Category Archives: Branson Shows

Branson’s “acrobatic” action, spectacle and excitement

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

BRANSON, Mo. “Branson’s acrobatic shows provide everyone in the family, from preschoolers to grandparents, or just about anyone else who enjoys watching the color, action, and excitement of shows featuring skilled acrobats and performers doing unusual feats of grace, daring, physical prowess and dexterity, with a wonderful and different Branson entertainment experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Like its music shows and other entertainment, Branson is all about giving its visitors a choice of  quality entertainment options and fun for the whole family even within entertainment categories.”

Johnson points out that there are at least four Branson shows that fit within the genre of acrobatic type shows described above. Although each is unique, “The Acrobats of China,” “Cirque Montage,” “Legend of Kung Fu,” and “Yakov’s Dinner Adventure,” all fall within that genre.

Branson’s longest running show of this type, the Acrobats of China has been amazing Branson audiences since 1998. In a 2011 review of the show this writer said, “Everything involved with this show is about excellence, synchronization, excitement, precision, skill and entertainment. Even something as seemingly mundane as the beating of Chinese drums is turned into a colorfully synchronized entertainment experience that is amazing to see and hear. Acrobats of China is a virtual cornucopia of one amazing, entertaining, and exiting act after another that seamlessly melds into one grand choreographed entertainment experience for both adults and children.”

Cirque Montage made its premier Branson performance in 2009 and has been bringing its unique cirque style excitement back to Branson ever since. Its combination of the skill, daring, strength, grace, and agility of former artists with various Cirque du Soleil shows into one show, showcasing each individual performers unique talent, makes it unique among cirque shows. Judy Blake, one of the promoters of Cirque Montage has pointed out that in the typical cirque show there is a lot of other things going on concurrently while the individual artists are performing She has referred to  Cirque Montage as “cirque lite” because the show emphasizes and focuses on the individual artists themselves as they perform and interact with the audience.

One of the spectacular sets from The Legend of Kung Fu.

The Legend of Kung Fu is a spectacular and colorful production of a simple story about a very young boy who is left at the temple by his mother to apprentice as a monk and learn the art and culture of Kung Fu. The story is told with beautiful choreography, spectacular sets, costuming and an extremely talented Chinese cast of dozens.. Factor in the mystique, culture and heritage of China along with the excitement and action of Kung-Fu and the result is an exciting and unique show with something for everyone to enjoy.

Yakov’s Dinner Adventure combines the skills “from 15 international acts” into an original “fairy tale” story involving relationships, love between sisters, young love found, betrayal, redemption, and, as would be expected, a happy fairy tale ending. The story is set in the exciting environment of a Russian Circus and, as it unfolds, is artfully woven around the acts in the circus and its characters. From the graceful performance on the aerial hoop high above the stage to the final act, a beautiful and exciting combination adagio dance and aerial silk act, Yakov’s Dinner Adventure is constant action, variety and entertainment for the whole family. As the title of the show suggests, dinner is also part of the show and its presentation is as wonderful as the food is tasty.

Experience the excitement and awakening of Spring in Branson

View the beauty of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake from the top of "Wildfire." SDC's world class coaster.

BRANSON, Mo. From a temperature perspective, it seems as if the Winter of 2011-2012 forgot to come to a large part of the country including Branson, except in name. The unseasonably mild weather since Fall almost mutes the fact that the official first day of Spring begins at 12:14 (CDT) on March 20. Temperatures and weather aside however, as the other harbingers of Spring begin to manifest themselves, Branson’s Ozark Hills come to life, not only with their natural beauty, but with the sounds and sights of people simply having fun and enjoying themselves as they bask in the first natural blush of Spring.

The first wave of those celebrating Spring Break in Branson are just in time to experience the explosive natural beauty of the Ozarks with a spectacular display including the Bradford Pears, Dogwoods and Redbuds along with the opening of Branson’s great live shows, activities, shopping and attractions, including the opening of “Silver Dollar City.” The majority of Branson’s major attractions such as the Titanic Museum Attraction, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum,” “Hollywood Wax Museum,” “Veterans Memorial Museum” and many others are open year round, but Spring brings the excitement of the reopening of many of Branson’s other exciting seasonal attractions such as “Ride the Ducks,” “Branson Scenic Railway,” Branson’s many outdoor mini golf courses including “Shoot for the Stars Mini Golf” and of course, its biggest and most popular attraction, Silver Dollar City.

Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular paid attraction, is an internationally recognized 1880’s style theme park that opened its 2012 season on March 15. The park features over 30 rides and attractions including its high-flying multi-looping world class roller coaster “WildFire” reaching speeds of up to 66 miles per hour; demonstrating craftsmen working at crafts that have been passed down from generation to generation; some of the best live shows in Branson; unique shopping and food and a series of world class festivals starting with “World-Fest,” the country’s largest international festival, running from April 12 through May 6

Spring brings freshness and  renewal to most of Branson’s live shows as they present their new 2012 shows. From the addition of “Rumble in the Tree Tops” at “Dixie Stampede,” the spectacular new production of Joseph and shows as varied as the Acrobats of China, “The Baldknobbers Jamboree,” Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Haygoods, “it presented by the Hughes Brothers,” “the Duttons,” SIX, “George Dyer,” “Grand Jubilee,” Shoji Tabuchi, Pierce Arrow, “Jim Stafford,” “Doug Gabriel,” “Legends in Concert” and “Amazing Pets,” just to mention a few, Branson’s offers a variety of live entertainment that is unrivaled in any destination city of its size anywhere.

Branson is almost as famous for its shopping as it is for its live shows, attractions and other activities. “Branson Landing,” with its lakeside location, fire and water show, restaurants, “Bass Pro Shop” and 100 other retail shops, two factory discount malls, countless specialty shops in historic downtown Branson and throughout Branson provide a unique and unparalleled shopping opportunity.

Spring activities for a lot of people include golf. The mild winter and excellent course maintenance has Branson’s world class golf courses, including the Payne Stewart Golf Course at Branson Hills, Thousand Hills, Pointe Royale and Branson Creek, among others, ready to provide a great golfing experience for the seasoned champion tournament player and challenge for the beginner as well as.

Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, also reminds potential visitors that the Spring of 2012 will be very special in Branson. The city of Branson is celebrating its Centennial with special activities on April 1 and 15 and the Titanic Museum Attraction is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic during 2012, including a Night to Remember on April 14 and other events. For additional information on any of the shows, attractions, events or activities mentioned in this article 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 “Dogs of Branson”

Informal moment with Todd Oliver and his "talkative" canine friends Irving, left, Elvis and Lucy

BRANSON, Mo. For everyone who has heard about the “Dogs of the Dow” investment strategy, there are probably hundreds, if not thousands, that haven’t heard about the “Dogs” of Branson.” It’s time to change all that and introduce you to some of the “Dogs of Branson,” the most talkative “Irving,” “Lucy,” and “Elvis;” the cutest “Molly” and Carter” and the zaniest “Chico Pete.”

“Irving,” a Boston Terrier; “Lucy,” a West Highland mix and “Elvis,” a Basset Hound are “talking dogs” who work with their partner, Todd Oliver in the Todd Oliver and Friends show . They present one of the most unique and funny entertainment experiences not only in Branson, but anywhere. As Irving says, “If you can’t laugh at a talking dog you probably own a cat!”

David Letterman has proclaimed Oliver one of the “Top Ventriloquists in The World!” He and his canine friends have appeared on Letterman’s show, “The Today Show”, “Walker Texas Ranger” and many more. In addition to his talking dogs, Oliver’s Branson show also includes the “Smiling Eyes Band,” and a “cast” of characters including “Pops,” “Miss Lilly,” and “Joey.”

The cute Molly and Carter with Titanic First Class Maid Jaynee and Captain Smith.

Any of the other “Dogs of Branson” would be hard pressed to displace the Titanic Museum Attraction’s “Molly” and “Carter” as Branson’s cutest dogs. The two adorable King Charles Spaniels are the Titanic’s mascots.

As part of their duties, when the ship’s whistle blows at noon, they come around the bow and promenade down the winding walkway and past the waterfall to the iceberg by the museum’s entrance where they “greet” the ships guests and pose for pictures. In addition, passengers on the Titanic are likely to meet them either as they walk through the ship with their handlers or while they spend time relaxing in their lavish climate controlled “kennel” aboard the ship.

Jim Barber and the zany Chico Pete

“Chico Pete,” unlike the other “Dogs of Branson,” is not actually a “dog,” but “he” is probably the most zany, unique and funny “Chihuahua” most will ever meet. Chico sings, talks and performs in the Hamner Barber Variety Show with his buddy, nationally known ventriloquist and comedian, Jim Barber. Barber, has been on the Dave Letterman Show and won numerous awards and together, in the opinion of this writer, the crazy, entertaining and audience pleasing antics of “Chico” not only qualifies “him” to join the ranks of “The Dogs of Branson,” but makes him their zaniest member. It should be pointed out that “Chico” is just one small part of the great magic, comedy and entertainment making up the Hamner Barber Variety Show.

Branson Mayor expects famed Branson Strip to reopen tomorrow

BRANSON, MO. In a telephone interview completed earlier this evening, Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said that she was so grateful for the support shown to Branson by so many and reiterated her thankfulness that so few were injured and there were no fatalities as a result of the EF-2 Tornado that hit Branson during the early morning hours today. She expressed her concern and sympathy to the businesses that were directly hit by the storm.

When asked when the Branson Strip would reopen she said that the western end was never closed and that crews are working hard installing poles and other infrastructure necessary to completely restore power and expects that the closed portion will be reopened sometime tomorrow. She points out that the vast majority of Branson’s theatres, attractions and other activities were not damaged by the storm and will continue providing Branson visitors with the same great experience for which Branson is famous.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center points out that Branson’s 2012 season is just beginning to unfold. In addition to most of its major attractions being open this week the following shows are scheduled to perform this weekend with more opening up next weekend:

A Tribute to Marty Robbins
Comedy Jamboree
Dixie Stampede
Grand Jubilee
Hank Williams Revisited
Haygoods
Hamner Barber Variety Show
it at the Hughes Brothers Theatre
Ozark Mountain Jubilee
Ozark Murder Mysteries
Pierce Arrow
SIX
Sunday Gospel Jubilee
The Petersen Family Bluegrass Band

For additional information on the status of the storms effect on Branson, these Branson shows or the other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements in Branson, 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, through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/bransontourismcenter.

Branson Centennial is a celebration of history, heritage, fun and excitement

The gravestone of Ruben Branson, the man Branson is named after, is readily visible. without having to go into the cemetery, from the northwest corner of the intersection of Okalahoma and Commerical Streets in historic downtown Branson.

BRANSON, Mo. In 1882, when Ruben S. Branson started a general store near the mouth of Roark Creek and the White River and named the post office “Branson” he had no idea of what was to follow. Who could have known that decades later the railroad would come down Roark Creek into the heart of a developing community benefiting not only from the intense logging industry in the area, but the building of the Power Site Dam on the White River near Forsyth and the tourism resulting from the publishing of the epic story of life in the Ozarks, Harold Bell Wright’s novel, “The Shepherd the Hills?”

Interestingly, all that took place prior to the incorporation of “Branson” as a city. In fact, in 1902 the name of the post office was changed to “Lucia” as competing sites and interests tried to get land and plat their own towns. The issue was settled in 1903 when Charles Fulbright and his “Branson Town Company” acquired both town sites and the name of the post office was changed back to “Branson” in 1904. A short eight years later the city of “Branson” was incorporated on April 1, 1912.

As  the city of Branson begins the celebration of its Centennial Year, it might be appropriate to note that Branson’s first show, The Baldknobbers Jamboree was 47 years away as was Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City was 48 years away and its first show on the now famous “Branson Strip,” Presley’s Country Jubilee was 55 years away. Yet today, as the city of Branson celebrates its Centennial, an estimated 8 million visitors a year come to Branson making it “Missouri’s top vacation destination.”

Why do they come? “To experience all that Branson has to offer,” says Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Where else in America’s heartland, or perhaps anywhere, can a person go and experience the unique combination of 100 plus live shows, attractions, family entertainment, shopping, water activities, championship golfing and everything else Branson has to offer? What other destination has so beautifully integrated the entertainment, adventure and excitement of what it offers into the surrounding natural beauty of its magnificent and spectacular hills, valleys, lakes and hollows?”

Branson’s Centennial, “100 YEARS OF BRANSON, MISSOURI – a Story of Heritage, Harmony and Hospitality” has events scheduled to run from April 1 through July 7 with the “Centennial Heritage Museum” remaining open from April 1 throughout, at least, the rest of the year. It is a celebration of Branson’s history, heritage and spirit combined with all the fun and excitement that makes Branson such a wonderful family vacation destination.

The “Centennial Kick-Off Event” will be on April 1, exactly 100 years to the day from Branson’s initial incorporation, in its historic downtown district. The day will begin with the dedication and opening of the “Centennial Heritage Museum,” with the National Anthem being sung by Branson tenor George Dyer, comments by Branson’s Mayor Raeanne Presley and other dignitaries and other entertainment. Bogie Bohinc, the producer of the festivities that will follow, said that the entire historic downtown area will be a celebration of fun, action and entertainment until 4:00 p.m., including street performances; horse and buggy rides; bands; music of all genres from Bluegrass to Dixieland and much more including a “few surprises.”

Throughout the Centennial, there are a number of activities and events contributing to the excitement of the celebration. These include Silver Dollar City, Branson’s award winning 1880s styled theme park; the Titanic Museum Attractions “A Night to Remember,” on April 14, providing a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in the 100th year remembrance of the fateful night the great ship sank in the north Atlantic; the Branson Centennial Celebration Show on April 15; the “52nd Annual Plumb Nellie Days Arts and Crafts Festival” in historic downtown Branson, May 17 through 19 and “Branson’s 100th Fest and Street Dance” on July 7.

Ross Summers, President/CEO, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, said, “Throughout the town, our community welcomes you to our once-in-a-lifetime celebration. And our birthday wish is that you leave with a rekindled spirit and renewed hope for the next century.”

Branson Tourism Center’s (BTC) Milton suggests that Branson visitors make advance reservations for shows and lodging during the Centennial to ensure they get not only availability, but the seating and accommodations desired. She also points out that there is a limited number of VIP tickets available for the Titanic Museum Attractions “A Night to Remember,” on April 14 and that BTC’s exclusive package for the event also includes a special keepsake coin incorporating an actual segment of a piece of coal that has been brought up from the Titanic.

For additional information on Branson’s Centennial Celebration, any of the events connected to it or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact 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.

A great Branson experience does not depend on whether the weather is fair or stormy

Branson's Titanic Museum Attraction takes passengers on an exciting voyage no matter what the weather.

BRANSON, Mo. “It seems as if everyone, no matter what state they are from, with the possible exception of Hawaii, has a weather related saying that says something like, ‘If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes it will change,'” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “However, the weather in Branson over the last few days could be the near perfect illustration of what the saying means, ” she added.

Milton was referring to the fact that the weather has varied from the balmy 50s and 60s of last week to the coldest day of the winter, in the teens, last Saturday; the first measureable snow along with a dash of sleet and ice on Monday; temperatures that quickly rose into the 50’s to erase just about every vestige of the snow and are forecast to average in the high 50s for the next several days. “A neat thing about Branson however,” Milton continues, “is that no matter what the weather or how it changes, in the vast majority of weather related situations, there is always something that is fun and exciting for Branson visitors to do and share with each other.”

On Monday, this writer was out and about, taking pictures of the Branson’s first “major “snow fall of the season,” and, as usual, the roads, thanks to the efforts of the road crews of the City of Branson, Taney County and the Missouri Department of Transportation, permitted him and his little Chevy HHR, to safely access Branson shows, attractions, restaurants, shopping, and other activities. Except in the middle of a storm, when prudence and common sense would dictate staying “home” that has been the case throughout his 26 years of living in Branson.

The Haygoods are one of the hottest and most entertaining shows in Branson.

Although the activities of some Branson attractions such as golfing, Silver Dollar City, ziplines etc. are weather dependent, the vast majority of Branson’s attractions, shows and shopping are not. As an example, the frigid temperatures of last weekend had no impact on Branson’s famed live shows with shows such as the Hamner Barber Variety Show; Grand Country’s Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, and Amazing Pets; the Hughes Brother’s presents “It;” The Haygoods and Pierce Arrow all performing. This weekend even more shows will be performing including the premier of Branson’s newest show, Tribute to the Four Seasons and The Beach Boys.

The vast majority of Branson attractions are not are not weather dependent. Attractions such as Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Castle of Chaos, Grand Country’s Fun Spot, Grand Country’s 36 hole indoor golf course, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium, Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, the indoor activities of The Track Family Fun Parks and many other attractions are open year round. 2012 is the anniversary of the 100th year of the sinking of the Titanic and the Titanic Museum Attraction is hosting special exhibits and activities in remembrance of the disaster and those who perished.

One of the most popular activities in Branson is shopping and weather has only minimal, if any, effect on its availability. From the quaint shops of historic downtown Branson, including its major attraction “Dick’s Old Time 5 & 10,” to Branson Landing with its 100 shops, restaurants and entertainment opportunities, factory outlet discount malls such as Tanger Mall and 100s of specialty shops throughout Branson, Branson provides a unique unparalleled shopping experience regardless of the weather.

For current information on Branson shopping, attractions, shows, and lodging Milton offers the assistance of the staff of the Branson Tourism Center, in answering any questions; assistance in getting tickets for Branson shows and attractions or in making lodging arrangements. The Branson Tourism Center may be contacted, toll free, at 1-800-785-1550, every day of the year except Christmas Day, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson performers in Beatles album nominated for GRAMMY

Liverpool Legends performing "Yellow Submarine" in Branson show.

BRANSON, Mo. When the 54th GRAMMY Awards take place, live in the Staples Arena in Los Angeles, CA, on Feb. 12, The Liverpool Legends from Branson, Missouri and their founder, Louise Harrison, will be in attendance and have a vested interest in the outcome. The album “FAB FAN MEMORIES The Beatles Bond,” on which they perform, has been nominated for a GRAMMY in the category of “Best Spoken Word Album.” Harrison is the sister of the Beatles George Harrison and handpicked the four members of the Liverpool Legends, as a recreation of “the band that changed the face of music forever!”

The album has over 67 minutes of commentary and interviews, hosted by Harrison, as Beatles fans from all over the world share their real, some never told stories, about their bond with the Beatles. In addition, it has performances of Beatles songs by The Liverpool Legends; “original music performed by ‘The WannaBeatles'” and was produced by Nathan Burbank, Bryan Cumming, David Toledo and Dennis Scott. Scott is a previous Grammy Award winner. Other albums nominated in the same category include “Bossypants,” “Hamlet (William Shakespeare),” ” If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t)” and “The Mark Of Zorro.”

The category of “Best Spoken Word Album, is one of “78 categories in 29 fields/genres” for which GRAMMY Awards will be presented. It is a non-music category that includes audio books, storytelling and poetry. The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards will air Feb. 12 starting at 7 p.m. CDT on CBS.

“We congratulate them on the nomination of “FAB FAN MEMORIES The Beatles Bond,” wish them success at the at the GRAMMY’s and look forward to The Liverpool Legends and Louise having a great 2012 season in Branson,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and seller of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging.

Branson named one of 2012’s Best Family Vacation Destinations

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle is just one of the many fun things for families to share in Branson.

“Another confirmation about what a great place Branson is for families to plan to spend their vacation,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. Milton was referring to Branson being featured in a January article entitled, 2012’s Best Family Vacation Destinations, published by Away.com, a division of Orbitz.com.

While referring briefly to Branson’s musical heritage, the article called Branson “One of the family-friendliest destinations in the United States” and emphasized another family friendly point, the opportunity for families to experience “the beauty of the Missouri Ozarks.” It specifically mentioned three of Branson’s many attractions, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Showboat Branson Belle, and its biggest and most popular paid attraction, the 1880s styled award winning theme park, Silver Dollar City with its world class festivals, dozens of demonstrating craftsmen and over 30 rides and attractions, all seamlessly blended into the natural beauty of the Ozarks.

Milton said that Branson’s most recent recognition follows right on the heels of Branson being recognized throughout 2011 by various national travel organizations including being recognized as Number 7 by TripAdvisor.Com on their list of the 15 Destinations on the rise which included travel destinations such as Nashville, TN, Austin, TX, Charleston, SC and others. She feels that such recognition, for a little town in Southwestern Missouri, is in large part not only due to the breath and uniqueness of the fun, entertainment and everything else that Branson offers, but the family friendly environment in which it is provided.

Milton says that national recognition is a wonderful indication of what visitors to Branson can expect and suggests, “Why not plan to spend your family’s vacation in Branson during 2012 and share in all the fun and excitement it has to offer?” She also offers the assistance of one of Branson Tourism Center’s knowledgeable local Branson Vacation Planners to assist anyone in planning their Branson vacation at absolutely no charge. The Branson Tourism Center may be reached either by calling, toll free, 1-800-785-1550 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., seven days a week, or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Comedy Jamboree – a “Grand” afternoon of comedy and music

Vocalists Justin, right, GiGi, Todd, Jackie and Jon.

BRANSON, Mo. Grand Country’s Comedy Jamboree has plenty of comedy, but it is so much more. It has one of the best live bands in Branson, great singing and dancing and provides two hours of exceptional music and comedy that truly has something for everyone.

As this writer watched the show on Feb. 2, he was equally enthralled with the  musical talents of the cast and the presentation of each number. The shows vocal group, the “Jamboree Singers,” its “Grand Band” and lead male vocalist did a great job from a musical point of view that, when combined with the production and choreography accompanying each number, results in some of the best live musical entertainment  on any Branson stage.

The primary vocal role is carried by the shows vocal group, the “Jamboree Singers” composed of Jackie Brown, GiGi Hutchinson, Jon Drockelman and Justin Tews. From the show’s opening number, “Love Somebody” to its last, “This Is America,” both together and as featured soloists, the vocal talents of this group and its individual members is obvious. The shows lead vocalist and Master of Ceremonies is “Branson’s Country Gentlemen,” Todd Bradshaw.

The “Grand Band,” is composed of some of Branson’s finest instrumentalists. They are Tracy Heaston, Piano/Keyboard, who is also the shows Musical Director; Wayne Massengale, Fiddle, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar and Dobro; Larry Allred, Bass Guitar; Rob Blackburn, Drums and Matt Hanshaw, lead and acoustic guitar. To say that they do an outstanding job would be an understatement.

Those are the show’s individual musical elements, but it is the way they are all brought together by the show’s director and producer, Mike Patrick and associate producer Andy Holloway with the staging and choreography of GiGi Hutchinson that makes this show such a great musical experience. Virtually every number involves not only vocals, but choreography and the integration of various elements and performers into its performance. Two examples would be “The World,” beautifully sung by Todd Bradshaw featuring Wayne Massengale on the fiddle and the number “Just A Kiss,” beautifully sung by Jon and Jackie as GiGi and Justin performed an exquisite dance routine. The number was as much joy to watch as it was to hear.

And that’s just the musical part of the Comedy Jamboree. The performance that I saw featured Shannon Thomason as “Apple Jack,” and Adam Western as “Rusty Bucket,” who, from the preshow to the final comedy skit, seemed to come along at just the right time to tickle the funny bone with a stream of one liners and comedy skits. One feature of the show’s comedy is its intensive audience participation and the added fun it provides. This writer can guarantee laughter and that, among other comedic experiences, you have never seen a polka like these guys do and you will know for a certainty exactly how many of each type of animal Moses took on the Ark with him. It should be pointed out that Western was filling in for the shows other regular comedian, Perry Edenburn as “Harley Worthit” while he is fulfilling another engagement.

What a delightful way to spend an afternoon. For additional information or tickets for the Comedy Jamboree 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.

That special Valentine’s Day celebration in Branson

Pierce Arrow will be celebrating Valentines Day with performances.

The British poet and humorist, Thomas Hood, said, “Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!” It seems that on Valentine’s Day extra effort is made to show those we love how much we care, but how much more special each day would be if we followed Hood’s, words and treated those we love in a manner that said, “Thou art every day my Valentine?”

With Valentine’s Day coming up on Tuesday, February 14th, what better way to show your Valentine how much you care than by celebrating Valentine’s Day in Branson, Missouri, “the live music show capital of the world?” Whether that celebration takes place the weekend before or on Valentine’s Day itself, Branson, with its many restaurants, shopping, shows and other activities offers a variety of ways to share a special Valentine’s Day with that special someone.

From the simple café fare of a downtown staple like Clocker’s Café to an elegant romantic gourmet meal at the Chateau on the Lake, Candle Stick, Table 22 or the Level 2 Steak House and everything in between, Branson offers a variety of Valentine dining experiences for every budget and taste. Many will be offering special menus just for Valentine’s Day and it is suggested making reservations as early as possible.

Branson Landing Cruise line has special Valentine’s Day dinner cruises scheduled on the Branson Landing Princess on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11 and on Valentine’s Day. The Landing Princess is a 100 foot long luxury yacht and the cruise will include a romantic gourmet dinner, served while cruising Lake Taneycomo, and seeing the spectacular nighttime view of Branson Landing and its fire and water Fountain Show from the water.

As one would expect in Branson, Missouri, there is a variety of live entertainment shows available to share with your Valentine. Shows including the Hamner Barber Variety Show; Grand Country’s Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, and Amazing Pets; the Hughes Brother’s presents “It”; the Haygoods and Pierce Arrow will be performing during the weekend of February 11. In addition, all the shows listed above except for the Hamner Barber Variety Show and Amazing Pets will also be performing shows on February 14, Valentine’s Day.

For those coming for the weekend, a package, combining lodging, shows, attractions and more offers not only a romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but to save money. One example is Branson Tourism Center’s “Sweetheart Package.” It offers 3 days and 2 nights lodging, two tickets to either the Hamner Barber Variety Show or the Hughes Brothers Presents “It”, two tickets to the Titanic Museum Attraction, a special “romance basket” and more.

With all Branson has to offer, why not plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day, with your special Valentine, in Branson? For additional information or tickets on Branson’s 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.