Branson Veterans Week 2009 Schedule Announced

The Branson Veterans Task Force, sponsors of the nation’s largest veteran’s celebration, Veterans Homecoming Week in Branson, has announced the schedule of events for this year’s Veteran celebration.

This year’s event has several new things to offer, including five mini-reunions to honor veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, women veterans and veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf. There is also a new location for the registry, Veterans Village Headquarters and the task force’s Tactical Operations Center. The 2009 home for these three will be the Cobblestone Inn. The opening and closing ceremonies of the event are also a bit different this year, and will feature a wider array of talent, including an international tribute to the veterans. The closing ceremony event, new this year, will be held at the Starlite Theater, and will last 90 minutes. There is no cost to attend by reservations are recommended. A few of the scheduled performers include the Oak Ridge Boys, Barbara Fairchild, Roy Morris, the Hughes Brothers, Johnny Lonestar and the Rankin Brothers.

Lt. Col. Oliver North will be returning to this year’s event, and although his exact schedule has not been finalized, he will be at the Branson Landing on November 10 for a book signing.
Two showings of a documentary, filmed last summer that follows C of O students who accompanied veterans on a tour of Europe on D-Day, is also planned. The first showing will occur during the WWII mini-reunion on November 6 and the second will be held at the Keeter Center on November 7.

A full 2009 Branson Veterans Week Schedule is available, complete with daily itineraries.

Hotels in Branson are available for reservations now.

Branson Shows will also be performing during Veterans Week. Tickets are on sale now.

Country Music Stars Come to Branson in September & October

In the months of September and October, Branson is welcoming three country legends. Roy Clark will perform at the Tri-Lakes Center September 14, 24, 25 & 26 and October 1, 2, 3, 22, 23 & 24. Ray Price will also be taking the stage at the Tri-Lakes Center in Branson on September 17, 18 & 19, as well as October 8, 9 & 10. The Welk Resort welcomes Lee Greenwood & the Bellamy Brothers September 14-26 (except Sundays) & September 29 & 30, as well as October 1-24 (excluding Oct. 5 & Sundays).

Roy Clark is well-known country music performer who was one of the first country music stars to open his own venue in Branson, Missouri. The theater, known as the Roy Clark Celebrity Theater, is now owned by the Hughes Brothers. However, Roy Clark’s talent as both a guitarist and banjo player have brought him back to Branson, where he’ll entertain show-goers with hits like “Yesterday, When I was Young” & “Thank God & Greyhound” along with his signature comedy that was showcased on the hit show Hee-Haw. Roy Clark tickets are on-sale now.

Ray Price has been a country music star since the 1950’s. Known as The Cherokee Cowboy, Price has had success with hits like “Danny Boy,” “For the Good Times,” “Release Me,” “She Wears My Ring,” “Heartaches by the Number” and “Crazy Arms.” Ray Price is a true classic country music performer, and his limited engagement in Branson is sure to sell out fast. Ray Price tickets are on sale now.

Country greats Lee Greenwood & the Bellamy Brothers are back in Branson for an engagement at the Welk Resort Theater. Greenwood will showcase songs like “Dixie Road,” “Ring on her Finger, Time on her Hands,” and “God Bless the USA.” The Bellamy Brothers will bring “Let Your Love Flow,” “If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body (Would You Hold it Against Me)” and “Redneck Girl.” Lee Greenwood & the Bellamy Brothers tickets are on sale now.

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

Christmas Cheer Fills the Air at Branson Shows

What do Branson and the North Pole have in common? They both fill people with the Christmas spirit.

The North Pole does it with Santa Claus, elves and reindeer. Branson does it with the almost endless variety of holiday entertainment.

With 53 theaters and 59,757 seats, there is more than enough Christmas music, comedy and lights to even fill the Grinch with holiday cheer.

Here are a few of the area Branson Christmas shows:

•The Hughes Brothers — Head to the Hughes Brothers Theatre in Branson and enjoy the Christmas season with the Hughes Brothers.

These young, energetic and multi-talented brothers celebrate Christmas and the New Year as only they can do. Join Marty, Jason, Ryan and Andy as they combine rich, tight harmonies with dynamic dance numbers and hilarious antics to create a show the whole family will love.

•SIX at the Hughes Brothers Theatre — Celebrate Christmas with SIX. You won’t believe what comes out of the mouths of this vocal band.

The group SIX is made up of six real brothers — Barry, Kevin, Lynn, Jak, Owen and Curtis Knudsen. The group members use their voices to produce all the instrumentation, rhythms and harmonics of the band and vocals.

•Shoji Tabuchi — The Shoji Tabuchi Christmas Show offers a wide variety of entertainment, from classic holiday favorites to contemporary hits. Join Shoji Tabuchi, his wife Dorothy, and their daughter, Christina.

The family plays, sings and dances for the audience. The show is highlighted by the talented violin playing of Shoji Tabuchi. Visitors are guaranteed to get into the holiday spirit.

•Andy Williams — It is definitely “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” at the Andy Williams Christmas Show at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre in Branson.

Williams performs some of the holiday hits that made him a music legend. He is also joined by a strong supporting cast. Dean Church is another of Branson’s finest entertainers. For years Church has brought audiences to their feet with his musical talent and energy.

Bob Anderson is a world class singer, comedian, impressionist and all around entertainer. During the show, he performs his tribute to “The Golden Age of Music.” He will take you on a musical journey with his impressions of “The Rat Pack,” Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, Tom Jones, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Neil Diamond, and Elvis Presley.

The husband and wife variety dance team of Pasha and Aliona will also entertain you with elegance, humor and unique acrobatic choreography.

These are just a few of the many holiday shows that are sure to have you overflowing with Christmas cheer.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Branson's Ozark Mountain Christmas Begins November 1st

The Live Music Show Capital of the World - Branson - kicks off Ozark Mountain Christmas on Nov. 1 with star-filled Christmas music shows and a Holiday Promenade of Stars parade at Branson Landing.

Branson's star entertainers and holiday production numbers are ready to dazzle visitors and their families in November and December. From "Mr. Christmas" Andy Williams to Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters at the Welk Resort, a multitude of shows deck the halls and showcase Branson's Christmas spirit.

"Christmastime in Branson reminds me of Christmas when I was a boy. There's an excitement about Christmas in Branson with the shows, Silver Dollar City and all the other attractions. The atmosphere in Branson around Christmas always seems that much more welcoming and warm," said Williams, whose trademark Christmas sweaters add to the holiday cheer.

Familiar carols fill the air at family shows like the Presleys, Baldknobbers, and Hughes Brothers and peals of laughter roll down the aisles at Jim Stafford, Hamner-Barber and Yakov Smirnoff's shows. From the Oak Ridge Boys' Christmas show, to Broadway's Spirit of Christmas with The Osmonds, Branson wraps up its musical packages with one-of-a-kind festive family fun. And, for the kid in everyone, there's a "magical" Christmas show as well, at world-famous Kirby VanBurch's Christmas Spectacular.

Silver Dollar City's An Old Time Christmas (Nov. 1 - Dec. 30), one of America's most acclaimed Christmas celebrations, is kicking off its brightest season to date with new shows and activities, plus more lights than ever presented throughout the streets of the 1880's-style theme park. Newly enhanced lighting, through the addition of thousands of energy saving lights and all-new wrapping of 40-foot-tall trees, the spectacular Christmas on Main Street, with its showcase five-story special effects Christmas tree and all-immersive light and sound show, is even more spectacular. Also new this year, Silver Dollar City presents Frosty, an interactive musical, and the Culinary & Craft School that will premier this holiday season. Returning favorites include the Holiday Light Parade with colorful musical floats and the acclaimed production A Dickens' Christmas Carol. And for nighttime thrills, the roller coasters are open after dark with great views of the park's four million lights.

On the first Sunday in December, thousands of people gather in downtown Branson to watch a Christmas parade dedicated to "the true meaning of the season." This year marks the 60th Adoration Parade, an evening event with dozens of high school bands and lighted floats. The theme has always been "Keeping Christ in Christmas."

The Showboat Branson Belle is bedecked in all its Christmas finery and charts a course for holiday food and fun on Table Rock Lake though December. Also, the World's Largest Titanic Museum Attraction will be decorated with thousands of merry lights and holiday trim that recall those elegant Christmases past.

Holiday shoppers will discover Branson's newest "Winter Wonder Landing" at the Branson Landing waterfront. The Landing features a promenade of trendy specialty shopping and dining establishments, the brilliant water and fire spectacular that dances to the sounds of the season in the Town Square and Santa Claus, who has even been known to vacation in Branson himself.

Three name-brand outlet malls, boutique shops at the Grand Village, Ozarks craftsmen at Branson Mills and Engler Block and shops throughout Branson are decked out in lights with holiday decorations that beckon Yuletide visitors.

Christmas traditions in the Branson/Lakes Area include a Christmas light display at the Enchanted Forest on Indian Point Rd., the Christmas on the Trail show and Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead and the animated lighting displays of the 1-mile Branson Area Festival of Lights drive-through.

For rest and relaxation following a fun holiday entertainment and shopping outing, a host of Branson lodging options and special offers are available from a cozy cabin at one of the lakeside resorts to luxurious hotel rooms and condos throughout the area.

Branson has more than 100 live shows, theme parks, pristine lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features that are fun for everyone!

Information courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

Branson Entertainers Plan Fundraiser for Flood Victims

Branson entertainers, vendors and community members will join forces on Saturday to give big to Midwest flood victims.

“Branson Gives Big” includes a family festival on the patio of Branson Star Theatre and a special concert. Proceeds from the festival, the concert, as well as from all the day’s shows at Branson Star Theatre, will benefit the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, as well as assist flood-victim families visiting Branson.

The one-time concert will include Jim Stafford, The Lennon Sisters, Jim Barber, The Hughes Brothers, Doug Gabriel, Dave and Denise Hamner, the cast of Breaking Up is Hard To Do, a musical featuring the songs of Neil Sedaka, Delena Ditto, David Lomascola, Gail Lennon and the Buzz Boys, Redkneckers and The Branson Divas.

Linda Buckles, one of the event coordinators, described bringing together so many Branson stars to benefit Midwest flood victims as “amazing.”

“This is just the kind of town that does that,” she said.

The show begins at 3 p.m.

The family festival, which gets under way at 11 a.m., will include concessions, vendors, inflatables, games and prizes, and free outdoor-stage entertainment.

“We are very excited about the outpouring from the Branson community and we are looking forward to a very fun event that is so much more special because all the vendors are donating a portion of their proceeds to the relief effort,” said co-event coordinator Angela Walker.

Buckles has been working to put faces on the victims and has arranged to bring five families affected by the flooding in Iowa to Branson for a free all-expense paid getaway. The families will be attending the day’s festivities.

“The community has given rooms, meals, show and attraction tickets — all free for these families. We are so grateful, however we do still need to pay for the travel expenses these families and are actively looking for donations to accomplish this,” Buckles said. “We are asking for help from the community to raise funds for the travel expenses and any amount will be appreciated.”

Buckles has visited with each of the families that will be arriving in town later this week. She said several have called this getaway a “miracle,” and something they could not have afforded to do, but truly appreciate at this time. Two of the five families have lost everything in the flooding.

“It is gut-wrenching,” Buckles said.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News
Image courtesy of Branson Star Theater

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.