Branson Blooms with Entertainment this Spring

From March through May, Ozark Mountain Spring’s full calendar will feature the thrill of NAIA college basketball and one of the nation’s largest air shows; collector car auctions and culinary demonstrations; FLW bass tournaments, as well as the international folk music and cuisines of World-Fest at Silver Dollar City and historic downtown’s Plumb Nellie Days, to name just a few.

New in 2009, The Great American Pie Show, featuring NBC’s Al Roker from the “TODAY” show as a celebrity judge, will be held April 24-25 at the Branson Convention Center. Culinary events are popular nationwide and Taste of Home magazine’s cooking demonstrations will be a part of the festivities that weekend. For more information, visit tasteofhome.com/cooking-schools.

Special events are planned each week during Ozark Mountain Spring, including Legends in Concert and Elvis Presley Enterprises 3rd annual “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest,” the Branson Tri-Lakes Building and Home Show, Kewpiesta at Rose O’Neill’s beloved Bonniebrook and Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival.

Branson Airport, the first privately operated commercial service airport in the United States, will host one of the nation’s largest air shows during its grand opening celebration May 8-10.

• The Baldknobbers Jamboree will celebrate its 50-year anniversary of music and comedy in 2009.

• The Welk Resort Theatre has added Lee Greenwood and the Bellamy Brothers to its fall line-up.

• Andy Williams Moon River Theatre will welcome Righteous Brother Bill Medley, Paul Revere & the Raiders and The Original Comets.

• The Haygoods, Tony Roi, plus Red, Hot & Blue, have moved to the New Americana Theatre. The Haygoods have added a fourth show in 2009 — “Cassandré, The Voice of An Angel,” with a full production show of pop, Broadway and classical songs backed by a 10-piece orchestra.

• RedHead Express has a new show at the Circle B Chuckwagon. The band has just come off a winter tour of the South and the Appalachian Mountains, bringing with them a new producer, new CD and sound.

• #1 Hits of the 60’s Show has moved to the Caravelle Theatre.

• Mary Duff will co-star with Daniel O’Donnell and then perform in her own show for limited dates in May.

Information courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

Branson Haygoods Open New Theater March 3

The Haygoods plan to open the family’s own theater March 3 in Branson.

The New Americana Theater on 76 Country Boulevard will feature state-of-the-art sound and effects, a spacious lobby and gourmet deli. The theater will also house four shows: The Haygoods; Tony Roi — The Elvis Experience; Red, Hot & Blue; and a new production, Cassandre’ The Voice of an Angel.

The Americana Theatre was purchased by the Haygoods in May 2008. With that purchase, they became the youngest family to own a theatre on the Branson strip. It has undergone half-a-million dollars in renovations and has an entirely new look. A new addition to the theater is a gourmet deli shop.

“This project has been an enormous endeavor for our family,” Timothy Haygood said. “We knew it would be a lot of work but it is something that we all wanted and we were willing to work hard for.”

The Haygoods arrived in Branson in 1993 with nothing but their instruments, and started performing at Silver Dollar City.

“Silver Dollar City was great for us,” Haygood said. “It helped us grow as musicians and gave us the courage to take our show out into Branson.”

The Haygoods are the headlining show in The New Americana Theatre. This award-winning family has been performing in Branson for 18 years. The musical entertainment group, consisting of seven brothers and one sister, has performed more than 10,000 shows for more than 4 million people during their Branson career.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Branson Shows Ready to Shine in 2009

Legends in Concert has announced it has signed a multi-year agreement with GEP Inc., owner of Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater, to become its headline show in 2009.

“Legends has enjoyed tremendous success in the Branson market since 1996,” said Jeannie Horton, general manager for Legends in Concert. “This new theater will allow the introduction of many exciting enhancements to our production. We look forward to an even brighter future as our show moves to this fabulous new entertainment facility, a true state-of-the-art venue.”

The Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater boasts more than 900 seats.

Legends will perform two shows daily, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. except Wednesdays.

At the Andy Williams’ Moon River Theatre, Bill Medley, Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee and founding member of the Righteous Brothers, will appear in concert with rockers, Paul Revere and the Raiders.

The shows are scheduled for selected dates from April through October 2009.

Andy Williams said, “I have always been a fan of these guys and now I get to see them every day at my theater. This is a great thing for Branson.”

Medley, along with longtime Righteous Brothers partner Bobby Hatfield, created “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling,” a song which has been touted as the most-played tune in radio history.

Other chart-toppers include “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration,” “Rock and Roll Heaven,” “Ebb Tide” and “Unchained Melody.”

Teaming with Jennifer Warnes, Medley recorded the mega-hit “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.”

Medley said, “We love Branson so much that we’ve bought homes here. The fans are great. And how could it get any better than appearing at Andy Williams’ Moon River Theatre. It’s going to be a fun 2009.”

Often cited as the comedy princes of rock n’ roll, Paul Revere and the Raiders, are best known for their smash hits “Kicks,” “Hungry,” “Good Thing” and their blockbuster “Indian Reservation.”

Fans around the world have dubbed them as one of their favorite live, onstage performance groups.

Bill Haley’s Original Comets have been rocking the world since the early 1950s when they produced never-to-be-forgotten hits such as “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” “Rock Around the Clock,” and “See You Later Alligator.”

Here is a current listing of 2009 shows and attractions and opening dates according to the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Web site.

•50’s at the Hop opens Jan. 1.

•’57 Heaven Car Museum opens Jan. 1.

•Acrobats of China opens March 12.

•Amazing Pets opens Jan. 1.

•Andy Williams’ Moon River Theatre opens April 21.

•Baldknobbers opens Feb. 13.

•Bill Haley’s Original Comets opens April 21.

•Branson Landing Cruises Lake Princess opens Jan. 16.

•Branson Landing Lake Queen Sightseeing opens March 13.

•Branson Scenic Railway opens March 9.

•Buck Trent opens Jan. 4.

•Butterfly Palace opens Jan. 1.

•Cassandre’ Voice of an Angel opens March 16.

•Circle B Chuckwagon opens March 5.

•Clay Cooper Music Express opens March 7.

•Comedy Jamboree opens Jan. 1.

•Crossties Bluegrass and Gospel opens Feb. 3.

•Dinosaur Museum opens Jan. 1.

•Dixie Stampede opens March 4.

•Friday Late Night Country USA opens Jan. 30.

•Grand Jubilee opens Jan. 12.

•Hamner Barber Variety Show opens Feb. 12.

•Haunted House opens Jan. 1.

•Haygoods opens March 3.

•Hollywood Wax Museum opens Jan. 1.

•Hughes Brothers opens Feb. 4.

•Imax Entertainment Complex opens Jan. 1.

•Jim Stafford opens Feb. 5.

•Keith Red Allen opens March 17.

•Kirby Van Burch opens March 13.

•Legends in Concert opens Feb. 12.

•Liverpool Legends opens March 10.

•Lomascola’s Million Dollar Piano Show opens March 10.

•Magnificent 7 opens March 9.

•Moe Bandy opens March 19.

•News Country opens Jan. 22.

•Noah! The Musical opens March 20.

•Ozark Mountain Jubilee opens Feb. 15.

•Paul Harris opens March 5.

•Pierce Arrow opens Jan. 1.

•Presley’s Country Jubilee opens March 13.

•Redhead Express opens March 5.

•Red Hot & Blue! opens March 15.

•Ride The Ducks opens March 7.

•Righteous’ Brothers Bill Medley & Paul Revere and the Raiders opens April 21.

•Ripley’s Believe It or Not opens Jan. 1.

•Roy Rogers Jr. Show opens Feb. 26.

•Roy Rogers Museum opens Jan. 8.

•Showboat Branson Belle opens March 20.

•SIX Show opens Feb. 3.

•Strait Country opens Feb. 3.

•Sunday Gospel Jubilee opens Feb. 8.

•Titanic Museum opens Jan. 1.

•Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience opens March 5.

•Veterans Memorial Museum opens Jan. 1.

•World’s Largest Toy Museum opens Jan. 1.



Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Haygoods begin Move into Americana Theatre

Next March, the Haygoods will have a new theater to call home.

The seven brothers and one sister between the ages of 15 and 31 will move to the Americana Theatre on 76 Country Boulevard following a $500,000 renovation.

“We are adding 3,800 square feet with the front of the theater enclosed with black glass,” said Timothy Haygood, the oldest brother.

Back in September, the family announced its Branson run at Music City Centre would end this year, but that has all changed.

After 10,000 performances in front of more than four million people, the family decided that Branson was the place to stay.

“We had an offer to do a television show in Los Angeles, it was going to take a big commitment from us so we decided to form our own production company and do our own show,” said Haygood.

Haygood said it will be a reality-type show, making musical dreams come true for youngsters who don’t have the means to do it.

“We’ll be filming segments of the show right there at the Americana Theatre,” Haygood said.

The CW network will air the show in the midwest.

The Haygoods won’t be the only show moving to the Americana Theatre from the Music City Centre.

“After we announced our move, Tony Roi and the Red Hot and Blue show decided to come along,” Haygood said.

Another Haygood, Timothy's wife Cassandre, will move from Silver Dollar City to the Americana Theatre with her show “Voice of an Angel” featuring a string orchestra.

The Haygoods kicked off their musical careers at Silver Dollar City 17 years ago.

“We are so proud to be investing in our community and we can’t wait for everyone to see the newly remodeled Americana Theatre. It will be a great addition to the strip,” Timothy Haygood said.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Haygoods Promise a Ground-Breaking 2009 Season

Branson’s most dynamic musical family, The Haygoods, are excited to announce that they are raising the bar with their ground-breaking 2009 season. These top-notch entertainers are proud to unveil two new projects—the purchase of their own state-of-the-art Branson theatre and the creation of their very own TV show—that are sure to delight audiences in Branson, as well as fans all over the world.

The Americana Theatre (across from the Presley’s Jubilee at 2905 West Highway 76), will undergo a million-dollar renovation, emerging for its Grand Opening on March 7, 2009 with a new look, new features, and new name worthy to house the all-new interactive Haygood experience. Audiences will be wowed by this indescribable entertainment adventure, which combines the Haygoods’ own brand of musical magic with state-of-the-art effects, heart-pumping sound, and effervescent energy that cannot be contained. When pure musical talent meets cutting-edge performance, the result is sure to be an electrifying ride of song, rhythm, and sound that the Haygoods’ audiences won’t soon forget.

This award-winning, family musical entertainment group, consisting of seven spirited brothers and one vivacious sister, has performed over 10,000 shows for more than 4,000,000 people during their momentous Branson career. The Haygoods, whose powerhouse performances can be seen throughout 2008 at the Music City Centre, are poised to make the jump from Branson’s best kept secret to breakout stars with the debut of their much-awaited TV show in 2009.

Vibrant and innovative, The Haygoods unbelievable harmonic feats and captivating on-stage antics have delighted Branson audiences for 18 years and will next wow viewers of the CW network with The Haygood family show! The weekly show will be broadcast across the Midwest and will include a mixture of exuberant Haygood antics and the group’s stunning live performances. Branson guests will not only be treated to the Haygoods high-octane stage performances but also be a part of the filming of their live television show as well!! Happy to include audiences who have given the group so much in their new show, Haygoods member Dominic Haygood credits the support of the group’s fans and the Branson community for making the group’s newest endeavors possible.

The Haygoods are excited to put Branson on the map for a whole new audience with their all-new 2009 television show, bringing a new demographic to the town that is sure to benefit the Branson community. As Timothy Haygood explains, the group is excited to give back to Branson: "We are so proud to be investing in our community. We love Branson and can't wait for everyone to see the newly remodeled Americana theatre. It will be a great addition to the Branson strip!”

Information courtesy of The Haygoods

Branson’s Haygoods buy Americana Theatre

After 17 years and more than 10,000 shows, Branson performing family The Haygoods are planting permanent roots along the city's State Highway 76 strip.

The eight-sibling musician group purchased the 800-seat Americana Theatre, 2905 W. Highway 76, from Janet Dailey for an undisclosed price, according to eldest performer Timothy Haygood. The deal closed June 1.

The Haygoods – who range in age from 15 to 30 – currently perform at the 600-seat Music City Centre, where they’ve been since 2002, and previously spent nearly a decade at Silver Dollar City. The stunt-performing musicians have grown a need for their own space – and their own branded venue, Haygood said. They plan to spend about $1 million on renovations.

“It’s going to be much more than just a theater; we’re going to make it into an attraction,” Haygood said, adding that early plans call for a miniature golf course in the theater’s lobby and a restaurant. “People want more than a show. They want an experience.”

Haygood estimates major renovation work should be complete by next March, with other changes taking effect over about three years.

In conjunction with their new stomping grounds, the Haygoods have been working on producing an in-house TV show, and filming is set to begin in about two weeks. To avoid falling under the controlling arm of network ownership, the Haygoods have purchased 30-minute slots on the CW channel and sold advertising segments for the first eight episodes. The show will air in about 10 major Midwest cities, including Springfield, starting in spring 2009, Haygood said.

The premise of the as-yet-unnamed show is part reality show, part human interest and part musical entertainment, Haygood said. Episodes will open with the Haygoods performing, followed by an extreme sports-type event that will raise donations to purchase instruments and private lessons for underprivileged children with musical aspirations. Each episode will surprise a child at home and end with that child joining the Haygoods on stage.

“Music was a really big part of our lives when we were young,” Haygood said. “We want to make sure that what could be a budding talent isn’t neglected because of a lack of money.”

Information courtesy of Springfield Business Journal

Holiday Shopping Guide for Branson, Missouri

Branson is a holiday shopper's paradise with three major outlet malls featuring more than 200 name brand shops. Hundreds of area boutique and specialty stores offer one-of-a-kind hand-made heirloom quality gift items. This season, one trip to Branson can fulfill all of your holiday shopping needs.

With so many places to shop in Branson, an Ozarks Shopping Guide can be helpful. The following is an overview of the great shopping found in the Ozarks.

Outlet Malls in Branson

• Tanger Outlet Mall: This outlet mall is home to many name brands, such as Tommy Hilfiger, Liz Claiborne, American Eagle, Gap, Aeropostale, Bath & Body Works, Banana Republic, Nike and more. With 65 name brand shops to choose from, Tanger Outlet makes your holiday shopping easy. The Mall is also located right on Highway 76, creating a convenient location for shoppers who want to experience the rest of Branson.

Helpful Hint: Tanger Mall will be open midnight of Thanksgiving day and will remain open until 9pm Friday, November 23. Coupons for the Tanger Mall are also available. Be sure to check out their after Christmas sales too!

• Factory Merchants Mall: This large mall is home to various stores, including Reebok, Nautica, Lane Bryant, Jones New York, Crocs, Famous Footwear, Carter’s, I love Quilt, Pfaltzgraff and more. The over 50 factory shops allow customers to get a bargain when the do their holiday shopping. They are also conveniently located on near several theaters, including Mickey Gilley, The Duttons and The Hughes Brothers.

Helpful Hint: Don't miss the biggest sale of the year at Factory Merchants Mall. Stores will offer additional savings off their everyday low outlet prices. There will be extended center hours and added savings for early shoppers. For Factory Merchants Mall sales information, click here!

• Factory Shoppes at Branson Meadows: This beautiful mall is home to shops and a movie theater. A few of the shops include Christian Gift Outlet, Golf USA, Hush Puppies, Tool Town USA, Vanity Fair Outlet and more. This mall is also close to the new Branson Mill Village.

Helpful Hint: Print the directory of the mall (click link) to receive FREE VIP coupons. Simply print and present at the Vanity Fair Outlet.

Malls

Branson Landing: Your family can discover Branson’s newest “Winter Wonder Landing” at the Branson Landing waterfront, featuring a promenade of trendy specialty shopping and dining establishments, and a brilliant water and fire spectacular that dances to the sounds of the season in the Town Square. A few of the shops located at the Branson Landing include Bass Pro Shop, Belk Department Store, Charlotte Russe, Build-a-Bear, Ann Taylor, Coldwater Creek, Hollister, Cardinals Clubhouse, Journey’s and many, many more. A few of the eateries include Joe’s Crab Shack, Famous Dave’s Barbeque, Cantina Laredo and numerous specialty eateries like It’s A Wrap.Helpful Hint: Visit Santa at Branson Landing. Enjoy the magic of the season by visiting Santa in his very own Christmas Tree House located in Branson Landing’s Town Square. Pictures available. There is also a special Thanksgiving Day concert featuring the Blues Brothers from Legends in Concert and the musicians/singer from Take it to the Limit: A Tribute to the Eagles.

Specialty Shops

• Branson Mill Craft Village: The Branson Mill is a 60,000 square foot specialty retail shopping center and working craft village combined. It is comprised of 20,000 square feet of retail space including Mountain Man Nut and Fruit Company, The Leather Trading Company and Bandana’s Bar-B-Q Restaurant. The Branson Mill Craft Village is a working craft village with 40,000 square feet devoted to craftsmen demonstrating their skills in glass blowing, leather carving, china painting, oil painting, stained glass, wood carving, silversmith, scrimshaw, pottery, copper colorist, etched glass, custom framing, custom sign making and much much more. In addition to these fine artists demonstrating their skills, there are 150 showrooms of upscale home furnishings, accessories and crafts, with many one-of-a-kind items and best of all it is open to the public at no charge.

Helpful Hint: This craft village is close to Factory Shoppes of Branson Meadows, with easy access to Tanger Outlet Mall and Factory Merchants Mall. The Amish Country Store is right next door and Playtime Pizza (great for Kids) is right across the street.

• Engler Block: With 30 individually-owned shops, the Engler Block offers a whole world of the Ozarks craftsmanship and artistry under one roof. With artisans at work on their creations, Engler Block is more than a collection of stores; It is sight, touch and sound. A few of the shops include Helwig Art Glass, Fall Creek Pottery, Father Time Clocks, O’Neil Stained Glass, Sunrise Leather and more.

Helpful Hint: This shop is located near the Dixie Stampede and Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, as well as the Haygoods.

• The Grand Village: Enjoy the talent of Thomas Kincade in his Signature Art Gallery and visit Missouri's largest Christmas Store, Kringles. The scenery is delightful with lovely paths and sparkling fountains all the way up to the restaurants. All of the shops in this complex are unique and offer the best of Branson's craftsmanship and souvenirs.

Helpful Hint: This village is right next door to the Grand Palace, which is showcasing The Christmas Sounds of Mannheim Steamroller. They also have a unique eatery, the Hard Luck Diner, where singing waiters and waitresses are the special.