn’t get much more relaxing than being able to walk a few steps into the 2,000 seat Welk Resort Theatre for some of the finest live entertainment available in Branson. This state of the art theatre is the home of one of Branson’s most popular shows, the smash hit Million Dollar Quartet. It’s an award-winning musical, based on a one-time impromptu jam session of four young recording artists who were soon to become legends; Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. It also hosts other national touring stars such as Daniel O’Donnell, Charlie Pride, Jay Leno, and others. The famed Branson Strip, and many of Branson’s most popular shows, is less than ten minutes away.

For more information on a relaxing stay at the Welk Resort or the fabulous Million Dollar Quartet, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of over 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.