Month: February 2009

Although technically spring doesn’t start until the vernal equinox occurs on March 20, Branson, Missouri’s “spring” will start on March 1 with the celebration of its new event, “Ozark Mountain Spring.” Ozark Mountain Spring is a brand or theme being used as the vehicle to market the many different events taking place between March 1 and May 31, kick off Branson’s 2009 season, and showcase the variety and excitement of all there is to do in Branson.”

And what an exciting kick off the first two weeks of Ozark Mountain Spring will be offering everything from a Titanic salute to championship basketball and bass fishing. Two years ago the Titanic Museum started a three day celebration entitled, “Titanic Salutes the Irish,” to honor the involvement of the Irish in the building of the Titanic and her tragic voyage. That celebration grew to two weeks last year and will be expanded to a full month of Irish music, song, and excitement this year starting on March 1.

For those wanting a quality basketball experience it would be hard to beat the enthusiasm and quality of basketball that will be seen during the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship being played at the College of the Ozark’s Keeter Gymnasium March 11-19. The tournament features 32 teams that are Division II conference champions or have qualified for the tournament through regional tournament or being chosen for at large berths. It is a fast paced single elimination tournament that, because of the seating arrangement in the Keeter Gymnasium can be seen “close up.”

After a hugely successful Stren Series Championship Tournament on Table Rock Lake in November of 2008, the Walmart FLW Tour presented by Berkley, will be back in Branson, Mo., March 12-15. The Branson stop will be the second Walmart FLW Tour tournament of the 2009 season and will feature bass fisherman from all over the United States, Japan and Mexico competing for top awards of $125,000 cash in the Pro Division and $25,000 cash in the Co-angler Division.

In addition, Branson will be hosting a concurrent tournament being held on Bull Shoals Lake. “The Bass Federation National Championship,” will be presented on March 12-14 by the National Guard. In that championship the best of the TBF club anglers in the nation are competing for berths in two of the bass fishing’s most coveted events, the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup and the $1 million BFL All-American presented by Chevy.

And that’s just a partial list of activities for the first two week of Ozark Mountain Spring. Click here for a full list and schedule of events. It should be remembered that Ozark Mountain Spring encompasses more than 40 events that have been listed on schedules and some, such as the Bass Federation National Championship, that haven’t been listed yet, but should show up on the next update.

Dutton Family performing in Branson.

For most Branson shows the “off season” provides a respite between one season and the next, but the Dutton’s idea of the “off season” adds new meaning to the term. Basically when they finish their last show in Branson in December, the Dutton’s move into an off season schedule that is a combination of shows at the “Dutton Family Theatre Legacy School,” in Mesa AZ and a series of road shows using that as their base of operations.

The online schedule for the Mesa theatre shows the Dutton’s performing 22 shows at the theatre from Jan. 17 through Mar. 27 in addition to 14 more on the road performances in other areas. In a phone interview on Feb. 26, Judith Dutton said the family’s off season performances maintains a tradition of traveling and performing on the road that has been a constant ever since the very beginning.

She went on to say that when they decided to establish themselves in Branson and open a theatre that tradition simply continued. In Branson, the Dutton family not only performs a full schedule of their show in the Dutton Family Theatre, but also operates the Dutton Inn, the Dutton Deli, makes and sells some of the best fudge around, and hosts “Fire Island,” a Polynesian show, at their theatre.

Dutton said their off season performances and road shows are an excellent way to promote not only their show, but the entire Branson area and mentioned they had performed to a full house in Surprise, AZ on February 25. During an interview on Feb. 26, Brent Hendrickson, Activities Director, for the Surprise venue said the Dutton’s had performed to a sellout crowd of about 600 people the night before. With obvious enthusiasm he said, “It was a great show that was energetic and extremely crowd pleasing.”

Dutton pointed out that the show they do both in Mesa and on the road is very similar to their Branson show. She indicated that the road shows are a little more intensive because, in addition to performing, they have to set everything up and break it down after they perform. Dutton said that the off season performances are also used to develop and perfect the changes that will be incorporated into their Branson show the next season.

Dutton stated they are looking forward to the 2009 season in Branson. The Dutton Show is scheduled to run from April 2 through December 8 and “Island Fire” from March 9 through December 5.

Now the rest of the world knows what travelers to Branson, Missouri have known for years, Branson is one of the top travel values in the country! On February 17, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) published a press release entitled “What U.S. Destinations Are Most Budget Friendly for Travelers?” The release pointed out that a lot of Americans are looking for a way to travel in 2009, but with the economy the way it is those travelers are looking for an affordable way to do it.

ASTA is made up of travel professionals with a mission “to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism.” ASTA’s President Chris Russo, boiled it down in terms of practicality and what that means to the individual traveler when he said, “Travel agents are experts at finding the best value for their clients.” Russo continued, “When every penny counts, using the services of a professional ASTA travel agent can mean the difference between enjoying a vacation with friends and family or staying home.”

ASTA polled those agents asking them what they thought “the most budget-friendly destinations for travel in the United States in 2009 were going to be.” The result was no surprise to those who have been coming to Branson for years because of its combination of shows, attractions, natural beauty, lakes, activities and entertainment and affordability. Branson, Missouri came in third behind Las Vegas and Orlando/DisneyWorld and ahead of New Orleans and Los Angeles.

Even a cursory check of a Branson destination website such as Branson.Com or Branson Tourism Center indicates that Branson offers a combination of live shows, attractions, shopping, and other entertainment activities closely tied into its lakes and the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains that is unrivaled at other destination cities. As one drills down through those sites into the prices for show tickets, attractions, and lodging it quickly becomes apparent why Branson, Missouri was selected the third “most budget-friendly destinations for travel in the United States in 2009.”

Comic juggler, David Lucas playing the banjo while balancing a stool on his head.

It’s hard to think of a way that one of Branson’s perennial favorite attractions “Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction” can give even more value and entertainment to its guests. What more can one entertainment venue provide than a great four-course meal eaten while watching one of the most exciting interactive shows in existence featuring 32 horses, exciting equestrian stunts, Longhorns, ostrich and pig races, the “Spirit of the Bird” aerial acrobatics spectacle and a little friendly “North” and “South” audience participation competition?

Well, how about by adding some flying machetes, a military reunion tribute for veterans, a world class juggler, a new song contributed by Dolly Parton, new choreography for the “Spirit of the Bird” aerial act and “Skeeter’s BIG Event? On Feb. 18, at a special overview, hosted by Dixie Stampede’s resident comedian, “Skeeter,” a.k.a. Gareth Sever, some of the changes for the 2009 show were unveiled.

One major change is an all new Carriage Room Pre-show featuring comic juggler, David Lucas. Those attending the overview got a preview of the show Lucas will be performing. What an exciting way to start an evening of entertainment. From his initial routine and continuing through flying machetes, and the most unique rendition of “Malaguena” most people will ever see, there is enough excitement, action, and comedy to entertain adults and children alike.

It was announced that the show will include a new song, “Sha-Kon-O-Hey,” contributed by Dolly Parton. “Sha-Kon-O-Hey” is the Cherokee word meaning “Land of Blue Smoke.” The song was written to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this year. Parton is the parks “ambassador” and “Sha-Kon-O-Hey” is the title of her new musical and CD.

As a special value added program for military reunions Dixie Stampede is offering “The Missing Man Table and Honors Ceremony” this year. The ceremony, an acknowledgement of a missing comrade in arms, is widely performed at Veterans events and is provided free of charge for military groups of 15 or more subject to availability and making advance arrangements with the Pat Veach, Group Sales Manager, Dixie Stampede.

Of course, “Skeeter” saved the biggest announcement of all until last, “Skeeter’s New Event”. As “Chickens rained from the sky,” Skeeter, always the comedian and the “Events” featured performer said that although he could not disclose its details, he has seen the Event and it’s colossal, astounding and amazing. Ah, the thrill of anticipation!

Paul Miller, General Manager, Branson Tourism Center said, “Based on customer demand and ticket sales, Dixie Stampede is one of the most popular attractions in Branson.” From the Carriage Room Pre-show to the meal, the always exciting Dixie Stampede show and Skeeter’s BIG Event it appears that an evening at Dixie Stampede during the 2009 season will be an exciting fun filled event that will do nothing but enhance that popularity.

If the Branson Tourism Center’s Branson Show Schedule could be rolled back 50 years to 1959 what a difference the schedule would look like. The nearly 100 shows on the 2009 schedule reflect everything from the outdoor drama of Harold Bell Wrights Ozark tale, “The Shepherd of the Hills” to comedy, magic, acrobatics, animal and pet, and music and variety shows of just about every genre and testify as to why some call Branson, Missouri the “live entertainment capital of the world.”

The show schedule for 1959 would have showed none of that future potential. Indeed, a show schedule wasn’t even needed because there was only one show in Branson, the “Baldknobbers.” They started small, just a tiny country music show being presented two days a week in a rented 50 seat room in the basement of the Branson Community Center located on the southeast corner of what is now Business Highway 65 and College Streets.

Called “the show that started it all,” the Baldknobbers was started to provide night time fun and entertainment for visiting tourists, primarily fishermen. The show’s simple format was entertaining, blending original unique comedy routines with popular country music presented by the Mabe brothers, Bob, Bill, Jim and Lyle along with the help of Delbert Howard and Chick Allen. Even the name of the show, the “Baldknobbers,” was adapted from the areas local history and a group of vigilantes called the “Bald Knobbers” because they held their meetings on a “bald” hilltop with no vegetation.

The comedy was a central part of the show and evolved into two characters, “George Aggernite” and “Droopy Drawers” played by Lyle and Jim Mabe, respectively, presenting their own unique blend of Ozark humor. When the music was added to the mix and it was all presented by an enthusiastic and talented cast who knew how to interact with their audience, the result was a formula that has been bringing people back for over 50 years.

After performing in historic downtown Branson and on the Lake Taneycomo Lakefront for nine years the Baldknobbers moved to their current location on W. Highway 76, now commonly referred to as the “Branson Strip,” in 1968. With that move, “the show that started it all” joined “the first show on the strip” the “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” and, as they say, “The rest is history.”

Stretch McCord, left, and Douglas Fir "sizing up" the audience

For a great afternoon of Branson comedy, music, and just plain fun, the Grand Country Music Hall’s “Comedy Jamboree” would be hard to beat. The show has a variety of comedy and music that’s’ thoroughly entertaining.

The shows music is provided by some very talented vocalists and musicians. In the typical performance of this show Splinter Middleton performs the lead vocals, but for this performance the lead vocals were performed by Todd Bradshaw, from the Grand Country Music Hall’s “Grand Jubilee Show.” The Jamboree Singers composed of Justin Tews, Gigi Hutchinson, Jon Drockelman, and Jackie Brown performed the rest of the show’s vocals.

The show’s live band is made up of some of the finest instrumentalists in Branson. It consists of Danny Yancy, on Steel Guitar, Banjo and Acoustic Guitar, Wayne Massengale, Fiddle and Acoustic Guitar, Matt Hanshaw, Lead Guitar and Acoustic Guitar , Larry Allred, Bass Guitar, Rob Blackwood, Drums and Tracy Heaston, Piano and the shows Musical Director. The band’s rendition of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” showcases their musical ability.

Heaston’s piano solos “I’ll Fly Away” and “Cumana” are a joy to experience. The experience is in both the sound and style of his performance which is particularly evident in “Cumana.”

The show’s Producer and Director, Mike Patrick, has done an excellent job of combining the talents of these musicians and vocalists with the show’s comedy routines into a show that effortlessly moves the audience from one entertaining segment to another. As an example, in early back to back segments of the show, Bradshaw sings “Rollin’ In My Sweet Baby’s Arms,” the Jamboree Singers display their individual vocal talents by doing a medley during which each performs solo and the members of the band give a “musical introduction.

The Jamboree Singers left to right, Jackie, Jon, Justin and Gigi.

Then, in the very next segment, the audience goes from music to laughter as the shows two comedians, Jae McFerron, as “Douglas Fir” and Justin Sifford as “Streth McCord,” working with “volunteers” from the audience, go into their first of many comedy routines. To most people, the decision as to whether to spit or not has never been this funny.

As one would expect from the show’s title, “Comedy Jamboree,” comedy is a core part of the show. Without spoiling the fun and surprise of the show it can safely be said that there is good clean family comedy and fun with laughs for everyone. The “Hee Haw” segment will bring back memories and haven’t you always thought that “Dr. Phil” was too serious? You won’t after seeing this show.

The combination of the shows extensive comedy and music provides a unique and entertaining experience not available anywhere else in Branson. For additional information on this show or other Branson shows or attraction please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center on line or by phone at 800-785-1550.

Steve Presley and Barb Lancaster, Administrative Secretary, reviewing advertising piece for this year’s show.

The Branson.Com Show Guide lists almost 100 shows that Branson visitors can choose from. Some of those shows are new and some have been in Branson for more than one year, some more than 20, but only two for more than 40 years, the Baldknobbers Jamboree and Presleys’ Country Jubilee. That’s quite a few years of getting next year’s show ready, but what really happens between the seasons to insure that next season’s show will provide the audience with an experience that is new, fresh and exciting.

To explore the answer to that of that question, Steve Presley of Presleys’ Country Jubilee, was interviewed recently. He said, “As the curtain came down on the 2008 show on Dec. 13, the work had already begun on the 2009 show back around Nov. 1.”

He explained that from his perspective, there were three main elements that went into the show each year. The first and most important element is production followed by marketing and theatre operations.

In terms of the show’s production from year to year Presley, said “Show changes are always a given.” He said he could not recall ever starting a new season where the material in the show was not at least 50 to 60 percent different from the season before.

When asked if the 50 to 60 percent new material every year applied to the comedy portion of the show Presley said it does. He described the shows comedy as the “life blood of the show” and one of the things that makes Presleys’ Country Jubilee unique and gives the show great appeal to children. He said Gary Presley, “Herikmer” and Eric Presley, “Cecil,” father and son in real life as well as the show, are constantly working on new material, not just for this year’s show, but next years and beyond.

Another important area under show production is costuming. Presley pointed out that, although it might not seem like it, there are 60 to 70 costume changes per show. He described the selection of costuming as a family venture, but at the end of the day, he is the person who has the responsibility for making sure that all the right costuming, in all the right sizes, is in the right place at the right time, and ready to go.

He went on to say the planning for costuming starts early on in the production process to help insure that it is available on opening night. He mentioned that there were a few times where, from a costuming perspective, things were closer than we would have liked to have seen them.

Presley stated that the marketing for the show is a multi-phased, ongoing, and evolving process. That process involves the updating of the shows marketing plan, its budgeting, and implementation as well as the modification of the shows brochures, web site, billboards, and other advertising media to insure their currency.

Presley said that the operational aspects of the theatre covers, among other things, administration, accounting, the number and type of support personnel needed to sell tickets, usher, and assist with parking, as well as vendors, the operation of the gift shop and just about anything else that pertains to the non-show aspects of the theatre. He acknowledged with sincere appreciation, the business acumen, organizational skills, and commitment that the women of the Presley family have demonstrated over the years as they have handled, and continue to handle, theatre operations.

Presley said all the year to year planning and changes are dedicated to the same thing each performance of the show is, giving the audience a fresh exciting entertainment experience they will not only enjoy, but will return to see again. Almost with a twinkle in his eye he expressed his confidence that “Once we get them through the door, a large percentage of them will be coming back.”

Featuring Missouri Wines and Artisan Cheeses, The Missouri Wine Festival, one of the many events featured in Ozark Mountain Spring, is a two day celebration of the National and Inter-National recognition of wines produced in the state of Missouri. Saturday and Sunday, April 25 & 26, at The Chateau on the Lake Resort, the exhibit hall will open for tastings of Missouri Wines from many of the nearly 80 wineries located in the Show Me State. Exhibitors also include artisan cheese makers, chocolatiers, gourmet foods, and fine cigars for the aficionado. Live music will be performed all day, both days.

Medals will be awarded by our panel of wine experts to the outstanding label in multiple varietals and there will be a juried targeted art show sponsored by The Branson Arts Council. The days are filled with samples, seminars and demonstrations. Learn from the experts how to pair the right wine with the right dish. Cooking with wine demonstrations by an award winning chef. Plus, each night at 7 pm, there will be a gourmet dinner paired with a different wine selection for each course, prepared by The Chateau’s own Head Chef, Doug Knopp, winner of Wine Spectator Magazine’s "Award of Excellence".

Daily admission includes a tasting journal, to record your favorite labels, and a collector tasting glass. Complete details of all the activities are available at www.mowinefest.com .

By GARY J. GROMAN
a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

Branson, Missouri offers a variety of entertainment that is just about unequalled at any other destination city in the world, but its 100 plus live shows are its entertainment heart beat. During 2009 Branson will be celebrating over 50 years of live music and entertainment shows.

The celebration got under way when the “Hot Winter Fun” shows” started their 2009 performances. However, “Branson’s 15th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show,” (Big Show) will really kick the celebration into gear when some of Branson’s best performers come together in a one of kind show. The fun and excitement will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2009 at the Jim Stafford Theatre.

The Big Show is sponsored the “The League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers” (the League) and is made possible because all the performers donate their time and the show gets great support from the community. Jeannie Horton, the Operations Manager for the Legends In Concert and President of the League points out that the proceeds of the show will all go to help market the Hot Winter Fun and the Branson area.

The Big Show is one of the most unique shows of the year because it provides the audience with the opportunity to see starts and performers from a number of different Branson shows in one action packed evening of entertainment. The Emcee of the Big Show will be Bob Leftridge of the Balknobbers.

Scheduled to perform are Jim Stafford, Legends in Concert, Baldknobbers, Comedy Jamboree, Roy Rogers, Jr. and The High Riders, Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience, Riders of the Circle B, Hamner Barber Variety Show, New’s Country, Grand Jubilee, Magnificent Variety Show, Cassandre’ The Voice Of An Angel, Keith "Red" Allen, 50’s At The Hop, and Red Hot & Blue.
The schedule is subject to change.

For further information on the Big Show, to purchase tickets, or for assistance with any Branson travel needs please contact Branson Tourism Center on line or by phone at 800-785-1550. Tickets may also be purchased directed through the Jim Stafford Theatre.

Thomas Hood, said, “Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!” Although in a relationship, every day should be Valentine’s Day, on that day those in love make an extra special effort, to show their Valentine just how much they mean to them.

Particularly with this Valentine’s Day falling on a weekend, what better place to do that than in Branson, Missouri, the live entertainment capital of the world? With its many restaurants and shows offering a choice for every taste and budget, Branson has a variety of ways to share Valentine’s Day with that special someone.

From the simple café fare of a downtown staple like Clocker’s Café to an elegant gourmet meal at the Chateau on the Lake, Candle Stick, the Bleu Olive, or Zoey’s Mediterranean and everything in between, Branson offers a variety of Valentine dining experiences. Some, such as the Chateau, Zoey’s, and the Bleu Oliver are offering special menus just for Valentine’s Day. Many of the restaurants contacted suggested making reservations as early as possible because, in addition to Feb. 14 being Valentine’s Day, it is also on a weekend.

Branson Landing Cruise line has special Valentine’s Day dinner cruises scheduled for 6:45 p.m. They will be using both of their boats, the Landing Princess, a 100 foot long luxury yacht and the Lake Queen, a replica of the paddle wheel river boats of the past. On both boats a romantic gourmet dinner will be served with Champagne and chocolates while cruising Lake Taneycomo and seeing the spectacular nighttime view of Branson Landing and its fire and water Fountain Show from the water.

As one would expect in Branson, Missouri, there is a variety of live entertainment shows available to share with your Valentine. Branson’s first show, the Baldknobbers, along with Grand Country’s Grand Jubilee, the Hamner Barber Variety Show, Jim Stafford, Six, Legends in Concert, and Pierce Arrow are some of the shows having 8:00 p.m. performances. Matinee performances are being offered at 2:00 p.m. by the 50’s at the Hop, the Comedy Jamboree, and News Country with Strait Country performing at 5:00 pm.

Melody Byrd, the Marketing Manager for the Legends in Concert Show, now operating in their new location in Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre, said they would be offering a unique combination package for Valentine’s Day. The package consists of dinner in the theatre’s VIP area and the Legends in Concert Show. What makes the package unique is that normally the VIP area would be limited to groups, but for Valentine’s Day it is being opened to individuals.

There is a variety of packages, including lodging, for just about every budget. The Chateau on the Lake has a one night package including room, bottle of Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and their special four course Valentines dinner for two in its award winning Chateau Grille. Branson Tourism Center is offering special discount packages, priced according to the accommodations selected, including 3 days and 2 nights lodging, two tickets to either the Jim Stafford, Legends in Concert, or Pierce Arrow show and an additional two tickets to either SIX, Hughes Brothers, Comedy Jamboree, or Grand Jubilee show along with VIP discount coupon books.

With all Branson has to offer, why not plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day, with your special Valentine, in Branson?

Taking a page from its successful “Ozark Mountain Christmas,” the Branson, Missouri area is going to start its 2009 season with a new major event called “Ozark Mountain Spring.” It will be comprised of many different events being held over the period of March 1 to Memorial Day. Click here for Branson Tourism Center’s current schedule of Ozark Mountain Spring events.

Some of the events such as the “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” event on Apr. 24 and 25 and the “Great American Pie Show,” will be new events but, by and large, most of the Ozark Mountain Spring events will be events that have been held during previous years. One of those events is “Kewpiesta” which will be held at the Ramada Inn Conference Center in Branson, April 22 through April 26.

Branson’s “Kewpiesta” is an annual commemoration of the “Kewpie” and its creator Rose O’Neill, which has become an Ozarks tradition since its initial beginning in 1967. It is a combination of Rose O’Neill and Kewpie events that is unmatched anywhere else in the world and includes the exhibition and auction of Kewpie Dolls and Kewpie collectibles, social events, and the annual meeting of the International Rose O’Neill Club.

Prior to creating the “Kewpies” in 1909, ONeill was already a published author, illustrator and an internationally known artist. Her paintings and drawings had been exhibited in Paris France and she had been elected to its Societe’ des Beaux Arts in 1906.

The now famous “Kewpie Doll” started out as comic like illustrations created by O’Neill, at “Bonniebrook,” the O’Neill family homestead, in 1909. They were first published in the 1909 Christmas issue of “The Ladies Home Journal.” The iconic “Kewpie Doll” was patented in 1913, the merchandising of the “Kewpies” in everything from the dolls to wall paper, books, and ice cream molds etc. quickly followed and the rest is history. The theme of this years’ Kewpiesta will be the 100th anniversary of the First Kewpies in Print.

Those coming to Kewpiesta or simply interested in Rose O’Neill or Kewpies might want to plan to visit “Bonniebrook” the O’Neill family homestead and O’Neill’s long time retreat. Bonniebrook is a National Historic Site, located about 10 minutes north of Branson on Highway 65 and features the Kewpie Museum containing hundreds of Kewpies, original O’Neill artworks and documents and artifacts about her life and work.

For more information on Kewpiesta, Bonniebrook, or the many other things to do in while in Branson please contact the Branson Tourism Center on line or by phone at 800-785-1550.