Category Archives: Featured

The Secret of the Branson shuffle

Haygoods "shuffle" to and Rankins from Clay Cooper" Theatre in 2014..

BRANSON, Mo., November 24, 2013 – The “Branson Shuffle” has been a part of the evolution of Branson’s live entertainment industry ever since the Baldknobbers “started it all” in 1960. Each year, regardless of when announced, between the ending of one season and the beginning of the next, there is a “shuffle” as some shows move from one theatre to another, some shows decide they have made their final Branson curtain call and new shows come to Branson.

Even in the beginning, when there was only one show in Branson, the Baldknobbers Jamboree show, they “shuffled,” moved, through different locations before settling at their current strip location where they have remained since 1968. It’s a natural process that enables shows to move into time slots and locations they want as other shows vacate them for various reasons such as moving to a different location, retirement or the departure of a star of the show or for anyone of a variety of other reasons.

While shows like Presleys’ Country Jubilee and Jim Stafford have not had to dance the Branson Shuffle, the vast majority of shows have. Even shows such as the Acrobats of China, Baldknobbers Jamboree, Clay Coopers Music Express, Hughes Brothers, Legends in Concert, Duttons and Shoji Tabuchi, who have their own theatres, some for many years, moved around in Branson before arriving at their current permanent locations. Other extremely popular Branson shows such as SIX, The Haygoods, Rankins and others who do not have their own theaters have used the Branson Shuffle in achieving their current success.

The Haygoods are an excellent current illustration of how the Branson Shuffle works. Having performed over 6,000 shows for over 8 million people, they have been performing in Branson since 1993 and have performed in a number of Branson venues, including the RFD Theatre for the 2012 and 2013 season, as their career has evolved. Recently it was announced they would be performing at the Clay Cooper Theatre starting in 2014.

Timothy Haygood said that they are making the move because it fits in with their long term plans from both a personal and professional level. He said that they wanted a long term commitment from a theatre, an opportunity to spend more time with their families, to develop their own individual careers and have the flexibility to perform on the road. Too, he could scarcely contain his excitement as he said, “We are thrilled to be working with Clay and Tina Cooper next year and we can’t wait to roll out our show in their theatre!”

Interestingly, as The Haygoods “shuffled” into the Clay Cooper Theatre because it met their needs, the Rankin Brothers, who are currently performing at the theatre with mostly afternoon shows, announced that they would be moving to the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre for the 2014 season. Larry Rankin, the father and Manager of the Rankin Brothers said, “We are excited about performing our seventh season in Branson at the beautiful Yakov Smirnoff Theatre and being able to perform in the evening time slot.”

The end result of the Branson Shuffle is a constant invigoration of anticipation and excitement as Branson shows move into the locations and time slots that they believe will best enable them to develop and entertain Branson visitors and new shows are added to the almost 100 shows that that make Branson the special wonderful entertainment destination it is.

 

Branson Christmas Shows light up Ozark Mountain Christmas

Christmas at Presleys' Country Jubilee..

BRANSON, Mo., November 20, 2013 – “Branson’s live shows are a key element in the wonderful uniqueness of Branson entertainment any time of the year, but especially during Ozark Mountain Christmas,” said Tiffany Isnard, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “From the Christmas shows presented by most of Branson’s resident shows to unique full production Christmas shows it is unlikely that any other travel destination in America offers the variety or number of Christmas shows celebrating the traditional American Christmas that is available in Branson during Ozark Mountain Christmas,” she continued.

Most of Branson’s regular season resident shows also have Christmas shows which include a mixture of their regular season show and a major Christmas segment, usually during the second half of the show. Each is a special Christmas blessing. This includes some of Branson’s most popular shows such as Clay Cooper’s Country Express; Duttons; George Dyer; Hamner and Barber Variety Show; Haygoods; Legends in Concert; Mickey Gilley;Pierce Arrow; Presleys’ Country Jubilee; Rankin Brothers; SIX and many more.

In addition, there are full production Christmas shows including Miracle of Christmas; Hughes Brothers Christmas Show; Christmas in Hollywood; The Andy Williams Christmas Show starring the Osmonds and the Lennon Sisters; Shoji Tabuchi’s Wonder of Christmas Show; The Toy Shoppe; Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas and Dixie Stampede.

Sight and Sounds spectacular production of the Miracle of Christmas uses drama, spectacular sets, music, and dance as it shares the story of the greatest miracle of all time and the true meaning of Christmas. From flying angels, camels, horses and other animals, to wise men, shepherds and action, it is a musical drama taking in the full length of the theatres 300 foot long surround stage. This show is one of the most spectacular things most people will ever experience on a stage in terms of production, grandeur, entertainment and scope. Its amazing ending goes beyond the birth of the Christ Child and explains the precious gift He brought to us all.

Christmas in Hollywood presents Christmas from the perspective of “Hollywood” and some of its amazing Christmas films. From the classic Christmas movie, “White Christmas” and many more, see the classic moments from some of Hollywood’s greatest Christmas movies on the screen as they are brought to life on stage in amazing production full of holiday fun and festive cheer with all of your favorite classic holiday songs, dazzling scenery, gorgeous colorful costuming and the “highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole.”.

Shoji Tabuchi 's "Wonder of Christmas Show "

Shoji Tabuchi’s “Wonder of Christmas” is a great example of just why the Shoji Tabuchi Show has been a Branson standard for over two decades. From toy soldiers, flying angels and spectacular sets and colorful costuming to Christmas and holiday music ranging from the fun and revelry of a “Blue Grass and Big Band Christmas” to the simple elegance of Shoji playing “What Child Is This” and much more it is a 100% Christmas extravaganza in the finest Tabuchi tradition.

The entire theatre is beautifully decorated for Christmas as is the stage, but it doesn’t stop there. Whether it’s the very talented Christina Tabuchi singing a beautiful Christmas love song in front of an elegantly decorated and lit Christmas Tree, the simple set used in the Christmas Chamber Music and Bell Choir segment, the amazing number of costume changes or the elegantly decorated main set, this show sets the bar in terms of Christmas production shows and truly has something in it for every member of the family.

Dixie Stampede – Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, celebrates Christmas as only it can. Oh, it still has its famous four course meal and all the action, excitement and fun of the “north” and “south” competition it is known for and its renowned equestrian acts, but with a special Christmas flavor. The servers change from the military type “north” and “south” uniforms into the “elf” uniforms as the “north” and “south” pole elfs compete against each other. In addition to other spectacular surprises this Christmas celebration includes a dramatic live Nativity Scene which shares the true meaning of Christmas in a spectacular fashion as it descends amid inspiring music, soaring angels, animals, the three kings riding their camels and spectacular pageantry. This is truly a one of a kind Christmas show that will delight and hold the interest of every member of the family throughout the whole show.

Tony Orlando is a perennial Christmas favorite in Branson, but this year will be his final Branson performances of his Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas Show with his last performance on November 28. From a musical perspective the show includes some of his greatest hits such as “Candida”, “Knock Three Times,” “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” and “Sweet Gypsy Rose” and sings many of the songs that have become part of the fabric of Christmas in America. In addition, Tony, his band and cast tell the story of Tony’s first Christmas in the Ozarks and the special visitor he met as the show celebrates all that is great about the Christmas season.

Legends in Concert celebrates Christmas in a special unique way. Each of their “guest stars” Stevie Wonder, Cher, Alan Jackson, The Blues Brothers, and Elvis will perform one of their top Christmas numbers during their set. The expanded all cast Finale is an exciting spectacular celebration of Christmas.

For additional information or tickets for any of the shows mentioned in this article 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.

 

ELVIS LIVES performs 2014 Branson limited engagement

Dean Z winner of 2013 "Ultimate Elvis Contest.".

BRANSON, Mo., November 15, 2013 – Branson visitors, especially fans of “The King,” will be getting a special opportunity to experience ELVIS LIVES when it performs its limited Branson engagement February 7 – 18, 2014. Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center says that the show provides Elvis fans with an unparalleled opportunity to take “an unforgettable multi-media live musical journey across Elvis’ life” and that, appropriately, the dates it will be in Branson cover the Valentine’s Day weekend.

The show will feature finalists from the Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) worldwide “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest” with each finalist’s performance representing Elvis during a different stage in his career. “Dean Z,” the winner of EPE’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest for 2013, who is also “Branson Legends in Concert’s” resident Elvis, will play tribute to the 1950’s era and three other finalists will pay tribute to three other stages of Elvis’ career the 1960s, movies and the concert years. They will be joined by a “a live band, back-up singers and dancers, an Ann-Margret tribute artist, as well as an unforgettable multi-media presentation including iconic media and imagery made available from the Graceland archives.”

Brian Brigner, Chief Operating Officer of On Stage Touring, one of the partners in the production, said ELVIS LIVES is the “complete musical package” and that “The partnership between On Stage Touring and EPE provides the only authentic touring showcase of Elvis tribute artists for fans who want to experience the music and live performance charisma of one of the most popular recording artists in history.” For additional information or tickets for ELVIS LIVES please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550. 

George Dyer Show a Christmas gift extraordinaire

 

The incredible George Dyer.

BRANSON, Mo., November 8, 2013 – This writer was reminded again last week why he has described George Dyer as “Branson’s tenor extraordinaire as he again experienced the wonder, power and beauty of his voice and his interaction with his audience during the George Dyer Show. His voice is one of the most magnificent tenor voices I have ever heard, but when it is combined with one of the finest bands in Branson, his “mini introductions” of each number, the marvelous vocal talents of his family and his personal charisma the result is a unique and memorable entertainment experience simply not available anywhere else, in Branson or otherwise.

When most people hear the term “tenor singer” they think of opera. This show is anything but opera. Like many of Branson’s resident family shows, the first half of his Christmas show is the best of his regular season show and is a virtual cornucopia of music genres, including music from Broadway, Gershwin, Sinatra, Darin and Disney, to mention a few, with the second half being devoted to Christmas and not an “opera” number in the show.

Before getting to George Dyer himself, it should be noted that he is surrounded with talent starting with his family, his wife, Clarisse; daughters Kendra and Kassidy and sons Mitchell and Garrett. The vocal talent of this family is simply amazing both as individuals and as they sing together. Kendra’s performance of “Embraceable You;” Kendra, Mitchell and Garrett’s performance of “White Christmas,” with an instrumental surprise and Clarisse singing “I Cried the Day I Took Down the Christmas Tree” all illustrate that point.

And then there is the band consisting of Norman Bergen, Pianist/Conductor; Bogie Bohinc, Lead Guitar; Rob Wilson, Drums; Marcus Willet, Bass Guitar and Rickey Helms on the Keyboards. They are phenomenal in terms of their experience, talent and instrumentality making an already special show even more so.

The magnificent rich tenor voice of George Dyer is just a joy to hear as he covers a variety of music as only he can. His singing would be enough, but when combined with his personality, interaction with the audience and the unique way he introduces each number the end result is a wonderful and unique musical entertainment experience without equal. Although subjective, from many, Dyers solo performance of “Bring Him Home” from “Les Miserables” and the “The Impossible Dream” from the “Man of La Mancha” were this writers favorites.

Adding to the enjoyment of the shows music is his “charisma,” ability to relate to his audience and the short entertaining introductions he gives to each number. J.P. from Mobile Alabama, a first time Branson visitor, who was at the show said “I love it and was very impressed.” When asked what he liked best about the show he replied, “His vocal range and the different types of music he sings. I love the way he intros each of the songs.”

During the Christmas portion of the show George and his daughter sing a duet that is a wonderful inspirational message of the true meaning of Christmas. It combines Kendra’s performance “Breath of Heaven” with George’s performance of “Mary Did You Know” into one of the most beautiful and touching Christmas performances that most will ever hear.

Right after his opening number, George shares his hope with the audience that after seeing his show, “They will be entertained and inspired.” That is a self-fulfilling prophecy for those who love a magnificent tenor voice singing music that is timeless in its ability to entertain and inspire. From beginning to end this is a special entertainment experience that should not be missed.

Please feel free to contact the contact Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services for additional information on the George Dyer Show or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

 

 

 

Material Connection

 

An Old Time Christmas – centerpiece of Ozark Mountain Christmas

The iconic City Square with its five story Christmas Tree and the "Gifts of Christmas Holiday of Lights" parade passing through.

BRANSON, Mo., November 1, 2013 – “It’s certainly no understatement to point out that Silver Dollar City’s spectacular An Old Time Christmas Festival is the centerpiece of the Branson area wide celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Running from November 2 through December 30, it has been recognized nationally as one of the Nation’s best Christmas celebrations by The Travel Channel, Good Morning America, USA Today and many others.”

 

The award winning 1880s styled theme park turns into a glittering winter wonderland amid no less than 5 million sparkling lights and 1,000 decorated Christmas trees throughout the park. Of those, 1 million decorate the streets and cover the “40-foot-tall trees on the Town Square as part of the spectacular light & sound show, Christmas on Main Street.” This show features the 5 -Story Special Effects Christmas Tree, with 350,000 energy-saving lights synchronized with music and to the lights decorating buildings around the square, down to one-hundredth of a second which can result in a phenomenal 6,000 light changes per minute. When the twice nightly 100,000 light Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade with 18 costumed characters and eight lighted musical floats is added the result is a unique and beautiful experience that will provide Christmas memories for a lifetime.

Scene from Dickens "Christmas Carol."

An Old Time Christmas also features a number of unique, exciting and entertaining shows. These include an original Silver Dollar musical production of It’s a Wonderful Life, adapted from the inspirational Frank Capra Christmas classic; the “acclaimed Broadway-style production A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, an original musical adaptation of the famous classic by Charles Dickens, with elaborate sets and visual effects, flying spirits, vanishing ghosts, revolving scenery and pyrotechnic special effects; the interactive musical show Frosty where kids help bring the legendary snowman to life, a musical Living Nativity, and the comedy Frontier Fa-la-la Follies’ in the Silver Dollar Saloon.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that, as is the case with all of Silver Dollar City’s world class festivals, the special events, shows and activities associated with An Old Time Christmas are in addition to everything else the award winning theme park offers. This includes craft demonstrations; some of the most unique shopping available anywhere in Branson; a full selection of “holiday food from a Prime Rib Buffet to a traditional turkey & dressing feast and making your own S’Mores, Apple Dumplings and Hot Wassail” and, weather permitting, rides including its new world class wood coaster Outlaw Run, named Best New Ride of 2013. Always thrilling, riding them after dark provides a special unique experience especially with millions of lights sparkling below.

Johnson reminds potential Branson visitors that Christmas is the busiest time of the year in Branson and suggests advance reservations for shows and lodging. She also points out that when you purchase your Silver Dollar City Ticket through Branson Tourism Center you get two days admission to the park for the price of one day. For additional information on either Ozark Mountain Christmas or Silver Dollar City’s An Ole Time Christmas. Please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), through their toll free number, 1-800-785-1500 from 7 AM to 9 PM every day of the year, except Christmas Day, to talk with one of their trained, Branson Based, Vacation Travel Planners.

 

Tony Orlando’s Final Branson Christmas Season

Tony Orlando in dressing room during a 2010 interview celebrating his 50th year of performing.

BRANSON, Mo., October 28, 2013 – “This is a last chance for Branson visitors to see Tony Orlando perform his inspiring Christmas show, The Great American Christmas in Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “His limited engagement Branson performances of the show from November 5 through November 28 will conclude 20 years of performing the show in Branson as Tony has announced he will be taking the show on the road starting in 2014,” she continued.

“Tony will sing all of your holiday favorites and will also include his greatest hits from over 50 years in show business; ‘Candida’, ‘Knock Three Times’, ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon’, ‘Sweet Gypsy Rose’ and more. Then, Santa pays a visit and Tony and Santa honor the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a Branson must see and a perennial family favorite!”

In announcing his final Branson Christmas season He said, “Branson is my home and I love being part of the community. After 20 years, I just feel it is time to take The Great American Christmas Show out to America.” In addition he “will continue his touring schedule with appearances at Performing Arts Centers and Casinos throughout the USA and Canada.” Dathan Atchison, General Manager of Welk Resort Branson said, “We are so excited and proud to have had such a legendary entertainer in our theatre for Christmas. There is no one like Tony!”

“In 1973, he recorded “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree.” The song was number one for the year, became Orlando’s theme song and grew into an American anthem of hope and homecoming, reunion and renewal. November 11th at 2pm, Tony will also host his 20th Yellow Ribbon Salute To Veterans, a star studded salute, free to all military past and present.”

For additional information on Tony Orlando’s The Great American Christmas or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com .

$1.7 Million Heart-Pounding KaPau Plummet White Water’s biggest thrill ever

KAPAU, when the "Aqua Launch" trap door opens riders plummet into the thrills of White Water's most thrilling ride ever.

BRANSON, Mo., October 28, 2013 – ” KAPAU,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “With the addition of the $1.7 million ‘KaPau Plummet’ for 2014, White Water, an already exciting and adventure filled water park experience, gets more thrilling. That’s one of the things that makes Branson such a special place to visit and revisit, its shows and attractions are always evolving looking for new ways to give its visitors something fresh, exciting and thrilling.”

“When designers and developers with Silver Dollar City Attractions set out to create a new 2014 ride for White Water, there was one mandate:  The new ride must be The Biggest Thrill in White Water History. The concept began with the idea of a heart-pounding, drop-floor plunge.  Now in initial stages of construction, the $1.7 million KaPau Plummet will open in Spring 2014 with two 240-foot slides, each launching riders from a drop-floor into a 70-degree plunge followed by a spiraling loop, promising to far exceed the thrill factor of any water ride ever built at the 13-acre tropically-themed water park located in Branson, Missouri.

“Those brave enough to dare the drop will experience a heart-pumping, breathtaking thrill that begins at the top of a 40-foot tower.  Two encapsulated slides are the starting points for loading brave riders into a launch capsule.  Once inside, the countdown begins: 3…2…1 KAPAU!  The bottom of each slide drops out, creating a rider free fall at 70 degrees, speeding at 26 feet per second into a looping 240-foot translucent waterslide before final splashdown.  Spectators will be able to see the riders take the rocket-like plunge and their spirals through the loops.

“‘The AquaLaunch trap door builds anticipation for an incredible drop below,” said Cory Roebuck, White Water Director of Operations, who explains “‘kapau’ is a slang U.S. surfer term meaning ‘the next big wave or the next big thing’ [and is] pronounced ‘KA-POW.’  Never before has White Water had such a thrilling ride.  KaPau Plummet will literally take your breath away in an awesome plunge.”

Ozark Mountain Christmas – Branson’s unique traditional American Christmas celebration

Silver Dollar City's "City Square" with its five story special effects Christmas Tree and the "Gifts of Christmas Holiday of Lights" parade passing through.

BRANSON, Mo., October 27, 2013 When Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, was first asked, “What exactly is ‘Ozark Mountain Christmas?” she said, “It’s not just one thing. It is a unique Branson wide celebration of the true spirit of a traditional American Christmas that has been celebrated for over two decades.”

From its live Christmas Shows to drive through Christmas lighting displays with millions of lights, Santa, Fantasy Princess, decorations, all sorts of shopping Branson is aglow with the festive look and feel of the season and everything one would expect from a world class holiday celebration. If that was all however, Ozark Mountain Christmas would be just another politically correct “holiday,” but that’s not all!

Ozark Mountain Christmas is the celebration of the traditional American Christmas filled with the spirit and message of the true meaning of Christmas as it has been traditionally celebrated. Its roots go back to a community celebration dating back 65 years as its 65th Annual Adoration Parade, and Nativity Scene Lighting, dedicated to “Keeping Christ in Christmas,” is held on Sunday December 8 in Historic Downtown Branson.

While appreciating and respecting those who celebrate other holidays associated with that time of the year such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and others, Ozark Mountain Christmas, is unique in that it is one of the few open and public community celebrations for those who celebrate the traditional American Christmas and the reason for the season. Each year, between November 1 and December 31 hundreds of thousands come to Branson for this special celebration and to experience Ozark Mountain Christmas and all that it has to offer.

Silver Dollar City’s world class festival, An Old Time Christmas, running from November 2 through December 30, is a major focal point of Ozark Mountain Christmas and is constantly recognized as one of the nation’s top theme park Christmas celebrations. The 1880s-style theme park is transformed into a glowing Christmas spectacular with a twice nightly 100,000 light “Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade; over four million sparkling lights throughout the park; one-of-a-kind handmade gifts made and showcased by Silver Dollar City’s 100 demonstrating craftsmen; foods of the season and special shows including the Broadway style production of an original musical adaptation of “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” produced by Silver Dollar City; “The Living Nativity” and a special production of “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and the Branson Area Festival of Lights are the two major drive through lighting displays. The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights is a two and a half mile journey through hundreds of gorgeous displays, millions of Christmas lights, holiday music, and animated scenes most of which have been integrated into the natural terrain of the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. It is one of the most unique and memorable drive through lighting experiences anywhere and also includes a trip to the top of Inspiration Tower where guests can ride glass elevators 230 feet up for a ‘Santa’s eye view’ of the lights from one or the highest points in southwest Missouri. The Branson Area Festival of Lights is a one mile trip through more than 175 sparkling lighting displays, many of which are animated. It is conveniently located a few blocks off the heart of the Branson Strip.

One of the many spectacular scenes from Sight and Sounds "Miracle of Christmas."

As would be expected in the place that many call the “Live music show capital of the world” there is a wide selection of Christmas Shows that are only available during Ozark Mountain Christmas. Some such as Miracle of Christmas; Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Christmas in Hollywood, The Andy Williams Christmas Show starring the Osmonds and the Lennon Sisters; The Toy Shoppe, Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas and many others are totally Christmas shows. Most of Branson’s regular season shows also have Christmas shows which include a mixture of their regular season show and a major Christmas segment, usually during the second half of the show. Each is unique and special. This includes some of Branson’s most popular shows such as Clay Cooper’s Country Express; Duttons; George Dyer; Hamner and Barber Variety Show; Haygoods; Legends in Concert; Mickey Gilley; Pierce Arrow; Presleys’ Country Jubilee; Rankin Brothers; Shoji Tabuchi; SIX and many more. Click here for a complete list of Branson Shows or call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 for information about any Branson show.

Many of Branson’s attractions have special activities for Ozark Mountain Christmas. A partial list includes the Titanic Museum‘s with its Fantasy Princess starting Thanksgiving weekend,, Ride the Ducks Land and Lighting Tour With Splash’s Winter Wonderland and White Flight at the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest.

Branson’s shopping is legendary and the Christmas shopping during Ozark Mountain Christmas is no exception. From the shops at Branson Landing on the shores of Lake Taneycomo to handcrafted items by the craftsmen and artists at Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, three outlet malls and specialty shops for just about every interest, Branson is a Christmas shopper’s paradise.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests that Ozark Mountain Christmas is a wonderful way for locals and visitors alike to get into the true Christmas spirit, reminds everyone that it is one of the busiest times of the year in Branson and advises advance reservations for shows and lodging.

For additional information on Ozark Mountain Christmas please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling their toll free number, 1-800-785-1550.

Titanic Violin sells at auction for $1.45 million

Shoji Tabuchi viewing the Titanic Violin while it was on display in Branson.

BRANSON, Mo., October 21, 2013 – The “Titanic Violin,” which was on display at the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction during the month of August and believed to the long lost violin that Titanic’s bandmaster, Wallace Hartley played as the R.M.S. Titanic sank during the early morning hours of April 15, 1912 after hitting an iceberg, was sold at auction on Oct. 19 for $1.45 million. The amount is a record setting price for a piece of Titanic memorabilia, easily eclipsing its nearest “competitor,” an actual plan of the Titanic used at the admiralty hearings on the sinking in 1912, by a multiple of more than four.

Although there were many skeptics as to the authenticity when its discovery was originally made public in 2006 years of testing and authenticating seems to have carried the day. While the violin was on display at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Craig Sopin, one of the largest private collectors of Titanic artifacts and memorabilia, who was initially one of the violins biggest skeptics was asked if he believed the violin was authentic. He replied, “I am absolutely convinced.” He said that he changed his mind based on his own investigation, the extensive physical testing that has been done on the violin and case and provenance evidence tracing the violin back to the Titanic.

The auction was held at Henry Aldridge and Son in Wiltshire, England who are specialists in auctioning Titanic memorabilia. Prior to the auction it was estimated that the violin would sell in the $322,000 to $488,000 range, but according to reports, after starting out at about $80,000 the bidding quickly rose to the point where, at the end, there were only two telephone bidders going head to head. The name of the victorious bidder was not announced.

In announcing the exclusive United States hosting of the Titanic Violin earlier this year Mary Kellogg, the co-owner of the Titanic Museum Attractions, said “We are so honored that, out of all the places in the United States, our Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge and Branson were picked to host this violin and the opportunity to share this historic icon with our guests.” “How fortunate is Branson to have an attraction like the Titanic Museum Attraction with the reputation and ability to provide Branson visitors with the opportunity to get to see such an historic, iconic and valuable piece of history,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center.

Branson hosts America’s biggest “Veterans Day” celebration

Branson's Veterans Memorial Garden is just one of the many ways Veterans are honored in Branson on a daily basis.

BRANSON, Mo., October 17, 2013 – “Inherent to the Branson Spirit of God, Family and Country is patriotism and the honoring of Veterans, active duty Armed Forces personnel and their families,” said Tammy Johnson the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Veterans and active duty Military Armed Forces personnel are honored on a daily basis, but even by Branson standards ‘Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week’ is special.'”

She points out that it is the nation’s biggest “Veterans Day” celebration running from November 5th through November 11th each year and features a variety of events and activities honoring Veterans and their service. These events encompass everything from reunions, special shows such as Tony Orlando’s “Yellow Ribbon Salute to Veterans,” to one of the longest running Veterans Day Parades in America as the “80th Annual Veterans Day Parade” taking place in Historic Downtown Branson at the 11th Hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

The following list of scheduled events, although subject to change, is current as of October 16, 2013, does not include a myriad of specials and other things that local businesses, shows and attractions are doing, and are sorted by date and time:

November 5

1400 – 1630 Official Opening Ceremony and Welcome to Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week at Clay Cooper Theatre

0900 – 1530 Registration & Souvenir Commemorative Collectors Button Sales at Branson Mill Craft Village

0900 – 1530 “Remembering Our Fallen” The photo display, which includes photos of each Armed Forces Missourian who has fallen in the war against terrorism.

2000 “Special Salute to Veterans,” Showboat Branson Belle

November 6

1230 – 1430 Veterans Spouses Luncheon, Radisson Hotel, RSVP required call 417-230-1178

1400 Special Showing of “Four-star Country Boy,” Keeter Center Royal Oak Forum, College of the Ozarks, 417-690-2212. A play based on the life of former Assistant Commandant of the United States Marine Corps General Terrence R. Dake as conveyed by the book “The Four Generals of Hard Work U,” by Jerry C. Davis.

1500 – 1700 “Vietnam Veterans Thank You, Reception” with light Hors d’oeuvres, The Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks, 417-690-2212

November 7

0820 – 1130 Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion hosted by VVA Chapter 913, Branson, MO at the Golden Corral, 417-230-2278.

1200 – 1700 Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion, Camden Hotel & Conference Center, 417-230-2278

November 8

0800 2nd Annual Navy Memorial Service, Main Street Lake Cruises Branson Landing, 877-382-6287. Brief welcome at the dock or inside in case if inclement weather, followed by a short cruise and wreath ceremony honoring those departed members of the U. S. Naval Services for their service. After the boat returns to the dock there will be refreshments and fellowship.

0900 Wal-Mart Tribute to Veterans, Wal-Mart Supercenter in Branson Hills, 417-230-2278

1130 – 1330 Gold Star and Blue Star Mothers Luncheon, Landry’s Seafood Restaurant, Fran Davis 417-272-0630

1200 – 1500 Korea War Veterans Mini Reunion, Stone Castle Inn – 3050 Green Mountain Dr. 417-230-2278

1400 Tree Dedication at Veterans Grove, Alumni Center Lawn, College of the Ozarks, 417-690-2212

1500 – 1700 WWII Mini-Reunion, The Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks, 417-690-2212

1400 – 1900 4th ID Hospitality Room, Savannah House, 165 Expressway, 902-684-0147

1500 – 1930 Women Veterans Mini Reunion , Golden Corral with social hour, meal and show. Must RSVP 417-230-2278.

November 9

1200 – 1500 Korea War Veterans Mini Reunion, Stone Castle Inn – 3050 Green Mountain Dr. 417-230-2278

1900 U.S. Submarine Veterans Base Candlelight Ceremony, 918-786-8851 hosted by members of the Topeka-Jefferson City U.S. Submarine Veterans Base.

November 11

0700 Flag Raising/Wreath Laying Ceremony, Main Campus Flag Pole, Chapel Lawn, College of the Ozarks, 417-690-2212

1100 80th Annual Veterans Day Parade, Historic Downtown Branson

1400 Tony Orlando’s “Yellow Ribbon Salute to Veterans”, Welk Theatre, 417-337-7469 This will be Tony’s 20th and final year of presenting this annual free show to Veterans in Branson. Reservations may be made by calling 417-337-7469.

1900 Patriotic Convocation Jones Auditorium in the Nettie Marie Jones Learning Center, College of the Ozarks, 417-690-2212.

For additional information on “Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week,” any of Branson’s shows, attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to  call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.