The Grand Palace in Branson, MO is proud to announce that legendary superstar Tanya Tucker will perform two spectacular shows on Saturday, September 23rd 8PM and Sunday, October 8th at 8PM.
She’s been called one of the finest song stylists in any genre, a singer who owns the patent on any song she sings. Tanya Tucker’s inimitable vocal styling and soulful performances have resulted in a string of hit albums and singles, garnered hundreds of honors and awards and made her a country music legend. In 1972 renowned music critic Nat Hentoff wrote in Cosmopolitan magazine: “Tanya’s voice is vibrato-full and tangy, with the kind of restless intensity that stays in your mind long after the song is done. This teenager has become one of the most dramatic presences in all of music, not just country.”
Tanya was thirteen when a Las Vegas songwriter introduced her to legendary record producer Billy Sherill. He soon signed her to Columbia Records and recorded the first big hit song: “Delta Dawn.” Tanya followed that with “Love’s the Answer” and “Jamestown Ferry,” then came out of the chute with another mega hit: “What’s Your Mama’s Name?” She was fifteen years old with a Country Music Association and Grammy nomination, a Greatest Hits package in the works, and her face on the cover of the Rolling Stone.
That public image and those hits caused MCA Records to offer Tanya what we then the most lucrative recording contract ever awarded in country music, 1.5 million dollars. The hits kept on coming: “Lizzie and the Rainman,” “San Antonio Stroll,” “Don’t Believe My Heart Can Stand Another You,” “Texas When I Die,” and “Pecos Promenade,” to name but a few during her MCA years.
In 1986 she signed with Capitol Records, and recorded over a decade of hits including “Strong Enough to Bend,” “Down To My Last Teardrop,” “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” “It’s a Little Too Late,” and “Tell Me About It” with Delbert McClinton.
In 1991 she was named the Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year” and the following year she was Country Music Television’s Video Artist of the Year. In 1996 she was one of the Top Ten overall most played artists of the year, and Capitol Records biggest selling signed female country artist.
On March 26, 1997, Hyperion released Tanya’s New York Times Best Selling autobiography, Nickel Dreams. The Miami Herald called it compelling. Newsweek dubbed it, “…feisty and good-humored.”
After several years devoted to heavy touring, Tanya released a self-titled album in 2002 on Tuckertime Records. Audiences welcomed signature Tanya performances on songs like “A Memory Like I’m Gonna Be” and “Old Weakness (Coming On Strong).” Billboard said “Tanya Tucker’s throaty vocal has been sorely missed on contemporary country airwaves too often populated with female vocalist either blatantly going for crossover or trying out for cheerleader. Her first album in five years is a fine return to form with A-list writers and personality for days.” In that year she was named to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
In 2005 Tanya released a new book, 100 Ways to Beat the Blues on Fireside, a division of Simon & Schuster. The book includes tips on pulling yourself out of the dumps from Tanya’s friends including Willie Nelson, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Brenda Lee, Roseanne, Burt Reynolds and Wynonna.
It was a short jump from Tuckertime to Tuckerville. That feisty, good-natured star Newsweek wrote about is now welcoming fans into her home, via one of 2006’s hit reality shows: Welcome to Tuckerville. On The Learning Channel, Welcome to Tuckerville is an in-depth; behind the scenes visit the star. Fans follow along with Tanya on tour, working her horses, playing with her large family of dogs (including a white Lab given to her by Kevin Costner) and, of course, her irrepressible and talented children, daughters Presley and Layla and son Grayson.
There is no mistaking that voice or the charismatic personality behind it. Tanya Tucker is one of the music world’s most distinctive stylists. And with a track record of more than 40 top-10 hits, she has long since proven herself as a brilliant judge of songs.
Don’t miss country-music superstar Tanya Tucker at Branson’s Grand Palace! For tickets and additional information call 1-800-884-4536 or visit our website at www.thegrandpalace.com.
The Ole Seagull had a dream in which he was asked to leave the Taney County courtroom where the infamous “Olson Chainsaw Gang” was in the process of being prosecuted by the city of Branson for allegedly sawing a tree down in front of their business over two years ago. A huge 12 foot specter of Paul Link, the city attorney for Branson, loomed over the Ole Seagull in the courtroom. With a big grin on its face the specter said, “Question the authority of the Dodymeister and the letters I write will you, you’re out of here because we are going to reserve the right to call you as a witness.”
As the dream continued, the Ole Seagull asked, “How can you do that, I wasn’t subpoenaed, I’m not on any witness lists, and I’m missing my nap so that I can observe and report, first hand what is going on.” Link just smiled, snapped his fingers and what looked like three foot munchkin replications of Branson’s board of aldermen, lead by a shinny red faced munchkin wearing a mayor pro tem button, came running out from under the city of Branson’s prosecution table. They ran up to me and without any further ado pulled me from the court room all the time saying, “Speak out against the Dodymeister and question the letter writing of our city attorney, bad Seagull, bad Seagull, no courtroom for you today.”
As the munchkins threw the Ole Seagull out the door the mayor pro tem munchkin said, “You don’t get it do you Seagull, just like Monday night, we, and the Dodymeister, can do whatever we want, anyway we want, to whomever we want, and whenever we want.” As the Ole Seagull lay withering on the floor he said, “Forgive me, I’ll kiss the ring, please just this once do the fair and right thing and let me back in.” There was simultaneous laughter as they slammed the court room door.
In dream time, about an hour and a half later, the courtroom doors burst open and someone came out and said, “It’s over; they have been acquitted because the city couldn’t even establish corpus delecti.” Even in a dream, to an Ole Seagull, that’s the Armani, Gucci, and Prada way of saying that the city could not even prove that a crime had been committed. All in the hallway were abuzz that the defendants had been acquitted without even having to present their case and were asking the rhetorical question, “How embarrassing to the city is that?”
All of a sudden, as the doors to the courtroom slowly opened and a 12 foot Lady Justice walked through the doors, a hush fell over the crowd. Tears were streaming from under her blindfold as she dragged a three foot munchkin replica of the Dodymesiter through the doors as it repeatedly yelled, “I’m Teflon, nothing sticks to me, and I was hidden. How did you know I was in there?”
Without a word and with a gentle heave she tossed the Dodymeister into the air, as one would do when they were about to hit a ball with a bat. She drew her sword back and, with a mighty full swing, hit the Dodymeister right out of the courthouse with so much force that the general consensus of opinion is that his next public appearance will be as a fireball coming out of one of the tubes in a performance of the fire and light show at Branson Landing.
Next she turned to the 12 foot specter of Paul Link. Everyone present could feel her eyes just staring into his from behind her blindfold and could sense the question she was silently asking of Link, “What does the way the city of Branson has handled this case over the last two years have to do with ‘the fair and equal administration of the law, without corruption, avarice, prejudice, or favor’ that I symbolize?”
As Link blurted out the words, “Very little but the Dodymeister wanted it this way,” he shrunk in size down to about six feet, towering above the three foot munchkin replications of Branson’s board of aldermen who came through the door next looking lost and confused. For the first time Lady Justice spoke as she patted each little munchkin on its head and, pointing to Link said, “Don’t fret little ones, just follow him back to Branson, and play your little games by your own rules in your own little sandbox. Just remember that when you come into my house justice rules!”
With that she looked over at Don Stephens, the director of planning and development for the City of Branson, the city forester, and the detective, all who had testified for the city of Branson, shook her head sadly, turned, and started back into the court room. As she passed the Ole Seagull and entered the courtroom she lifted her blindfold, looked him in the eye, winked, and said, “The city couldn’t pull a rabbit out of the hat after all.”
Gary Groman, a.k.a. “The Ole Seagull,” is an independent columnist and the editor of the Branson Courier. He may be reached by clicking here or by calling 417-339-4000.
There are few American classics these days, but Don Williams is certainly one of them. With a warm hickory baritone that balances strength with a gentle concern, he draws his listener into the intimate world of an old friend, someone who cares deeply about you and the quality of your life…and who will always offer a hand when you need it.
In 2006 Legendary American Country Star Don Williams will perform his last shows in The United States and the UK and to say a big Thank You to all his loyal fans. This will be his final International Tour. The Grand Palace in Branson, MO is proud to announce that The Legendary Country-music star Don Williams will perform one of the concerts off The Farewell Tour on Thursday, August 17th at 8pm.
Don has decided to bring the curtain down on his massively successful international touring career which has spanned more than 30 years to spend more time at home on his ranch in Tennessee.
Don will be performing many of the songs in his show that have made him famous and that all his fans know and love. Hits such as “I Believe In You,” “My Best Friend,” “Good Ole Boys Like Me,” “Tulsa Time” and many more.
To celebrate Don’s Farewell Tour, Universal Records will be releasing a TV advertised special Greatest Hits Album.
For tickets and additional information, call 1-800-884-4536 or visit our website at www.thegrandpalace.com.
THE “POSSUM” GEORGE JONES at Branson’s Grand Palace Aug. 24
Due to popular demand George Jones will perform a second show for 2006 on August 24th 8PM. The additional date for George Jones was added to the 2006 “Biggest Stars” Concert Series in direct response to the increased demand and overwhelming requests from Branson visitors. Jones’ first date for the 2006 season at The Grand Palace is Saturday, June 17th at 8 PM with special guest Mountain Heart.
Through the decades, Jones has received a string of industry awards ranging from “Single of the Year” to “Video of the Year” to induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. During his concerts, Jones performs a multitude of his classic hits including “White Lightning,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “High-Tech Redneck,” and many more. He has performed several sell-out performances at the 4,000 seat Grand Palace for the past few years and continues to be one of the most requested artists at the venue.
Call 1-800-884-4536 for tickets and additional information.
I saw a letter to the editor from someone in Kansas City that signed the letter “Concerned”. The people of Branson want to keep their God and Family life style with no casino within miles and miles. That’s selfish and not very neighborly. The people in Branson have it pretty good, its time they start promoting Rockaway beach, unless of course God does not want that town to prosper too.
Oh, and last I checked, gambling is all over the place anyway, (even in Branson) including Powerball, which is sponsored by the state. Branson should be more supportive of Rockaway Beach and help to stop the growth of poverty. For the most part the very same tourists that are attracted to Branson’s entertainment have been to Vegas and/or Atlantic City. They are good people and their money is just as good. I would venture to guess that some of the strongest opposers of the casino have been to Vegas or Atlantic City and probably enjoyed it.
You people need to be intellectually honest with yourselves. I say support the casino boat in Rockaway beach and keep poverty, drugs and crime far away from Branson. You should not judge those that occasion a casino, a drink, a cupcake, or a lottery ticket by those that abuse it. Look deep inside yourself and ask why you feel that you know what is best for others.
Signed: More concerned about you, Warwick, RI.
Editors Note: Click here to read Concerned’s letter.
Recent news articles reported on the next step in the new “Hip Branson,” a proposed a 25-story, 300-foot-tall resort complex to be built on Highway 248 near Highway 65 on the site of the former Branson Inn. According to one article, Rick Huffman, CEO of HCW Development Company, the developer of the project, said, “You’ll see it for miles” and “It’s going to be gorgeous.” In talking about the retail stores to be located on the bottom floor of the complex Huffman is reported to have said, “The kind of stores you might expect to see would be Prada or Armani.”
There’s, probably, no disputing that one will be able to “see it for miles” but whether or not it is “gorgeous” is relative. It will probably be a lot more gorgeous to the developers and investors who are building it and planning to make millions off it and the Prada, Armani, and Gucci type of crowd it is intended to cater to than it is to a J. C. Penny, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Bass Pro kind of guy like the Ole Seagull.
Does the current average visitor to Branson expect to see Prada or Armani? Does Armani or Prada even enter their minds in making their decision to come to Branson? After arriving in Branson is the average current visitor, like the vast majority of people that live in “Branson,” more likely to shop at Wal-Mart or Prada or Armani? Do the finances of the typical visitor to Branson, as well as the vast majority that live here, indicate that they are more likely to buy a six hundred dollar Prada shoulder handbag or something just as functional for a lot less than half of that? And therein lays Branson’s marketing conundrum and, more importantly, the difference between the new “Hip Branson” and “Branson.”
To an Ole Seagull, the “Hip Branson” is trying to use the income and visitors generated by Branson to remake Branson into something that it is not in an effort to attract the “Armani, Gucci, and Prada” type visitor. These visitors evidently want something that Branson’s existing product of constantly evolving shows, attractions, retail establishments, restaurants, and entertainment, all based on family values, doesn’t provide. The very same Branson and product that brings the seven million visitors to Branson that the Hip Branson is relying on intercepting for its initial survival and to fund its hoped for growth.
Now call an Ole Seagull foolish, but, if the branding study that the City of Branson of Branson paid for, and has been the basis for Branson’s marketing program for the past two years, was accurate, the problem is not Branson’s current product but making more people aware of that product. In fact, the study showed what people who have been coming to Branson for years, and those who invested their lives and own funds in developing Branson, already knew, that once people came and experienced Branson they loved it and would come back.
What is needed isn’t a new “Hip Branson” or a radically different product, just more effective marketing of Branson to potential users of Branson’s existing product. It is a marketing problem not a product problem! Specifically it is a marketing budget problem of having enough funds to market Branson’s product into existing and expanded markets with enough critical mass to really penetrate the market, reach those to whom Branson’s product would appeal, and overcome any misconceptions they might have about what Branson has to offer.
The “Solomonic” problem facing those charged with the marketing of Branson is the primary direction of Branson’s marketing emphasis. Will it be directed toward trying to reach those millions of potential visitors who are a fit for Branson’s constantly evolving current product or towards trying to develop and create a new market for the new Hip Branson? Will its emphasis be based on one of Branson’s strongest brand identifiers, “values,” or on Armani, Gucci, and Parada?
Let’s just "hope and Pray" that Rockaway Beach, DOES NOT bring in a casino. It is too close to Branson, where they want to keep it God, family, etc. oriented.
I live in Kansas City, Missouri and we have 5 casinos. You don’t hear of it, but there are a "lot" of people who "throw away" their whole check gambling, while the family does without. Also, there have been robberies and killings, after people leave the casinos. Concerned, Gladstone, MO
Introduction: This journal contains the results and observations of the Ole Seagull’s day to day fishing experiences on Lake Taneycomo. He lives on the banks of the Lake just above Short Creek.
Sep . 2My neighbor and good friend, Howard Couch, had quite a day yesterday. He was fishing the bank down from Point B on the Ole Seagull’s run using the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug, from Gary’s Big Four. He was using an indicator set at about four to four and a half feet, Orvis Mirage 6x tippet, and casting as close to the bank as he could. In about 3 hours he caught over 25 fish, a lot of Browns four of which were 17 inches or more. Way to go Howard!
I fished with Fished with Duane McCammon earlier in the week between points B andjust D on the Ole Seagulls Run under water off conditions. Between us in bout two and a half hours we caught 30 fish with a couple of Rainbows in the 17 inch range. We were using fly rods, the size 18 Ugly Midge, Orvis Mirage 6x tippet and had the best results with the indicators set at about three feet throughout our drift. Kept the boat off the channel side about a cast and a half and had the best results on the deep side.
Aug . 19Fished with Duane McCammon and Bob Walden from about 0630 to 00900 between B and down stream from E on the Ole Seagulls Run under water off conditions. Although we thought the fishing was touch we easily caught about 40 Rainbows and one nice Brown and missed as many more so it couldn’t have been too bad. Ok, so Bob Walden did catch the most fish and the biggest fish, a beautiful Brown that was in the 17-19 inch category. We were all using fly rods, the size 18 Ugly Midge, Orvis Mirage 6x tippet and had the indicators set at about four feet throughout. Kept the boat off the channel side about a cast and a half and had the best results on the deep side.
Aug . 12While at Wal-Mart I spotted a new lure and system that looked pretty good. It’s called the Trout Magnet, a unique shaped grub about and inch long that is made out of an unscented rubbery material. It goes on a 1/64 th ounce Jig Head with a size 8 hook. I have used it for two mornings now, basically the pink color and have had real good luck with it. I’m going to play with it a bit more this week but for further information go to http://troutmagnet.com/
Aug . 5Fished with Duane McCammon, Mac, from about 0630 to 0845 between B and just above D on the Ole Seagulls Run under water off conditions. We easily caught between 15 and 20 fish apiece with Mac catching a beauty in the 16-18 inch range. I used the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug, from Gary’s Big Four with the depth set at about four and a half to five feet and Mac used a a size 18 Rusty Zebra Midge set at about two feet. Kept the boat off the channel side about a cast and a half and fished both sides but had the best results on the channel side. It was a neat morning with us easily missing as many hits as we caught. The good news is that it appears they are leaving the water off until at least 10000. Of course that could be changing even as I am writing this. To keep current on the current water situation use the information in the Water Levels Info section of the main fishing report.
Jul . 23The heat of the last week has been stifling, one morning at 0330 it was 78. They have been running water pretty much all day and into the night. The best advice for wading near the dam without the water on is the earlier the better. It seems the older I get the harder it gets to adjust. My fishing has been below average this week but that’s probably just me. I had a lot of luck drifting down the shallow water side with a size 18 Primrose and Pearl Midge set at between 2 feet and 18 inches.
All the guide services shown in our fishing report are excellent guides and all except River Run Outfitters, who are strictly fly fishing catch and release with western style drift boats that are hand rowed, have power boats and fish using multiple methods and baits. Above all, a trip scheduled with them will get you on the water fishing effectively regardless of whether or not they are running water.
Jul . 13 Well all good things come to an end and for those who like water off fishing that happened yesterday. They took it up to 710 and the lowest it got was just under 704 at about 0600 on the 13th. On thing for sure, the water will be going up sometimes between 0600 and 0900 and staying there if the last week is any indication. If wading is your primary interest call 417-336-5083 for up to the moment information on generation and lake levels prior to coming down. River Run Outfitters specializes in drift boat trips designed for fly fishers.I have fished with Brett Rader of Chartered Waters Guide Service and he has many good techniques that work well when the water is running using spinning tackle as well as fly fishing. Bill Babler out of Lilly’s Landing is another guide who provides fly fishing as well as spin fishing. Any of these will provide an enjoyable and dependable fishing experience on Lake Taneycomo regardless of the water being generated.
Jul . 7 Have fished a number of times since the last entry with the latest being Jul. 7. Although the fishing is tougher than it has been it has been steady and seems to fluctuate from one day to the next. On one day, my neighbor Howard Couch and I fished together for about two and a half hours using the the 100th ounce the River Run Peach Furbug from Gary’s Big Four with the indicator set at four and a half to five and a half feet fishing into the channel. Both of use were using Orvis Mirage 6x tippet. Howard caught over 30 fish and I caught four. The next day, fishing exactly the same way I averaged ten fish per hour. Go figure. Some of the guides are using Egg Jigs with midge droppers and having success.
Jun . 24 Fished with Partridge Soft Hackle over the gravel bars early in the day under water off conditions and had good luck when nothing else was working. I have not done much soft hackle fishing and it was fun. I will be doing it more often. Have fished about four days the last week and have had good luck using everything in Gary’s Big Four with the indicator set at four feet fishing into the channel between points B and E. on The Ole Seagulls Run.
Jun . 17 Have done a lot of fishing since the last entry but just haven’t taken the time to make entries. Have spent a lot of time fishing with different people, D.J., Shannon Roberts and his daughter Stephanie, Duane McCammon, Mac, Bob Walden, and Howard Couch and have tons of fun even when the fishing has been tough and there have been a couple of day when that has been the case.
For me it has been spotty but when its been good its been good its been real good. Have caught a number of bigger fish in the 16 to 19 inch range with one of them a beautiful 18 ¼ inch brown. Not an hour later my neighbor Howard catches a Brown over 18 ½ inches. Both were caught on the on the 100th ounce the River Run Peach Furbug from Gary’s Big Four with the indicator set at four feet fishing into the channel at around Point C on The Ole Seagulls Run. The Peach Furbug has been hard to beat early in the day and the midge of choice appear to be the size 18 Primrose and Peal. The Ugly Midge has kind of let me down lately.
Jun . 4 Fished with Duane McCammon, Mac, on the Jun 3 under water off conditions from point B to just above E on the Ole Seagulls Run. Kept the boat about a cast off the channel (east) and just let the current move us along. From about 0715 to 0945 we caught between 40-50 trout between us with the biggest in the 15-17 inch category and most in the 12-15 inch range. I caught the first 11 that I caught on with the 100th ounce the River Run Peach Furbug from Gary’s Big Four with the indicator set at four feet. Then I switched over the size 18 Ugly Zebra Midge from Gary’s Small Five with the indicator set at three feet for the rest of the day. As I retied it might have gotten down to two and a half feet towards the end. I used 6x Orvis Mirage Tippet.
May . 21 Talked with Howard Couch yesterday and he had great luck with the 100th ounce the River Run Peach Furbug from from Gary’s Big Four during his most recent trip on May 20. He caught over 25 Rainbows with over a dozen of them in the 13-16 inch category and a nice 19 inch plus Brown Trout. Howard was using a fly rod with the indicator set at about three feet and fishing into shore from A-E and down to the Fall Creek dock fishing into the bank.
Prior to leaving Branson on the May 15 I had fished quite a lot, most of it with Howard. One day we both fished together, with one generator going, for an hour and a half and did not boat a fish. Couldn’t figure it out, nothing worked. Don’t know if it was because they had just turned the water on after the long period of no water or what but it was unusual, I honestly can’t recall the last time I went fishing and did not catch a fish within an hour and a half of fishing and for it to happen to both of us.
The next day, under water off conditions, caught about 18 trout and hour. And the fishing has been pretty good since. Guess that’s what makes it fishing and isn’t it a beautiful thing.
Apr. 31 The recent rain has raised Table Rock about two feet so maybe they’ll run a little more water into Taneycomo. I fished twice this week the first time on the 27th with Duane McCammon, Mac, and the second, on the 28th, with my neighbor Howard Couch, who has just returned from wintering in Texas. Mac and I caught about 25 Rainbows and one nice Brown in about three hours of fishing. Mac caught the Brown, about 15-17 inches on the scud. Our best luck was with the size 16 Gray Scud fished from the shallow side into about four feet of water and the size 18 Olive Zebra Midge fished from the same location with the indicator set at two feet.
When Howard and I went out on the 28th we both used the 100th ounce the River Run Peach Furbug from from Gary’s Big Four. In less than an hour, we came in because of lightening in the area, we caught about 30 Rainbows with four to six of them in the 15-17 inch range. I used 6x Orvis Mirage Tippet with the indicator set at about four feet as we drifted down the channel side about a good cast off the bank. We fished both sides of the boat. The fishing was so good I actually thought about ignoring the lightening if just for a moment.
Apr. 23 They ran about two generators for a couple of hours on the 18th which helped clear out the upper end and helped cool the water a tad. It was better than nothing but the lake needs a good “flush.” If we don’t get minimal water generation as the days get hotter the problems will exasperate. I fished The Ole Seagulls Run, between points C and E, under water off conditions, between about 1130-1245 on Apr. 20. I caught about 14 fish with most caught on the River Run Peach Furbug from Gary’s Big Four and a few, as I ended the day, by switching from one midge to another, the size 18 Ugly and Rusty Zebra Midges from Gary’s Small Five and a size 18 Olive Zebra Midge all caught fish but I could not come up with a “pattern.” I used 6x Orvis Tippet set the depth at about 2 ½ feet for the midges and at about 4 feet for the Peach Furbug. The majority of the fish were in the 11-14 inch range with one over 15 inches. Bob Walden reported that he did real well on Apr. 21 fishing from the bank at point B using a size 18 Olive Soft Hackle.
Apr. 15 The failure to run water is causing problems with algae moss, etc. on top of the water, making it a challenge to be able to cast and get a fly or jig more than once algae free. Not a big problem in the wading area near the dam but down stream it is. Most of my fishing since Mar. 26 has been sporadic and has involved the use of the size 18 Ugly or Rusty Zebra Midges from Gary’s Small Five fished as described in the Ole Seagull’s article “KIS Midge fishing on Branson’s Lake Taneycomo.
Mar. 26 As a general rule, “At 40 and below the Seagull don’t go.” Early morning temperatures have been cold this past week, i.e. 28 this morning at 0645, with it kind of windy and between 40-50 or so in the afternoon so I have elected to wait for things to warm up which looks like should be happening tomorrow. When next I go I will start with the the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug, from Gary’s Big Four. Looks like Bret of Chartered Waters had a a super “couple of hours” on the 20th.
Mar. 17 With a temperature of about 41 degrees F, slight, a little wind, and overcast I fished between points B and E on The Ole Seagulls Run under water off conditions between about 0715-0945. Started out with the the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug, from Gary’s Big Four with the 6x Orvis Mirage Tippet set at about four feet at point B. In the first hour I actually boated 25 Rainbow Trout as I worked downstream toward point E. The last 15 Rainbows were caught on the size 18 Ugly Midge from Gary’s Small Five and fished as discussed in the Ole Seagull’s article “KIS Midge fishing on Branson’s Lake Taneycomo” with the depth set at about two feet. No big fish may be one 15 inches or so but most between 12-14 inches.
Mar.11 During the week I fished on three or four occasions. Have not caught a Brown but have averaged about 20 Rainbows per 1 ½ hour to 2 hour trip with one going between 18-19 inches and most in the 12-15 inch range. All of my trips this week have been between points B and E on The Ole Seagulls Run under water off conditions. I have favored to east bank and the channel. The best luck has either been on the size 18 Ugly or Rusty Zebra Midge from Gary’s Small Five. My standard tippet material is Orvis 6x Mirage set between four and two feet depending on the depth. Generally, when I start out at point B the depth if four feet and by the time I get down to the shallower water near E it is closer to two feet.
Mar 5 During the week I have fished on numerous occasions but basically with the same methodology, flies, and results, lots of smaller fish. Out of the over 80 Rainbows caught this week up until this afternoon, if one was over 14 inches I’d be surprised. Great fishing, lots of action and fun, just small fish. This afternoon I went out about 1530, messed around with the 100th Ounce Green Bassnapper for a few minutes, changed to a Size 18 Rusty Midge and never turned back.
End result, by the time I came in at about 1800, caught and released over 40 Rainbows, not one Brown, picked and rolled an other four or five, and easily missed twice that many hits. Two were in excess of 17 inches and five to eight of the remainder were in the 14-17 inch category. Go figure, fished exactly the same way I have all week. What a great day.
Had the opportunity to fish with Ross Summers this week on his first fly fishing trip. It was a tough windy day and in spite of the fact it was his first experience with a fly rod he limited out. Between us we caught about 10 fish and easily missed that many more.
All of my trips this week have been between points B and E on The Ole Seagulls Run under water off conditions. I have favored to east bank and the channel. The best luck has either been on the size 18 Ugly or Rusty Zebra Midge. I try which ever one is tied on first and if it doesn’t work tie on the other. Today, it was the Rusty Midge and I was fishing it at from about 3 ½ feet to about 2 ½ feet by the time I got down to point E. My standard tippet material is Orvis 6x Mirage. I’m beginning to think that shallower is better with the midges. Seems like they are more likely to come up for them in the water column.
My neighbor, two doors down, Tom Langley, was doing pretty good jigging 1/32 and 1/16 jigs.They were a combination brown and green.
Mar 1 I fished between points C and E on The Ole Seagulls Run and around the bend to the high lines just above Fall Creek, under water off and windy conditions between 1545-1710. The results were a carbon copy of Feb. 28 except it was more like 20-25 Rainbows and, once I got the size 18 Ugly Midge on, seemingly, if it is possible, more strikes. Easily caught 15-20 Rainbows with twice that many strikes, and at least five to ten pick and rolls.
The terminal end of the line was 4 feet of Orvis Mirage 6x, the indicator was set at 4 feet, and, except for fishing the channel side from Point B to about half way to C, the boat was positioned in about 4 feet of water as I drifted down. I started with the new size 18 Primrose Pearl Midge in the deeper water up in Lookout Hole at Point B and as I drifted down I put on the Rusty Midge. Caught a few on each but not enough where I kept either one on too long. As I got to Point B I tied on a size 18 Ugly Midge and never even thought about taking it off. Non stop action until I just decided to call it a day all thw ay through Point E and around the bend to just above Fall Creek.
Feb 28 I fished between points D and E on The Ole Seagulls Run under water off conditions and minimal wind between 1100-1230. Easily caught 15-20 Rainbows, no Browns, most were in the 10 to 13 inch area with, at most, two or three in the 15 inch range but what fun. It seemed that something was striking all the time and that’s what I enjoy. As usual the terminal end of the line was 4 feet of Orvis Mirage 6x, the indicator was set at 4 feet, and the boat was positioned in about 4 feet of water as I drifted down. I caught the first 10 on the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug and finished the day with the size 18 Ugly Midge casting from about towards the channel side all the way down.
Feb 22 Was on vacation for a couple of weeks and had cold weather the first part of this week so I have not been fishing much but all that changed today. I Caught about 15-20 fish with the biggest in the 16 inch range and missed about one half that many more. I fished between points D and E on the Ole Seagulls Run under water off conditions and minimal wind between 1600-1720 using a size 18 Ugly Midge fished at a depth of about 4 feet all the way down.What a fun afternoon.
Feb 1-2 Fished from about 1545 to 1715 on both days and fished midges between points D. and E. on the Seagulls Run. No water running at the time although the horn did blow on the 2nd while I was out. On each trip I averaged about 20 Rainbows per trip, most within the 12-15 inch range with maybe about four at or slightly above 15 inches but no big ones, 17 inches plus and easily missed that many more. All in all lots of fun. On the 1st I stared with the size 16 Tungsten Bead Head Red Midge also from Gary’s Big Four. When it broke off I switched to the size 18 Ugly Zebra Midge. On the 2nd I just used size 18 Ugly Zebra Midge and did well. I tried to keep the boat a good cast off the east bank, with the indicator on my Orvis Mirage 6x tippet set at between 4 to three feet.
Jan 29Went out about 1600 to 1730 under water off conditions. I fished between Points B and about half way between C and D in the Ole Seagull’s Run under water off conditions with very little wind and light cloud cover. Caught about 15 Rainbows, picked and rolled two, and missed that many more with the biggest about being 15 inches.
I caught fish on the size 18 Rusty Zebra Midge, Size 18 Ugly Midge, and a new imitation of the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug designed for those fly fishing purists that quiver at the thought of using a nasty ole jig on the ends of the their fly lines. It uses the same dubbing that we use on the jig but it is tied on a size 12 fly hook with a salmon colored bead it worked fine and I actually caught most of my fish on it. Most of my fishing was done about a good cast off of the the channel side at a depth of about four feet using an indicator.
Jan 22Yikes its been quite a while since I have written anything but its not because I haven’t been fishing or the conditions haven’t, for the most part been fabulous. I have just been tied up in other things and besides, if you read this journal at all, you know what I am going to say. “I was fishing at a depth of three to four and one half feet, using an indictor and Orvis Mirage 6x tippet and the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug, from Gary’s Big Four or one of the three primary midges that I use size 18 Rusty Zebra Midge, Size 18 Ugly Midge, or the size 16 Tungsten Bead Head Red Midge also from Gary’s Big Four.
On Jan. 19, as I have done a number of late afternoons lately, I fished under water off conditions from about 1530 to 1700. Caught about 20 Rainbows with the biggest just about 17″ with half being caught about half on the River Run Peach Furbug and half on the Size 18 Ugly Midge. Probably missed about half that many and picked and rolled at least three more. The weather and running of the water this year has been the best since I have lived here and that has been since 1986. If there has been a winter since them where they have run less water I must have missed it.
On Jan. 16 I hade the opportunity to fish with my good buddies Mac and Bob on what has been one of the colder mornings we have experienced recently.When they picked me up at the dock the temperature was about 34 degrees. We fished from the Lookout Hole Down with indicators set at about three to four feet. We were all using Orvis Mirage 6x tippet and each of us used a different lure, one the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug, one the size 18 Rusty Zebra Midge, and one the Size 18 Ugly Midge. By far the Peach Furbug was the most productive with the Ugly doing better than the Rusty Midge.
On Jan 7 I had the chance to fish with David Cook and his friend Terry from about 0900 to 1010. The fishing was tough but during that hour we managed to catch about 10-13 fish using the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug, the 100th ounce Olive Bassnapper Jig, and the size 18 Rusty Zebra Midge. It was a great time fishing with two great guys.
Dec 29 After I got up from my nap and noticed the 54 degree temperature and no wind at 1600 I went out and fished for 55 minutes. Boated 26, had four more up to the boat, picked and rolled three, and missed about that many hits. Wasn’t trying for numbers and the pace for me was a lot less hectic than it was on the 24th but the fish were just there and hitting well. I was fishing at a depth of four feet using an indictor and Orvis Mirage 6x tippet and the 100th ounce Olive Bassnapper Jig from Gary’s Big Four. I Fished the same area as on the 24th except that the boat did not drift anywhere near as far down stream out of Lookout Hole because there was so little wind. I used just one jig, retired at fish number 10 and that was it.
Dec 23-28 What a Christmas present, a tad nippy, with water off, and enough wind to put a nice ripple on the water and then some on Dec. 24. Only had an hour and fifteen minutes from dock to dock but what an hour of fishing it was. Numbers wise, I have never had a better hour of fishing, 32 boated, three picked and rolled, and about 15missed hits with four or five in the 15 inch plus category. Once I realized that my previous 20 fish in an hour record was going to be toast I kind of set the finesse part aside to see just how many I could catch and the “horsing in” cost four ties along with four jigs. Although you had to be there to appreciate the moment, it is not one that I am likely to replicate again.
I was fishing at a depth of three feet using an indictor and Orvis Mirage 6x tippet and the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug, from Gary’s Big Four. The boat was just drifting down in about four or five feet of water and I was casting back into the shallower water. Had a hit just about every cast and the amazing thing was it wasn’t just in one spot as the wind was moving the boat along pretty well. At 50 minutes into the hour I broke off after boating number 28. The last four fish were caught on a size 16 Rusty Zebra Midge.
Interestingly enough, on the afternoon of Dec. 23 I fished exactly the same area, although with not the same wind, and only caught eight fish in an hour and a half. At about 1130- 1300 on Dec. 27 I fished the shallow side from about half way between Lookout Hole and the bend just above Fall Creek in bright sun under water off conditions. I wanted to try out the new size 18 Primrose Pearl midge that River Run Outfitters is tying. I caught 20 plus fish with two over 15 inches, one break off that was definitely bigger than 15 inches, 30 plus misses, and 2 pick and rolls. I was fishing at a depth of between 18 and 24 inches using an indictor and Orvis Mirage 6x tippet.
Dec 20 The temperature was up to 38 with very little wind. I fished from about 1100-1300 half way between Fall Creek Dock and Short Creek. Kept the boat in about 4 feet of water and fished primarily midges. The new size 18 Primrose Pearl midge got five or six pretty quick but the midge of the day was the size 18 Ugly Midge. River Run Outfitters ties and stocks both these midges. I fished a depth of about two feet using an indictor and Orvis Mirage 6x tippet except for a short period where I used the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug, from Gary’s Big Four. Set at four feet. It worked well and I caught five or six real quick before switching back to the midges.
I had purposed to use midges but couldn’t resist trying the Peach Furbug for just a tad. I went through the Size 18 Black Zebra Midge and Primrose Pearl as well as the size 16 Tungsten Bead Head Red Midge, from Gary’s Big Four before finally settling on the size 16 Ugly which was just fantastic. Caught eight fish in about 30 minutes to end the day. Caught fish on everything I used except the Red Midge. All total I caught about 20 Rainbows, no Browns, picked and rolled about four and missed about 15 to 20 hits. Nothing bigger than 15 with most smaller than that but it was a great day of fishing.
Dec 18 The temperature was up to 42 and the wind down so I went out and fished from about 1130 to 1300, it’s a nice way to transition into a nap. Went up to the trophy area and fished from Lookout Hole down stream using strictly midges. I was trying a new one, a size 18 Primrose Pearl midge that some of the guys have had real good luck with lately.
Except for a short period where I tried a depth of four feet, I fished between two and three feet depth using an indictor and Orvis Mirage 6x tippet. In about 45 minutes I boated 8 Rainbows, missed twice that many hits, and picked and rolled four more. In the last 45 minutes I switched to the size 18 Rusty Zebra Midge boated another ten Rainbows, biggest about 16 inches, missed again that many hits, and picked and rolled 2 before braking off on my last attempted hook set.
Dec 11 Been horribly cold this last week but I fished a couple of days off of my dock. The water is pretty shallow for quite a ways out with weed beds. I used the spinning gears set up with the Thill Mini Shy Bite floats, 8 BB and 4 BB size. Fished two days for about 35 minutes each day and caught about two fish each day with a few misses. One was a nice Brown. Used Orvis Mirage Tippet, 6x with the depth set at about 21/2 to 3 feet and the size 16 Tungsten Bead Head Red Midge, from Gary’s Big Four exclusively simply because I didn’t want to go through the aggravation of retying in the cold.
Dec 3 Fishing trips on Nov. 26 and 27 were tough. On each trip got a nice fish over 16 inches but the numbers weren’t there. Averaged about eight to ten fish per two hours of fishing with about half that many misses. Did pick and roll a trophy and broke off another nice one over the 16 inch mark. This week it has been cold and or running water early so I haven’t fished much but if I were to go five minutes from now I would fish exactly the same way that I have described in these reports. Why, simply because, day after day, year after year, these basic techniques jigs and flies work for me. Sure I try different stuff, but it takes a lot to change the basic system or the jigs and flies that I use, case in point, the size 18 Rusty Zebra Midge, which just might make it to Gary’s Big Four or cause it to grow to the “Big Five.”
Nov 20 With being out of town and sickness it has been a while since I went fishing. Just as I made my first cast it started to rain. Had no luck with the 100thounce River Run Peach Furbug and the size 16 Tungsten Bead Head Red Midge, from Gary’s Big Four but the 100th ounce Bassnapper Olive Jig came through with about ten fish in 45 minutes one of which was a nice 17 inch Brown. Finished off the last 45 minutes with a size 18 Rusty Zebra Midge, caught about 8, missed easily that many, picked and rolled one as big as the Brown and finished the day fighting a Rainbow that was pretty close to the size of the Brown before it broke off.. Stayed to the channel side and fished with the indicator set at four feet all the way. For specifics on leader etc. see 2nd paragraph of Oct. 24 report.
Oct 24 Fished with Duane McCammon, Mac, from about 0745 to 1000 between the 20.1 and 20.9 mile markers. We easily had a 50 fish day and just about constant action. They had just shut off two generators that they hadn’t been running very long. The first drift down as the water was falling I used the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug, from Gary’s Big Four with the depth set at about four feet and Mac used size 14 Scud. Kept the boat on the shallow side in about three feet and fished out. Before making the next drift I tied on a size 18 Rusty Zebra Midge and set the depth at three and a half feet. Mac eventually switched to the Zebra too and the fishing never missed a beat. No big fish, biggest in 15 inch range but a lot of fish and constant action. Mac caught a small Brown the only one I have had caught from my boat in over at least 500 fish. They are catching some nice Browns wading up by the Dam.
With the Peach Furbug I use the 2 inch Thill Mini Shy Bite Bite 1 BB float, (MSB2-2) on the fly rod with one additional Size 6 shot, .01 grams of weight, added about two inches below the float. When I switch over to the size 18 size 18 Zebra Rusty Midge I merely slide the 1 BB float out of its silicone sleeves and slip the Thill Mini Shy Bite Bite ½ BB float, (MSB1-2) into the same sleeves and leave the Size 6 shot exactly where it is. The float and any additional weight, is attached to the 4x portion of my basic leader, which is made up of six feet or Orvis Mirage tippet, 1.5 feet of 4x, 1 foot of 5x, and 3.5 feet of 6x. The float is moved up or down the 1.5 feet of the 4x as necessary for depth control. The float is generally set to four feet for the furbug and 3 to 3 ½ feet for the midge.
Oct 22 Wow it’s been a while since my last report. Oh, I’ve fished a lot, but with using hyper links to get to the other Taneycomo Fishing Reports I don’t have to up date this one unless something changes. T simple fact of the matter is that not much changes on a day to day basis as to the techniques I use on the water I fish.. Oh sure, there are changes but they are generally subtle changes that take place over a period of time not on a minute to minute basis. Besides, if things change that quick what good will the information be by the time you actually start fishing.
The Ole Seagull fished from about 0755 to 1000 from Lookout Hole down stream. He caught in excess of 30 fish of which at least four were in excess of 15 inches and two measured in at between 17.5 and 18 inches. All were Rainbows and caught on either the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug, from Gary’s Big Four or the size 18 Zebra Rusty Midge. I started the day typically, with the Peach Furbug and caught fish on it until it got a little brighter and then went to my new favorite midge, the size 18 Zebra Rusty Midge. It’s beginning to look like Gary’s Big Four will either have to be modified or expanded to Gary’s Big Five.
Because I personally don’t like the sensitivity, difficulty in changing and adjusting depth, or the method of attaching to the tippet of the floats, the purists call them strike indicators, currently being used with fly rods I have been using the smaller sizes of the Thill Mini Shy Bite floats with great, no phenomenal success. It’s one of those changes that I talked about up above and I will keep you posted as it develops.
With the Peach Furbug I use the 2 inch Thill Mini Shy Bite Bite 1 BB float, (MSB2-2) on the fly rod with one additional Size 6 shot, .01 grams of weight, added about two inches below the float. When I switch over to the size 18 size 18 Zebra Rusty Midge I merely slide the 1 BB float out of its silicone sleeves and slip the Thill Mini Shy Bite Bite ½ BB float, (MSB1-2) into the same sleeves and leave the Size 6 shot exactly where it is. The float and any additional weight, is attached to the 4x portion of my basic leader, which is made up of six feet or Orvis Mirage tippet, 1.5 feet of 4x, 1 foot of 5x, and 3.5 feet of 6x. The float is moved up or down the 1.5 feet of the 4x as necessary for depth control. The float is generally set to four feet for the furbug and 3 to 3 ½ feet for the midge.
On Oct. 20 I had the pleasure of fishing with Shannon Roberts of River Fun Fly Shop from the Look Out Hole down stream from about 0800-1030. We caught about 30-40 fish between us with a few over 15 inches. I fished exactly the same way as described above and Shannon tried different midges but we both settled on the size 18 Zebra Rusty Midge as the best producer of the day. It was a great morning.
Oct 1 Fished with Duane McCammon, Mac, from about 0715 to 0900 between the 20.0 and 20.4 mile makrers. Mac used a size 16 Miracle Scud, for most of his fish and I used the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug, from Gary’s Big Four. Between us we caught about 30-35 fish with none over 17 inches and the majority between 12-15 inches.
The 2 1/2 inch Thill Mini Shy Bite Bite 2 BB float, (MSB1-2) was used on the fly rod with one additional BB weight added to the weight of the Peach Furbug. The float and any additional weight, is attached to the 4x portion of my basic leader, which is made up of six feet or Orvis Mirage tippet, 2 feet of 4x, 1/2 foot of 5x, and 31/2 feet of 6x. The float is moved up or down the two feet of the 4x as necessary for depth control. The float was set at a depth of between three and one half and four feet.
Sep 28 Fished with my neighbor Howard Couch from about 0715 to 0900. Caught about 25-30 fish between us with most of them caught using, you guessed it, the size 16 Tungsten Bead Head Red Midge, from Gary’s Big Four. The exact same technique and depth for the 27th below was used except I stuck with the fly rod.
Sep 27. When I got back to the house at 1030 the water was still off and it was overcast so I went fishing funtil about 1300 from the 20.9 mile mark down to the 20.6. What a special day it was, non stop action with over 40 fish to the boat and at least that many hits and misses. All were Rainbows in in the 13-15 inch area with none over 16 inches but what fun and you never know.
The fly rod with the size 16 Tungsten Bead Head Red Midge, from Gary’s Big Four, was used most of the day. Just for variety I switched to the spinning rod with the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug, from Gary’s Big Four and caught 14 in short order before switching back to the fly rod and the Red Midge to finish out the day.
The 1 1/2 inch Thill Mini Shy Bite Bite 1/2 BB float, (MSB1-2) was used on the fly rod with the Midge with no additional weight. The three and an eighth inch
Pat Benatar, one of the most recognized, admired and popular rock performers, will appear at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre in Branson on Monday, August 27th at 7:00 p.m.The concert announced today by Welk-Sullivan Productions executive producer Joe Sullivan and David Ledford, general manager of the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, is being presented jointly by the Moon River Theatre and Welk-Sullivan Productions.
Benatar’s hit songs “Love Is A Battlefield,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “Invincible,””We Belong” and “Heartbreaker” became anthems for a new generation of young women, and the young men who loved them, at the dawn of MTV.Of her nine original albums released between 1979 and 1989, seven were certified platinum and two achieved gold status.During that decade, Benatar was nominated nine times for Grammy Awards for Best Rock Performance (female), winning an unprecedented four Grammy Awards in consecutive years.She is also the recipient of three American Music Awards.
Accompanying Benatar will be producer, songwriter and guitarist Neil T. Giraldo. The lead guitarist and musical arranger for Benatar’s platinum selling album “In The Heat Of The Night,” Giraldo began producing during the recording of the “Crimes of Passion” album and has produced all of Benatar’s albums since then.Benatar and Giraldo have been married for 23 years and have been touring almost non-stop for over two decades.
In August 2003 Benatar released her first album of new songs in seven years titled “GO,” a contemporary guitar-driven record, on Bel Chiasso Records, distributed through the Welk Music Group. Benatar has also been busy in front of the camera in recent years, appearing on CMT Crossroads with Martina McBride and in cameo roles in hit TV shows including WB’s Charmed, ABC’s Dharma and Greg and on the FOX series That 80’s Show.Her story has been featured on A&E Biography, Lifetime’s Intimate Portrait and VH-1’s hit series Behind The Music.
The Pat Benatar – Neil Giraldo concert is the second Moon River Theatre-Welk-Sullivan Productions joint presentation announced this year.Billy Ray Cyrus will perform 2 concerts over Labor Day Weekend at the Moon River Theatre.
For online information and ticket purchase click here and scroll down to the Pat Benatar entry or, for further information or tickets call 800-590-0155, 417-334-4500 and 800-666-6094. Tickets are also available at the Moon River Theatre Box Office at 2500 West Highway 76 in Branson.
Since her design the Show Boat Branson Belle has been special but why? Is it the fact that she was built on the shores of Table Rock Lake at the very spot where she is has been berthed since her launch on August 13, 1994? Could it be because at 278 feet in length, 78 feet in width, 112 feet, 3 inches in height, and 2.5 million pounds in weight that she is the largest American boat ever built on a land locked lake? Is it the sight of her majestically plying the waters of Table Rock Lake, at an average speed of six miles per hour, carrying up to 700 passengers past some of the most beautiful scenery in the world?
Sure, all these things contribute to making her special. But, could it just be that it is how all those things are combined with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, good food, a cruise, great entertainment, and old fashioned Ozarks hospitality that really makes the Showboat Branson Belle special?
From the moment one sees her they know they are in for something special. As they board and are seated there is the aurora of elegance and an atmosphere reminiscent of a river boat era long gone by. As the engines gently throb to life and the dock slips away, it is almost impossible not to just sit back, relax and enjoy over two hours of food, cruise, and entertainment provided by a crew, cooks, wait staff, and entertainers that are dedicated to just one thing, ensuring that each passenger gets that special experience that is the Showboat Branson Belle.
On the evening of July 31, as the boat slipped away from the dock, after we had been introduced to our host for the evening, Bob Nichols, viewed a very short and interesting video giving an overview of Branson’s history and the building of the Showboat Branson Belle, our salads were served in a manner that was an indication of the entertainment to come. All of the meals served on the Showboat Branson Belle, up to 3,000 daily, are prepared in her own on board galley and are served by one of the most attentive and caring wait staffs in Branson.
The meal was served to the accompaniment of dinner music provided by Randy Luna and the “Show Stopping Smoothies.” Between the meal and the show there was ample time to walk around the boat and her decks and view the beautiful Ozarks scenery. Announcements announcing the start of the show are made in plenty of time to allow passengers to return to their seats prior to the start of the show.
The “Showstopper Show” adds the meaning to the word “Show” in Showboat and is one of the most fast paced, exciting, and entertaining shows in Branson. Like everything else on the Showboat Branson Belle it is a first class experience, not an after thought. Its choreography, flow, and cast provide a unique and special entertainment experience.
The Showstopper Dancers and Singers are some of the best that the Ole Seagull has seen in Branson. There is a seven minute segment in the show where they do parts of over 20 plus songs with accompanying costume changes that is simply amazing. Their dance numbers were entertaining, sharp, precise, and energetic and their singing was a joy to hear.
The husband and wife acrobatic adagio of Elena and Vadim Serykh, their daughter, and their special blend of elegance, grace, and athleticism combine into a unique performance that will not soon be forgotten. Add nationally acclaimed ventriloquist and comedian, Todd Oliver and his canine friends, Irving, Elvis, and Lucy, and you will hear dogs talk and sing, laugh your socks off, and realize why you will forevermore smile whenever you hear the word, “Yup.”
How many times in ones lifetime will they get the opportunity to step back into history and experience a cruise aboard a paddle wheel boat like the Showboat Branson Belle? To cruise by scenic vistas as they dine, see one of the most entertaining shows they will ever see and experience something with their family that will become one of those special memories that could last a lifetime? The answer to those questions is, “Not many, not many at all.” And, in an Ole Seagull’s opinion, that is truly what makes the Showboat Branson Belle so very special.
Originally Published In the Branson Courier on Aug. 6, 2006.
In a move reminiscent of the “I think I can, I think I can” attitude of the little steam engine from the classic children’s story, “The Little Engine That Could,” Rockaway Beach just keeps chugging up the mountain, against seemingly insurmountable odds, on its quest to achieve its economic development dream of bringing casino gambling to its city. Recently it was announced that Rockaway Beach has received a proposal for a $144 million dollar casino project and that it will keep on chugging.
In a column entitled “What are the odds of casino gambling ever coming to Rockaway Beach?,” published on Mar. 19, the Ole Seagull said, “…that without substantial financial assistance from outside sources Rockaway Beach simply cannot mount another credible campaign to bring casino gambling to its city.” He asked, “In view of what happened last time and the fact that the resistance from Branson and other casino gambling destinations will not go away, what are the odds that Rockaway Beach can get the financial support it needs to try again?”
Actually, it was a little worse than that because he answered his rhetorical question by saying, “The odds of success are ‘too much to one,’ and only a masochist would put money into such an effort without having at least the support of Branson’s city government and Branson’s local movers and shakers.” The proposal Rockaway Beach received is from Barden Development Inc., a privately held company out of Detroit, Michigan. It operates a number of other casinos in Las Vegas, Gary, Indiana, Tunica, and Black Hawk, Colorado and is owned by Mr. Don Barden who, research indicates, is certainly no masochist when it comes to business decisions.
An article entitled, “Detroit casino firm enters city slots race” appearing in the Dec. 5, 2005 edition of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette reported that “Mr. Barden’s casinos employ more than 4,300 and generate more than $500 million a year in revenues.” It continued, “Barden Companies is one of the largest African-American owned businesses in the United States” and went on to report the company’s, then recent, $253 million purchase of the Trump Casino in Gary, Indiana, and the firms $300-$350 million attempt to get the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s one slot license.
Unfortunately for Mr. Barden, but perhaps fortunately for Rockaway Beach, it seems that the Pittsburgh project has turned into a three way horse race for the sole Pittsburgh slot license based, not on factors relating to the gambling or casino operations, but which of the three firms trying to get the license will do the most for building the Pittsburg Penguins a new arena. Wow, the Ole Seagull thought that only happened in the city of Branson, where the location of its new convention center was based, not on factors relating to what would be the best for Branson’s existing businesses, shows, and attractions or its millions of visitors, but on getting State of Missouri TIF funds and building the new Branson Landing retail and entertainment complex.
On Jun. 2, the Pittsburgh Business Journal reported that, “The Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force said it is ‘not satisfied’ with the three applicants for the city’s slots license.” It pointed out that the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force, in its report to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which is expected to make a final decision on the Pittsburgh slot license by the end of 2006, said that dissatisfaction was based on the proposals “inadequacies in or failure to address several areas such as–but not limited to–traffic, the design of the facility, and the mitigation of the negative social impact of gaming.”
According to the article, out of the major categories that the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force rated, financial, site, traffic, commitment to a new arena and diversity the Barden group, graded best only in the diversity category. But, with Pittsburgh’s apparent propensity for mixing Penguins and a new stadium for them with the casino slot license and the fact that one of the other two proposals has the endorsement of the Penguins, that is not surprising.
If they are unsuccessful in Pittsburgh that would be Pittsburgh’s loss and could be Rockaway Beach’s gain. Penguins and their arena aside, the Barden group appears to be on a tear in acquiring and running casinos. At least on the surface, it would provide the opportunity for the Barden group to concentrate its considerable resources and talents on the Rockaway Beach project without the dilution that a project the size of the Pittsburgh project could have.
Couple that with the factor that they rated best in the diversity category in Pittsburgh and you can see why the “Little Rockaway Beach Casino Engine” just might keep chugging along saying, “I think I can, I think I can, ….
2006 Shepherd of the Hills Super Summer Cruise – Aug. 10 – 12
Car enthusiasts from all over the country will gather for the ninth Shepherd of the Hills Super Summer Cruise at the Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead Aug. 10 – 12. The Cruise will feature two major events; a daily Show ‘n Shine held daily at the Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead and the Midnight Cruise on Aug, 12 down State Highway 76 and the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.
The gates of the Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead open for vehicle registrants at 7:00 a.m. daily. From 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, the gates are open to the general public for the Show ‘n Shine and entertainment event where hundreds of beautiful cars will be on display for public viewing and judging The Best of Show Awards will be presented starting at 4:00 p.m. on August 12.
Throughout the day entertainment will be provided by Branson performers at the Pavilion Theatre along with vendor displays, and seminars. A major feature of the displays will be the General Lee, the Hazzard County Patrol Car, and the Daisy Duke Jeep from the original Dukes of Hazzard TV show! Personal appearances by James Best, who played Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on the original TV show, Spiderman, and Batman are also scheduled. On August 12, between 1 and 3 p.m. there will be a “car build” by Spirit Industries. A complete schedule of all events is available at http://www.supersummercruise.com/events.htm.
It should be noted that the “Burnout Competition” held last year, and previously announced for this year, will not be held “due to circumstances beyond the control of organizers.”
The August 12 Midnight Cruise, which is free to the public, will start at Gretna and Hwy 76, continue west on Hwy 76 to its junction with Shepherd of the Hills Expressway where it will turn right (east) and proceed up to Roark Valley Road. Although, obviously, the cruise itself will start at Midnight visitors to Branson should be prepared for the blocking off of the cruise routes by 11:30 p.m. and those wanting to watch the cruise should “pick their spots” early. There will be a driver’s briefing after the Best of Show Awards presentation on August 12.
There are few American classics these days, but Don Williams is certainly one of them. With a warm hickory baritone that balances strength with a gentle concern, he draws his listener into the intimate world of an old friend, someone who cares deeply about you and the quality of your life…and who will always offer a hand when you need it.
The terminal end of the line was 4 feet of Orvis Mirage 6x, the indicator was set at 4 feet, and, except for fishing the channel side from Point B to about half way to C, the boat was positioned in about 4 feet of water as I drifted down. I started with the new size 18 Primrose Pearl Midge in the deeper water up in Lookout Hole at Point B and as I drifted down I put on the Rusty Midge. Caught a few on each but not enough where I kept either one on too long. As I got to Point B I tied on a size 18 Ugly Midge and never even thought about taking it off. Non stop action until I just decided to call it a day all thw ay through Point E and around the bend to just above Fall Creek.
Pat Benatar, one of the most recognized, admired and popular rock performers, will appear at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre in Branson on Monday, August 27th at 7:00 p.m.The concert announced today by Welk-Sullivan Productions executive producer Joe Sullivan and David Ledford, general manager of the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, is being presented jointly by the Moon River Theatre and Welk-Sullivan Productions.
Sure, all these things contribute to making her special. But, could it just be that it is how all those things are combined with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, good food, a cruise, great entertainment, and old fashioned Ozarks hospitality that really makes the Showboat Branson Belle special?
On the evening of July 31, as the boat slipped away from the dock, after we had been introduced to our host for the evening, Bob Nichols, viewed a very short and interesting video giving an overview of Branson’s history and the building of the Showboat Branson Belle, our salads were served in a manner that was an indication of the entertainment to come. All of the meals served on the Showboat Branson Belle, up to 3,000 daily, are prepared in her own on board galley and are served by one of the most attentive and caring wait staffs in Branson.
The Showstopper Dancers and Singers are some of the best that the Ole Seagull has seen in Branson. There is a seven minute segment in the show where they do parts of over 20 plus songs with accompanying costume changes that is simply amazing. Their dance numbers were entertaining, sharp, precise, and energetic and their singing was a joy to hear.