Shoji Tabuchi performing "In The Garden."

BRANSON, Mo., August 2, 2012 — In a town called the “Live music show capital of the world,” there is no one individual who is the very embodiment of the spirit and reality of what that means more than the legendary Shoji Tabuchi. Shoji has been entertaining Branson audiences for more than three decades, over two of which have been in the magnificent Shoji Tabuchi Theatre, designed and built specifically for him and the spectacular production show that he and his family presents.

For many shows, just having a violinist/fiddler and consummate entertainer such as Shoji along with a live band would be enough, but the opportunity to watch a performance of the Shoji Tabuchi Show last weekend, demonstrated that is not the case with this show. Dancers, vocalists and magnificent costumes, sets, choreography and production are seamlessly woven in with Shoji’s extraordinary talents to present a beautiful, unique and exciting entertainment spectacle without equal in Branson.

As would be expected, the show stars the incomparable fiddle playing and personality of Shoji Tabuchi. Ok, so it has some pretty good violin playing too because, as Shoji points out, “‘They’ are actually the same instrument; what makes them different is how you ‘fiddle around’ with it.” From the time he makes his unusual entrance onto the stage until his last number in the show, from Texas swing and Boogie Woogie, to Broadway, classical and fiddle standards such as “The Orange Blossom Special,” presented as only Shoji can, he provides a fiddle/violin entertainment experience that is without equal in Branson and, perhaps, anywhere.

What a joy to sit and listen to Shoji play. Whether it’s the classic Patsy Cline hit “Crazy,” “Unchained Melody,” “Memories” from the Broadway hit Cats, playing in a duet, as his daughter Christina sings her original song, “Living in Fear” or one of the many other numbers he plays, the performance is absolutely amazing! This writers three “Shoji” favorites were his version of “Hawaii Five O,” “In the Garden” and “Unchained Melody.”

Shoji and Christina during their performance of the shows patriotic finale.

If there was only Shoji that would be enough, but there’s so much more. Dorothy Tabuchi, Shoji’s wife, is the show’s producer. From Shoji’s dramatic entrance, Mardi Gras Parades through the aisles, trains moving across the stage to giant Japanese Taiko drums, Mary Poppins flying through the air, magnificent dramatic sets, dancers, singers and a great live orchestra, she has produced one of the most unique, entertaining and fascinating shows most people will ever experience.

Christina Lingo Tabuchi, Shoji’s daughter, is an accomplished vocalist and dancer adding yet another dynamic and entertaining element to the show. Her rendition of the Adele hit “Rolling in the Deep” and the duet of her original song ” Living in Fear,” with her singing and Shoji playing the fiddle were this writers personal favorites.

The combination of Shoji’s talent and personality, with that of Christina, his orchestra, singers and dancers, some of the most elaborate sets and beautiful costuming on any Branson stage and production and choreography to match, results in an entertainment extravaganza that is a joy to see, hear and experience. The Shoji Tabuchi show is a “musical cornucopia of talent, color, action, excitement and spectacle” that is a magnificent and unique world class entertainment experience that should not be missed.

For additional information or tickets for the Shoji Tabuchi Show or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

All five Finalists RJ, left, Katie, Ruben, Vonzell and Bo.

BRANSON, Mo., July, 29, 2012 — The third of three groups of American Idol® Finalists performing in the American Idol® Finalists In The Finalists Live show continues the high quality, exciting and sizzling entertainment experience provided by the first two groups and will be performing in Branson at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre through August 18th. As was the case with their predecessors, this group of extremely talented nationally recognized American Idol® Finalists, Reuben Studdard – 2003 Winner, Bo Bice – Runner-Up in Season 4, Vonzell Solomon – 3rd Place in Season 4, Katie Stevens – from Season 9 and RJ Helton – from Season 1, gives Branson show goers a performance that demonstrates, from their first note to their last, exactly why they are American Idol® Finalists.

As I sat there watching the show, I could not help but appreciate how much the live band and background vocalists contributed to the overall enjoyment of the show. What makes it even more amazing is that they have had to prepare for, and work with, 15 different performers, concerts, and styles of music in such a short period of time. One can only imagine the effort that has gone into their contribution to the show. The band consists of Ricki Holmes, Music Director, Keyboards; Doug Clifford, Drums; Matt Skates, Bass; Adam Johnston, Guitar and Will Clark, Keyboards. The background vocalists are Shelia Davis, Jerry Pollock and Heather Peterson with the vocal coordination and arrangement done by Jana King Evans.

Pete Peterkin, who was a Season 4 finalist on “America’s Got Talent ®” opens the show demonstrating why he was referred to on the show as the “Rock and Roll President.” After doing his impression of President Obama he does some very impressive and entertaining impressions of a number of rock and roll and other stars including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson and others. Pete’s recollection of how he helped Johnny Mathis develop his singing style was not only funny, but a great impression of Mathis who will be doing his Christmas Show in Branson on November 16 and 17. Pete is personable, funny, relates well to the audience and is great at his impressions not only vocally, but instrumentally. It’s a wonderful way to open up the show and gets the audience primed and ready to “party” with the Finalists.

Katie Stevens opening set gets the crowd "feeling good."

Before performing their individual concerts, all five finalists open the show and are each featured in two opening numbers, “I Gotta Feeling” and “Get The Party Started.” “The party” gets jump-started by 19 year old Katie Stevens performing a powerful and energetic rendition of Adele’s “Rollin in the Deep.” If the audience reaction is any indication, her performance of “Feeling Good,” from the musical “The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd” really did have them “feeling good” and her performance of “Who You Are” was as inspiring as it was beautifully sung and was this writers favorite from her set. This is one talented young lady who got “the party started in grand style.

Next up was RJ Helton who started his set off with an energetic performance of the Stevie Wonder hit “Superstition.” A highlight of his set was his performance of an original song from his first album, “Real Life,” entitled “Love Song” that he wrote to God in thanks for all that He has done for him. That, coupled with his performance of “My Devotion,” in the opinion of this writer, provided one of the singularly most inspirational and beautiful musical moments of the show.

Vonzell Solomon, has the energy of the “Energizer Bunny” on steroids and a voice to match. From her opening number Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love,” through the Whitney Houston classic “I Have Nothing” to her beautiful and poignant performance of her original song, “Half a Heart,” written when her heart was broken, this amazing artist demonstrates a range of styles, stage presence and vocal quality that shows not only what it takes to be an American Idol®  Finalist, but place in the top three. What an outstanding way to take the show to its intermission.

Ruben Studdard showing why he won American Idol®.

The second half of the show starts with Bo Bice, the runner up to Carrie Underwood in Season 4. His set includes a variety of styles from hard rock to the beautiful “Real Thing,” the inspirational “You Take Yourself with You” and “Sweet Home Alabama” with a guest “feature” from his fellow Alabamian Ruben Studdard. It is absolutely amazing the way Bo transitions from performing hard rock to the hauntingly beautiful performance of “You Take Yourself with You,” with its powerful and inspirational message, while taking his audience along on the wonderful journey.

The last performer was Ruben Studdard who demonstrated the “smoothly soothing vocal style” that not only won him the title of “American Idol®” in 2003, but demonstrates why Gladys Knight nicknamed him the “Velvet Teddy Bear.” Whether it his mama’s favorite song, “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” a Luther Vandross song, “Only for One Night,” or his first single the Westlife hit, “Flying Without Wings” Ruben’s performance is one of those rare entertainment gems that will be remembered long after the performance is over. His vocal talent and ability to have the audience vested in his performance, from the first note of his performance, was a joy to experience.

This excellent show closes with all five Finalists joining on stage to sing “Life in a Northern Town” and “R-O-C-K in the USA.” Don’t miss this opportunity to see these talented nationally recognized American Idol® Finalists perform in this exceptional and amazing show through August 18.

For additional information or tickets for the American Idol® Finalists In The Finalists Live show or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 and talking with one of their Branson based Vacation Planners.

George Dyer performing "Go The Distance" from "Hercules."

BRANSON, Mo., July 17, 2012 — Branson is unsurpassed for the quality, variety and format of the of the music shows it offers, but there is only one show that has the magnificent tenor voice of George Dyer. Simply and appropriately, that show is named The George Dyer Show.

This writer wishes he had a dime for every time he has heard words to the effect that “It’s probably not my kind of show because I am not into opera.” Well, in fact, although there are two classical pieces woven into the fabric of this great show, the vast majority of its music has nothing to do with “opera.” It’s about a wonderfully entertaining live musical experience covering a wide variety of music ,from Puccini to Disney, Buble’, Dylan, Darin, Simon and Garfunkle, George Gershwin and many more, performed by the finest tenor voice this writer has ever heard.

And speaking of “live, “when one calls Branson, “The live music show capital of the world,” the meaning to the word “live” has its roots in shows like this one. You will hear no sound tracks during the musical performance of this show, just the power and beauty of George’s magnificent God given tenor voice, those of his family and a fabulous live band consisting of Norman Bergen, Pianist/Conductor; Bogie Bohinc , Lead Guitar; Rob Wilson, Drums, Seth Darby & Marcus Willet, Bass Guitar and Wayne Leavitt, Keyboard. The sound of this band and their ability to adapt to the many types and styles of music presented during the show is amazing.

From opera, to Broadway hits, show tunes to gospel, love songs and more, George demonstrates his vocal prowess, power and range on a variety of numbers. From the Michael Buble’ hit “Feeling Good,” Mario Lanza’s “Be My Love,” “Go The Distance” from Disney’s “Hercules” to Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” from the opera “Turandot,” Lenard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and many more , it is hard to imagine a more spectacular or entertaining vocal concert by any performer. Couple that with his genuine warmth and innate ability to relate to his audience and you have that special total musical entertainment experience that one remembers for a lifetime.

The lovely and talented Kendra Dyer performing "Colors of the Wind" from "Pocohantas."

In a show filled with many magnificent and wonderful musical moments and highlights, George’s performance of “Go The Distance,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Hallelujah,” the guitar-vocal duet of George and Bogie Bohinc of “To Make You Feel My Love” and his hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Time To Say Goodbye” were among this writer’s favorite numbers. A real crowd pleaser was when George took a “Branson Show Guide” and, using the music of Luigi Denza’s “Feniculi Fenicula ” changed the song’s lyrics to musically incorporate each show as he sang through the guide. It makes one shudder with anticipation just wondering what he could do with the “Branson Phone Book.

George’s family, wife Clarisse, and daughters Kendra and Kassisdy also contribute their considerable vocal talents adding another wonderful dimension to the overall enjoyment of the show. George and Clarisse’s duet of “A Whole New World” from “Alladin;” Kendra’s beautiful rendition of Ingrid Michaelson’s “The Way I Am” and Kassidy’s spirited performance of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” demonstrate the musical talent of this family. One of the shows highlights occurs when they are joined on stage by son Garrett and present an acapella version of “Nearer My God To Thee.” It is simply beautiful.

Although the music is certainly suitable for, and kids will be familiar with many of the songs, this is a pure music show as opposed to the musical variety format with comedians etc. That said, it is presented in an environment of “personal family warmth.” From the moment George comes on stage, his interaction with the band, the “women of his life” and his audience creates an unmistakable and special “us and our family to you and your family” bond. Add to that one of the finest Tenor voices you will ever hear, beautifully singing a broad variety of music, the vocal talents of his family and musicality of one of the finest bands in Branson and the result is a spectacular, almost magical, and certainly unforgettable musical experience.

For additional information or tickets for the George Dyer Show, or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements, please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
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