“Branson offers so many quality shows that it can sometimes be bewildering to decide which one(s) to pick,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest providers of tourism services and information. “To help narrow things down a bit, we thought it would be interesting to ask those interacting with us on our Facebook page the question, “What would be your top two must see shows in Branson this year?”

Based on the evaluation of hundreds of responses, and sorted alphabetically, here’s a list of the 12 shows mentioned the most often. Interestingly, all are also listed on Branson Tourism Center’s List of Most Popular and Highly Recommended Branson Shows. We hope that you will find it useful.

Clay Cooper’s Country Express is filled with dancing, comedy, singing, 24 veteran entertainers, and backed by a live band. You’ll hear a variety of music – old and new country, rock n roll, current hits, gospel, and patriotic! It’s more than just country! You don’t want to miss it!

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is the perfect family destination in Branson for exciting entertainment and a fantastic, hope-you’re hungry, four-course feast! Arrive early for the new pre-show, The White River Wranglers, and only in Branson, see Canine Capers! This stunt dog relay event includes Fly-Ball racing, agility course, and high jump and features all rescue animals, specially trained and guaranteed to please the dog lover in you.

The Grand Jubilee boasts tight harmonies and a variety of musical styles; a show custom-made for all ages! Enjoy the dynamic performance of New South, a quartet that can play it all, from country and gospel, to rock n roll favorites! Jamie Haage and emcee extraordinaire, Mike Patrick, will keep you in stitches!

The Haygoods is an amazing Branson experience! Excellent choreography, exquisite harmonies, state-of-the-art sound and special effects, a delightful sense of humor, and energy that never quits, you get it all in one show from one phenomenal family! It’s easy to see why “The Haygoods” pack the house night after night!

“it” Starring the Hughes Brothers fills the Branson stage…literally! More than 50 members of the Hughes clan employ a wide array of musical gifts, including magnificent dance moves, exceptional skill on a variety of instruments, and vocals highlighted by impeccable harmonies.

Legends in Concert is the world’s greatest tribute show! Amazing artists deliver uncanny performances of huge stars; the revolving lineup features Elvis, Bruno Mars, The Blues Brothers™, Prince, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Cash, Michael Jackson, Adele, George Strait, Barbara Streisand, and Frank Sinatra.

The Million Dollar Quartet captures a singular moment when four of the most extraordinary musical talents – Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins – came together for one unforgettable night! Hear songs like That’s All Right, I Walk the Line, Riders in the Sky, Hound Dog, Peace in the Valley, Whole Lotta Shakin’, and Blue Suede Shoes and many more.

Moses, the biblical tale, is an epic adventure of one man’s journey from humble and broken to the follower of God who delivers the children of Israel from enslavement, performed by a phenomenal cast, astonishing sets, and stunning costumes.

Pierce Arrow puts the hot in Branson entertainment! Always cutting edge and top quality, you can count on these seasoned performers to put on a high energy show and to change it up throughout the year. “Pierce Arrow” has created a loyal base of fans who return time and again for a show that’s always offering something new!

Presleys’ Country Jubilee, celebrating its 50^th Anniversary this year, continues to be a mainstay on the list of Branson experiences you can’t miss! Long before Branson, Missouri was known as one of America’s top vacation destinations, the Presley family had people from across the country lined up every night to see Branson’s First Family of Entertainment.

SIX is Branson’s sensational sibling singing group that quite simply defines the art of performing music without instruments! Sensational harmonizing, polished professionalism, zany on-stage antics…it’s the most talented half dozen guys you’ll ever meet! They’ll charm you right from the opening note!

The Texas Tenors continue to be one of Branson’s most popular acts! Ever since we met the extremely talented and exceptionally charming trio of handsome troubadours on America’s Got Talent, they’ve been delighting fans with several genres of music; country, gospel, pop, Broadway, and classical. Enjoy favorites like Rocky Top and Unchained Melody.

For additional information on these and other Branson attractions and shows, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, by calling 1-800-785-1550, or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

SIX, Owen, left, Kevin, Jak, Lynn, Curtis, and Barry.

If those SIX voices belong to the Knudsen Brothers, Barry, Curtis, Kevin, Lynn, Owen, and Jak, the answer is, “Absolutely!”   I remember the first time I saw SIX in Branson; I couldn’t believe what I was hearing and not seeing. I kept looking for the band that was accompanying them, but there was none.

Even by Branson’s standards, SIX is something special! There’s great vocals with the sound of an amazing “band.”  Yet, there is not an instrument or band member anywhere in sight. That’s because the band sounds are coming from the voices of the SIX brothers simultaneously with their singing. As was the case with me, first timers, will not believe what they are seeing and hearing. As many times as I have seen them before, it still amazes me!

What they do vocally is awesome. So is their ability to relate to their audience. There’s no dead space in this show. When they are not singing they are interacting with the audience. Their mix of humor and stories entertains and transitions the audience seamlessly from one song to another. That combination results in a one of a kind show that is as entertaining as it is unique.

The core of the show is the music. What a great job they do performing a variety of music from Garth Brooks to Coldplay. It’s hard to explain, but a phrase from CBS’s prime time hit, “Big Brother,” comes to mind. “Expect the unexpected.” One minute you’re listening to Owen doing a high energy “drum” routine, with not a drum in sight. The next he’s singing a beautiful solo of the folksong, Oh, Shenandoah. And that’s just one of the SIX.

From among many WOW moments here’s three of my favorites. Lynn’s performance of the Garth Brooks classic, The River was beautiful. Lee Greenwood’s God Bless The USA, sung and “played” by all SIX, was a powerful demonstration of their unique talents. It brought the audience to its feet. Their moving a cappella Finale, How Great Thou Art, touched my heart. The simple beauty of just their voices and the song’s message was a joy to experience.

The shows lighting was outstanding, helping to show highlights and establish “moods” throughout the show. The use of the theatre’s large video screens added so much to the enjoyment of the performance. Two occasions stand out. One was during their inspiring performance of God Bless The USA and the other during Lynn’s touching tribute to their Mother, as he sang, Love Times Ten, dedicated to her memory.

While talking with Kevin Knudsen after the show he said, “This year’s show is the best show we’ve done since we have been in Branson. It’s 30 years rolled up into two hours.” When asked what his favorite part of the show was he said, “God Bless The USA.” He likes its message about what it means to be an American, and the way it seems to touch and unite everybody in the audience.”

For additional information or tickets for SIX please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. They can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com .

Sight and Sounds “Miracle of Christmas,” “Christmas Wonderland,” and the “Hughes Brothers Christmas Show.”

“Ozark Mountain Christmas is a spectacular two-month, one-of-a-kind, celebration of the traditional American Christmas,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “It has millions of Christmas lights, drive through Christmas lighting displays, festive Christmas decorations, great shopping, and a world class theme park, but many tourist destinations have that.  What they don’t have is Branson’s Live Christmas shows to go with it!” she added.

All year long, Branson’s shows light up the stage with a variety and quality of unique entertainment that is unrivaled.  Wood points out that doesn’t change during Ozark Mountain Christmas. “What changes,” she said, “is that they sparkle with ‘the reason for the season,’ and are as personal and unique as the ornaments on a Christmas tree.”

Ozark Mountain Christmas starts the first week of November and runs through December 31. Silver Dollar City’s world class Old Time Christmas Festival starts on November 4 and runs through December 30. Most of Branson’s Christmas Shows start with their first November performance.

The Christmas shows are presented in one of two formats. One is shows that are totally Christmas. These include Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza, Sight and Sounds’ Miracle of Christmas, Christmas Wonderland, Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Dixie Stampede, The Texas Tenors, and others.

The second, involves a mixture of the “best” from their regular season shows and Christmas. Typically, about half of the show is devoted to the best of their regular season, and the other half, usually the last half, to their Christmas show. This would include many of Branson’s most popular shows such as Clay Cooper’s Country Express, the Haygoods, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, SIX, and others.

Many of Branson’s most popular shows will close out their 2017 season, including their Christmas shows by December 17. These include Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Andy Williams Christmas Show, Duttons, and George Dyer. Other popular shows such as Dixie Stampede, Clay Cooper’s Country Express, Dublin’s Tenors and the Celtic Ladies, New Jersey Nights, Grand Jubilee, Haygoods, Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Legends in Concert, Million Dollar Quartet, and  SIX remain open. It’s a good idea to check the individual show schedule, particularly for those remaining open after December 17, because they operate on abbreviated schedules.

Ozark Mountain Christmas is not only one of the most special times of the year to visit Branson, but it’s also one of the busiest. It is suggested that you make reservations to insure availability and get the best seats. For more information on Branson’s Christmas Shows please contact the Branson Tourism Center, at 1-800-785-1550 or through their website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.