Branson Courier

Month: April 2007

  • Is Grizzly coming after the Ole Seagull or the newly elected government of Branson?

    This week’s column is a response to an anonymous post, by someone calling themselves “Grizzly,” addressed to the Ole Seagull, in an on line forum he posts to on www.1Branson.com. The post is entitled “City aldermen Code of Ethics ???” Its topic is so very timely and pertinent to the events starting to develop within our community that the Ole Seagull wanted to share it with the whole community through the printed medium before posting it on line to a relatively small segment of that community.

    A hint of what is to come is contained in the first paragraph of Grizzly’s post. It reads “I hear there are some people going to be at the next City meetings with an important question. So, I thought I might ask a similar question posed a little differently here.”

    If the following is any indication, one could almost get the impression that there are those with a vested interest, who will do just about anything to thwart the expressed will of the voters of Branson for change within the city of Branson’s government. The following format is pretty self explanatory:

    1. Grizzly starts first question: How is it that the Old Seagull can spend the past year berating the Mayor, City aldermen and the City administrator about every imagined conspiracy theory and secret illicit deal…

    The Ole Seagull: The vast majority of those columns are on line under “Editorials” at www.BransonCourier.Com, exactly which one is an “imagined conspiracy theory and secret illicit deal or factually inaccurate?

    2. Grizzly continues: …BUT we have not heard a word from him about the obvious abuse of power and conflict of interest as well as special ethics bending going on in the new City Council meetings?

    The Ole Seagull: What’s to write about in those specific areas? The new mayor and board members have pretty well mitigated the abuse of power that certain senior unelected city officials have heretofore been permitted to exercise in an unfettered manner at past meetings and the Ole Seagull has observed nothing indicting that any of the other alleged acts have occurred at “the new city council meetings.”

    3. Grizzly states: In rough estimates there have been 14 hours of meetings and about 4 hours of that time was spent in outright unethical discussions initiated by Steven [Stephen] Marshall regarding his only real competitor in the City…

    The Ole Seagull: In the meetings he has attended, especially the board of aldermen meeting of Apr. 23, the audio of which is available at the City of Branson’s official website, http://www.cityofbranson.org/, he has personally not heard Marshall say anything that is unethical, period. What he has observed in Alderman Marshall’s actions is an elected leader, using their expertise and experience, to do what the voters elected him to do.

    4. Grizzly continues:… yet the manager for that one real competitor [Alderman Marshall] is clearly attempting to renegotiate or undermine the completed and signed contracts with the Hilton company.

    The Ole Seagull: Again, all an Ole Seagull has observed is an alderman trying to do his job. How is the questioning of a city of Branson expenditure of over $680 thousand for the equipment to build a commercial laundry in the convention center, when such facilities are not normally built in a convention center, “clearly attempting to renegotiate or undermine the completed and signed contracts with the Hilton Company?” Encouraging a public discussion on the fact that 295 of the 499 new parking spaces in the new parking garage, paid for at tax payer expense, are allocated to HCW’s benefit and that it [HCW] is entitled to receive the income from them is “clearly attempting to renegotiate or undermine the completed and signed contracts with the Hilton Company how?

    Come to think of it, why would an Ole Seagull or anyone else for that matter, pay any attention to the unsupported allegations of someone hiding behind a cloak of anonymity as they personally attack someone else? Such attacks generally speak volumes about how much credibility people should give them and the honor and integrity of the person delivering the attack.

  • Show Review: Branson’s Doug Gabriel Show

    Doug and Cheryl Gabriel with the world
    famous "Mufftar."

    On the morning of April 12, the Ole Seagull and his lovely bride of 43 years Lois, attended the second 2007 performance of Branson’s Doug Gabriel Morning Show at the Jim Stafford Theatre located on Branson’s famous “strip.”

    If you are a Branson theatergoer that is a Doug Gabriel fan or just love the sound of a powerful strong clear voice singing songs that will touch your heart this is the show you are looking for. His singing of “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” and “Unchained Melody,” the playing of the “Steel Guitar Rag” on the famous “Mufftar, the duet of “When I Said ‘I Do,’” with his wife Cheryl, and the song he wrote in memory of his dad, “Well Done” are show highlights. Add his performance of playing of “Malaguena” on the acoustical guitar and you have one of the most unique and entertaining entertainment experiences available in Branson, perhaps anywhere.

    In May of 2005 the Ole Seagull wrote, “From the first note to the last note, as Branson’s Doug Gabriel sings, the audience hears testimony as to why he was voted Branson’s Male Vocalist of the year five times. His powerful and sensitive voice clearly and precisely captures every note, word, and nuance of the music he sings. From gospel to contemporary, rock and roll and everything in between Doug does it all and does it well.” Based on what we saw and heard, it appears that things haven’t changed much in the last two years.

    From his opening number to the finale, Doug performs a variety of songs that fully display his exceptional vocal talents and why he has won the vocalist of the year honors so many times in Branson. The Patsy Cline standard, “Sweet Dreams (Of You),” sung beautifully by Doug’s wife Cheryl, and the bands instrumental and vocal presentation of the “Man of Constant Sorrows” from “Oh Brother Where Art Thou” are two of the many featured numbers by other performers that stand out.

    In addition to playing number like “Chariots of Fire” on the piano, Doug’s instrumental versatility and ability gets almost to the “amazing” level as he performs his rendition of “Malaguena” on the acoustical guitar. Quite simply, it is one of the most outstanding guitar experiences a person is likely to ever hear or see. How a person’s hands can move that fast and not hit a bad “string” is an amazing thing. Couple that with his playing of his world famous ‘‘Mufftar,’’ a guitar made out of a 1969 Thunderbird muffler, and you have an unforgettable instrumental experience.

    It is not often that one will encounter a single entertainer with both exceptional vocal and instrumental ability. Doug Gabriel is such an entertainer and his show is a one of a kind Branson experience.

    For further information or to purchase tickets by phone or on line, call 1-800-451-3791 or click here.

    Photos by Basil Groman. Click here for more photos.

  • Branson starts National Day of Prayer with Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

    “Matthew” and Paul Teas sharing in a special
    moment at Camp Barnabas.

    In conjunction with the National Day of Prayer, the Sixth Annual Branson Mayors Prayer Breakfast will be held on Thursday, May 3, in Convention Hall at Celebration City from 7:00 am to 8:30 am. This widely attended community event is sponsored by the Branson chapter of CBMC a national organization dedicated to changing the lives of men and women in business, one person at a time.

    The mayor of Branson, Raeanne Presley, will attend and give a welcoming message. The keynote speaker
    for the event, is Paul Teas, the Executive Director and co-founder of Camp Barnabas which was founded to offer a normal childhood camping experience to children who might not otherwise get to experience one because of disease or disability. Teas said that he is excited about coming and sharing with the community of Branson because Camp Barnabas actually “started” in Branson.

    “The kids at Camp Barnabas are no different from any other kids,” Teas pointed out. “They may walk or talk in a very unique way, or have to deal with some very serious life issues, but otherwise they are just as loving, wild, and crazy as any other kid on the planet.” Camp Barnabas, for at least a week, gives these very special kids a chance to just be like normal kids because for that week,” their “normal” is everyone’s normal.”

    Over 500 are expected to join with others in the community as it unites in this special event to pray, fellowship, break bread together, and be inspired. Tickets for the event are $25.00 each or $175.00 for a table of eight prior to the day of the event. Tickets may also be purchased, on an as available basis, at the door the morning of the event for $27.50 each. For event, ticket information, or reservations please call 417-334-1772.

  • Hollywood Comedian/Actress Kerri Pomarolli to Host Television Pilot in Branson

    Christian comedian Kerri Pomarolli

    Christian comedian/actress, Kerri Pomarolli, will bring her comedic talent from Hollywood to Branson, Missouri to host a new one hour Gospel Music variety show. It has been confirmed that she will host the upcoming television pilot, “Magnificent Gospel Showcase,” to be filed before live audiences at The White House Theatre in Branson, Missouri. The show will be produced by White House Television Productions, who say that they already have several networks interested in the pilot.

    The shows will start taping on June 1, 2007 and will return the first Saturday of July and August to wrap up six episodes, all of which will be taped before live audiences at the White House Theatre. Each show will consist of local, regional and national music acts performing a one hour mini concert and spotlight the talent of Pomarolli as a stand up comedienne and host.

    Pomarolli is an accomplished actress, published author and veteran of television with credits that include 27 appearances on The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, reoccurring roles on Port Charles and Young and the Restless, and Lifetime Network. She has been a popular guest on many TV shows on Fox, TBN, CBN, the Total Living Network, ABC, ABC Family Network, The Joni Show, CNN Headline News Showbiz Tonight, Hallmark Channel and has been heard on hundreds of radio programs.

    For more information about Kerri Pomarolli visit her website at www.kerripom.com

  • Local Business Focus – Southtown Spirits

    Southtown Spirit owners Jerry and Sally Howell

    Making “try before you buy” a taste bud-tingling experience, Southtown Spirits in Hollister offers wine or beer tasting on a daily basis. The owners, Jerry and Sally Howell, know that there are a lot of choices out there, and making a wine purchase can be confusing. They’ll be more than pleased to share their wine knowledge with you. Shop on your own, or ask for their expert help. Either way, they want happy customers.

    The Howell’s work side by side in their shop, are always quick with a smile, and greet many of their customers by name.

    Southtown Spirits carries a large selection of rare and hard to find wines and vintages. They also carry a huge selection of imported and domestic beers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, Jerry is happy to special order it for you.

    Prior to opening Southtown Spirits in November of 2004, the Howells’ owned and operated the Quik Mart on Mt. Branson. They had that business for about 11 years before selling it. They took a couple of years off and rested up for their “Southtown” venture.

    The Howells’ goal for Southtown Sprits was to have a store which offers personalized, specialized service for their customers. They offer delivery service and will rent wine glasses for large parties.

    The gourmet food items they carry from Viviano’s On The Hill in St. Louis will make your mouth water. They also stock premium foods such as gnocchi, olive oil, imported chocolate and other specialty foods to perfectly complement your beverage. Southtown Spirits has free recipe cards available _ fun to try. Look for them by the cash register

    Southtown Spirits caries a large selection of cigars and recently added cigarettes to their line-up of tobacco products.

    Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a complete novice, Southtown Spirits is your “go to” place. They are open seven days a week and are located in South Towne Shopping Center, across the parking lot from Lowe’s. For more information, they call 417-336-9000.

  • Branson Busts Gas Prices Again

    The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB is responding to increasing gas prices by offering visitors to Branson a Gas Buster discount card, accepted at dozens of live shows, area attractions, lodging properties, retail shops and restaurants, worth a total of $50 off purchases, as well as a chance to win a grand prize getaway to Branson.

    Between May 1 and Oct. 31, 2007, The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB will give a Gas Buster discount card to anyone who presents a valid drivers’ license and a minimum of $40 in gas receipts incurred within 48 hours of their arrival at one of the Chamber’s two Welcome Centers, located at the intersections of U.S. Highway 65 and Missouri Highway 248, and at Hwy. 65 and Missouri Highway 160 in Branson. Gas Buster card holders are automatically entered to win the grand prize 4-day/3-night vacation for four to Branson, which will be awarded on October 31, 2007.

    “By offering the Gas Buster discount card to our visitors, we are letting them know that we value their business. And Branson businesses are willing to work together to defray the cost of gas so our visitors can afford to do all the things they would like to do while they are here,” according to Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB. “Most of the visitors that vacation in Branson drive into town. The Gas Buster program will help bring more people, especially more of our regional neighbors coming in for a weekend getaway. Branson’s location, within a day’s drive of roughly one-third of our country’s population, makes us very accessible to families looking for theme parks, outdoor and lakes recreation, along with shopping and world-class entertainment.”

    Gas Buster discount cards and the list of participating sponsors will only be issued from the two Chamber/CVB Welcome Centers. Business hours are 8am to 5pm, Mondays through Saturdays, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. The Gas Buster promotion runs from May 1 through Oct. 31, 2007. For more information, log on to www.explorebranson.com or call 800-214-3661.

  • A little sunshine on Darth Vader, a plaque, a name, a laundry, a fountain, etc?

    How did the city of Branson decide to spend thousands of taxpayer dollars on a commemorative plaque honoring, among others, the aldermen involved with the Branson Landing project and intentionally leave one alderman off? The city of Branson is spending $680 thousand dollars for equipment and how much in prorated construction costs building a commercial laundry as part of its convention center, apparently for the benefit of the private hotels involved with the Branson Landing project, why?

    The city spent how many millions of dollars building a public fountain in a private development and is spending how many hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to maintain that fountain why? Could the answers to these questions, and others, lie in the fact that they were handled the same way that the city sold city property, Point Royale Drive, by controlling access to the information necessary to permit the public to effectively participate in the decision making process and limiting its input and participation as much as possible to those having a vested interest in the outcome?

    “But Seagull, isn’t Missouri’s Sunshine Law designed to insure that the processes of government are open and accessible to the governed?” Yes, it is a tool designed to do just that but, like any tool, its effectiveness is determined by how it is used.

    A flashlight is only as effective as the person who controls it. If the person controlling the flashlight doesn’t turn it on what good is it? Even when it’s turned on, the person controlling the light determines what areas will be illuminated and which will remain dark. In a similar manner, in the city of Branson, the effectiveness of Missouri’s Sunshine Law and the open and accessible access to government that its light is meant to shine on is determined by those who control that light, its elected officials and city administrator.

    It’s simply a matter of philosophy. Does the city look for the way to include the public in the process or to exclude them from the process? Actually it’s more than that. Missouri’s Sunshine law makes it clear that inclusion is the policy and that any exception to that policy shall be liberally and strictly construed to promote that policy. Section 610.022 of the Sunshine Law states that just because there is an exception authorized does not mean that it shall be construed “as to require a public governmental body to hold a closed meeting, record or vote to discuss or act upon” that exception.

    In the ole Seagull’s opinion, the leadership in this area of the man that the Ole Seagull considers to be the Darth Vader of Missouri’s Sunshine Law in the city of Branson, its current administrator, Terry Dody, has been one of exclusion rather than inclusion. Forget the actual occurrence of a specific event that is an authorized Sunshine Law exception, where even then, in most cases, it encourages that the public still be included. Just the potential of such an occurrence appears to be enough for Dody to try to have the public excluded from effectively participating in the process.

    At a public Board of Alderman Work Session, held on Apr. 18, when the topic of the use of the term “Branson” came up it was pointed out by either Dody or Paul Link, the city’s attorney, that the matter was scheduled to be discussed in executive, closed session, because of potential litigation. To Monsieur’s Dody and Link an Ole Seagull would simply say, “Give us a break! The Darth Vader days of Missouri’s Sunshine Laws in Branson, Missouri are, hopefully, over.”

    To our newly elected Mayor and board members, he would respectfully and humbly suggest that this is a pivotal moment in defining the Sunshine Law philosophy of your administration. In your hearts and hands is the determination on whether or not the flashlight of Missouri’s Sunshine Law will be turned on and where, how, and when, within the city of Branson’s government, its light will be permitted to shine. Please let it shine brightly proclaiming the true spirit of that law within the city of Branson’s government.

  • Fear not, the taxpayer doesn’t have to get gigged for Branson to continue to grow!

    One of the primary thrusts of the incumbent mayor and aldermen in their recent campaigns for re-election was the fear mongering that if they were not re-elected growth in Branson would stop. It was almost sickening to hear them, in one breath, take the credit for all of Branson’s growth while, with their next breath forecasting the end of growth in Branson if they were not re-elected.
    One was left to ponder just how the city of Branson ever grew from its incorporation on Apr. 1, 1912 and the fire of Aug. 29 of that same year that virtually destroyed its downtown business district into the successful tourist destination that it had all ready become prior to their election in the early 1990’s. The city of Branson’s voters added yet new meaning to an old adage attributed to Abraham Lincoln, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time” as they voted the incumbent mayor and aldermen out of office and elected new leadership.
    In an Ole Seagull’s mind the voters acknowledged the same thing that the Branson community at large has acknowledged, that the type of growth that has made Branson what it is today is entrepreneurial growth. The type of growth where people invest their own money and assume the risk of developing what ever they want to develop instead of using tax payer funds to the benefit of a single developer or enterprise.
    At the same time, it appears that the city of Branson’s voters, as well as the community at large, rejected the type of forced artificial growth that, for lack of a better term, the Ole Seagull calls “Government Induced Growth,” GIG for short. That is the type of growth where “but for” the taxpayer assuming a large part of the financial risk the development would not take place and, at the end of the day, the developers and their real estate brokers get their money up front while the citizens and taxpayers get “Gigged.”
    “Oh come on Seagull, what about the growth of hundreds of year round jobs that was bragged about throughout the campaign because of the city of Branson’s use of TIF’s?” Well that depends. Are we talking about creating hundreds more of the of the same below Federal Poverty Guideline types of jobs that were going vacant prior to the city of Branson gigging the taxpayers through the TIFs? Or, are we talking about higher paying jobs above the Federal Poverty Guideline that at least give the average worker a chance to earn a wage sufficient to support their family?
    “Now hold on Seagull, are you saying that the millions of taxpayer dollars being paid to developers through TIFs is providing jobs that pay less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines?” No, the Federal Poverty Guidelines and, for example, the Branson Hills Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Plan say that.
    The Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of four in 2004, as published by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, was $18,850. Table 2 of Exhibit D to the Branson Hills Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Plan entitled “Cost and Benefit Analysis” touts that 1,250 jobs will be created with a projected annual payroll of $19,200,000 or $15,360 per job. Isn’t that about $3,490 dollars per job less than the Federal Poverty Guideline?
    “Well what about the new visitors that the TIF developments are bringing to Branson?” Can any reasonable person really believe that the net results are any better in that area than in the “new job” area? Dollar for dollar what’s doing more to bring new visitors to Branson, a dollar given to a developer through a TIF or a dollar spent on marketing Branson? Was the increase in tourism in the first half of 2006 due to the marketing of Branson or a TIF project that hadn’t even opened yet?

  • BransonCourier.com Peoples Review: Jackson Cash Tribute to “The Man in Black”

    The “BransonCourier.com Peoples Review” for the, Jackson Cash Tribute to “The Man in Black,” is a compilation of excerpts from recent reviews on the show posted to the “1Branson.Com Show Forum” assembled and edited by the Ole Seagull. Each Peoples Review will contain excepts from more than one individuals review, include both the good and bad posts, as available and appropriate, and will be followed by the Ole Seagulls comments, if any.

    Written by CGROTZKY on April 8, 2007

    Jackson Cash performs his tribute to Johnny Cash from the heart, using his vocal and guitar talents to leave the audience hoping the show will never end. He plays all of the Johnny Cash classics to perfection to include inserting paper into the fret board of his guitar like Johnny Cash did on early recordings to get a shuffle-like rhythm before drummers were widely used in country music. He even dresses in brown for a few songs and explains why (early in his career Johnny Cash did not always dress in black) and explains Johnny Cash’s transition to dressing in black. Jackson Cash was blessed with a voice and the look of Johnny Cash. Jackson Cash sings so much like Johnny Cash that at times I thought I was listening to a CD. I would glance back at Jackson, and of course it was Jackson singing and playing live. The show is very fortunate to have the talent of Taria Lee Green on lead and backup vocals doing the June Carter Cash part. Taria Lee Green is an incredibly talented singer and her dynamic with Jackson Cash is as close at it comes to actually seeing the great Johnny and June Carter Cash sing their songs. In a moving part of the show Taria Lee Green sings Mother Maybelle Carter’s favorite song, "Wildwood Flower", with only her on the autoharp. As I watched her sing this perfectly on stage by herself, I thought, what a privilege this is to hear this gifted new generation country singer perform this song like Mother Maybelle Carter did. It was a piece of Americana that leaves a lasting impression. Jackson Cash is backed up by a superb band that has Cal Garner on bass, Randy Rudd on lead, and Taz on drums. Together, the sound, feel, and mood of a Johnny Cash concert is captured to perfection. This is a "don’t miss" show.

    Written by Shis1 on April 9, 2007

    I have to absolutely agree with this review. We usually see one show while in Branson and I’m so glad it was this one!! It was worth every penny Jackson Cash talked about some new things to come in the production so we hope to see the show again during our next trip.

    Written by BobC on April 4, 2007

    …This is a terrific show for everyone but if you’re a Johnny Cash fan it’s a must see. The first half of the show features the early Johnny Cash songs. It reminded me of the days when I would put the 45’s on the phonograph and watch them turn as I listened to every word and that unique new sound back in the 1950’s. This show includes several Cash songs that you just don’t hear anymore; Don’t Take Your Guns to Town, Get Rhythm, and others….

    He and his whole cast are loaded with talent. The second half … includes songs like, Daddy Sang Bass, Sunday Morning Comin’ Down, A Boy Named Sue, etc. Taria Lee Green is the perfect selection for the role of June Carter Cash. She has a strong, sweet voice and is a great entertainer in her own right. Her interaction with Jackson during their duets and in between songs gives an authentic portrayal of the couple as they appeared on stage. Taria sang Wildwood Flower solo on stage with only her autoharp. This was a classic number especially for fans of the Carter Family.

    Carl Garner on the upright bass and backup vocals, Taz the Drummer, and Randy Rudd on lead guitar and vocals, make up the rest of the cast producing the genuine Johnny Cash sound. These guys are top-notch entertainers who bring a wealth of experience to the show.

    It has all the ingredients for a long successful run and should be on your “Must See List”.

    The Ole Seagull’s Comments:

    Although he has not seen the show, based on what he’s read here he will. There were no negative comments or reviews posted on this show. For tickets call the Caravelle Theatre at Phone: 417 334-5100.

  • 2007 overview of Branson’s biggest attraction – Silver Dollar City – new rides, shows, and festival features!

    World-Fest kicks the season off.

    Silver Dollar City is easily Branson’s biggest attraction and for good reason. It has it all, a beautiful rustic Ozarks location, craftsmen, shows and entertainment, exciting themed rides for all ages, a full schedule of festivals and special events, and food of a variety and quality that is the equal of any theme park in the world. From new shows and rides etc., the following edited press release from Silver Dollar City provides and excellent overview and schedule of the fun and excitement that will be available at Silver Dollar City in 2007.

    From March through December, the internationally-awarded 1880s-style theme park shows why it is the Home of American Craftsmanship, featuring the fine artistry of 100 demonstrating craftsmen, along with music and entertainment, two dozen themed rides, and foods from festival specialties to home-cooked feasts.

    Along with the new Giant Swing – a $6 million ride that will launch riders more than seven stories in the air — and nearly upside down — at roller-coaster speeds for barn-bursting, high-flying, super-swooping thrills 2007 brings a new, flaming Polynesian FireKnife dancing as part of the hot island-style entertainment for World-Fest, Circus of the Century — On Ice brings cool fun for Kids’ Fest, the all-new musical production Headin’ West presents the cowboy spirit of the American West during the Festival of American Music & Crafts, and a Christmas Light Spectacular lights up the Square during An Old Time Christmas.

    WORLD-FEST – APRIL 5 – MAY 6 (Open Wednesdays through Sundays; closed April 8)
    The spring spectacular World-Fest showcases the astonishing artistry of the Zunyi Acrobats of China, returning from last year’s “wow” performance with more acrobats in an even bigger show of balance, agility and strength. New for the festival is a show featuring island-style music and dance, with Polynesian FireKnife dancers twirling flaming ceremonial knives, colorful Costa Rican drummers and dancers, a new high-energy Scottish Celtic band and Scottish Highland dancers. Hundreds of singers, dancers and musicians from around the world perform.

    Rhonda Vincent and Rage at Silver Dollar City

    BLUEGRASS & BBQ – MAY 12 – JUNE 3 (Open Daily)
    Bluegrass & BBQ, the Midwest’s biggest bluegrass and barbecue gathering, fires up the stages as
    well as the grills, bringing the hottest acts in American bluegrass music and an all-American barbecue feast in The House of BBQ. Performers include seven-time IBMA* Female Vocalist of the Year and Grammy nominee Rhonda Vincent, 2006 IBMA Entertainer of the Year and Grammy nominees The Grascals and 2005 IBMA Entertainer of the Year Cherryholmes, with a special concert by bluegrass legend and 12-time Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs on May 27.

    NATIONAL KIDS’ FEST – JUNE 9 – AUGUST 12 (Open Daily)
    Along with showcasing the Giant Swing at the Great Barn and two dozen rides, Kids’ Fest presents an all-new show: Circus of the Century — On Ice, a circus-themed show with a cool twist for summer – acrobats and clowns on ice. Also new, a Kid Concoctions creativity center where kids can make their own Gooey Gunk or Splongee Balls, or learn to make a volcano, from the acclaimed Kid Concoctions books and television show. Bounce – The All-American Basketball Show mixes amazing stunts and comedy from a world-record holder, and young gymnasts match their skills against canine competitors in All-Star Dogs & Gold Medal Kids.

    …and there’s always Ozark craftsmen.

    SOUTHERN GOSPEL PICNIC – August 30 – September 9 (Open Daily)
    The popular Southern Gospel Picnic returns with more glorious gospel music from some of the top names in Southern Gospel music, and a picnic feast of Chicken & Fixin’s. Performers include Dove Award winners The Isaacs and The Kingsmen, 2006 Southern Gospel News Male Group of the Year The Booth Brothers, 2006 IBMA Gospel Recording of the Year winners Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and Southern Gospel Hall of Famers The Florida Boys. Music continues under the stars as Southern Gospel Nights is presented each evening.

    FESTIVAL OF AMERICAN MUSIC & CRAFTS, with a Salute to the Great American Cowboy September 13 – October 27 (Open Wednesdays – Sundays)
    An all-new show debuts for the Festival of American Music & Crafts with the popular Salute to the Great American Cowboy. New this year, the festival debuts an original musical production Headin’ West, presenting the adventure of Western expansion with special effects enhancing scenes from white water river travel to a buffalo stampede. Michael Martin Murphey performs in a special concert, headlining the Western entertainment; cowboy boot makers from around the country compete in the 2nd annual Best of American Boot Makers competition; and an all-new arena show features trick riders and long-horned steers. The festival showcases over 125 visiting craftsmen demonstrating heritage crafts, with hundreds of musicians playing country, gospel and bluegrass.

    The Holiday Light parade.

    AN OLD TIME CHRISTMAS – November 3 – December 30
    (Open Wednesdays – Sundays through Dec. 2, Thursdays – Sundays Dec. 6-23, daily Dec. 26-30)
    A new Christmas Light Spectacular around the Square debuts for An Old Time Christmas, ranked as one of the world’s top holiday events by CNN.com, and one of the nation’s top by USA Today, America’s Best and Southern Living. The festival includes the Holiday Light Parade, the popular show A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, the Five-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree and over 4 million holiday lights. The festival runs November 3 – December 30.

    For ticket information, call 1-800-451-3791, to purchase tickets on line click here. For season passes, call 1-800-888-PASS. Information is also available at www.silverdollarcity.com.

  • A Sneak Preview of Sight & Sound’s new “Noah – The Musical”

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    Those attending the BransonFest Show on Friday April 13, 2007, will get to see a sneak preview of Sight & Sound’s new “Noah – The Musical.” Karen Knight as Noah’s wife (named Emuwnah and pronounced ee-MOO-nah) and Jon Sneed, an Ozarks’ native, who plays Noah, will perform a scene from the spectacular production about the ark-building patriarch who trusted God amidst the great flood.

    The Sight & Sound Theatre is currently under construction in Branson, Missouri, between Gretna Road and the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, and is scheduled for completion in time for the 2008 season. As will be the case with all the theatre’s productions, “Noah – The Musical,” will be presented on its 300-foot-long wrap around stage. “Noah – the Musical” will feature a four-story ark that surrounds the audience, along with over 80 live animals, more than 50 animatronic animals and a professional cast of about 50.

    More than one million people have seen the show at Sight & Sound’s Strasburg, Pennsylvania location.

  • RFD-TV to air BransonFest on nationally in May

    Editors Note: The performances shown will be, for the most part, performances from this years show and will provide viewers with an excellent opportunity to preview what they could expect if they went to that particular show this year.

    RFD-TV announced that it will record and air all performances from the 2007 BransonFest in a new, weekly one-hour prime time television show, BransonFest, beginning in May.

    Each show will feature 4 or 5 of the individual performances performed on the Welk Resort Theatre stage, and will air three times each week on RFD-TV premiering at 9pm on Friday evening, with repeats scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 4pm, and again Monday at 1pm (all times Eastern). RFD-TV is currently seen in over 30 million homes in all 50 states on DIRECTV (channel 379), DISH Network (channel 231), and numerous cable systems including Mediacom, Charter, Bresnan, NCTC, and locally in Branson on Suddenlink (channel 4).

    “This will be a tremendous opportunity for viewers across the nation to see for themselves a sample of the outstanding talent performing in Branson for the 2007 season,” stated Patrick Gottsch, Founder & President of RFD-TV. “We believe that once these viewers see BransonFest, they will want to travel to Branson to see these shows and attractions for themselves in the coming year. Again, this is a great example of why RFD-TV recently moved to Branson, as this new production is sure to be a big hit with our audience.”

    BransonFest and Branson Theatre Showcase are sponsored on RFD-TV in part by the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau. In addition, the Welk Resort Theatre, Presley Theatre, and Silver Dollar City run commercial spots in the programming to promote their own attractions.

  • Survivor Branson – mayor and alderman voted off but look who survives!

    The voters of the city of Branson have spoken loud and very clear. Their message echoes that of many within the community who did not get the opportunity to vote, a desire for a change in the way things are done within the leadership ranks of the city government of Branson. Newly elected Ward II alderman, Bob McDowell, as candidate Bob McDowell, probably said it best when he said that the leadership of city government has to earn back “the benefit of the doubt position” from the community.

    Over at least the last year or so, and as recently as the morning of Apr. 3, when leadership issues at city hall have been discussed with the Ole Seagull, it wasn’t the name of either Lou Schaefer or Alderman Ron Huff that came up 99 percent of the time. Rather, it was the name of the city of Branson’s administrator Terry Dody and, to a lesser extent, city attorney Paul Link that was mentioned. Almost simultaneously people would ask a question along the lines of “Why don’t the mayor and the board of aldermen do something about them?”

    There are probably many answers to that question. The fact is however that, for whatever reason, the mayor and board of aldermen did nothing to eliminate or control what candidate for mayor Raeanne Presley, now mayor elect Raeanne Presley, described as an “attitude at city hall that boarders on arrogance.” In spite of public warnings, by the Ole Seagull and others, they seemingly refused to even acknowledge there was a leadership problem. Even worse, they publicly allowed and enabled those who the public perceived as the sources of the arrogance and loss of trust to violate the same decorum and public comment rules that they so fastidiously sought to enforce against the public.

    Although the voters could not vote the apparent source of that arrogance out of office what they did do was vote those running for reelection that permitted and enabled the source of arrogance to grow and flourish, out of office. They replaced them with those who pledged that, if elected, such arrogance “would not stand” and to try to earn back “the benefit of the doubt position” from the community.

    In the opinion of an Ole Seagull, that will be extremely difficult, if not impossible to do, if the very individuals whom a lot of people in the community perceive as the cause of that arrogance and public distrust remain in their positions. Ah, the irony of it all. In a council meeting worthy enough to be called “Survivor Branson,” even as Mayor Lou and Ron Huff are “voted off” and relinquish their leadership positions, Monsieur’s Dody and Link survive. Who ever said that life was fair?

    One can only wonder if those whom the community perceives as the cause of the arrogance and loss of trust within Branson city government will do the honorable thing. “Ah, Seagull, if they don’t do the honorable thing what should be done?” Please tell me that’s a rhetorical question.

  • Pam Tillis Hosts Colgate Country Showdown in Branson April 13, 2007

    A talent search event that has launched more Country Music stars than any other competition is coming to Branson’s Welk Resort Theatre on Friday, April 13. Country Music superstar Pam Tillis will host a first-round competition Colgate Country Showdown on April 13 at 8 p.m.

    Long before American Idol or Nashville Star, there was a long-running American icon called the Colgate Country Showdown. Now in its 26th year, the Showdown has been a career-booster for more future country music stars than any other contest in history. The Showdown was the first national event to spotlight Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert, Billy Dean, Billy Ray Cyrus and a stage full of other performers who went on to earn major recording contracts.

    KHOZ Radio 102.9 in Harrison, Arkansas is partnering with the Welk Resort Theatre to present the April 13 event. Between 8 and 10 contestants will perform live, backed by Pam Tillis’Nashville/touring band. General admission to the live event is $10. Tickets are available at the Welk Resort Theatre Box Office, by phone at 417-337-7469, on-line at sullivanshows.com and at KHOZ in Harrison.

    In addition to hosting the Colgate Country Showdown and appearing in the BransonFest 2007 Big Show on Friday afternoon, Pam Tillis will also give fans a sneak preview of her new CD due out April 17 called “Rhinestoned, Bridges Present and Past.”

    The talent search is produced by Special Promotions, Inc. (SPI) of Nashville and backed by Colgate. The Colgate Country Showdown attracts more than 10,000 acts annually through partnerships with over 470 radio stations across America. Local winners compete for state championships and state winners go on to five regional contests. The five regional winners contend for the national title on a syndicated television special judged by a panel of distinguished music industry professionals. Great American Country (GAC) airs the special during primetime in May and the show is also carried internationally on the overseas network. The winner of the Showdown’s National Final takes home a cash prize of $100,000. An additional $300,000 in cash prizes is awarded each year at the various other levels.

  • Branson’s future is at stake and the Ole Seagull’s take – Vote Apr. 3

    Every week, whether you agree with him or not, a lot of you read the opinions of one balding, overweight, grandfather with, he hopes, average intelligence, who calls himself “The Ole Seagull.” This week should be no different and, for what it matters, here’s the short and quick of his take on the Apr. 3 election.

    As to the tax issues, he unequivocally supports a “Yes” vote for the $.45 increase in the operating tax levy for the Branson School District and a “Yes” vote to extend the half of one percent Taney County Road and Bridge Tax. As to the city of Branson’s mayoral and aldermanic races he supports Raeanne Presley for mayor over incumbent mayor Lou Schaefer, Sandra Williams for Alderman over incumbent Ron Huff in Ward II, and sincerely believes that the voters in Branson’s Ward I are very blessed because, whoever they vote for, Eric Farris or Bob McDowell, they will have someone who will make independent decisions and will work towards making city government more open and responsive.

    He supports a “Yes” vote for the increased operating tax levy for the Branson School District because the vast majority of the increased operating revenue is to be used for the costs of putting the teachers and programs inside the new buildings that the district has built, and is building, to meet its greatly increased and expanding enrollment. The bulk of the increase is going to pay salaries for teachers, the singular most important aspect of our children’s educations. Even with the increase, less than $86.00 per year on a house assessed at $100,000, the taxpayers of the Branson School District will be paying less than the majority of the surrounding school districts. Isn’t a quality education for our children and grandchildren worth the slight increase?

    He supports a “Yes” vote for the extension of the current half of one percent Taney County Road and Bridge Tax because it is but an extension of an existing tax that is paid, in the majority, by tourists to our area. It is not a new tax and has served all who drive on Taney County’s roads well. This tax has helped with projects such as the Hollister Highway 65 project, where a small investment of funds by Hollister and Taney County resulted in over 100 million dollars of benefit to our area.

    He supports Raeanne Presley over the incumbent mayor Lou Schaefer because of her policy on growth, her proven credentials to lead Branson into the future, her willingness to address an “attitude at city hall that boarders on arrogance” and her pledge that if elected that attitude “will not stand.” Her policy on growth is two phased, logical, and simple.

    She supports the type of entrepreneurial growth where people invest their own money and assume the risk of developing what ever they want to develop instead of the taxpayer, i.e. Branson’s Titanic Museum, the new Site and Sound Attraction, Celebration City, The Chateau on the Lake, the Roy Rogers Attraction, the new Butterfly Palace, the redevelopment of the Music Centre City complex, the Grand Palace, etc. She does suggest “a pause” in the type of growth that is artificially created by government through the use of TIFs and other extensive taxpayer financing while its impact on available housing, schools, other taxing entities, etc. is assessed. As an example, the increased operating tax levy for the Branson School District that is being voted on is caused, at least in part, because of this type of growth and the city of Branson’s arbitrary use of TIF financing.

    It is a continuation of that theme that leads him to support Sandra Williams over incumbent Ron Huff for alderman of Ward 2. It was really interesting to hear Huff and incumbent mayor Lou Schaefer indicate that the leadership in city hall has no confidence or trust problems relating to the businesses and citizens of Branson. This in spite of the fact that it was a problem that every other candidate running for office indicated had to be addressed. Bob McDowell summed it up best when he said that the leadership of city government had to earn back “the benefit of the doubt position” from the community.

    Whatever ones position is on these issues and the candidates an Ole Seagull would urge them to get out and vote on April 3. Aren’t the future education of the areas children and the future of Branson worth the effort it takes to vote? An Ole Seagull thinks so.