Jim Barber to perform at 2006 Academy Awards Ceremonies

Branson entertainer Jim Barber has accepted an invitation to entertain at the 78th Academy Awards Scientific and Technical Achievements Awards gala black tie dinner on Saturday, February 18, 2006.

Scientific and Technical Awards are presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for devices, methods, formulas, discoveries or inventions of special and outstanding value to the arts and sciences of motion pictures.

Jim Barber was chosen by the event producers to provide the comedy entertainment for this years gala dinner. Past host presentors for this event include actresses Scarlet Johansson, Jennifer Garner, Kate Hudson, Charlize Theron and Renee Zellweger. This years celebrity host is expected to be announced soon. Portions of the Oscar presentations are taped for inclusion in the March 5, 2006 Academy Awards broadcast televised live by the ABC Television Network.

“I am very honored to be invited to this prestigious event not only because I’ll be performing, but also because I’m a computer geek at heart and will actually understand what these technical awards are for!” stated Barber.

Barber, a professional comedian and ventriloquist, performs with illusionists The Hamners in the “Hamner Barber Variety Show” at their own “Hamner Barber Theater” on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.

With over 100 shows appearing in Branson, Branson Critic Online recently selected the “Hamner Barber Variety Show” to be among the seven award recipients of their recent Branson Critic Awards.

The show was selected as Editor’s Pick for the “Branson Must See Show” Award. This special award was presented by the critics themselves as their choice from the many shows they have reviewed personally in Branson throughout the year.

During the four weeks prior to his appearance at the Academy Awards, Jim will be featured in “A Really Big Shew” a tribute to the Ed Sullivan Show at the Flamingo Hotel in Laughlin, Nevada. His Branson show then runs March 1st through mid December.

In addition to performing, Barber has an extensive background in multimedia development and is a partner in an award-winning multimedia company called Image Works, Inc. Along with his partner Todd Aeschliman and their talented staff, Jim has developed interactive cd-rom and dvd products, high end graphic design and print products for many Branson artists and area businesses. Their subscription based publication Branson’s Review Magazine is now in its 18th season.