Bob Anderson Entertains with his Incredible Impressions

Bob Anderson had been a fixture of the Las Vegas entertainment scene for more than 30 years, but he was finding it difficult to find work in 2003.

The entertainment philosophy was changing — bigger shows, fewer headliners. Lounge entertainment was disappearing from the Strip, where the likes of Louis Prima and Keely Smith, Don Rickles, Buddy Hackett, Shecky Greene, Alan King and the Mary Kaye Trio had helped make Vegas the Entertainment Capital.

At the urging of his pal, country singer Mickey Gilley, Anderson packed up the family and moved to Branson, Mo.

Anderson returns to Vegas to perform Friday and Saturday at the Cannery.

“There’s more entertainment in Branson than in Las Vegas,” the 58-year-old singer and impressionist says by telephone from his Branson home. “I think Vegas has about 83 showrooms and Branson has like 150.”

Overall the shows aren’t as spectacular as those in Vegas, but they are less expensive — in the $35 to $60 range, he says. You can see a variety of entertainers including Andy Williams, Yakov Smirnoff, the Oak Ridge Boys and Bill Medley. There’s even a wax museum.

“Mickey invited me to come down here because he knew things were getting tough in Vegas,” Anderson says. “He said ‘Come on down here, but don’t do no country — we got enough of that. Just do what you do.’ ”

At one time country music and cornball comedy dominated the Branson entertainment scene, but Andy Williams and others began to broaden the horizon.

“I came here at a time when they were trying to diversify,” he says. “When I came here I brought something totally different from what they’re used to.”

Anderson has been called a saloon singer who does impressions. He has about 100 in his repertoire and focuses on vintage Vegas entertainers, including the Rat Pack, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles and Bobby Darin. His cabaret act is backed by a three-piece combo.

Anderson worked at Gilley’s showroom for a couple of seasons, moved to Club Vegas and then to Club 57, where he has performed since 2006.

The Detroit-area native performs five nights a week April through December in the 150-seat supper club. The other four months are mostly spent entertaining in such places as Chicago, Palm Springs, Great Britain and Florida.

He’s been doing a lot of symphony dates with musical director Vincent Falcone of Las Vegas. They recently performed with the Utah Symphony in Salt Lake City.

“I’ve been doing a lot of big band jazz stuff and a lot of corporate dates,” Anderson says.
He’s looking forward to his homecoming in Vegas.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun for me, a lot of great music,” he says. “And I’ll catch up with a lot of friends I haven’t seen in a long time.”

While here he may be talking to venues about possible long-term engagements, although it’s hard to believe Anderson would give up the bright lights of Branson for little ol’ Vegas.

Information courtesy of Las Vegas Sun

April Events in Branson

April 2008 Calendar of Events

C-SPAN American Presidents Museum Exhibit

March 3, 2008 - April 30, 2008

Location: The American Presidents Museum

Created by the C-SPAN Cable News Network and the White House Historical Society, this a one-of-it's kind exhibit on the history of the American Presidency. Only in Missouri twice before, at the 2000 and 2004 Presidential Debates in St. Louis.

"Resin Sculpture & Installation" by artist Neil Ward

April 2, 2008 - April 23, 2008

Location: College of the Ozarks, Boger Gallery

Phone: (417) 334-6411

Ward's work incorporates molded forms made from resin and materials suspended in resin.

WORLD-FEST at Silver Dollar City

April 3, 2008 - May 4, 2008

Times: Closed Mondays & Tuesdays. Open Wednesdays - Fridays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Location: Silver Dollar City

Join us as we celebrate the spirit of Ireland with Ireland's Feet of Fire! This elaborate All-NEW Stage Show features live Irish music, champion step dancers and symbolic fire dancing. See this talented ensemble of Celtic Isles performers as they share their country's traditions and folklore on the world's stage.

BransonFest

April 8, 2008 - April 12, 2008

Location: Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater

New location for 2008 at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater!

At the daily "Big Shows" inside, you can sample some of Branson's best shows each day. If you attend all the Big Shows, you'll sample at least 50, yes, 50 shows! No wonder this festival has been named a "Top 100" Event in North America by the American Bus Association since 2004! The five-day event kicks off on Tuesday, April 8th. Activities begin at Noon on the grounds and the first "Big Show" is in the American Bandstand Theatre at 7 pm. Wednesday through Friday, the outdoor activities begin at 9 a.m. and the daily "Big Shows" are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. On Saturday, the final Big Show is at 2 p.m. Individual show tickets and packages are available.

Titanic Kick-Off/Third Season

April 10, 2008

Location: The World's Largest Titanic Museum Attraction

Major celebration -- in honor of ther 1912 April 10 maiden voyage.2nd annual Ham Radio Operators to broadcast from Titanic all over the world including Belfast, Newfoundland and Southampton England. Honorary guests to visit from Belfast, Ireland. Titanic honors James Cameron's Titanic movie, 10th anniversary of its release -- See for the first time Kate Winslow "Rose" dresses from the movie and the "Heart of the Ocean" necklace.

Persian Gulf War Cease Fire

April 11, 2008

Phone: (417) 337-8387

Admission: Show tickets will be half price only on April 11, 2007 for soldiers who served during that time. This day commemorates the Official Cease Fire in 1991 of the Persian Gulf War and will be dedicated to the soldiers who served in Iraq during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Ceremonies and recognition of soldiers will be held at Branson Fest and the Welk Theater. All soldiers from Desert Shield and Desert Storm need to go by the Branson Veterans Task Force Booth at Branson Fest to get information and leave their name. For more information contact Steve Weyher.

3rd Annual Titanic Princess Tea Party

April 12, 2008

Times: Noon to 5p.m.

Location: The World's Largest Titanic Museum Attraction

Admission: $13.50 per child, 17.00 per adult

This event sells out at least two months ahead. We have room for 500 young ladies.

AREA '57 CRUISE IN & Drive-In Movie Night

April 18, 2008 - April 20, 2008

Phone: (417) 332-1960, (877) 588-1957

Branson Collector Car Auction

April 18, 2008 - April 19, 2008

Location: Branson Convention Center

Phone: 800-335-3063

Springtastic Show Spree

April 21, 2008 - April 27, 2008

Admission: Available on-line only.

Fans can see ten of their favorite shows in Branson during the Springtastic Show Spree week. Shows include productions such as Jim Stafford, Yakov, Mickey Gilley, Twelve Irish Tenors, Legends in Concert, Baldknobbers Jamboree, New Shanghai Circus, The Hughes Brothers, Broadway!, The Haygoods, Country Tonite, Magnificent 7 Variety Show, The Dutton's and many more.

Kewpiesta

April 23, 2008 - April 27, 2008

Location: Bonniebrook Park

Phone: 417-561-1509

Kewpiesta is a celebration of Rose O'Neill's famous Kewpie dolls. While enjoying the Kewpie's take a tour of Rose's home Bonniebrook.

Branson Landing's Spring Fashion Show

April 26, 2008

Times: 1 pm

Location: Town Square, in front of the Landing Fountains

Please join us for the Branson Landing Spring Fashion Show. You won't want to miss these exciting spring fashions on display during the Fashion Show from more than 10 Branson Landing Merchants. Each participating retailer will also supply an item from their shop to be raffled off in support of The Hiding Place and our local Crisis Center. With your donation, you will receive a ticket and the chance to take home a new spring fashion of your own. Everyone is a winner in this raffle - because not only will your ticket help in the support of two local charities, but it will also earn you a wonderful discount towards your purchase at the participating shops that day.Be sure to check back for more information and updates on this exciting new event.

Information courtesy of Branson Chamber of Commerce

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.

Getaway for Labor Day in Branson, MO

An escape to Branson, Missouri is the perfect way to celebrate the Labor Day holiday. With many Branson shows and Branson attractions at your fingertips, you’ll have little worries when it comes to what you’ll do in Branson. There are also several great outdoor activities in Branson that are still available due to the seasonably warm weather Branson has in September.

The Dixie Stampede is a family favorite and is a must see for anyone with an eye for showmanship and a stomach that’s hungry! The animals, fantastic dinner and amazing performers create a combination that’s fun for those of all ages. There are several other dinner shows in Branson, including the Magnificent 7 Dinner Show, Circle B Chuckwagon Dinner Show, Tall Timber Lumberjack Dinner Show and the Showboat Branson Belle. The stage shows in Branson offer a variety of options, ranging from classic country to rock ‘n roll to Broadway! There really is something for everyone in Branson, Missouri.

This Labor Day holiday you’ll want to catch performances of Take it to the Limit: Tribute to the Eagles, Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama, Roy Rogers Jr. & the High Riders and the Original Stars at American Bandstand. These unique shows transport guests to a certain era; the prime of rock ‘roll, the early settler period of Branson, the Wild West and the hoppin’ 50s respectively. Comedy shows in Branson are also popular. Jim Stafford, the Comedy Jamboree, and the Baldknobbers are just a few to choose from. The Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Pierce Arrow and Mickey Gilley bring the country home, with hilarious bits of comedy thrown in for good measure. The number of shows in Branson gets bigger each year, so make room for all of the entertainment awaiting you!

When you stay in Branson, there are plenty of lodging options available. Prices range from bargain to luxury rates, with motels, hotels, cabins and condominiums among the lodging options in Branson. The Radisson Hotel, Pointe Royale Condominiums, Branson Towers Hotel, Quality Inn, Best Western Branson Inn and Stonebridge Cabins are just a handful of the places available to stay during your Labor Day Holiday.

You won’t want to miss the exciting attractions in Branson either. Silver Dollar City will be celebrating their Southern Gospel Picnic Festival, which includes a southern style feast and top performers in Southern Gospel music. Other popular attractions in Branson include Celebration City, a nighttime amusement park, Titanic Museum, Bodies: The Exhibition, The Track, Ride the Ducks and the Imax Entertainment Complex.

This Labor Day Holiday make time to relax, treat yourself to some amazing entertainment and soak up the sun in Branson, Missouri. You’ll be glad you did!