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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Sawyer Brown

BRANSON, Mo., July 9, 2012 — “On a daily basis, Branson has live shows presenting a variety and quality of entertainment which rivals that of any destination city in the world,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She explains that the foundation of Branson’s reputation as the “Music show capital of the world,” is the host of regular Branson shows that perform on just about a daily basis throughout the season. A current show schedule along with limited engagements can be found on the Official Branson.com Show Schedule, powered by Branson Tourism Center.

Johnson points out that the available live show choices for Branson visitors is enhanced even more throughout the season by nationally known performers, acts or shows performing limited engagements in Branson for a specific period of time. This may be as short as one performance or multiple performances over a period of time.

Although subject to change, the following list of limited engagement performances in Branson for the remainder of 2012 is based on information contained in the Official Branson.com Show Schedule. For ease of use , it is sorted by date and includes the name of the performer, act or show followed by the month and date of their performance. If only one date is shown there is only one performance if more than one date is shown, the second date is the last date they are scheduled to perform during 2012:

Three Dog Night, 7, 14
Neal McCoy, 7, 19*
Cinderella with special guests Sebastian Bach and Quiet Riot, 7, 20
Neal McCoy, 8, 24 – 8, 25*
Petra, 8, 25
Jimmy Sturr, 8, 26
Def Leppard, Poison, and Lita Ford, 8, 29
Mel Tillis, 9, 6 – 12, 8
Air Supply and Maxine Nightingale, 9, 15

Oak Ridge Boys

Oak Ridge Boys, 9, 18 – 9, 20*
Bill Anderson – A Night With A Legend, 9, 21
Neal McCoy, 9, 21 – 9, 22*
Restless Heart, 9, 22
Brule appearing with Roy Rogers Jr, 9, 24 – 11, 2
Teen Idols, 9, 29
Brule appearing with Roy Rogers Jr, 10, 1 – 11, 2
Dudu Fisher, 10, 1 – 10, 21
Mel Tillis, 10, 1 – 12, 8
Neal McCoy, 10, 5*
Don Williams, 10, 6
Oak Ridge Boys, 10, 9 – 10, 25*
George Jones, 10, 12*
Bill Cosby, 10, 13
David Frizzell & Shelly West, 10, 13
Down From His Glory, 10, 16 – 10, 18
Lone Star, 10, 19
Marty Stuart, 10, 19 – 10, 20
Sawyer Brown, 10, 19
Tim Conway and Friends, 10, 19 – 10, 20*
Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius, 10, 20
Midwest Country Stars, 10, 26
Janie Fricke and John Conlee, 10, 27
John Conlee and Janie Fricke, 10, 27
Brule appearing with Roy Rogers Jr.1,11 – 11, 2
Daniel O’Donnell, 11, 1 – 12, 8

Johnny Mathis in Branson November 16 and 17.

Andy Williams Christmas Show, 11, 1 – 12, 12#
A Christmas Snow, 11, 1 – 12, 29#
Christmas in Hollywood, 11, 1 – 12, 31#
Christmas on the Trail, 11, 1 – 12, 31#
Gatlin Brothers & Debby Boone Together, 11, 1 – 12, 8
Mel Tillis, 11, 1 – 12, 8
Oak Ridge Boys, 11, 1 – 11, 15
Tony Orlando Christmas, 11, 1 – 12, 8#
Dino Kartsonakis Sounds of the Season, 11, 2 – 11, 30#
Tim Zimmerman and The Kings Brass, 11, 6, – 11, 16
George Jones, 11, 9
Crystal Gayle, 11, 10
Neal McCoy, 11, 10*
Tim Conway and Friends, 11, 10 – 11, 11
Mollie B Christmas Show, 11, 11 – 11, 12#
Johnny Mathis Christmas Show, 11, 16 & 11, 17#
Neal McCoy, 11, 16 & 11, 17
Classic Country Super Show, 11, 23
A Christmas Snow, 12, 1 – 12, 29#
Andy Williams Christmas Show, 12, 1 – 12, 12#
Christmas in Hollywood, 12, 1 – 12, 31#
Christmas on the Trail, 12, 1 – 12, 31#
Daniel O’Donnell, 12, 1 – 12, 8
Gatlin Brothers & Debby Boone Together, 12, 1 – 12, 8
Mel Tillis, 12, 1 – 12, 8
Tony Orlando Christmas, 12, 1 – 12, 8#

*Indicates that there are other performances scheduled at a later date during the remainder of 2012.
# Although the vast majority of Branson’s shows have a Christmas segment in their show after November 1 that generally encompasses the second half of the show, these shows are specifically produced and presented as Christmas Shows.

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

The synchronized unicyclists are just one of the many exciting and colorful acts in the Acrobats of China.

BRANSON, Mo., July 6, 2012 — “Referred to by many as ‘Branson’s biggest message board,’ the 1Branson.com’s Show Forum is an excellent place to get information on Branson’s shows, attractions, lodging, shopping and many other areas,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Although it is operated as a service by the Branson Tourism Center and is moderated, it is a “free range board” with the vast majority of its content coming from locals, those who love Branson and people wanting information on Branson,” she added.

Johnson points out that although specific inquiries and questions are normally answered quickly that a lot of information about Branson can be obtained from simply looking through the posts. As an example, she points out an inquiry on the www.1Branson.Com Shows Forum where a poster named, amy129, made a specific inquiry about one of Branson’s 100 shows saying, “We are planning an August trip to Branson and have always wanted to see the Acrobats of China. Now that our kids are 6 and 8, we are thinking this may be the year we go. Do you think young kids would enjoy this show? It looks entertaining.”

Among others, the following posts in the thread were made by people who have seen the show and responded:

thesaint – “Your kids will be amazed at the Shanghai Acrobats…they have a very colorful, fast-moving show with lots of incredible acts that we had personally never seen anywhere before. It is one of the best shows in town…our family sure loved it! I’d say….DON’T MISS IT!…Have a great time with your kids here!”

Cooper78 – “That show will BLOW YOUR MIND! It is phenomenal! I’m sure your kids would enjoy it tremendously, we plan on taking our kids (ages 9 and 4) this fall.”

mkirt – “We just saw the show Sunday night. They have added some additional elements since we saw it a few years ago, so it felt like seeing it for the first time. Very enjoyable and the young kids in the audience seemed to stay interested throughout. I was amazed how many young kids were at the 8pm show and still going strong when it ended.  The performers all come out to greet the audience in the lobby after the show, which was fun.”

SHOW GAL – “This is a show we recommend to visitors when they want a change of pace show. It seems to appeal to all age groups and, as of yet, everybody we have suggested see the show has said they thoroughly enjoyed the show. I am always amazed at their various acts and acknowledge how much practice had to go into each one.”

In addition to being able to specifically ask a question about Branson on 1Branson.com, the board is set up for easy interaction between posters. Simply by selecting the “Quote” button ,any post can be automatically copied into another post. This facilitates refining responses to get the specific information needed and provides a way for a show or other entity to respond and provide feedback and information.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson also points out that the Branson Tourism Center maintains a full time staff of Branson based Travel Planners who, free of charge and through a toll free number, 1-800-785-1550, would be happy to answer any questions prospective Branson visitors might have about Branson’s shows, attractions, lodging, shopping or other activities.

Scott Savol, left, Alexis Grace, Sioban Magnus, Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young .

BRANSON, Mo., June, 25, 2012 — In my story on the first of three groups of American Idol® Finalists, who will perform in the show American Idol® Finalists In The Finalists Live, I said, “‘The Finalists Live ‘ provides those who have said, ‘Branson needs a show that will appeal to a younger demographic’ with an answer to their prayer.” After seeing the second group of Finalists perform on the afternoon of June 22, a paraphrase of the lyrics of a song sung by Alexis Grace in the show, “Proud Mary,” seems appropriate to describe the show; “Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on in Branson,” as these extremely diverse and talented performers continue to provide a wonderful entertainment experience demonstrating why they are “American Idol® Finalists.”

While the shows format remains basically the same as it was for the first group, the performers in this group Alexis Grace, Scott Savol, Siobhan Magnus, Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo provide an entirely different dynamic, style and variety of music. It’s just about a totally new show with five different concerts, each with its own style of music and performer personality.

The constant that helps transition from one performer and style of music to another, is the band and back ground vocalists who so beautifully and seamlessly add their instrumentality and vocal skills to this wonderfully entertaining production. The band is composed 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.

The opening act is Pete Peterkin, who was a finalist on “America’s Got Talent ®.” He does a variety of impressions from both a comedy and musical aspect. I particularly enjoyed his impression of President Obama, Ray Charles and Michael Jackson. Trust me on this, when this multitalented performer asks, “Do you want to see me do Michael Jackson, ” the answer is “Yes.”

Siobhan Magnus performing orgiginal songs from her album "MoonBaby."

All five finalists got an opportunity to be featured as they participated in the opening numbers, “I Gotta Feeling” and “Get The Party Started.” Season 8 Finalist, the talented and personable Alexis Grace, from Memphis TN, started the party with a high energy four song set including hits by Aretha Franklin, Peggy Lee, Jackson 5 and Ike and Tina Turner. My favorite was the Jackson 5 hit, “I Want You Back.”. Establishing the paradigm that would be followed by all the following acts, between some of her numbers, she shared interesting facts about her experiences on American Idol® and what has happened since.

Next up is Scott Savol, a fifth place Season 5 Finalist singing a four number set. He has a great voice and his song choice tied in perfectly with his laid back mesmerizing style of presentation. Although he did songs by The Temptations, Four Tops and Phil Collins; a song he wrote “What Can I Do,” and his emotional performance of it, was special.

The second half of the show starts off on a really high plane, the “MoonBaby!” Siobhan Magnus, a sixth place Season 9 Finalist did superb job performing her own unique style of music in a four number set including three original numbers from her new album “MoonBaby.” The costuming and high healed space boots coupled with her original songs and distinctive vocal style brings a new, unique, and exciting element to the Branson stage. Her original song, “Pure Inspiration” was my favorite number from her set.

Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young performing their duet, "Us Against the World."

The last act combined two Finalists, the recently engaged Ace Young from Season 5 and Diana DeGarmo, Runner Up in Season 3. Although each performed a couple of numbers separately and did a great job, the energy, passion and synergy that they conveyed while performing together was a defining  moment in the show.

Interestingly, they did not meet on American Idol®, but later while performing together in the musical “Hair,” from which they performed a medley. Overall they performed more than 10 numbers during their set, but it was their duet of their original song “Us Against The World” that especially touched the heart of this old man and gave him, even if just a perception and for only a moment, a glimpse into what it is they feel for each other.

A wonderful entertainment experience closes with the all five Finalists joining together to sing “Life In A Northern Town” and ““R-O-C-K In The USA.” Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley saw the show at the same time I did. After seeing the show she said “It’s an amazing show.” That it is and then some; don’t miss the opportunity to see this unique and amazing show while in Branson.

Alexis Grace, Scott Savol, Siobhan Magnus, Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo will be performing in the American Idol® Finalists In The Finalists Live! show through July 21. For additional information or tickets on this 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 either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com. (Twitter: #FinalistsLiveBranson)

Clay and Tina Cooper as they finish their beautiful singing and dancing duet , "To Make You Feel My Love."

BRANSON, Mo., June 16, 2012 — “There are almost 100 exciting live shows to see in Branson on a daily basis,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center “Those shows present a tremendous variety of music, representing just about every musical genre including ‘country,’ but it is safe to say that there is no other show in Branson, or as far as we know, country music show anywhere, that has integrated the art form of dancing, as elegantly and beautifully into their production as has been done in ‘Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express.'”

Based on seeing “Clay Cooper’s Country Express Show” on many occasions, as recently as Wednesday of this week, this writer would say “ditto” in terms of Johnson’s comments. Although, on a good day he could recognize the difference between a “Four Step” and a “Pirouette,” from a technical point of view he couldn’t say for sure what a “lift,” or any of a variety of other dancing moves are called. The good news is that he doesn’t have to. All, he and anyone else attending the show, has to do is sit back and enjoy the beauty, grace and elegance of the way Tina Cooper has seamlessly integrated dance into one of the most entertaining shows in Branson.

Tina Cooper, Clay’s wife, has been dancing since she was three years old, when she started training with her mom in her dancing studio, and singing since the age of 10. She started dancing professionally at Frontier City, in Oklahoma City in 1989 while attending the University of Oklahoma from which she received a “Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Music Theatre with a Minor in Dance.”

In 1996 Tina came to Branson as a member of the “Red,Hot and Blue” show and, shortly thereafter, also became a member of the “Country Tonite” show. It was as a member of the Country Tonite cast that she met Clay. Tina worked for both shows, dancing, singing and doing choreography until 2005 when she and Clay started their own show, “Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express.”

Dancers participating in the whole cast number "Footloose."

Although dancing was part of the Country Tonite Show, for the most part, it was only western style dancing. When they started their own show Tina wanted to use all forms of dance in their show. With her experience as a dancer and choreographer, and having a little pull with the show’s star, that became not only a reality, but one of the many exciting and different elements of one of Branson’s most popular shows.

Tina not only does all the choreography for the show, except for the clogging portion, but she sings and dances as well as handling a multitude of administrative responsibilities in connection with the show. When the show originally started there were four dancers. As more and different styles of dancing have developed been integrated into the show that number has grown to ten. this year.

She points out that whether it’s a seemingly  “simple” line dance or a full scale production, that the dancing components of the show requires commitment, work, training and dedication on the part of their dancers on a daily basis. As this writer sat in the show this week he was again amazed, with the dancing, its choreography, costuming and the way it just seamlessly blended in with the total production. Whether it was a full cast production number like the “Footloose” segment or the beautifully haunting duet “To Make You Feel My Love” sung by Clay as Tina gracefully danced about him, the dance segment of the show adds its own element of excitement, action, and elegance to one of the most entertaining shows in town.

Here’s the amazing thing, although this article has stressed the dancing aspect of the show, every element of the show, from vocals, band and comedy to the interaction with the audience by the show’s star, Clay Cooper is as “top notch” as its dancing is. The result is one of the most entertaining and unique shows in Branson and a show that truly has something for everyone “and then some.”

For additional information or tickets for Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express  or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Lee DeWyze, left, Kimberly Caldwell, Blake Lewis, Thia Megia and Elliott Yamin performing together in the shows opening number.

BRANSON, Mo., May 20, 2012 — At first blush, American Idols® In The Finalists Live!  provides those who have said, “Branson needs a show that will appeal to a younger demographic” with an answer to their prayer. What more could they ask for, five of the most talented vocalists in the nation, as proven by their performance on the hit show “American Idol® ,” not only singing some of today’s most popular songs, but original music they have written. However, after experiencing this show, I can say it is all of that and so much more.

First off, it is an entertainment experience in the best Branson tradition with the five Idol finalists giving as quality and energetic performance as has ever been seen on a Branson stage. In the days leading up to going to the show last night, I had talked with numerous people who had seen the show and not one of them had anything, but positive comments. More than one person had said, “When you see them perform you realize just how talented a person has to be to make the finals on ‘American Idol®.'”

We attended the show with friends who are giving a second opinion for my “reviews” and at intermission, Arlan A said, you guessed it, “You can see why they made it as far as they did on “American Idol®.” Folks, these people are not just good they are excellent, beautifully performing a broad variety of music with passion, energy and in a manner that holds your rapt attention throughout the show.

The show was performed in “Andy Williams Moon River Theatre” and the Finalists were accompanied by a live band and three backup vocalists who did an outstanding job. Three large screens on the back and sides of the stage provided an added element of color and interactivity as they showed graphics appropriate not only for the particular performer, but the number they were performing and, along with the outstanding lighting and sound, helped enhance the overall enjoyment of the show.

Pete Peterkin, a 2009 Finalist from “Americas Got Talent®,” was the first act of the evening. He warmed the audience up with his comedy and impressions. Although he did a number of impressions, the two that were my favorites were his Ray Charles and President Obama.

American Idols® In The Finalists Live!started off with all five performing together. It was a “musical introduction” that introduced the audience not only to them, but the personality, originality, fun, energy and quality of the individual performances that were to follow as they performed the “Black Eyed Peas” hit “I Gotta Feeling” and the “Pink”  hit “Get The Party Started.”

And “get the party started” is just what the top 11th finalist of last year’s American Idol® show, Thia Megia, did as she performed her set. The youngest Finalist in “American Idol” history at the time she appeared on the show, now 17, performed a set of four numbers including “Out Here On My Own” which she had performed on “American Idol.”

Next was Elliott Yamin who came in 3rd on “American Idol®” in 2006. All of his set were original songs that he wrote. His “Virginia,” about his home state of Virginia touched my heart.

Blake Lewis, left, Kimberly Caldwell and Elliott Yamin performing "Need You Now."

Kimberly Caldwell, who was the 7th place finalist on American Idol® in 2003 and who had performed as a member of the “Country Tonite” show in Branson prior to that, returned to Branson in grand style. Her powerful performance of her original song, “If You’re Gonna Fall” set the tenor for her set which led into intermission as Elliott Yamin and Blake Lewis joined her during the last half of her last song, the Lady Antebellum hit “Need You Now.”

The second half of the show started off with Beat Box performer Blake Lewis who was the American Idol® runner up in 2007. The highlights of his unique and entertaining set for me was his rendition of the Bon Jovi hit, “You Give Love A Bad Name” and the improvisation he does when he picks audience members, introduces them, as well as the audience to some of the equipment he uses in his act, and then incorporates it into a number.

Lee DeWyze the 2009 Winner of American Idol® performed a five number set of which four were original songs. The last song he performed was his version of the Leonard Cohen song “Hallelujah” which he performed on his way to winning “American Idol”.

All of the finalists came out and performed “Life In A Northern Town” and an encore “R-O-C-K In The USA.” What a wonderful and powerful end to a great nights entertainment. There was intentionally no individual comments about their individual “set” performances because each was so outstanding not only in terms of the manner of their presentation, vocal style and skill, but in the way they related to their audience.

This is a unique one of a kind show, performed by some of the finest vocalists one is likely to hear, not only in Branson, but anywhere. Combine that with their individual manner of performing, original songs, live band and the way they shared vignettes about themselves and their music and the result is a special entertainment experience that should not be missed.

It should be pointed out that this group of Finalists will be performing through June 16. A second group of Finalists, with an entirely new show,  Diana Degarmo, runner up in 2004 and current actress in the CBS program “The Young and the Restless®;” Scott Savol, who placed 5th in Season 4; Siobhan Magnus, who placed 6th in Season 9; Ace Young from Season 5 and Alexis Grace from Season 8 will perform from June 18 through July 21 and a third group Reuben Studdard , 2004 Winner of “American Idol®”; Bo Bice, Runner-Up to Winner Carrie Underwood in Season 4; Vonzell Solomon, who placed 3rd in Season 4; Katie Stevens from Season 9 and RJ Helton from Season 1 will perform from July 23 through August 18.

For additional information or tickets on the American Idols® Finalists Live! show or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.