Legends in Concert Announces Spring 2008 Line Up

Legends in Concert is very excited to announce the 2008 Spring star line up. They include: George Strait portrayed by Larry Turner along with Marilyn Monroe (Stacey Whitton), Buddy Holly (George Trullinger), The Blues Brothers (Justin Clark and Art Vargas) and Elvis (Dean Z). His impersonation invokes Elvis from the 50's. They are here through May 20.

Legneds has had a facelift to their stage and transformed it into an awesome set accommodating 2 new male dancers. They have always had 6 girl dancer/singers and now we have Gabriel Quintero, Charles Redding, joining Cindy Dardas, Tori Dey Palumbo singer/dancer, Tiffany Powers singer/dancer and line captain-Stephanie Drey.

Beginning March 1, they are open for 3 & 8 PM shows daily except Wednesdays.

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

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.