Branson New Years Eve Celebrations feature Festive Fun

As soon as the Branson Christmas season ends, shows get festive with celebratory New Years Eve productions. From magic to music to comedy, there is a Branson show that will fit perfectly into your New Years Eve plans. Reserve your New Years Eve getaway today for the best seats and best discounted rates.

The Acrobats of China are hosting a New Years Eve celebration, with festivities starting at 9pm. The Acrobats of China New Years Eve Celebration will feature traditional Chinese hor d'oeuvers, sparkling non-alcoholic wine, party favors & hats, a special Chinese souvenir and balloon drop. The Haygoods New Years Eve Celebration has a pre-show starting at 8:15pm with the main show starting at 9:00pm. Appetizers will be served at intermission with a balloon drop and live TV countdown at midnight.

The Jim Stafford New Years Eve Show is offering several options to guests. Guests can choose to attend the Jim Stafford New Years Eve Show only, which will include incredible guitar playing, hilarious comedy, party favors & hats, special keepsake gifts and lots of New Years Eve surprises, or they can choose to do a combo ticket that includes the Jim Stafford New Years Eve Show, plus a delicious dinner and evening of dancing before the show begins at 9:30pm.

The Kirby VanBurch New Years Eve Spectacular begins at 9pm and this magical evening will include a box dinner, party favors, non-alcoholic champagne and balloon drop. The Legends in Concert New Years Eve Show features crowd favorites Reba McEntire, Lionel Richie, Buddy Holly, The Blues Brothers, and Elvis. The New Years Eve production will include party favors, hors d'oeuvres, seasonal beverages and a midnight celebration with the stars of Legends in Concert.

Several Branson shows will also be open New Years Eve Day. Christmas on the Trail, Circle B Supper Show, Comedy Jamboree, Dixie Stampede, Grand Country's Amazing Pets and the Showboat Branson Belle will all be open and available for daytime fun.

Be sure to reserve your Branson hotel for New Years Eve early in order to get the guaranteed lowest rates available.

Ring in the New Year in Branson for a fun and festive night of celebration.

Hot Winter Fun in Branson Heats Up!

Regardless of the season there are always lots of special and exciting things to do in Branson, Missouri and that’s what Branson’s Hot Winter Fun is all about. Even in January, when a lot of Branson’s shows and some attractions and activities that are weather dependent are closed there is always shows to see, loads of fun to be had and things to do, and memories to be made.

The majority of Branson’s shopping, major attractions, museums, movies, restaurants and a broad choice of lodging are open. If there’s one thing that doesn’t miss a beat during winter, or any other season, it’s the fabulous shopping that Branson is noted for. With the number and variety of stores in Branson there is a shopping experience to meet just about every shopping need or desire.

Branson’s premier shopping – attraction location, Branson Landing and its 100 plus shopping and restaurant venues are all open and offer a variety of shopping and dining conveniently located in one location. In addition, weather permitting The Landing’s spectacular free $7.5 million synchronized water, fire, and music show is amazing to see.

Branson’s other major malls, Tanger Outlet, Factory Merchants, Imax Shopping Complex and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows are all open. When the rest of the specialty shopping that Branson has to offer such as those available in historic downtown Branson are factored in, Branson just might be the perfect illustration of the place where a person can truly “Shop till they drop.”

The Grand Country Complex offers an indoor water park and miniature golf course and live shows including the Buck Trent, Grand Jubilee, and the Comedy Jamboree shows. Where else but Branson, MO can a person experience the ferociousness of dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Museum and the daintiness of thousands of White Butterflies at the unique “White Flight” spectacular in the Butterfly Palace?

Branson has a museum for just about every interest. Their size and exhibits are as diverse as the “Titanic - World's Largest Museum Attraction,” a huge one half scale replication of the Titanic dedicated completely to the memory of it, its crew and passengers, to the “The World’s Largest Toy Museum.”

Branson’s museums also include “The Veteran’s Memorial Museum,” dedicated to America’s Armed Forces; “The Hollywood Wax Museum” an action packed tribute to Hollywood’s stars and movies; “The Roy Rogers Museum” celebrating the “King of the Cowboys” and the lessons of a bygone era; “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” featuring unusual and unique exhibits from all over the world and housed in a building, Ripley’s says, is one of the most photographed in the world.

The month of January features two very special events at Branson Attractions. “White Flight” is finishing out a limited engagement at the Butterfly Palace, through Jan. 15. It features a blizzard of thousands of white butterflies flying in a rain forest lit with thousands of lights, and music that combine in a unique one of a kind spectacular.

On January 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the “Titanic - World's Largest Museum Attraction” will be presenting its Third Annual Ice Sculpturing Event. The competition features some of the world’s most accomplished ice sculptors as they create fantastic creations out of 250 pound blocks of ice. The event is free and is held at the bow of the Titanic located at the intersection of Gretna Road and State Highway 76 in the heart of Branson’s strip.

In keeping with Branson’s long standing tradition of honoring America’s Veterans, the signing of the Vietnam Peace Accord will be remembered on January 28. A special program will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the Golden Corral to mark the day in 1973 when one of Amerioca’s most controversial wars came to an end. Please contact Barbara Linderer of the Branson Veteran’s Task Force for additional information on this even at 417-337-8387.

The Branson IMAX Discovery Theatre offers a full selection of IMAX Adventure films, shown in the giant IMAX format on its giant six story high IMAX Screen with 22,000 watts of digital surround sound. In addition to showing the latest Hollywood feature films in its three state of the art Elite Cinema theatres the IMAX also shows selected on the IMAX screen at selected times each day. The Branson Meadows Cinema also offers 11 screens showing the latest feature films.

The opportunities for outdoor activities from hiking, golfing, kayaking, fishing, boat riding, and even a dinner cruise on the Branson Landing Princess are, although weather dependent, boundless. Just a simple walk along the boardwalk at Branson Landing beside Lake Taneycomo with your family and the opportunity see a Bald Eagle in Flight will be unique and just might provide that special memory that could last a life time.

Information courtesy of The Branson Courier

Branson's Grand Country Offers Exciting Mix of Shows

Steve Vrana said he loves a good laugh.

“I like the comedy,” the Wahoo, Neb., resident said as he waited for the second half of the Comedy Jamboree at Grand Country in Branson to begin.

“The ‘Hee Haw’ part was my favorite,” he said of a segment of the show that paid tribute to the comedy of Cornfield County, U.S.A. “It’s really good, funny comedy."

“I thought it would be for old fogies, but it’s not,” his wife, Raleen, added.

That’s what emcee and producer Mike Patrick likes to hear.

“I love it. It’s just infectious,” Patrick said, sitting in his backstage office after a performance. “We are in a business that has instant gratification because there are people applauding. I tell all my employees, ‘You’re not a musician, you’re not an entertainer, you are in the people business. First and foremost and not anything else.’”

A 20-plus-year Branson entertainment veteran, Patrick produces Comedy Jamboree and Grand Jubilee, and has a hand in productions at the theater such as the Buck Trent Show, Amazing Pets, Sunday Gospel Jubilee, Ozark Mountain Jubilee and Branson Country U.S.A. — a live, late-night radio show staged at Grand Country.

He said he takes great pride in the creative writing, musical talent, great costumes and technical production value his shows are known for, but sometimes it’s the audience that keeps the crowds coming back.

Comedy Jamboree

“Laughter is good medicine,” Patrick contends.

“There is some corny stuff in Comedy Jamboree,” Patrick said, “but, we try to say, ‘Hey, we’re going to do some corn now, so play along with us and have a good time.’”

Comedy is only part of the experience.

A cast of musicians, singers, dancers and Branson’s Piano Player of the Year, Tracy Heaston, keep the audience singing along, while the “Hee Haw” montage, a Dr. Phil talk-show parody and some “reptile dysfunction” humor draw consistent laughs, Patrick said.

Grand Jubilee

For his musical variety show, Grand Jubilee, Patrick assembled a talented cast of players.
“I go out and hire very talented people, and I write the shows around them,” he said. “I want people to come and be wowed.”

One of the talented people Patrick relies on is Jamie Haage, aka Jim Dandy. A veteran Branson performer and the 2001 Branson Comedian of the Year, Haage helps Patrick host the Grand Jubilee, interjects a little comedy and even adds his musical talents to the mix.

“He’s so talented,” Patrick said. “I mean, that guy is just one of the most talented people in Branson.”

At one point in the show, Patrick and Haage team up to re-create a classic moment from “The Carol Burnett Show,” featuring Haage in drag as entertainer Charo’s mom, and moments later he wows the crowd by playing six different instruments during a single song.

Add in the four-part harmonies of New South, vocalists Jackie Brown and Todd Bradshaw, and the talents of Grand Country’s house band, The Grand Band, and it’s a show sure to please.
Joan Boutwell, a 75-year-old regular Branson visitor, had nothing but praise for the fast-paced show.

“I love it,” she said after the performance. “We saw the comedy show this afternoon and decided to come back tonight. There is so much going on you really need to see it twice.”

That’s the kind of excitement about his shows that Mike Patrick hopes to generate in his audiences.

“There are always so many things that you want to do,” Patrick said after the show. “The biggest challenge I have putting my show together is getting them to come in at just two hours. I don’t what to cut anything.”

Information courtesy of The Joplin Globe

Shows in Branson are Open for Visitors

The winter season may still be upon us, but in Branson they’re ready to heat things up with some sizzling shows. The Branson show season is gearing up to kick off another season, with many shows already in production. The Branson Show Schedule is already looking full as everything from country shows to magic shows begin another exciting season.

If you’re looking to visit Branson, Missouri in the next couple of weeks, you’ll be glad to hear of all the spectacular shows currently being performed.

Country Shows

The fabulous Dixie Stampede begins their new season on February 29th. This season’s show has a new addition, Texas Longhorns, which are sure to bring a whole new level of excitement to the show.

Branson’s famous Baldknobbers bring their brand of family fun, comedy and music to the stage for another great season of Family Tradition. Their show season begins March 7th.

Grand Jubilee is an infectious show featuring a talented quartet performing country, gospel, 50’s classics and more. Their show is currently open.

Ozark Mountain Jubilee is a show centered on tradition. It features family friendly entertainment complete with music, comedy and real good time! Their show is currently open.

Country Tonite has been a fan favorite for years, and it’s easy to see why. This Branson show dazzles audiences with its country hits, dancers and musicians. Country Tonite in Branson opens March 7th.

Roy Rogers Jr. & the High Riders take guests back to the days when Cowboys were king and horses were the favored mode of transportation. This charming tribute show features the music of Roy Rogers as well as Dusty’s treasured memories of his parents.

Pierce Arrow is a top-rated vocal group whose talented singers create harmonies unlike any other. Their show is a can’t miss on the Branson Show Schedule. Pierce Arrow is open now.

The Branson Brothers is a unique show combining the stylings of a male quartet along with the music of a female vocalist. Their show has an all new format this year, so be sure to check it out! The Branson Brothers season begins February 28th.

Magic Shows

The Hamner Barber Magical Variety show features the award winning illusions of The Hamners, the amazing vocal comedy of ventriloquist Jim Barber, and a talented cast of dancers and singers. Their show is now open.

Kirby VanBurch is the Prince of Magic, evident in his amazing illusions and magical tricks that are performed throughout his show. Families will especially love this production, open now!

Comedy Shows

Comedy Jamboree is a throwback to classic comedy hours, where the gags don’t stop and the laughs keep coming. You might even get to participate in the show. Comedy Jamboree is performing now.

Jim Stafford is a talented comedian who keeps Branson visitors in stitches with his hilarious songs and many jokes. The Jim Stafford show is full of surprises and is open now.

Variety Shows

Magnificent 7 Show is a great combination of hits from yesterday and today. Comedy, dance and over 50 musical productions take place during this exciting show. Magnificent 7 is open now.

Legends in Concert features an amazing line-up of impersonators who pay tribute to everyone from Elvis to Garth Brooks. The performers at Legends will make you believe they’re the real thing. Legends in Concert is open now.

Spirit of the Dance is a classic Branson favorite. Their unique and skillful interpretation of beautiful dance numbers includes numbers from all stylings, including Irish Dance to Flamenco. Spirit of the Dance opens March 6th.

Red, Hot & Blue! is a ragtime era show that takes families on a journey through the decades of music. The music, dance and comedy of this show are unlike any other. They open March 1st.

Branson's Hot Winter Fun Big Show Big Success

About 900 music lovers braved cold winter temperatures Tuesday night in search of Hot Winter Fun.

Almost 20 Branson acts joined forces for about a three-hour show at the Jim Stafford Theatre. The event has become an annual centerpiece of Hot Winter Fun, a key offseason marketing effort for the Branson-Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Branson meaning of offseason has changed during the Big Show’s 14-year run, according to host Jim Stafford. Stafford has hosted all but one of the 14 installments. Prior to the beginning of Hot Winter Fun almost a decade-and-a-half ago, most Branson shows went dark during winter months. During one of his early offseasons in Branson, Stafford drove past a local theater and noticed a parking lot full of cars. His vision: If local theaters are open, visitors will come.

Stafford’s been proven mostly right. While winter tourism numbers don’t approach peak season highs, more and more Branson attractions have adopted the year-round approach.

The Big Show takes a lot of volunteer effort to pull off. Jeannie Horton, general manager at Legends In Concert, has served as volunteer Big Show producer for several years. Horton started working on Tuesday’s show in November. She said it takes a great number of contacts to pull together a show involving so many Branson headliners.

Tuesday’s bill included show performers from Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, Legends In Concert, A Tribute to John Denver, Bob Nelson, Grand Old Gospel Hour, Up Close and Personal, 14 Karat Country, Rico J’s Hot Hits Experience, Clay Cooper, Jim Stafford, Penny Gilley, Circle B Chuckwagon Show, Island Fire, Branson Divas, New’s Country, Isle of Dreams, Red, Hot and Blue and The Magnificent Seven.

Tuesday’s show was moved from Monday because of bad weather. Frank and Mary Schwartz of Springfield reserved tickets and called Monday to cancel their reservations because of the ice storm. They cancelled their cancellation when they learned the Big Show had been moved a night later. They’re glad they did. Both praised the show and noted the event gives music lovers an opportunity to see unfamiliar acts. The Schwartzes have “been to a bunch” of previous Big Shows, Mary said. Tuesday night, she said, “We’re getting to see a lot of new acts we haven’t seen before.”

The Branson performers who donate their time to entertain Big Show spectators do so for more than one reason. The obvious one: artists are always on the lookout for new customers. But beyond the obvious, Tuesday’s artists by and large say they believe in helping each other and they believe in Branson tourism.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

January & February Events in Branson, Missouri

White Flight

Through January 15, 2008

Location: The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure

Available exclusively during the holidays, White Flight will feature thousands of white butterflies fluttering like living snowflakes amid a rainforest sparking with thousands of twinkling lights. All of this while holiday music fills the soul. Simply unforgettable!This holiday journey also includes a stop in our 3-D theatre, rainforest critter center, and Emerald Forest Mirror Maze.

Second Annual Ice Carving Event

January 19, 2008

Location: The Titanic Museum

The nation’s most prestigious ice sculptors will compete on-site at the Titanic Museum Attraction’s outdoor entertainment center by the ship’s bow on Saturday, January 19, 2008. The event is free and open to the public.

Visitors will be invited to watch as each sculptor shapes 250 pounds of ice into cool visions of Titanic while putting the heat on competitors for more than $7,500 in prize money and world recognition.

Children and families interested in exploring the world of ice carving can learn the latest techniques, get handy hints and see the unique tools that our Titanic sculptures are using.

"Sweetheart Month” Celebrations with TITANIC’s Jack and Rose

February 1, 2008 - February 29, 2008

Location: The Titanic Museum

It’s Valentine’s Day every day during February on Titanic. Guests will be invited to celebrate their own personal love stories as they relive the on-screen romance between “Rose” and “Jack”, the star-crossed lovers in James Cameron’s Academy Award-winning movie, Titanic.
In the spirit of the occasion, Titanic will be awash in hearts and flowers, from the enchanted Grand Staircase to the magical gift shop where romantic, keepsake offerings can be found for sweethearts of all ages.

Hot Winter Fun Show

February 11, 2008

Times: 7pm

Location: Jim Stafford Theater

14th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show. Hot Winter Fun is heating up in Branson. This show features a wide variety of shows that are open throughout the year in Branson in one exciting night. Shows represented include Jim Stafford, Grand Jubilee, Doug Gabriel, Baldknobbers, Legends in Concert, Comedy Jamboree, Celebrate America, The White House Theatre, and others.

Information courtesy of Branson Chamber of Commerce

Image courtesy of Titanic Museum