Doug Gabriel to judge Fall Rockaway Live Talent Search

As creator of Branson’s coolest new hit Branson Idol, Doug Gabriel is very familiar with talent shows and is taking that experience to Rockaway Beach on Saturday as a guest judge on a panel of judges for Fall Rockaway Live Talent Search at 5 p.m.

The talent search is part of Rockaway Beach’s Fall Festival to be held Sept. 18-19 that also includes a chili cook-off, craft and food vendors, horseshoe pitching contests and a bluegrass concert. In addition to Gabriel, the judges panel will include George Burrell of Paragon Media and Kurt L. Moore, entertainment editor for the Branson Daily Independent.

Gabriel’s formula for success the past 19 seasons in Branson has been applied to the talent show he created, Branson Idol. The weekly show has become Branson’s favorite late-night place to be on Friday’s at 11 p.m. Every week, beginning last April, Doug has brought five singers – from auditions held last winter – to the stage to be critiqued by Branson celebrities. The winner is then selected by the audience from the judges’ top two. The last preliminary will be held Sept. 17 at 11 p.m. Also at 11 p.m. on Fridays, semi-finals begin the following week. A special wild card show will be presented on Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. The finals with guest judge Roy Clark is on Oct. 22 at 11 p.m.

“I am pleased to be judging at the Rockaway Talent Search. Who knows, maybe I’ll see the next Branson Idol. Many are waiting in the wings for that chance to shine on stage. Events like Rockaway’s talent search and Branson Idol provide that opportunity,” said Gabriel, who also stars in The Doug Gabriel Show which is celebrating its 11th season in Branson.

The Doug Gabriel Show is performed at 9:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday at Legends Family Theatre. Voted Branson’s best morning show five years, seven time male vocalist of the year, entertainer of the year and instrumentalist of the year, Gabriel’s morning show with a combination of Doug Gabriel and Roy Clark Together Again. Audiences have a double treat with Doug and Roy – Together Again with a Doug section completely different from his two hour show. A Gabriel Family Christmas returns Nov. 12 – Dec. 16

Call 417-334-0335 for information, show schedules and reservations. To find out more Branson Idol go to the website www.bransonidol.com or call toll free 1-866-234-IDOL. For more information about Rockaway Talent Search call 800-798-0178.