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

Hot Winter Fun in Branson, MO

The holidays are over, and some of us could be fighting a case of the winter blues in the upcoming months. Branson's promoters say they could have the cure - a little fun!

It's a common misconception that everything is closed in Branson this time of year but there is still some "Hot Winter Fun" during the cold winter months.

Christmas and New Years have come and gone again, and the excitement of the holiday season is behind us, but that doesn't mean all the excitement in Branson is gone.

"We are growing our winter season," said Ross Summers, president of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Summers says Branson used to have shows only between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Not long ago, most shows shut down from January through March.

"This is the time they take their vacations. A lot of them revamp their shows every year, put new sets in, and get new songs together," he said.

But now, more shows than ever are open during the season known as "Hot Winter Fun." A few of the theatres that remain open during the winter months include the Grand Country Music Hall, the Dutton Theatre, and the Jim Stafford Theatre.

A lot of the branson shows that are open for hot winter fun will be showcased in one big show at the Jim Stafford Theatre on Feb. 11. It will give folks a sampling of what Branson has to offer.

"It may be harder for a lot of these shows to stay closed in January and February because, as we get more and more people into town, there's revenue there," Ross said.

One big reason for more people in town is Branson's new convention center that just opened in August. Ross says the facility has dates booked into the next three or four years.

"People don't spend all their time at the convention center. They want to get out and see what's available in the local community and, obviously, Branson has more than most local communities," said Ross.

Besides all the entertainment, he encourages people to visit Branson's many museums, including Ripley's Believe it or Not, The Titanic, and the Ralph Foster Museum at College of the Ozarks, and, of course, all the places to shop and eat.

Information courtesy of KY3 News

Image courtesy of Branson Chamber of Commerce

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

America's Got Talent's Jason Pritchett joins New South at Grand Jubilee Show

Grand Country Square recently added Jason Pritchett, a Top Ten Finalist on NBC’s hit show, America’s Got Talent, to their show New South. New South performs in The Grand Jubilee show, daily at 8 p.m. only at the Grand Country Square.

Pritchett is not new to Branson. He has performed in show like Lost in the 50s, Stuck on the 70s, Echo Hollow Jubilee, 50s at the Hop and Magnificent Country. He has performed on cruise ships and most recently performed with other Top Ten Finalists at the Dutton Theatre in Branson.

“I am glad to be back in Branson and excited to be a member of Branson’s Best Quartet, New South,” Pritchett said.

“All members of New South are excited that Jason will be joining us,” Mike Patrick, Grand Jubilee producer said. “What an awesome addition!”

Singing today’s country hits, as well as quartet classics from the Oak Ridge Boys to the Eagles, The Grand Jubilee is always a hit.

The high energy and versatility of the entire cast astounds audiences. From country to gospel, and 50s to modern day, this show explodes with musical fun to satisfy any age, daily at 8 p.m.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News