Category Archives: Featured

Branson’s indoor water parks take the “Brr” out of winter

Castle Rock’s yellow multi-story waterslide and Welk’s Splash-A-Torium.

“Winter weather curtails most outdoor swimming and aquatic activities,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “However, Branson is blessed with not one, but three indoor water parks as well as many hotels that have heated indoor pools providing Branson visitors with a wide variety of choices to enjoy swimming and aquatic fun under ideal climate controlled conditions,” she added.

All three of the indoor water parks are directly associated with lodging facilities and offer the opportunity to enjoy swimming and other aquatic fun regardless of the temperature or weather outside. Here’s a brief description of each:

Welk Resort’s “Splash-A-Torium” is 10,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor water fun featuring “an outrageous 100 foot” plus indoor water slide, kid’s splash-zone, indoor/outdoor pool, and hot tub.” BTC’s Wood points out that the Resort has recently been redecorated and updated with deluxe and premier traditional rooms that include plush amenities, high-end finishes, and a decor reflecting the unique charm of the Ozarks with its vibrant colors and interesting textures. In room amenities include complimentary WiFi, 32-inch LCD widescreen televisions, coffee makers with high quality coffees and teas, high speed wireless internet and many other exceptional features.

The Resort even has its own theatre! The Welk Resort Theatre is not only home to one of Branson’s most popular new shows, Million Dollar Quartet, but features limited engagement performances by stars such Daniel O’Donnell, Kris Kristofferson and others throughout the year.

Castle Rock Resort and Water Park provides “a truly weather-proof vacation destination for the whole family” where they “can splash & play in the climate controlled 84 degree temperature of its indoor water park. Its 40,000 square feet of waterpark wonderland features two 500-gallon tipping buckets, indoor and outdoor kiddie pools, waterfalls, two three-story thrill slides, themed water statues, and a multi-level sun deck. The resort’s water park provides fun for everyone, from tiny tots to adults, as well as tastefully appointed comfortable rooms.

Grand Country Inn, has Missouri’s first indoor water park, “Splash Country Indoors.” Open 365 days a year, it offers 20,000 square feet “of squirting, falling and tumbling water fun, including a three-level treehouse with interactive water play features on each level, two winding tube tunnels, a 1,000 gallon tipping bucket which tips every eight minutes, doing you know what to all those below, and much more. The Grand Country Complex, includes the Inn; Grand Country Buffett; The Grand Country Music Hall, home of the Grand Jubilee, Amazing Pets, Comedy Jamboree, Down Home Country, and other great shows; indoor and outdoor mini golf courses, and the Fun Spot Arcade.

These are the indoor water parks in Branson, but many Branson Hotels and Lodging facilities such as the Barrington Hotel & Suites, Grand Plaza, Honeysuckle Inn and Conference Center, Quality Inn Branson, Quality Inn on the Strip, Radisson Hotel, Residence Inn Marriott, and others have heated indoor pools. In addition, the hotels listed above are participants in Branson Tourism Center’s (BTC) Lowest Rate Lock Guarantee Program.

Book your reservation through BTC, and subject to the programs minimal conditions, the price you pay for your lodging is guaranteed to be the lowest rate available. If you find a lower price offered for the same room on the same dates, anytime between when you book your room and when you arrive in Branson, BTC will match the lower rate.

BTC’s Wood also points out that during the winter months, especially on the weekends, the demand for rooms at these facilities often outstrips availability. She recommends advance reservations and offers the assistance of one of BTC’s locally based Travel Planners to assist in helping to find the ideal facility to fit your family’s wants and budget and make reservations. There is no charge for this service and they may be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550.

DOMC

“Branson – Up Close and Personal” with George Strait Tribute Artist Larry Turner

George Strait tribute artist Larry Turner

A comment made to gospel music singer Larry Turner, by George Strait’s father, during a chance meeting, planted the seed that eventually led Turner into country music and a career as a George Strait Tribute Artist. Starting at smaller venues, and working other gigs in between, he had spent almost a decade perfecting his Strait tribute. In 2008, he reached the pinnacle of most Tribute Artist’s careers when he started performing his Strait tribute in the world’s greatest tribute show, Legends in Concert.

“Branson – Up Close and Personal,” is a service of the Branson Tourism Center and is intended to provide readers with an up close and personal look at a Branson star or personality. The format will be “Question and Answer” with Larry Turner (LT) being interviewed for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by Gary J. Groman, a 31 year resident of the Branson area, local columnist and freelance writer.

BTC: If you could perform or meet with any entertainer/person (living or deceased) who would it be and why?
LT: The Oak Ridge Boys. Although they have played in Branson several times, I have never gotten to meet them.

BTC: In terms of your performance as George Strait, what term do you prefer people use when they describe what it is you do, “Tribute Artist” or something else?
LT: Tribute Artist.

BTC: Where were you born?
LT: In Carthage, Missouri, about 100 miles from here.

BTC: When?
LT: 1953. I’m one year younger than George [Strait].

BTC: How old were you when you first started singing?
LT: I was a Junior in high school.

BTC: What were the circumstances?
LT: I was playing football, had to stop because of asthma, and started singing in the high school choir because of the encouragement of the Music Director.

BTC: When did you first realize that you wanted to make a living singing?
LT: Probably, when I was a Senior in high school.

BTC: Where was your first professional gig?
LT: Don’t know exactly, but it would have been some church in southwest Missouri because I traveled around leading the music for revivals.

BTC: What is your favorite genre of music?
LT: Gospel and second would be country.

BTC: When did you first perform in Branson?
LT: I came here in 2004 with Presleys’ Country Jubilee.

BTC: Had you ever been to Branson before that?
LT: Many times as a tourist and to see shows..

BTC: Where did you work prior to coming to Branson?

LT: I was at Precious Moments in Carthage, Missouri for 12 years as the entertainment director and performer.

BTC: Did something happen while you were there that steered you toward your current role as a George Strait Tribute Artist?
LT: George’s dad came to one of our shows around 1992, when the movie “Pure Country” had just come out. Afterwards he came up and told me that I looked a lot like his son, that got me thinking.

BTC: When did it start to become a reality?
LT: In the late 90’s my wife and I were on vacation in Las Vegas. We saw the ads for the Legends in Concert tribute show, and went to see it. As we walked out of there, I recalled what Georges father had said and I thought, “Hmm, there might be a possibility for something like this.”

BTC: When did you first perform as a George Strait tribute artist?
LT: I started doing some small gigs right about that time and did some George Strait during the Precious Moments Show.

BTC: When did you start as a George Strait Tribute Artist with Legends in Concert?
LT: In about 2008.

BTC: What do you like best about performing in Branson?
LT: The people, the way we honor our Veterans, and the fact that you can be a Christian here.

BTC: What’s your favorite thing to do in Branson when you are not performing?
LT: Work in the yard, play with the dog, and just enjoy my family.

BTC: What specific efforts do you go through to recreate George Strait’s mannerisms, style, and vocal characteristics to provide as authentic a George Strait as possible.
LT: Although at first glance his style is primarily stand and sing, I have studied his videos and You Tubes to incorporate his nuances such as his stance, the way he accentuates his words the way he holds his mike, and other mannerisms into my performance.

BTC: Whether it’s currently in the show or not what is your personal favorite George Strait song?
LT: No question about it, “The Chair.”

BTC: Based on your feel of the audience reactions to your performances, which George Strait song is the audiences favorite?
LT: “Cross My Heart” from the movie “Pure Country.”

BTC: George Strait or not, what is your personal favorite song?
LT: We are standing on “Holy Ground.” I just love that song.

BTC: In your career, of all the performances you have made and you have been in, no matter how big or small, which one personally meant the most to you and why?
LT: Well, there’s really two that are kind of special; performing at the Dove Awards as a member of the “Gospel Lads,” and performing for President George H.W. Bush at Precious Moments.

BTC: Do you have a favorite hobby or activity and what is it?
LT: Love to play golf at Thousand Hills.

BTC: Do you have a “little known” fact about yourself that you think our readers would enjoy?
LT: I always have a lemon drop in my mouth when I perform.

BTC: What brand and why?
LT: It doesn’t matter, whatever brand I can find. It keeps saliva in my mouth.

BTC: How do you feel about performing in Legends in Concert?
LT: I love it; I’m living a dream.

BTC: Anything else you want our readers to know?
LT: I’m a diehard Royals and Chiefs’ fan, have seven grandchildren, three sons, three of the greatest daughter-in- laws you could ever ask for, and have been married to my beautiful wife, Beverly, for 40 years.

When Legends in Concert kicks off its legendary 2017 Branson season on February 3, Turner’s George Strait will joined by Dusty Springfield, The Temptations, The Blues Brothers™ and Elvis Presley in its spring lineup with Guest Artist Prince joining them starting on February 16. Additional information or tickets for the Legends in Concert or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or lodging can be obtained through the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

No matter how cold, there’s always Hot Winter Fun, adventure, and entertainment in Branson!

It starring the The Hughes Brothers, the Titanic Museum Attraction, National Tiger Sanctuary, and Butterfly Palace and Rain Forest Adventure Adventure are just a few of the exciting ways to have fun in Branson during the Winter.

“OK, so it’s winter and it’s cold, but Branson is always filled with hot fun, adventure and entertainment,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Sure, some of Branson’s shows take a respite to freshen up and get ready for the new season, and Silver Dollar City is closed during January and February but, starting with the Grand Jubilee and the other shows at the Grand Country Music Hall, beginning January 12, the shows gradually begin reopening; the majority of major attractions, including the Titanic Museum Attraction, remain open; as does the majority of Branson’s famed shopping, museums, movies, restaurants, and a broad selection of lodging, including the Welk Resort with its fantastic 10,000 square foot “Splash-A-Torium.”

The opening of Grand Jubilee, and the other shows at the Grand Country Music Hall, in mid-January, signals the beginning of Branson’s awesome 2017 show season. It is quickly followed, beginning in early February, by the opening of some of Branson’s Most Popular Shows, including Legends in Concert, followed shortly by The Haygoods, it starring the Hughes Brothers, the Million Dollar Quartet, and others, as shows start opening on a regular basis. The Branson Tourism Center’s Show Schedule is one of the most current of all Branson Show schedules, is updated, as needed, on an almost daily basis, and should be consulted for the very latest ticketing and scheduling information for Branson shows.

Branson is noted for its world class shopping experience and that doesn’t change because its winter. From the quaint shops of Historic Downtown Branson, and its famed Dicks 5 & 10, to Branson’s premier shopping destination, Branson Landing, with its 100 plus shopping and restaurant venues; dozens of craft, specialty shops and galleries; other major shopping destinations, such as Tanger Outlet, The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, and the Imax Shopping Complex and so much more, Branson provides an unrivaled shopping whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall!

From the Titanic Museum Attraction to the World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex and the National Tiger Sanctuary, the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure, and so much more, Branson offers an exciting choice of attractions and activities for every member of the family regardless of the weather. Although certainly weather dependent to a certain extent, the opportunities for outdoor activities from hiking, golfing, kayaking, fishing, and boating, just to mention a few, abound. A simple walk on the boardwalk at Branson Landing, along Lake Taneycomo’s shoreline, provides the unique opportunity to see a Bald Eagle or Great Blue Heron in flight, and can provide special memories that could last a life time.”

“When it comes to golf in Branson, two things are just about certain,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Garrison, “A choice of great golf courses that provide a great golfing experience just about any time of the year and changing weather conditions.” He points out that even in the winter, subject to weather fluctuations, Branson offers golfers a great experience.

Garrison reminds prospective Branson visitors that weather and interim scheduling of shows and attractions might require some advanced planning and offers the assistance of one of Branson Tourism Center’s Branson based Travel Planners at 1-866-593-9740. They would be delighted to assist with weather information, ticketing, and lodging reservations, as well as answering any questions about Branson shows, hotels, or attractions. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

Branson’s powerful 2017 show season off to a Grand start!

Grand Jubilee's New South Quartet; Jim Dandee with straight-man, MC, and producer Mike Patrick; and the lovely Jackie Brown.

Grand Jubilee’s New South Quartet; Jim Dandy with straight-man, MC, and producer Mike Patrick; and the lovely Jackie Brown.

Branson’s exciting 2017 show season starts with the Grand Jubilee show, premiering its 2017 production during their New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, 2016. Continuing a long-standing tradition, the next year’s show is produced and rehearsed simultaneously with the performance of their Christmas show and premiered as part of their New Year’s Eve celebration.

“This will be the 15th year of the show and I’m just as excited as the first year we started,” said Mike Patrick, the show’s producer and MC. “It continues to be extremely fast moving, showcasing great music, performed by a talented cast that has never been better, and I’m taking full advantage of it.

In developing the 2017 show, Patrick says that the challenge is to keep the things that their audiences like and expect as they work new elements and numbers into the show to keep it fresh. He said that two, of many, show stopping moments will be the quartet “New South” singing the late Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” a song most people wouldn’t expect them to perform, and Jackie Brown singing, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” He said, “We combined several popular recordings of ‘Hallelujah’, taking the best parts of each, to create our own version which I know audiences will absolutely love and, Jackie Brown is guaranteed to bring the house down with her powerful rendition of this historical Hank Williams country classic.”

The considerable vocal talents of New South and Jackie Brown are enhanced and supported by one of the best bands in Branson, “The Grand Band,” or as its fans refer to it “The Rhinestone Mafia.” This includes some of the most talented musicians in Branson: Michael W. Davis, Piano/Keyboard & Vocals; Wayne Massengale, Fiddle and Acoustic Guitar; Larry Allred, Bass Guitar; Rob Blackburn, Drums; Chad Cathell, Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar and Gene Mulvaney, Steel Guitar, Electric Guitar, Banjo and Band Director.

Add the comedic talents of the multi-talented Jamie Haage, as “Jim Dandy”, and you have a total entertainment experience that is hard to beat. Patrick says that he keeps the audience in stitches with his comedy and funny characters during the course of the show, and then surprises the audience with his wide range of musical abilities at the end of the show, demonstrating why he’s the current “Entertainer of the Year” for Branson.

Based on my experience I can say that Patrick is a master at taking all these talented elements and producing a show that seamlessly mixes them together, at just the right time to keep things exciting, people laughing, and everyone enjoying a wonderful entertainment experience that passes all too quickly. From the intimacy of the Grand Country Music Hall, the entire cast coming out during intermission to meet the audience, talk, and sign autographs, and the way the cast relates to the audience during the show, this is a “close up” entertainment experience where it is obvious that both the audience and the entertainers are having fun!

For more information on the Grand Jubilee or other great Branson shows or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and sellers of almost 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Have you thought about giving the special Christmas gift of Branson memories?

What a fantastic way to give someone the Christmas gift of Branson and memories that could last a lifetime!

As it gets closer to Christmas, it seemingly becomes harder to find that perfect gift for everyone,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Most who have been to Branson have wonderful fun filled memories of their experience so, why not share the gift of Branson with employees, associates, friends, and others on your Christmas List?”

Garrison points out that the Branson Tourism Center not only makes it easy to give the gift of wonderful Branson memories this Christmas season, but provides added value with a special bonus! Purchase a Branson Tourism Center Gift Card* of at least $100 and get a separate $25 Bonus Card**, free-of-charge, with each card purchased on or before December 22, 2016! Buy one $100.00 Branson Tourism Center Gift Card and get a $25.00 Bonus Card, buy five individual $100.00 Gift Cards and receive five $25.00 Bonus Cards.

Gift Cards and Bonus Cards are redeemable for show tickets, admission to attractions, lodging, vacation packages, and other services offered by Branson Tourism Center with only airline tickets, golf, and car rentals excluded. The Branson Tourism Center, established in 2003, is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services; has sold well over 4.5 million show and attraction tickets and hundreds of thousands of room nights to Branson visitors; enjoys an A⁺ rating with the BBB, with which it has been an accredited member since 2003; and can reserve nearly any Branson Show, Attraction, or Lodging for you.

*** This offer has expired ***

Whether you give it to yourself or someone else, it’s hard to imagine a better value on giving the gift of Branson this Christmas or a more convenient way to do it! Shop from the comfort and convenience of your home by either calling 1-800-493-4584 or click here to shop through Branson Tourism Center’s web site www.BransonTourismCenter.Com.

*Note: Gift cards are only redeemable for show tickets, admission to attractions, lodging, vacation packages, and other services offered by Branson Tourism Center. The only exclusions are airline tickets, golf, and car rentals.
**Note: Bonus cards will be emailed and become valid January 1, 2017 and can only be used for orders placed between the dates of January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017, and are only redeemable for show tickets, admission to attractions, lodging, vacation packages, and other services offered by Branson Tourism Center. The only exclusions are airline tickets, golf, and car rental.

An old Branson tradition just keeps shuffling on

Two popular Branson shows, AYO starring the Voices of Glory and SIX will be shuffling off to new theaters for the 2017 season.

Two popular Branson shows, AYO starring the Voices of Glory and SIX, are among the those that will be shuffling off to new theaters for the 2017 season.

Not to be confused with the “Shindig Shuffle,” that’s part of Branson’s unique fun filled Ozark Mountain Shindig, the traditional, “Branson shuffle” is well underway. Ever since The Baldknobbers started it all and Presleys’ Country Jubilee opened the first show on what is now the famed “Branson Strip,” decades ago; the Branson Shuffle has been a part of Branson’s live entertainment.

The Baldknobbers, “shuffled” from their original location in historic downtown Branson before settling into their current location on the Branson Strip in 1969. Ironically, Branson’s iconic first show on the Branson Strip, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, has never been involved in the Branson Shuffle, and will be celebrating their 50^th year in their original location during 2017.

It’s uncertain whether the “shuffle” relates more to the shuffling of cards or a dance, but one thing is certain, it does involve movement and change. Each year, there is a “shuffle” as some shows move from one theatre to another into the locations and timeslots that they believe will best enable them to develop, grow, and provide Branson visitors with the best entertainment experience. Here’s the current status of the Branson Shuffle, sorted alphabetically, as of December 14, 2016:

#1 Hits of the 60s: Clay Cooper Theatre
Abba Tribute: Thank You for the Music: Hamners’ Variety Theater
Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai: Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre^*
AYO staring the Voices of Glory: Starlite
Billy Dean: Jim Stafford Theatre
Beach Boys California Dreamin: Hamners’ Variety Theater
Blackwoods: Dutton Theatre
George Dyer: Americana
Raiding the Country Vault: Starlite Theatre
SIX: Hughes Brothers Theatre

The result of the Branson Shuffle is a source of excitement and anticipation during this time of the year in Branson. It’s born not only because of the physical move, but the show changes and innovation that often accompanies such moves the next season because of the location and physical attributes of the new venue.

The Branson Tourism Center’s Branson Show List, updated on a daily basis as information becomes available, is Branson’s most current list of shows, schedules, ticketing and other information. If more information on the status of the Branson Shuffle for Branson’s 2017 shows is desired, please call one of Branson Tourism Center’s Branson based Travel Planners at 1-800-785-1550. They will be delighted to answer any questions you might have about Branson shows, hotels, or attractions and assist you in planning your Branson trip. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

^*The “Mickey Gilley Theatre” through the 2016 season.

9th Annual Branson.Com Honors Purple Heart Recipients April 20 – 22

Purple Heart Recipients at weigh in for Trout Tournament astScotty's Tout Dock

Purple Heart Recipients at weigh-in for Trout Tournament at Scotty’s Trout Dock on Lake Taneycomo.

Purple Heart Recipients from all around the country will gather in Branson, Missouri for the 9^th Annual Branson.Com Honors Purple Heart Recipients, April 20 – 22, 2017. Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, the parent company of Branson.Com said, “This event is unique and special in that it is dedicated solely to honoring, remembering, serving, and entertaining those who have received the ‘Purple Heart’ for combat wounds received while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It has been our privilege and honor to have hosted and sponsored this event since its inception.” she added.

Wood points, out that with the active support and assistance of the “Military Order of the Purple Heart” (MOPH), the event started about nine years ago, and has steadily grown in attendance since. The three-day event is a variety of activities, all free to the Purple Heart Attendees, designed to share the excitement and entertainment that Branson offers, while providing plenty of opportunity for them to enjoy and interact with their fellow Veterans. Here’s the preliminary list of scheduled activities as of December 9, 2016.^*:

DAY 1
Thursday, April 20, 2017

10:00 Motorcycle Run:
16:30 Starlite Dinner for Food & Beverages
17:30 Opening Ceremony, Starlite Theatre
19:30 The Texas Tenors Show, Starlite Theatre

DAY 2
Friday, April 21, 2017

08:30 Fishing Tournament, Scotty’s Trout Dock
09:00 Event for Non Fishermen, Sightseeing cruise on the Main Street Lake Cruises
18:00 Dinner & Dancing, Radisson Hotel

DAY 3
Saturday, April 22, 2017

11:30 Purple Heart Closing Ceremony, Starlite Theatre
14:00 Raiding the Country Vault, Starlite Theatre

* This schedule will be revised. For the most current and complete schedule of activities please go to:
http://veterans.branson.com/events/info/branson-com-honors-purple-heart-recipients.

Although early registration is encouraged, Wood points out that there is no closing time for the registration of Purple Hear Recipients. “If you are a Purple Heart Recipient, this is your event and we want you there whenever you register,” she said. For further information on the 9th Annual Branson.Com Honors Purple Heart Recipients please call 1-800-268-4014 or go to the Branson.Com Honors Purple Heart Recipients website.

Branson Entertainers Unite to Create a “Showstopping” Mannequin Challenge

BTC Videographer, Chris Canote, “shooting” Shoji Tabuchi during Mannequin Challenge.

Over 40 entertainers from some of Branson’s most popular and iconic live shows gathered at the Yakov Theater to create a truly showstopping Mannequin Challenge video that embodies the immense talent that graces the Branson stage on a daily basis.

The Mannequin Challenge is a viral internet trend that attempts to mimic the dynamic sequences in movies like “The Matrix” with individuals frozen in place throughout the entire filming process.

“Branson’s filled with unparalleled performers,” says Tammy Johnson, Vice President and General Manager of Branson Tourism Center. “We have world-class dancers, aerial acrobats, comedians, beautiful costuming, the greatest musicians and attractions…what could possibly make a more engaging video?”

Entertainers from Branson shows, attractions, and theaters participating in the Mannequin Challenge included Shoji Tabuchi, The Baldknobbers, The Acrobats of China at the Yakov Theater, “it” starring The Hughes Brothers, Branson Zipline, The Duttons, Patsy Cline Remembered at the Americana Theatre, Down Home Country at Grand Country, Dublin’s Irish Tenors & Celtic Ladies at King’s Castle Theatre, Parakeet Pete’s Steampunk Balloon, Legends in Concert and The Bretts at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, and The Petersen’s at the Little Opry Theatre.

Branson’s Showstopping Mannequin Challenge, created by Branson Tourism Center and the Branson Show League, can be found on:

FACEBOOK

YOUTUBE

Is this Branson’s most “Legendary” 2017 show schedule?

Prince, Michael Jackson, Elvis, and "Menopause the Musical" are just a few of the acts appearing at Branson's Legends of Concert in 2017.

Prince, Michael Jackson, Elvis, and “Menopause the Musical” are just a few of the legendary highlights happening at Branson’s Legends of Concert in 2017.

“WOW, where else in Branson can a person go to be entertained by the likes of ‘Adele’ and ‘The Temptations,’ in one exciting show?” asked Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. The rhetorical question was, of course, referring to the Legends in Concert show, known for the quality, variety, and excitement of its productions, and was in reference to the “legendary” stars scheduled to perform in its recently announced 2017 schedule which includes:

SPRING: Feb. 3-May 16

Feb. 3-Mar. 31: Dusty Springfield
Feb. 3-May 11: The Temptations
Feb. 3-May 16: George Strait
Feb. 3-May 16: The Blues Brothers™
Feb. 3-May 16: Elvis
Feb. 16-Mar. 21: SPECIAL GUEST- Prince
Apr.1-May 16: Adele
May 12-May 16: Michael Jackson

MAY 18-21 Menopause The Musical

SUMMER: May 22-Sept 5

May 18-Sep. 5: Céline Dion
May 18-Sep. 5: Brooks and Dunn
May 22-Sep. 5: Michael Jackson
May 18-Sep. 5: The Blues Brothers™
May 18-Sep. 5: Elvis
June-July Only: SPECIAL GUEST- Bruno Mars

FALL: Sep.7-Oct 31

Sep.7-Oct 31: Frank Sinatra
Sep.7-Oct 31: Aretha Franklin
Sep.7-Oct 31: Johnny Cash
Sep.7-Oct 31: The Blues Brothers™
Sep.7-Oct 31: Elvis

CHRISTMAS: Nov.2-Dec. 31

Nov.2-Dec. 31: Michael Jackson
Nov.2-Dec. 30: Barbra Streisand
Nov.2-Dec. 31: Alan Jackson
Nov.2-Dec. 31: The Blues Brothers™
Nov.2-Dec. 31: Elvis
Dec. 31: Cher SPECIAL GUEST-NEW YEARS EVE

Legends in Concert’s General Manager, Jeannie Horton said, “Being a part of the Legends in Concert family, we have access to wonderful cast of “legends” from which to pick acts for our show. We are really excited about our 2017 schedule and the opportunity it gives us to be able to present Branson audiences with a variety of high quality legendary entertainment designed to entertain and appeal to the audiences we believe will be in Branson during a particular time of the year”

In addition, she said that they are really excited about the limited engagement performance of Menopause The Musical, May 18-21 as part of their national tour. “Set in a department store, four women with seemingly nothing in common, come to find they have more to share than ever imagined. The cast makes fun of their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges. A sisterhood is created between these diverse women as they realize that menopause is no longer The Silent Passage, but a stage in every woman’s life that is perfectly normal!”

The Branson premier gives Branson audiences, albeit for short time, a chance to “see what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for 14 years” in this “groundbreaking, hilarious celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change!”

For additional information or tickets on the Legends in Concert, Menopause The Musical, or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

From its improbable start Million Dollar Quartet celebrates 60th Anniversary

How about celebrating New Year's Eve with the Miilion Dollar Quartet?

The Million Dollar Quartet, a special entertainment experience, based on the most unique Rock n’ Roll jam session of all time!

“For the past two years, Branson audiences have had the thrill of experiencing the hit musical Million Dollar Quartet, joining the ranks of the millions throughout the world who have enjoyed it since its creation in 2007, by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Prior to hearing about the Million Dollar Quartet show, most are not even aware of the event that the show was based on and, even after seeing it, many do not realize how improbable it was that we would be celebrating the 60^th anniversary of that event,” she added.

Wood points out that it’s obvious we are not celebrating the 60^th anniversary of the Million Dollar Quartet show. What’s being celebrated is the 60^th anniversary of the greatest Rock n’ Roll jam session of all time; a onetime impromptu event, involving four young performers, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, in the early stages of their careers. It happened in Memphis, TN inside the storefront recording studio of Sun Records on December 4, 1956.

Carl Perkins, Sun recording artist, was in the studio along with his brother Jay on bass, and drummer, WS “Fluke” Holland, and Sun recording artist Jerry Lee Lewis, who was there to play piano for the Perkins’ recording session of “Matchbox.” Sun recording artist, Johnny Cash, came in to observe the recording session and talk with Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records. Still later, Elvis Presley, RCA and ex-Sun Recording artist, dropped by with a girl he was seeing at the time, Marilyn Evans.

As musicians have done since time in memoriam, they just started “jamming.” When Phillips saw the improbable session taking place he called Bob Johnson, the entertainment editor of the “Memphis Press-Scimitar,” and invited him over. He came and brought a photographer with him. The next day Phillips wrote a story on the jam session calling them the “Million Dollar Quartet” which was accompanied by a photograph of the four around the piano.

The impromptu jam session would not have been recorded, but for the efforts of sound technician Jack Clement, who was there to record the Perkins session. As the informal jam session got underway, Clement decided that he would be remiss if he did not record it so, without anyone’s knowledge, he did.

Probably because no one knew that Clement had recorded the session, and despite “The Million Dollar Quartet” news story, the recording went unnoticed, into the Sun Records “library,” where it remained for decades until discovered by a new owner of Sun Records as they worked through the contents of the library. It was recorded and released in Europe in 1981, in the United States in 1990, and became the basis for the hit musical Million Dollar Quartet in 2007.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of this historic event, on December 4th, 2016, some of Branson’s biggest stars will join the cast of the Million Dollar Quartet in paying a musical tribute to the four legends and “to express their gratitude for the inspirational music they have given. “One of the highlights of the Million Dollar Quartet show is the finale that re-creates just how special that jam session was,” said Dathan Atchison, General Manager of the Welk Resort Branson.

“We are so honored to have these incredible guests join us in celebrating that historic night, and the four men who have inspired generations of performers,” Atchison continued. “The influence of the four members of the “Million Dollar Quartet” is certainly felt in Branson, and we are so thankful that Jim Stafford, Billy Dean, New South and David Brooks have been gracious enough to not only come and sing, but to share stories of how that influence changed their lives. It is going to be a rockin’ good time and a fitting tribute to four of the greatest entertainers in history,” he added.

Running through December 31, 2016, the Million Dollar Quartet tells the story and captures the high energy spirit and rockin’ sounds of a unique moment when four of music’s most extraordinary talents, all in their creative prime, came together for one of the most memorable nights in music history” and features the greatest rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits from these music legends, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Walk The Line,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Hound Dog,” “Whole Lotta’ Shakin’ Goin’ On,” and so many more.

For more information and tickets for the Million Dollar Quartet or other great Branson shows or lodging, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of almost 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.