Month: January 2010

"New South," in Grand Jubille opening number. left to right, Scott Leven, Trey Wilson, Jason Pritchett and Mark McCauley.

In describing the “Grand Jubilee Show,” the “Official Show Schedule for Branson.Com,” powered by the Branson Tourism Center, says, “The high energy and versatility of the entire cast astound audiences. From Country to Gospel and 50’s to modern day, the Grand Jubilee explodes with musical fun to satisfy any age.”A recent on line show review entitled “Grand Jubilee is ‘grand’ Branson entertainment” agrees.

The review starts off with the hypothetical question, “What do you get when you take one of the most talented quartets in Branson and combine it with a supporting cast of some of the best musicians in Branson and a multitalented comedian?” The answer was “A great show and a grand Branson entertainment experience called the “Grand Jubilee.’”

The article indicates that the Grand Jubilee show follows Branson’s traditional “variety show” format offering a combination of very funny comedy and great music. The various elements of the show, its featured quartet, “New South;” vocalists Todd Bradshaw and Jackie Brown; the Grand Band; an extremely funny comedian “Jim Dandy” and its Master of Ceremonies, Mike Patrick have a synergy resulting in one of the most entertaining two hours in Branson.

Article Excerpts:

“New South,” …the featured element of the show.. beautiful harmonies on a variety of music is a wonderful musical entertainment experience in itself, but combine it with great costuming and production and their performance becomes part of a great entertainment experience.

[Grand Band] Their instrumentality, as demonstrated in virtually every number during the show, their solo performance of a Bluegrass LaLaPaLooza and featured performances in numbers such as “Kentucky River,” is outstanding.

Grand Jubilee’s comedy is provided by comedian “Jim Dandy,” played by Jamie Haage, with the assistance of the Master of Ceremonies and “straight man” Mike Patrick and it’s one funny laugh filled routine after another.

For additional information or tickets on the “Grand Jubilee” or any another Branson show, attraction or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). It is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, sellers of Branson show tickets, attraction tickets and lodging and may be contacted by either calling its toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.bransontourismcenter.com.

Branson tourism will have yet another exciting attraction when Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour, now under construction in Branson opens this spring. Construction of the platforms for the new Eco-Adventure is ahead of schedule. Branson’s newest attraction, conveniently located on Highway 65 only seven miles north of downtown Branson, will introduce visitors to a unique form of outdoor entertainment. “This is a completely different experience,” points out General Manager Emma Hamilton, “and there is no other attraction that comes close to combining ecology and adventure in a fun activity that is both exciting and safe for people of all ages.”

Using a system that originated in the jungles of Costa Rica, the Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour will allow guests to soar in the Ozark Mountains. As visitors “zip” from observation platform to platform, through and over the trees, certified guides will accompany participants pointing out unique topographical and historical features of the Ozarks. Certification for the guides will be provided by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), as will be the accreditation for the courses themselves.

At opening visitors will be able to experience the Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour® a two and a half hour, interactive tour which will feature a variety of zip lines, walkways and platforms; and the Blue Streak Fast Line®, a thrilling one-stop ride from the top of the property to the base. Hamilton adds, “Visitors will be able to experience the Ozark Outdoors through all the seasons, as we run year round…only pausing for lightning.” The Branson Zipline & Canopy Tour is the only facility of its kind in the region. “We can take up to 12 people at a time on each tour, so there is a very limited capacity.” she stated.

The Hollywood Wax Museum is just one of Branson’s many family attractions.

A recent article published on line on News.Branson.com entitled “Branson on 2010 Top 10 Family Destinations List” reports that Branson, Missouri is listed in the “Top 10 Family Destinations for 2010” on the Travel Blog of Fodor’s. The guest blog entry was made by Kara Williams, one of the co-authors of the “VacationGals” blog,” a respected and well read travel blog providing advice in many areas of travel with an emphasis on family travel.

Families that have already experienced a vacation in Branson know what a great value and destination it is for vacations. In the article, Paul Miller, General Manager, Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show tickets, attraction tickets and lodging said, “The variety, value, atmosphere and fun that Branson offers families provides a unique synergy that could make a family vacation in Branson a memory that will last a lifetime. Branson and families just go together”

Article Excerpts:

“We’re all about traveling with our families — after all, what better way to unplug from computers, carpools and commitments and connect with our kids than on a vacation?” [Vacation Gals]

In presenting Branson on the list, she emphasized the family aspects of what Branson had to offer saying, “…my kids would love it—from the permanent Titanic museum, to the plethora of mini-golf courses and go-kart tracks, to the area amusement parks.

Based on a survey of its thousands of agents [ASTA}, Branson, Missouri came in third behind Las Vegas and Orlando/DisneyWorld and ahead of New Orleans and Los Angeles.

Click here for complete article.

Branson Magician Kirby VanBurch is the next guest on the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show,” Jan. 30 and 31. Van Burch has starred on of NBC’s “World’s Greatest Magic,” and currently has his own show in Branson, Missouri.

In a press release involving the show, Gene Williams said “I’ve looked forward for a long time to having Kirby VanBurch on my show.” Williams says he is an astounding magician, having begun his magical career at age 7 resulting in international acclaim. He has starred in several Las Vegas productions where his ‘Great Escape’ resulted in him being introduced in to the “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!” museum. “At his own theater in Branson he features many exotic animals and his signature illusion, the appearance of a helicopter in less than four seconds,” said Williams.

The “Gene Williams Country TV Show” features the shows and stars from Branson and country music and is taped live in the NBC affiliate KY3 Studios in Springfield, Mo. Guest audience members are welcome and should arrive at the studio at 1 p.m.

As part of its continuing commitment to serving the community Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show tickets, attraction tickets and lodging, is proud to sponsor this press release on this site.

Branson.com’s Marlyce Stockinger presenting information on "Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients" to attendees.

A recent article entitled “Branson aglow with Ozark Mountain Spring excitement” published on line at News.Branson.Com discusses Branson’s 2nd Annual “Ozark Mountain Spring” to be held in the Branson area from March 1 through May 31. As has happened for decades, Branson’s famous entertainment will, in a sense, come into “bloom” along with the natural beauty of its Ozark hills and lakes.

Paul Miller, General Manager, Branson Tourism Center said, “One of the most exciting aspects of Ozark Mountain Spring is the opportunity it provides for harnessing the entertainment synergies of Branson’s shows, attractions, lodging, shopping, restaurants and other tourist related businesses into a unique and special entertainment experience for Branson visitors.” He points out that in conjunction with the 40 plus events specifically listed as being part of Ozark Mountain Spring ,Branson’s theatres and attractions will be opening up for their 2010 season including Silver Dollar City and Shepherd of the Hills which will both be celebrating their 50th year of entertaining Branson visitors.

Article Excerpts:

Brad Thomas, Vice President & General Manager, Silver Dollar City said that Silver Dollar City’s 50th Birthday Celebration will start during Ozark Mountain Spring and last during the entire 2010 season. The celebration includes a new $7 million ride, America’s biggest water battle, “Tom & Huck’s River Blast;” special events entertainment, shows, and its biggest event year ever. Thomas pointed out that two of the parks major events “World-Fest” and “Bluegrass & BBQ” and its “50th Birthday Celebration” on Apr. 28 – May 2 will be held during Ozark Mountain Spring.

Marlyce Stockinger, Director of Advertising and Public Relations, Branson.Com, said that due to the success of the first “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” event held Apr. 24 and Apr. 25 in 2009 that the event is being expanded to three days for 2010 and will run from April 22 through April 24. Stockinger explained it is the only event designed specifically to honor the recipients of the Purple Heart, showed a moving video summary of the 2009 event, outlined some of the major activities planned for the 2010 event, explained, except for the fish fry, all the activities are free and that Branson.Com, owned by the Branson Tourism Center, is sponsoring the event.

Click here for entire article.

Branson area business owners have been thinking about spring for months. On Tuesday, Jan. 12, more than 15 presenters will preview dozens of special events planned for March through May at the OMS Community Presentation & Press Conference at 10 a.m. in the Keeter Center on the campus of College of the Ozarks.

Ozark Mountain Spring was selected as the way to package and publicize the many events taking place during those months, said Kathleen Bullock, Tourism Development Director for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. The goal was to identify the season, much like Ozark Mountain Christmas, a recognizable seasonal campaign which draws many visitors each year.“This is our second year building on the success of last year, and we’re running full steam ahead,” Bullock said.

One highlight of this spring’s events is Silver Dollar City’s 50th Birthday Celebration, and they’ll use the occasion to look toward the future, said spokeswoman Lisa Rau. That includes the new $7 million Tom & Huck’s River Blast attraction. “We have a responsibility to always grow the market, and to promote the past, present and future of Branson,” Rau said. “This water raft ride is the biggest water battle in America, and it harkens back to the mighty White River.”

A returning event is the Wal-Mart FLW Bass Fishing Tournament March 3-6, said fishing enthusiast Tate Womack, director of sales at the Jim Stafford Theatre. Last year, 150 fishing pros competed on Table Rock Lake for the top prize of $100,000. The weigh-in and awards held at the Branson Convention Center drew more than 12,000 people to the tourney’s Family Fun Zone featuring climbing walls, a chance to get the pros’ autographs, Branson entertainers and more, Womack said. “It was standing room only,” he said.

A first-time event is “See The World In Branson,” a project of the Branson Area Receptive Association. Area businesses select a country to highlight, and more than 27 are already making plans ranging from the Hughes Brothers’ tribute to their Scandinavian heritage to Australian cowboy music by Ricky Boen at the Hamner Barber Theatre.

As part of its continuing commitment to serving the community, Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging, is proud to sponsor this press release on this site.

Country music’s Gene Williams provides one of country’s newest groups, “New Trick,” a stage for a nationwide premier of its first music video on the Jan. 9 and 10 broadcast of the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show.”
“The group combines many fields of music: southern rock, pop, soul, jazz standards and blues, and leans strongly toward country. Their prominent harmony vocals stem from many great artists that they have worked with who have influenced their lives and careers,” said Williams, who is the star and creator of the award-winning “Gene Williams TV Show.”

Their new video, ‘All I Need is You,’ was made in Branson and is lots of fun,” said Williams. “I predict that you will hear a lot from these guys. Members of New Trick are Scott Riley, Tony Carson, Barry Bales and Derek Walker,” Williams said.

Riley, bass guitar and vocals, is originally from Texas and at the age of nine, learned to play the drums, then taught himself to play every instrument on the stage. He has worked with Grand Ole Opry stars such as Jim Ed Brown, Johnny Lee, Cal Smith, Charlie Louvin, Mickey Gilley, TG Sheppard, Norma Jean and Justin Tubb.

Carson, keyboard and vocals, as the son of songwriter and recording artist Alice Fay, Tony was raised in a musical family. He began playing the bass guitar at the age of 8 and soon progressed to the piano. A successful songwriter, Carson has shared the stage with artists including Jean Shepard, Shenandoah, Ferlin Husky, Joe Diffie, and Mickey Gilley.

Bales, lead guitar and vocals, has performed world-wide with Mel Tillis and the Statesiders, Moe Bandy and the Americana Band, in the Grand Ole Opry and at the Ryman Auditorium. He has also made several appearances on national television, in many Branson shows, and is a regular in recording studios nationwide.

Walker, drummer and vocals, has played in a variety of shows over the years, including with Jim Stafford, at the Silver Dollar Saloon at Silver Dollar City, with the Norris Twins in Las Vegas, and with the Baldknobbers in Branson. He has been on the road with two-time Grammy Award winner Jeannie Kendall for several years and has also appeared on “Hee Haw.”

The “Gene Williams Country TV Show” features the shows and stars from Branson and country music and is taped live in the NBC affiliate KY3 Studios in Springfield, Mo. Guest audience members are welcome and should arrive at the studio at 1 p.m. The next taping is Jan. 13.

Publication of this press release, on this site, sponsored by Branson Tourism Center (BTC) one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson Show tickets, attraction tickets, and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.