Month: May 2009

Debby Boone poses for a picture with Linda and Larry Hoffman of Norfolk, NE as she visits with them in the Branson Tourism Center’s. reception area.

Debbie Boone, who made the song “You Light Up My Life” one of the biggest hits of all time is lighting up Branson. She is in Branson promoting the show she will be doing at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre during Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas. During an interview held while she was making a stop at the Branson Tourism Center, Boone said the show will be a combination of her road show, “Reflections of Rosemary” and a family celebration of a traditional Christmas with all its music and sharing of family.

And what a family celebration that should be. Boone is the daughter of Pat Boone, the granddaughter of Red Foley or as she calls him, “Daddy Red”, and the daughter in- law of singer actress Rosemary Clooney. “Reflections of Rosemary” is a tribute to Clooney. She was an actress and singer who had a number of Billboard chart hits during the 50s with a number of them, such as “This Ole House,” “Hey There” and “Come On-a My House,” making it to the number 1 position on the charts. She also starred with Bing Crosby in the Christmas movie classic, “White Christmas.”

Boone was excited about the fit of her show to Branson’s audiences saying her Branson show, with its combination of great music, sharing of family and experiences through personal, interesting and fun stories and a few other surprises, is a perfect fit. She said, “The audiences that come to Branson appreciate really good music” and emphasized the quality of the music in the show saying, “It is beautiful, melodic, gorgeous music” with great arrangements being played by great musicians.

When asked what song she is currently performing that she had the most personal passion for and why, Boone said that although it could change, depending on the day, her mood, and audience, most days it is “You Light Up My life.” Continuing on, she said, “On any given day that song takes on different levels of meaning to me and the people in my audience.”

Boone said she enjoys the Branson tradition of “meet and greet” where the performers meet with the audience after the show to shake hands, take pictures, sign autographs, etc. She said, “If you don’t connect with your audience then the relationship doesn’t have anywhere to go.”

While she was at the Branson Tourism Center, Debby took the time to meet some of the staff and customers on a one to one basis. As one observed her interacting with them it became obvious that the woman who can sing “You Light Up My Life” with such passion has the same passion for people and was, even if for only for a few moments with each, lighting up the lives of those she was meeting.

Boone will be appearing at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre Nov. 3 through Dec. 5 as the special guest with the “Country Tonite Show.” The first half of the show will be the “Country Tonite Show” and the second half Debby Boone’s show. For specific schedules, additional information, or to purchase tickets for this show call 1-800-785-1550.

Kalani Towers four 312 foot racing slides with its two 300 foot drop slides to the right.

Branson is noted for its variety of shows, attractions, and entertainment, but “surfing?” Where in Branson can visitors surf? At the same place where they can enjoy 7,000 feet of water slides, some of which have drops of 300 feet, swim, splash, enjoy island themed foods and relax with their families amid tropical landscapes, at “White Water” Branson’s tropical adventure park

White Water is 12 acres of tropical excitement with more than a dozen rides, attractions, and 7,000 feet of water slides creating two million gallons of fun and enjoyment for its guests. Located toward the western end of the famous Branson Strip, its Kalani Towers literally towers above all the area’s surrounding structures.

According to a recent White Water press release describes Kalani Towers as “a 7- story, 6- slide, multi-experience thrill ride” Two of the slides have 300 foot drops enabling freefall body sliding at speeds of up to 40 mph. The other four slides are 312 foot slides located immediately adjacent to each other and permit lane racing at speeds up to 25 mph.

Jackie Smith, White Water’s General Manager said, “Kalani Towers is our biggest draw.” Smith pointed out that although Kalani’s 300 foot drop slides “are an unbelievable thrill” its four racing slides are even more popular because people and families love to race each other.

The Raging River Rapids is 400 feet of “one of the wildest rides in the park” with its two slides wrapping around a huge 5- story high waterfall as riders race to the pool below. Some of the parks other rides are the Bermuda Triangle, a fast paced enclosed slide; the Caribbean Plunge and Tropical Twister rapid-water raft rides; Surfquake, a 500,000 gallon wave pool producing 4-foot waves and the Lazy River, a gently moving river for just floating and relaxing.

White Water also has a number of Family play areas for all ages, toddlers on up. Little Squirts’ Waterworks is for toddlers. It has tunnels, slides and sprays for water play without water depth. Splash Island is a play area for smaller kids with shooting nozzles, spray hoses and slides, all in a shallow pool and RainTree Island, for the older kids, has aqua-shooters, slides, splash geysers and a massive 700-gallon tipping bucket.

The park also offers a variety of other amenities such as Sand Volleyball, tropical landscapes, shaded areas and an assortment of island themed and other foods. It even rents “Cool Cabanas” complete with fans, television, and seating for up to 8 people.

Paul Miller, General Manager for Branson Tourism Center said, “White Water is one of Branson’s most popular attractions during the summer.” Miller continued, “White Water is owned by the same company that owns Silver Dollar City, easily Branson’s number one paid attraction, and that visitors who plan to visit both can save money by buying combination tickets permitting multiple day access to both parks.”

White Water is open May 23 – September 7. Miller points out that particularly in the early and later parts of its schedule White Water’s days and hours of operation vary. For additional information on White Water, its schedule, or to purchase tickets call 1-800-785-1550.

Dave Hamner amazing audience as beautiful tropical birds appear from nowhere and fly out over them.

Branson has a variety of “variety” shows, but the “Hamner Barber Variety Show” is different in a truly “magical” and “funny” way. Its variety is straight forward magic, ventriloquism and comedy, but the way they are presented, by two masters of their craft, Illusionist David Hamner and comedian-ventriloquist Jim Barber, separates this variety show from any other in Branson, perhaps in the world.

The basic format of the show is simple, let two of the best entertainers in their respective fields do what they do best surrounded by a great supporting cast, choreography, and production. Predictably, the result is great illusions, ventriloquism, and comedy produced and presented in a manner that holds the interest of audiences of all ages.
There are relatively few shows in Branson that will hold the interest of children for the majority of the show. There are still fewer that can hold the interest of children while genuinely doing the same thing for adults. The Hamner Barber Variety Show is one of these shows. The constant rotation of the magic with the comedy and ventriloquism flows smoothly from one segment to the next keeping the audience waiting in anticipation for what is coming next and it makes no difference whether the age of the audience member is 10 or 70.

The tricky thing about writing about a magic show is not to spoil the surprise of the illusions. What can be safely said however is the magic covers a full range of illusions from the simple elegance of the “Magic of the Silver Coins” to exotic birds that fly off the stage over an enthralled audience, and illusions that “conquer” mountains, “spike” ones interest, and are of biblical proportions.

Jim Barber and Seville or is it Seville and Jim Barber?

It is not just the variety of the magic; it is the manner in which Hamner, his wife, Denise, and their supporting cast, present that magic. Dancers A.J. Heard, Ken Brown, and Kelly Nolte, who also double as magic assistants along with Lex Pearson and Michael Maeder, have been choreographed and worked into the presentation of the vast majority of illusions. The result is some of the most beautiful, entertaining and exciting magic available on any stage anywhere.

It could almost be said that the magic doesn’t stop with the Hamner’s because some of the things that Jim Barber, master ventriloquist and comedian, does almost seems magical. The comedy and operatic duet with Seville is amazing, but when it turns into trio that’s “magic.”

Audience members might wonder why Barber opened the bag and kept the “baby,” but they will not be able to stop laughing because he did. Not to be outdone by the Hamner’s and their exotic birds, Barber works with a Chihuahua type character called “Chico Pete” and takes the audience to new levels of laughter all the while demonstrating why he is one of the nation’s top ventriloquists.

The show’s tribute to America’s veterans, living and dead, active duty personnel and their families is a show highlight that is both innovative and beautifully, humbly, and respectfully presented from the heart. In the world of illusions, performers have made people, airplanes, animals, trucks, and even mountains disappear or appear, but none has topped the emotional and patriotic size of this finale tribute illusion. It is a special blessing.

The Musical "Breaking Up is Hard to Do," says "Happy Father’s Day" with free shows for all dads at 8 p.m. Saturday-Monday, June 20-22, 2009. Dads that take advantage of the free offer get a box of popcorn. One dad will be selected for a cameo spot in the musical. For tickets or information on this free show please call 417-334-7131.

“Breaking Up,” is a musical comedy that came straight from New York to Branson. The story line is about two friends from Brooklyn searching for romance and fun at Esther’s Paradise, a resort in the New York’s Catskills. Its 1960’s theme is filled with Neil Sedaka hits such as "Where the Boys Are," "Sweet Sixteen," "Calendar Girl," and 16 more including, of course, the chart-topping title song. For more detailed information on the show click here.

"Breaking Up is Hard to Do" is playing at the Branson Star theatre, 3750 W. Hwy. 76 (behind the Olive garden) Saturday through Thursday at 8:00 p.m.

A paraphrase of the title of a recent article entitled, “Travel Experts Say Now is the Time to Plan a Vacation,” published on the KSMU Ozarks Public Radio website could be “Now is the Time to Plan a Vacation to Branson.” The article points out that despite the challenging economic times people are still planning on traveling and taking a vacation this summer.

It indicated that now was a good time to plan a vacation because, although there are deals still available, demand is ahead of last year and prices, particularly for gas and air fares are on the rise. The article’s initial emphasis was aimed at travel in general turned to travel in Missouri and, specifically Branson, with the statement, “Travel right here in Missouri also appears to be increasing after a tourism lull last year in places like Branson.”

The Branson Lakes/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has been stating for months that their research indicated that in spite of the economic conditions, people would still take vacations in 2009. They may not travel as far, stay as long, or spend as much money, but they would still take vacations. The CVB modified the 2009 marketing plan for Branson to accommodate the recommendations contained in the research.

The article reports that Lynn Berry, Director of Public Relations for the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau, said that current estimates show that the demand for rooms in Branson was up 20 percent and the number of visitors visiting Branson was up 14 percent. On the morning of May 21 Berry stated that those figures were for the first quarter.

Berry continued saying that she is optimistic that tourism will continue to rise in Branson because families can always find something to do whether they have a lot of money to spend or not. She said several shows and attractions in Branson are offering cheaper deals to continue to bring more people back to Branson.

Paul Miller, General Manager Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected providers of Branson services said early planning and booking offers travelers the best opportunity to take advantage of the deals that are available. He pointed out, deals aside, early planning and booking also provides travelers with the best selection of prices, accommodations, and seat selection. Miller expressed his opinion, based on the activity he has seen, that the number of visitors to Branson is up not only totally, but on a month to month basis.

The Sixth Annual Branson Vietnam Veterans Benefit Show begins at 7 p.m. at the Hamner Barber Theater, 3044 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, June 1. Proceeds will be used to assist military personnel and their families from Southwest Missouri.

Tom Brett of the Brett Family is the founder of the show. Brett and his family in concert with Dave Hamner and Jim Barber donate their time and theater annually to the cause.

The entertainment line-up includes many Branson entertainers. In addition to the Brett Family, Hamner and Barber, slated for appearances to date are #1 Hits of the 60s, Clay Cooper, Barbara Fairchild, Allen Edwards, Wade Landry and Doug Gabriel. The cast of Country Tonite will perform and a video from their recent trip to visit troops in Iraq will be shown. Tom Mulica returns as emcee. Ambrus Presley will present the national anthem. Pastor Don Brezavar of Branson’s Church of the Harvest will bring the invocation and the Branson VVA will provide the color guard. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. For advanced reservations call 417-334-4363.

For reservations or information regarding other Branson activities, shows, attractions, or lodging please call Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected providers of Branson travel services, at 1-800-785-1550 or visit their web site www.BransononTourisimCenter.Com.

Branson Titanic’s Grand Staircase with the ships First Class Maid Jaynee Vanderburg.

At 2:20 a.m. on April 15, 1912, as the mighty unsinkable RMS Titanic slipped to her watery grave in the north Atlantic, the lives of those passengers who survived were forever altered. As passengers board Branson’s “Titanic-Worlds Largest Museum Attraction” they are handed a “boarding pass” for one of the Titanic’s passengers. As they tour the museum they will find out whether or not “they” lived or died that night.

Those receiving the boarding pass of “Mr David Vartanian” might be interested in a column entitled “From the Titanic, a new life together emerges” written by Jim Stingl and posted on line recently by the Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel. The column reports that Melissa Vartanian, the great granddaughter of Titanic survivor David Vartanian, and her fiancé, Vache Mikaelian, were to be married on May 13 at the Milwaukee Public Museum’s “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.”

The column goes on to say that when asked if she thought getting married around the artifacts from the disaster could be, as Vartanian herself put it, “A bad omen” she said, " Yes. I mean, the thing sank and more than 1,500 people died. It was a tragedy, an absolute tragedy that happened. The difference for my family is that it was ultimately about hope and freedom.” She continued, “For my family, it brought life.”

Evidently, marriage in connection with the Titanic does not seem to be “A bad Omen” for too many people. Mary Kellogg Joslyn, the co-owner of Branson’s Titanic with her husband John Joslyn, said that over 1,900 wedding vows have been renewed and about 90 weddings have been performed aboard Branson’s Titanic since it opened in April of 2006. She said that the vast majority of the ceremonies have been performed on the ships elegant Grand Staircase which, according to Wikipedia, was built using the ship’s original deck plans. Joslyn also indicated that none of the ceremonies have directly involved relatives of any of the Titanic’s passengers.

Comedian Reno Collier with NBC in Branson for new reality show taping.

Can it be “reality” if it’s a secret? It can if it’s NBC’s newest reality show, a portion of it is being filmed in Branson and Lynn Berry, Director of Public Relations, Branson Lakes/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau says it is.

On May 15 a cryptic release was sent out by Berry saying, “Want to become an audience member for the live taping of NBC’s newest reality series? Now you can, right here in Branson! NBC is inviting you to the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson, Missouri, to participate in a primetime television event of a lifetime on Saturday, May 23rd. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the show tapes at 3:30 p.m. sharp. Come join Reno Collier, along with a slew of famous celebrity faces, in a jam-packed showcase of awe-inspiring talent. Admission is free and all ages are welcome to attend.”

When contacted for further information about the show Berry said she could not discuss the specifics of the show beyond those contained in the release or its name because of confidentiality agreements with NBC. She did say that it will be aired later this summer on NBC, is relative to families, and is a perfect fit for Branson.

She also said, “It is not every day that you get a call from NBC Burbank asking if they can come and film a reality show in your town.” Berry was very excited about the taping and prime time exposure for Branson. She encourages participation by local residents as well as visitors that will be in Branson on May 23rd in this unique, entertaining, and exciting opportunity.

Reno Collier is a nationally known comedian and has appeared on NBC’s "Late Friday", "Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher", "The Martin Short Show", VH-1’s "The List", and Comedy Central’s "Premium Blend". He has made national tours with, among others, Larry the Cable Guy, Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Ron White, hosts specials on Country Music Television (CMT) and can currently be heard during his weekly call-ins to the Blue Collar Comedy Channel on Sirius Satellite Radio.

Photo courtesey of RenoCollier.com

This year, Branson, Missouri is celebrating 50 years of live music shows. Millions of people visit Branson every year to experience its fun, excitement, and entertainment and, to a large number of those people, part of that experience is going to one of Branson’s many shows. In terms of the numbers, variety, and quality of its shows Branson is perhaps unmatched by any other destination city and is often referred to as “the live music show capital of the world.”

Dan Lennon, Vice President Marketing & Public Relations, Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau said that about 80 percent of the millions of people who come to Branson each year go to one or more of its shows. He notes that shows are a “Huge activity for Branson visitors.”

In terms of why Branson’s shows are so popular with visitors Lennon suggested one characteristic that, in terms of the majority of its shows, is unique to Branson, the accessibility of its entertainers. He feels that accessibility helps develop an “up close and personal relationship” between Branson’s entertainers and their audiences that brings visitors back to Branson and its shows again and again.

Branson history indicates that “up close and personal” has been a foundational part of its show tradition ever since Branson’s first two shows, the “Baldknobbers Jamboree” and “Presleys’ Country Jubilee,” started entertaining audiences’ decades ago. Steve Presley, Presleys’ Country Jubilee said, “First and foremost it is a way to connect with the people that come to our shows.” He said it is all a part of developing a relationship with their guests and giving them a positive memorable entertainment experience. Presley expressed his opinion that the guest getting the opportunity to meet, shake hands, get an autograph or picture taken with the entertainer is a big part of that experience.

Jim Barber, Hamner Barber Variety Show, said their show is quite intimate, in that it is designed to engage the audience in a very personal way throughout the production. He continued, “We’re not just performing an act to a darkened auditorium, we’re sharing who we are as individuals. Meeting our guests personally after the show completes that interaction allowing us to get to know them as well. It may only be for a few, brief minutes, but in that time we have made many sincere friendships that have continued for years.”

James Garrett, the star of “A Tribute to John Denver” pointed out that the opportunity to meet and interact with the guests after his show not only enhances their show experience, but gives him a chance to thank them for attending his show. He said, “They are the reason why Branson is one of America’s premier vacation destinations” and “We as entertainers should never forget that.”

Melody Byrd, Group Sales & Marketing Manager, Legends in Concert, said, “It is all about our customer” and developing a one on one relationship with them. She said, “We have a passion for making sure our customer has a great entertainment experience and that includes autographs, pictures, and conversation with ‘our stars.’ She continued, “They love visiting with the customers and the customers love it too! It is the ‘Branson’ way.”

2009 SPBGMA winners Daily and Vincent.

Arguably, the attraction that has made Branson, Missouri one of the nation’s primary vacation destinations is Silver Dollar City. It is an internationally recognized theme park, themed on an 1880’s craft village, filled with the excitement, adventure, arts, crafts, thrill rides, restaurants, shows and just plain fun for all ages.

A value added feature of the Silver Dollar City (SDC) experience is its festivals and shows. From its famed “World-Fest” international festival in April to its “Old Time Christmas” in November and December it seems that there is always a festival going on at Silver Dollar City.

SDC has developed a series of themed festivals, each with their own special features and shows. Information received from SDC indicates that 2009 will be the “ “biggest show year ever” and a look at the shows and talent that will be coming to SDC as part of its next festival, the “Bluegrass & BBQ Festival,” running from May 13 to May 31, shows why.

Nine time IBMA female vocalist of the year Rhonda Vincent.

The “Bluegrass & BBQ Festival” alone will feature 30 of the finest bluegrass acts in America. Along with about 27 other bluegrass acts, the shows scheduled to appear at SDC for the festival include nine-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year and 2009 SPBGMA Entertainer of the Year, Rhonda Vincent, two-time IBMA Entertainers of the Year and 2009 SPBGMA Instrumental Group and Album of the Year award winners, The Grascals and 2008 IBMA Entertainer of the Year and winner of the 2009 SPBGMA Bluegrass Band and Song of the Year Dailey & Vincent.

Of course BBQ will be featured prominently. SDC’s “House of BBQ will feature all types of BBQ from the Carolina vinegars to the Memphis dry rubs and Texas smoke style, with smoked chicken and St. Louis Ribs to Texas brisket and sweet roasted corn on the cob all coming direct from large outdoor charcoal grills and a custom-made 9-foot smoker. Hundreds of sauces from sweet hickory to Carolina vinegar and honey habanero to smoky chipotle will be available to sample.

New for the 2009 festival, on Friday and Saturday evenings, will be an all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner featuring four flavors of ribs an 18 hour smoked brisket and traditional BBQ sides. In addition SDC’s Culinary and Cart School will also have an emphasis on BBQ during the festival.

With all the festivals SDC has and the quality of its shows, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that SDC is an award winning theme park. It has won the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, “Applause Award” an honor it shares with the likes of Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and the “Thea Classic Award,” recognizing worldwide excellence and outstanding achievement in themed entertainment from the Themed Entertainment Association.

On any given day during the season, Silver Dollar City offers over 30 entertaining and exciting rides and attractions. Whether it’s the G force acceleration of the Giant Swing” through the barn doors, a leisurely adventure ride on the “Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train,” or being launched up to speeds of 53 mph in 2.8 seconds on “Powder Keg,” or an Ozarks based adventure on the “Fire in the Hole” indoor roller coaster, just to mention a few, SDC has rides, excitement and adventure for all ages.

In addition SDC’s 1880’s themed environment has 60 unique craft shops and an assortment of craftsmen demonstrating crafts such as glass blowing, tole painting, carving, candy making, blacksmithing, and a steam powered duplicating lathe just to mention a few. SDC has over 12 restaurants serving a variety of food at reasonable prices.

Silver Dollar City, without anything else is a world class theme park and a good value. When the world class entertainment features associated with most of its festivals and its location in the beautiful Ozarks hills are factored in with the fact that it is in “Branson,” providing access to its entertainment, shows, shopping, lakes, and excitement, the uniqueness and value of Silver Dollar City as a total entertainment experience is obvious.

Vocal cast of "Our Frank," Gavin Reign, Heather Petersen, and Brian Long. (Left to right)

Two of America’s most honored singers are represented in Branson’s two newest shows “Hunka Hunka Burnin’ Love” and “Our Sinatra.” The shows are presented by the “American Songbook Dinner Theatre” at the Shake It Up Show Club located at 625 State Highway 165 just north of the “Acrobats of China Theatre.

Both are musical tribute shows to the artists they are celebrating, Elvis Presley in “Hunka Hunka Burnin’ Love” and Frank Sinatra in “Our Sinatra.” Although they are two different shows, their format and style is very similar. Both have an excellent live band, a very talented three person cast, the same producer, Jack Lewin, cover dozens of the songs sung by the respective artist the show is paying tribute to, and finish with a “really big” medley of the artists songs.

“Our Sinatra” is a musical celebration of the music of Frank Sinatra. The vocal cast of Brian Long, Heather Petersen, and Gavin Reign do an excellent job of presenting dozens of “Ol Blue Eyes” hits. The live band, directed by its pianist Gary Freeman and consisting of Ryan Hurn on Drums, and Jacob Danks as Bassist added just the right touch of elegance to the enjoyment of the performance.

"Hunka Hunka Burnin’ Love" cast: Tony Tuner, Jason Yaeger, and Heather Gentry. (left ti right)

“Hunka Hunka Burnin’ Love” is a musical tribute to Elvis Presley and like “Our Sinatra” presents dozens of Elvis Presley songs during the show. Singers Heather Gentry, Toney Turner, and Jason Yeager do a superb job of presenting the different styles of Elvis’s music. During his rendition of “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” Yeager adds a narrative that surely has “The King” laughing. The band of Robert "Bogie" Bohinc on Guitar, Ryan Hurn on Drums, Paul Purtle on Electronic Bass, and Brent Vaughan on Saxophone did an excellent job.

Currently “Our Sinatra” is performing on Wednesdays through Sunday with dinner at 4:30 p.m. and the show starting at 5:00 p.m. “Hunka Hunka Burnin’ Love” performs Wednesdays through Sunday with dinner at 7:00 p.m. and the show starting at 7:30 p.m

Rhonda Vincent, on of the many top bluegrass acts appearing at "Bluegrass & BBQ ."

As Branson newest event, Ozark Mountain Spring, enters its last month, it signals that the 2009 Branson Tourism season is in full bloom. As Branson is “Celebrating 50 years of live music shows” just about all the shows that are going to be open for the “season” are open along with the vast majority of attractions, restaurants, retail stores, and the other activities and entertainment that Branson is famous for.

Whether one looks at them as part of Ozark Mountain Spring or as just apart of the Branson experience, May has some special events. One of the most unique is the Branson Air Show which will take place at the “Branson Airport,” located just minutes south of Branson. The air show will be held on May 9-10 and, among other things, will feature some of the best air show performers in the nation along with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute jumpers, and a fly over by a B2 Stealth Bomber on Saturday.

Branson’s premier attraction, Silver Dollar City, has just finished one of the biggest international festivals in the country, “World-Fest” and continues its “biggest show year ever” with another popular event, its “Bluegrass & BBQ Festival.” The festival will run from May 13 to May 31 and will feature 30 of the finest bluegrass acts in the country such as nine-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year and 2009 SPBGMA Entertainer of the Year, Rhonda Vincent, 2008 IBMA Entertainer of the Year and winner of the 2009 SPBGMA Bluegrass Band and Song of the Year Dailey & Vincent and two-time IBMA Entertainers of the Year and 2009 SPBGMA Instrumental Group and Album of the Year award winners, The Grascals.

Historic downtown Branson will hold its 36th Plumb Nellie Day Celebration from May 15-17. The celebration will feature arts and crafts, side walk sales, live music, entertainment, an Outrageous Dog Show, a book signing, and other family fun. For additional information call the Downtown Branson Main Street Association at 417-334-1548.

The 8th Annual Branson Motorcycle Rally will be held at Dick Clark’s Area 57 May 14-17. The rally will feature a “Burn Out” contest on Friday night paying a cash prize to the biggest burn out, Freestyle Stunt Bike Show all weekend, a motor cycle thrill show featuring “The American Hellriders. Live music will be provided on the “High Octane Design Stage” with the The Maxwells on Friday night and The Eric Tessmer Band Saturday night.

A feature of the rally will be the Teresu Dyno Drags that allow motor cyclists to use their own bikes to compete head to head under actual racing conditions. Complete with Christmas tree starting lights, a computerized timing system allows motor cyclists to compete with each other and find out how fast their bikes are while remaining in a safe stationary position. For additional information on this event call 800-342-6230 or visit the events website at www.bransonmotorcyclerally.com.

For a complete list of the remaining Ozark Mountain Spring Events and more information on each, click here. One thing is for sure, Ozark Mountain Spring or Branson’s regular season, there is no place like Branson, Missouri to have fun and be entertained.

Tourists, visitors, and locals using Table Rock Lake for recreation will be enjoying a cleaner shore line thanks to the recent efforts of hundreds of volunteers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and Table Rock Water Quality Inc. (TRLWQ). TRLWQ is a not for profit corporation whose main mission is maintaining and improving the quality of the ground and surface waters of the Table Rock Lake watershed. On April 4, TRLWQ coordinated the Annual Table Rock shoreline cleanup which resulted in the removal of over 14 tons of trash from the lakes shoreline.

David Casaletto, Executive of TRLWQ, had said the 2009 cleanup was named the “Table Rock Marina Association Shoreline Cleanup,” after its major funding sponsor. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Table Rock Lake was a significant contributor in the cleanup effort including the supplying trash bags, dumpsters for the trash collected and other major support for the hundreds of volunteers participating in the cleanup effort.

According to a statement on its web site, www.trlwq.org, 2008’s annual shoreline cleanup was limited because of the record high water levels. Even though lake levels were back down near normal levels the 2008 levels impacted on the cleanup because a lot of the trash had to be dislodged from the trees and brush it was deposited in while the lake level was much higher.

The shoreline trash comes from quite an area. Table Rock Lake itself has over 1,000 miles of shore line and tens of thousands of acres immediately adjacent to it that are used for recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, camping, boating, swimming, biking, and hiking. A lot of the improperly disposed of trash from those activities ends up in Table Rock Lake and eventually on its shoreline. Gopala Borchelt, TRLWQ, pointed out that the 14 tons of trash picked up underscores how important and necessary the shoreline cleanup work is.

Volunteers picked up more than 1,000 bags of trash. TRLWQ reports on the type of items picked up indicate the extent to which people indiscriminately use the lake to dispose of trash in a careless manner. The cleanup picked up everything from an almost of full truck load of beer bottles at one public use area alone, to bug zappers, propane tanks, TVs, small freezers, and 55 gallon drums

Borchelt expressed the organizations thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors for their efforts.

Celebrity performer Doug Brewin during performance of Alan Jackson.

Saying the “Legends in Concert Show” is just another tribute show is like saying the “Kentucky Derby” is just another horse race. There are horse races and there is the Kentucky Derby. There are tribute shows and there is “Legends in Concert Show.”

In the typical musical tribute show, the “tribute” comes mostly from the music being played. In the vast majority of cases there is no serious attempt to show or portray the artist as they were when they actually performed the songs. One of the amazing things about the Legends in Concert Show is the recreation of the super star performer by the celebrity impersonators in terms of looks, mannerisms, and sound.

It is about as close as anyone can get to actually seeing these legends perform without seeing the original star. Another neat thing is that each show includes multiple stars that are changed at intervals throughout the season so there is always something new to see and experience.

Tina Turner being performed by Lori-Mitchell Gay.

Currently appearing are Alan Jackson performed by Doug Brewin, Tina Turner performed by Lori Mitchell-Gay, Rod Stewart performed by Rob Caudill, The Blues Brothers performed by Justin Clark and Bucky Heard and Elvis Presley performed by Dean Z.

The comments of “Drewgal,” who saw the show recently, sums up the majority of the opinions on this show published on the 1Branson.Com Show Forum. Drewgal said, “I can’t say enough good things about this show!! …the show was amazing! …Everyone had a great performance and they were all so friendly afterwards as well. In my opinion, this is a MUST-SEE show if you are in Branson!!”

Each celebrity impersonator performed a set of at least five numbers. Although certainly subjective, the highlight number of each performance would be “Remember When” from the Alan Jackson performance, Deep River” from the Tina Turner’s performance, “Shout” from the Blues Brothers performance, “These Foolish Things” from the Rod Stewart performance and “Don’t Be Cruel” from the Elvis Presley performance.

Although it is the celebrity impersonators doing the tribute that take top billing, it is the seamless addition of the live band and dancers that make the show into a production and the very special entertainment experience that it is. The Legends in Concert Band is composed of Kevin Allen- Guitar-band leader, Mark Owen-keyboard, Lynn Brown- Drums and Brian Zerbe-Bass Guitar. In addition to being great musicians they do a super job of adjusting to the music, style and tempo of each different artist.

The show’s dancers, led by dance captain Stephanie Drey, are Tiffany Powers, Larry Miller, Jamie Cuyearer, Darcie Jones, and Lyra Sprenger. They are involved with the majority of the numbers in the show and their dancing skill and energy, coupled with the shows choreography and costuming are a joy to watch.

The production of the show ties all of its elements and the varying styles of the super stars being impersonated into a unique entertainment experience that stands out even in Branson, “The live music show capital of the world.”

Paul Miller, General Manager, Branson Tourism Center, reminds visitors the Legends in Concert Show has changed theatres this season. They have moved from their old theatre near the junction of State Highways 165 and 76 across from the Titanic to the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater directly across the street from Dixie Stampede. He also points out that in addition to the access from State Highway 76 there is also convenient access available from Fall Creek Road.

Branson’s “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” is offering all Moms free admission to their show over Mother’s Day Weekend, Saturday through Monday, May 9, 10, and 11. The Mother’s Day special is for all Moms, those visiting Branson as well as locals.

In addition, all Moms will also receive a free box of popcorn and one lucky Mom will get to be “Sweet Sixteen” and get serenaded by singing rage “Del DelMonaco. Tickets may be picked up in advanced. The fun and memories start at 8 p.m. at the Branson Star Theatre located behind the Olive Garden Restaurant.

The musical is straight from New York and features 19 songs written by the great Neil Sedaka and presented by a very talented cast. For additional information on the show or the Mother’s Day Special call 417-334-7131.

For information, reservations, tickets or assistance on this show and other Branson shows, attractions, lodging, lake cruises, and all that Branson has to offer please contact the Branson Tourism Center by phone at 1-800-785-1550 or on line by clicking here.