Category Archives: Featured

“Adventures of Marco Polo” world debut in Branson

One of the many spectacular and colorful moments in the show..

BRANSON, Mo., August 2, 2013 – The story of Venetian “explorer” Marco Polo’s 20 plus years of living in China, his relationship with Kublia Kahn and first hand descriptions of the culture, history and heritage of China in the late 1200’s created a fascination with China when the “story” “The Travels of Marco Polo” was first published around 1300. On August 9 Branson audiences will have the opportunity to experience Marco Polo’s story and China as it is beautifully and spectacularly brought to life on stage in the show the “The Adventures of Marco Polo.”

Pamela Kay Critchfield, Director, Sales, Marketing and PR for the White House Theatre said that it “is one of the biggest shows that ‘China Heaven Creations International Performing Arts Co. Ltd.’ a major producer of entertainment productions in China since 1999, has ever produced. “It was especially created with American audiences in mind and to debut in Branson,” she continued.

Critchfield points out that the shows lavish sets and a 2,000 square foot floor to ceiling and side to side high resolution screen LED screen provide a spectacular, visual, and dynamic element to the show. When combined with an international cast of 66, over 100 beautiful costumes, “original orchestration, amazing dance, acrobatics and magic,” along with a story line combining history and love, the result is a show that will truly entertain all ages “from 2 to 92.” She said that Branson audiences will be treated to an entertainment spectacle the caliber of which is typically only available in New York or Las Vegas.

“We are just so excited that this epic production will be added the line-up of great shows that Branson has to offer,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Too we are honored that ‘China Heaven Creations International Performing Arts Co. Ltd.’ chose to have the world debut The Adventures of Marco Polo in Branson,” she added.

For additional information or tickets for The Adventures of Marco Polo please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourism Center.com
.

Branson one of Condė Nast’s Top Ten Friendly Cities

Silver Dollar City associates have exemplified the standard for friendliness in Branson for over 50 years.

BRANSON, MO, July 31, 2013 – Branson was just named one of the top ten friendliest cities in America by the readers of Condė Nast Traveler in its “2013 Annual Readers Choice Survey” along with cities such as Asheville, North Carolina; Austin, Texas; Sonoma, California and Telluride, Colorado. In commenting on the results of the Condė Nast survey, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center was not surprised. “Along with the fabulous shows, attractions, fun and excitement that Branson is noted for, one of its ‘Hallmarks’ and things that helps make Branson so special is the friendliness of its people.”

She points out something that expresses just how important “friendliness” is to all that Branson is. “The Branson Promise,” says, “We believe that new people aren’t strangers, just friends who haven’t visited. We believe that every guest can be a part of our Branson family. From headline performers to the folks who sell the tickets, we invite you to become part of the fun we create every day.”

In summarizing why Branson was chosen as one of the top ten most friendliest cities, Condė Nast Traveler said, “‘A throwback to gentler times,’ Branson, Missouri, is a popular destination for visitors looking for a Southern twist on ‘great family entertainment for all ages.’ Newcomers to Branson also find themselves falling for the ‘good folk’ who call the city home. ‘The people are terrific, the shows are fun, and the area is peaceful and beautiful,’ says one fan of the area, which plays host to dozens of theaters, wineries, and tourist-friendly attractions. ‘Fun is at every turn.'”

“What better way to make special memories for your family than to take them to a place where there is ‘fun at every turn’ provided by some of the friendliest people in America,” Johnson said.

Yakov Smirnoff performs limited engagement Branson shows

Yakov Smirnoff

BRANSON, MO, July 24, 2013 —  “Even if only for a limited engagement, it’s great news to have Yakov Smirnoff returning to the Branson stage and performing in his all new Branson show Dinner with Yakov,” said Tiffany Isnard, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “And the news just gets better,” she continued, “because it was just announced that not only will he be appearing from October 1 through November 27 in 2013, but will be returning to Branson to perform in the Fall of 2014.”

Dinner With Yakov combines a “delectable mouth-watering meal ” with side-splitting comedy that will have the audience “laughing the entire way through their meal” as Yakov shares “his insightful and laughter-filled philosophy on life, love, family and country. He takes his comedy to a new level to showcase laughter’s effects on relationships and envisions a world where sadness and tears are replaced with love and laughter. The New York Times called his one man hit Broadway show, “warm-hearted, delightful and splendidly funny.”

Between 1992 and 2012 Yakov produced “several outstanding award-winning shows” and entertained over four million Branson visitors. In 2011 he announced that 2012 would be his last full Branson season. After traveling around the U. S. with his acclaimed “The Happily Ever Laughter Tour” during most of 2013 he will be returning to Branson for his Fall season limited engagement performances with his new show.

One of America’s favorite comedians since he first hit the entertainment scene in the late 1970’s Yakov “has been a popular guest on numerous national TV shows including the Tonight Show, HBO and “ his highly praised Showtime special as well as co-staring ” in movies with Robin Williams in Moscow on the Hudson, Tom Hanks in The Money Pit, Meryl Streep and JackNicholson in Heartburn, and Richard Pryor in Brewster’s Millions.” He has been “invited to to perform at the White House for several presidents and honored guests and President Ronald Reagan called him a “national treasure.”

For additional information on Dinner with Yakov or for information or tickets for any of 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 calling 1-800-785-1550.

 

 

CPAA/Bass Pro Fall Big Bass Blast provides opportunity for amateurs to win big money

Central Pro Am Fall Big Bass Blast

BRANSON, MO, July 23, 2013 – “With a guaranteed prize of $10,000 for the biggest fish, weigh-ins and prizes every two hours and no professionals or guides permitted, the Central Pro-Am Association’s Fall Big Bass Blast (Blast), presented by Bass Pro Shops and the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, is an excellent opportunity for amateurs to fish for a day, have fun and win a lot of money,” said Mike Webb the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association. The Blast will be held on Nov. 2, from 7 AM to 3 PM at Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina, 378 Long Creek Road, Ridgedale, MO on Table Rock Lake.

He further explained that the Blast is designed for non-professional fisherman and, unlike normal tournaments where there is one weigh-in and it is the total weight of all the fish that wins, in the Blast, there are four independent weigh-ins with only one Bass from each fisherman eligible to be weighed in at each. There will be cash prizes paid for the largest bass at each individual weigh-in.

Although the amounts for each will vary, depending on the number of registrations, with 300 registered participants, EACH independent Weigh-In Payouts would be 1st: $3,000 2nd: $2,000 3rd: $1,000 and progressively less from 4th to 10th place. The independent Weigh-Ins will take place every two hours at 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM. In addition to the cash prizes for the individual “Weigh-In Payouts” there will be “Big Bass Payout”, for the three biggest fish of the day of 1st: $10,000 2nd: $5,000 and 3rd: $3,000.

Webb points out that although the amounts shown as payouts above for each of the four Weigh-In Payouts and 2nd and 3rd in the Big Bass Payouts are based on 300 registrations for the Blast. If there are more or less the prizes would be adjusted up or down accordingly. The $10,000 1st for the Big Bass of the tournament is the guaranteed minimum regardless of whether or not there are less than 300 registrants.

Another unique feature of this event is the way the tournament starts. There will be no day of tournament registrations or massive “take off” from one spot. All participants must pre-register and participants can be anywhere they want to be on Table Rock Lake ready to fish when they get the text message at 7 AM that the tournament has started.

To facilitate this type of start all participants must Check-In at the Springfield Bass Pro Shops, 1935 S. Campbell Avenue, Springfield, MO between the hours of 12 PM and 7 PM on Nov. 1. Registration is $150.00 per participant and may either be done on line or at the Check-In. All participants “must be enrolled in the Bass Pro Shops®Outdoor Rewards® Program which is free and may either be done on line at www.basspro.com/rewards or on site during the event Check-In. You may also enroll on-site during event Check-In and either way, all Blast participants received double rewards points on all purchases made at the Springfield Bass Pro Shops

There will be additional on-site activities on Nov. 2 in addition to the Weigh-Ins at the Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina. These include free NITRO® Boat Demo Rides, free Food and Beverages and NITRO®, Mercury®, and NASCAR® displays.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the sponsors of the Central Pro-Am Association reminds those attending and participating in the Blast that Nov. 2 is during the first week of Ozark Mountain Christmas and signals the beginning of one of busiest periods of the entire Branson season. She recommends making advance arrangements not only for lodging, but for shows. 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, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

New 2014 Branson show is “Unbelievable”

Dave Hamner, Tamra Tinoco and Denise Hamner at announcement.

BRANSON, MO, July 17, 2013 – At a press conference on July 15, world renowned illusionists Dave and Denise Hamner announced that their new extreme variety show, the “Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show,” will open in the renamed “Hamner Variety Theatre,” on March 11, 2014. Dave Hamner described the new show as an “extreme variety show.” When asked what an extreme variety show is, Hamner, with a twinkle in his eye, responded, “Unbelievable.” He added that “birds appear, people fly, voices soar” and audiences of all ages will be constantly amazed and entertained by an “Unbelievable” combination of talent that will have them on the edge of their seats in anticipation of what is coming next.

He said that the new variety show will feature major illusions, great vocals, dancing, close up magic, comedy, Russian acrobatics, Adagio dancing, impressions and, perhaps, a few surprises. The cast of “Unbelievable” will feature the internationally renowned illusionists Dave & Denise Hamner, comedian and impressionist Jeff Brandt, vocalist Tamra Tinoco, Russian Acrobatic Adagio father and daughter dance pair, Vadim & Mariya Serykh, comedian and close up magician Lex Pearson, ventriloquist Brenda Hahne, and dancers A.J. Heard and Ken Brown. Here’s a little more in depth look at each:

Illusionists Dave and Denise Hamner have headlined many major production shows around the world, presenting their award winning and original feats of magic; have co-owned and co-produced the Hamner Barber Variety Show for the past ten years and have received the prestigious “Magic Masters Award” by their magical peers in Las Vegas. They are best known “for their one of a kind act in which they produce several beautiful Macaws and Cockatoos that appear amid flying cards, flaming swords, falling coins and jewels. The birds then perform an incredible flight over and around the audience before gracefully returning to the stage. Other original illusions include ‘Stargate,’ ‘The Lightning Levitation,’ ‘Vertigo: The Fall of Death,’ ‘Secrets of the Lost Ark Revealed,’ and the magical finale to their Veteran’s tribute, ‘Thank You’s Not Enough.'”

Cast members Rex Pearson, left, Jeff Brandt, Tamra Tinoco, Vadim & Mariya Serykh, Dave & Denise Hamner, Brenda Hayne and Ken Brown.

Impressionist Jeff Brandt “is considered one of the top singing impressionists in the country. Jeff has co-starred in several Branson shows over the years including to the high-energy Wayne Newton show which featured Jeff’s amazing vocal talents for 13 years both in Branson and Las Vegas. Among Jeff’s other accomplishments are two appearances on NBC’s ‘Tonight Show,’ a featured spot on the TV show ‘Las Vegas,’ two featured film appearances in ‘Vegas Vacation’ and ‘Smoking Aces,’ performances at the White House in Washington DC, and the National Republican Convention.”

Vocalist Tamra Tinoco “is from Springfield, MO. She has a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of Kansas City Conservatory of Music. She has performed all over the world and in 45 different states. She has produced shows such as ‘Magnificent Country,’ ‘Today’s Country,’ ‘Showcase Jubilee’, and currently the ‘Magnificent Variety Show.’ Tamra has performed with artists such as Lee Greenwood, Vince Gill, John Davidson, Jim Stafford, Ferlin Husky and was Porter Waggoner’s guest star on the ‘Grand Ole Opry.'”

The father and daughter team of Vadim & Mariya Serykh “have been performing hand balancing adagio at Cirque Montage for the past two years. Mariya’s first appearance on stage was when she was just 4 years old with her parents on the Showboat Branson Belle and she has been performing ever since in numerous events and productions throughout the country. Mariya is a natural when it comes to acrobatics but more so as a dancer in Ballet, Modern, Contemporary and Jazz. She was a competitive dancer and used her agility to learn how to soar through the air as an aerialist and had the honor of winning the title of National and World Champion in dance.”

Close Up Magician and comedian Lex Pearson has appeared in a number of Branson shows spending the last seven years with the Hamner Barber Variety Show and has been a featured artist in a number of Mexican resorts in addition to appearing in the movies ‘Surrendered’ ‘The Movie,’ and ‘Broken Faith.’ You will be amazed with his close-up magic. And won’t believe your eyes as he performs incredible tricks of the trade using cards, ropes, coins and more.”

Ventriloquist Brenda Hahne “and her cast of characters have been entertaining audiences for over 15 years. Not only a ventriloquist, Brenda is also a magician’s assistant, having worked side-by-side with her magician husband Marty since they were married in 1983. Besides performing for hundreds of family audiences across the country, Brenda has also entertained on seven different cruise ships, and internationally in New Zealand and Singapore. Originally from Ohio, Brenda makes her home in Ozark, MO.”

Choreographer and Dancer AJ Heard grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, where she started taking dance and ice skating lessons at the age of 3. “She trained with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and at age 17 joined a professional training program at the highly regarded, Randolph Dance Theater. She was hired by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a lead dancer in their multimillion dollar variety shows and this is where she met her husband, Bucky. AJ has performed and choreographed for a variety of shows including, The Van Burch and Welford Show, … and Jimmy Osmonds American Jukebox…AJ is currently the choreographer/dance captain for the Hamner Barber Variety Show.”

Assistant Choreographer Dance Captain Ken Brown “grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. He also worked alongside The Hamners in Jimmy Osmond’s American Jukebox. Affectionately referred to by the cast as ‘Downtown Kenny Brown,’ Ken is a multi-talented entertainer and gives 110% to every performance.”

“Unbelievable” will be directed by Johnny Thompson who “performs under the stage name ‘The Great Tomsoni.’ Within the magician community, ‘Tomsoni’ is considered a virtuoso, widely known as a mentor and teacher of magic, and a creator of tricks, as opposed to simply a performer. He has worked behind the scenes with magicians such as Penn and Teller, Lance Burton, and Criss Angel. In 1999, he was awarded one of the highest honors in the magician community, a Masters Fellowship with the Academy of Magical Arts. Dave and Denise are thrilled to have the expertise of such a high caliber director, producer to bring a fresh new look to their magical variety show.”

Denise Hamner said, “I am so excited. It’s not just that we have a new show that we believe will be fantastic, but for the quality and enthusiasm of all the acts that will be featured with us. It’s a show and cast that will keep people on the edge of their seats eagerly anticipating what’s coming next and leaving the theatre exhausted from the all the fun, excitement, entertainment, amazement and wonder they have just experienced.”

Ozark Mountain Christmas planning in July?

The center of Silver Dollar City's "Old Time Christmas." It's town square and five story special effects Christmas Tree.

BRANSON, MO, July 13, 2013 — “It might seem strange talking about Ozark Mountain Christmas, running from November 1 through December 31 each year, as we swelter in the heat in the middle of July ” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “In addition to the cooling effects that such thoughts might have on ones psyche however, it should be noted that Ozark Mountain Christmas, is the most colorful, exciting, inspirational and busiest time of the year in the Branson,” she added. “To get the ‘hottest’ deals and best availability on a trip to Branson for Ozark Mountain Christmas, planning in July might just be the ‘cool’ thing to do.”

Johnson explains that Ozark Mountain Christmas, is a unique and special Branson Christmas experience that is not available anywhere else on earth. From the Silver Dollar City’s “Old Time Christmas” to the West to the large Adoration Scene on top of Mount Branson to the East, Ozark Mountain Christmas, sets Branson aglow with Christmas lights, shows, shopping and, most important of all, the true spirit of Christmas that “resonates in the hearts of those wanting to celebrate and experience the traditional celebration of Christmas.”

Over a million sparkling Christmas lights transform Silver Dollar City into a Christmas wonderland as it celebrates its “Old Time Christmas,” as only it can do with special shows and activities in addition to everything else it offers.  The Shepherd of the Hills’ Trail of Lights and the “Branson Area Festival of Lights” both provide spectacular drive through lighting displays with millions of glowing Christmas lights and numerous beautiful displays. And the glow of Christmas lights doesn’t stop there as Christmas decorations and lights adorn utility poles, the Branson Landing Roundabout, the Titanic Museum Attraction as the ship celebrates Christmas with the Fantasy Princess, Branson Landing and many of Branson’s shops and theatres.

And speaking of theatres, the vast majority of Branson’s shows share the spirit of Christmas by devoting a portion of their shows to the celebration of the traditional Christmas. In addition, there are a number of shows that are only available during Ozark Mountain Christmas, such as the Andy Williams Christmas Show staring Osmond Brothers and Lennon Sisters, Sight and Sounds spectacular production of the Miracle of Christmas presented on a 300 foot surround stage, Christmas in Hollywood, Tony Orlando staring in the final Branson season of his Great American Christmas show and others.

“Its large variety of unique boutiques, specialty shops, galleries and craft shops, Branson Landing and discount malls like the “Tanger Factory Outlet Center” and “The Shoppes at Branson Meadows” provide a great shopping experience in Branson year round,” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson continued. “Mix in a little Ozark Mountain Christmas, and it’s not hard to see why many do their Christmas shopping in Branson.”

She points out that during Branson’s regular season there are periods when shows and lodging fill up, but that during Ozark Mountain Christmas, particularly with the more popular shows and lodging establishments, the situation increases exponentially. Johnson explains that not only do the chances of nonavailability increase, but the chances of getting the best show seats, choice of accommodations, and the best prices decrease the longer one waits to make their Ozark Mountain Christmas, travel plans. She reiterates, “To get the ‘hottest’ deals and best availability on a trip to Branson for Ozark Mountain Christmas, planning in July might just be the ‘cool’ thing to do.”

For additional information on Ozark Mountain Christmas, 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 its website https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/ .

Branson’s Twelve Irish Tenors stand alone

Twelve Irish Tenors performing Scarborough Fair.

BRANSON, MO, July 11, 2013 – There is no lack of variety in the types of live shows that Branson offers on a daily basis during its season. The Official Branson.Com Branson Show Schedule, powered by the Branson Tourism Center, shows almost 100 shows, from acrobats to outdoor dramas and music shows of every genre, but, after seeing the July 10th performance of the Twelve Irish Tenors this writer can say that it stands alone in terms of the harmony, power and beauty of its vocals; and the unique and exciting entertainment experience it provides.

Individually the 12 performers making up the Twelve Irish Tenors are Jay McManus, Justin Sassanella, Jeff Wait, Chism Ruden, Cory Seay, Tony Turner, Alex Webster, Alex Oberholzer, Clark Roberts, Martin Bennett, Gavin Rees and Rhys Tees. As some perform solos during the show their individual vocal talent becomes obvious, but from their very first number, it is the power and beauty of those voices singing in combination that brings “goose bumps” and makes one realize that they are hearing and experiencing something very special.

The simply beautiful and powerful rendition of “Danny Boy” the 12 opened the show with is a perfect illustration as it sets the tenor for the unique wonderful musical entertainment experience that follows. The key words here are “musical entertainment experience.” As I was taking notes the words “powerfully and beautifully sung” were used a lot and if that was all there was this would still be a great show, but it’s not. Whether it’s the whole group or part of the group, each number is choreographed to combine different additional elements and actions such as dancing humor, special effects, sets and audience interaction. This enhances the total audience enjoyment of the show.

A perfect example would be their performance of one of my favorite segments of the show, a three number medley from “Les Miserables.” It starts with a darkened stage and Cory Seay sitting at a table with a single “candle” as he sings the poignant “Empty Chairs and Empty Tables,” which expands into the full group singing a rousing version of “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from which Tony Turner emerges as the featured singer in the group’s performance the beautiful and moving “Bring Him Home.” Wow, talk about a powerful and inspirational experience!

And that’s just one segment of the show. It makes no difference if the song is an Irish folksong like “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” “An Irish Lullaby (Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra),” the Barry Manilow hit “I Write The Music,” the Bette Midler classic “The Rose” or the aria “Nessun Dorma,” it is simply one amazing performance after another from both a musical and total entertainment perspective.

Realizing that my show highlights might not be the same as someone else’s, I generally mention one or two of my favorite highlights. That would include, in addition to the “Les Miserables” segment noted above, their performance of Josh Groben’s “You Raised Me Up,” and “The Prayer.” Ok, I just have to mention one more, their performance of “Phil The Flutters Ball” was a fun high energy piece with some great dance moves by all, but especially the Irish Dancing display put on by Jay McManus.

The show’s creator and producer David King said, “The music will make you melt and the individual voices would be enough to hold their own on any stage, but when you combine twelve the result is breathtaking.” That it is, as well as unique, fun, inspirational and extremely entertaining.

For additional information or tickets for the Twelve Irish Tenors or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities 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.

 

 

Material Connection

On Branson stage, TV and boat Mickey Gilley’s “Too Good to Stop Now”

The legendary Mickey Gilley

BRANSON, MO, July 9, 2013 – The title to his 1984 hit “Too Good To Stop Now” pretty well sums up the current Branson activities of the legendary country music star Mickey Gilley. For some, the 2009 near fatal accident that left him paralyzed to the point where doctors thought that he night never walk again might have ended a five decade musical career that generated over 39 hits, including 17 number one hits on the country music charts, but not for Gilley.

He fought back to the point where he was not only walking, but in 2011 resumed performances at his Branson theatre where he currently performs the Mickey Gilley Show Sunday through Wednesday. Backed by the “Urbanetts” and the “Urban Cowboy Band” Gilley takes center stage and, displaying the magic that has made him the legend he is, captivates his audience with a trip through his career complete with all seventeen of his number one hits as well as stories of his past 50 years in show business and those he shared it with, such as his cousin Jerry Lee Lewis.

Not only is Gilley performing on the stage in Branson he is also staring on the RFD TV Show “Gilley’s Place TV.” Staring Gilley with Branson entertainers Delena Ditto and Katie Lynn assisting, the weekly show is filmed at “Gilley’s Texas Café” in Branson. The show features Gilley performing, “Mickey’s Musical Moment” sharing a performance from the past 50 years of his legendary career as well as guest appearances and interviews with current Branson and other nationally known performers. The Oak Ridge Boys were the guests on his first show of the season. Other guests appearing in Season One are:

July 12th – Daniel O’Donnell

July 19th – Gatlin Brothers

July 26th – Paul Harris

August 2nd – Tony Orlando

August 9th – Shoji Tabuchi

August 16th – Barbara Fairchild

August 23rd – Jim Barber

August 30th – Baldknobbers & Clay Cooper

September 6th – Mel Tillis

September 13th – Gene Watson

September 20th – Buck Trent

September 27th – T. Graham Brown, Linda Davis & Neal McCoy

And if that’s not enough, Gilley is participating in Branson Tourism Center’s exclusive Cruise With The Stars event consisting of two separate Branson entertainment activities which have been exclusively and uniquely combined into one “event.” In Gilley’s case the first event is seeing the Mickey Gilley Show at his theatre. The second, and separate activity, is going on an exclusive VIP luncheon cruise with Gilley aboard Main Street Cruise Lines‘ 100 foot luxury yacht, Landing Princess at 11:45 AM on September 19. It should be noted that although the Landing Princess has a spectacular dinner sightseeing cruise daily, the VIP luncheon cruise is available only as part of the Cruise With The Stars entertainment experience offered exclusively to Branson Tourism Center customers because of the special relationship it has with each of the shows involved and Main Street Lake Cruises.

Even after 50 years of entertaining, a near fatal accident and other things that might have made many people stop, Gilley continues doing what he loves to do. It adds special meaning to the words, “But it feels too good to stop now” as he sings the last line in the chorus of his 1984 hit “Too Good to Stop Now.”

La Quinta Inn Music City Centre of ideal lodging experience

La Quinta Inn

BRANSON, MO, July 7, 2013 – “The term ‘Centre’ in the name ‘La Quinta Inn Branson Music City Centre’ (La Quinta) is certainly appropriate,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. In fact, when Kirk Paige the General Manager of La Quinta was asked what one overriding reason Branson visitors might want to consider for staying at La Quinta he responded, “Location.”

Paige went on to explain that La Quinta is within a very short walking distance of, among others, Dixie Stampede; Dick Clarks American Band Stand Theater with Legends in Concert and the Bretts shows; the The God and Country Theatre with over a dozen shows; the Grand Country Music Hall with the Grand Jubilee and seven other shows; many  restaurants including Applebee’s, Subway, Fuddruckers, Billy Bobs, the Grand Country Buffet and others. He also points out that guests going out the back of the property have access to Branson’s Blue Route, Roark Valley Road, and the ability to avoid the traffic on the Branson Strip should they chose to do so.

Paige said that La Quinta has 100 rooms with the majority of them, 83, being “traditional” with either two queen size or one king size bed and that it can accommodate groups as well as families. Each room has brand new comfortable mattresses, 27″ televisions, in room coffee, iron, enclosed closets, and beautiful granite vanities and comes with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

Atrium and pool area.

In addition to standard amenities such as large cable TV, free Wi-Fi internet, free coffee at the desk, elevators, all inside access rooms and much more Paige said that his favorite amenity is their  “signature” atrium, complete with a three-story waterfall, large indoor pool, large hot tub and sauna. Among other things, La Quinta also offers a fitness center, free parking, and a great “free” deluxe continental “Bright Side Breakfast” including waffles, biscuits & sausage gravy, sausage patties and other items such as fruit, cereals, an assortment of breads and pastries, juices and milk. Paige said, “Our guests really enjoy our breakfast and we get tons and tons of positive feedback on it.

La Quinta has no outdoor pool, is smoke free and is “pet friendly” with no extra charge for pets. Paige stressed that after the check out for a room that has had pets “Everything is taken out of the room and it is given a deep cleaning.”

Branson Tourism Center’s (BTC) Johnson points out that, in addition to everything else La Quinta offers, it is also eligible for Branson Tourism Center’s “Lowest Rate Lock Guarantee” insuring that those purchasing lodging at La Quinta through BTC are getting the lowest rates possible. If you book La Quinta lodging accommodations directly through Branson Tourism Center “and then find the same room, for the same number of guests, at the same property, and for the same dates at a lower price offered publicly (before taxes), we’ll [BTC] refund you the difference.

Johnson also suggests that those interested in La Quinta might want to get a little closer look at what it has to offer by viewing a short La Quinta video produced by BTC. For additional information on La Quinta Inn Branson Music City Centre or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.

 

Branson is “Creating Memories worth repeating”

Innovations like its new world breaking "Outlaw Run" wooden coaster have helped Silver Dollar City "Create memories worth repeating" for over 50 years.

BRANSON, Mo., July 1, 2013 – “One of the remarkable things about Branson is the number of repeat visitors it gets each year with some coming back year after year,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) “and a big reason for that is that Branson, like its most popular and oldest paid attraction, Silver Dollar City, specializes in “Creating memories worth repeating.” Johnson points out that the perfect example would be that of long time BTC customers George and Sally Kaup, from Woodridge, IL, who have been coming back to Branson each year since at least 1996, sometimes by themselves and, at other times, bringing their family.

For many people those memories generally involve one or more of the three major things that attract and draw people to Branson. Those would be its fabulous live shows, the natural beauty of Branson’s lakes and surrounding Ozark Mountains and its major attractions such as Silver Dollar City, the Titanic Museum Attraction and others.

How important are Branson’s live shows in “Creating Memories worth repeating?” “Very” according to a report that the Branson Board of Aldermen received last year from the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB about a study they did on what brings people to Branson. The study concluded that “Branson’s Shows” are the Number 1 reason people come to Branson.

A quick glance at some of Branson’s most popular shows, as featured in the Official Branson.Com Show Schedule, powered by Branson Tourism Center, will show that Branson offers a breadth of live show that is unmatched by most major tourist destinations. When the quality of those shows is coupled with the fact that they are mere minutes from the natural beauty of Branson’s lakes, the beautiful natural scenery of the Ozark Mountains and its major attractions the result is an unmatched opportunity for “Creating Memories worth repeating” and one that brings visitors back year after year.

The pristine waters of Branson’s two closest lakes, Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo, and of the ever present Ozark Mountains is a unique draw for Branson visitors. Whether it’s fishing for bass in the warm waters of Table Rock Lake or the elusive Rainbow and Brown Trout in the colder water of Lake Taneycomo, swimming, boating, camping and or simply relaxing and viewing the beautiful ever changing Ozark scenery; it all plays an important part in “Creating Memories worth repeating” and bringing visitors back to Branson year after year.

Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction, the award winning 1880s style theme park, Silver Dollar City has attracted tens of millions of guests to Branson over the years with its rides, shows, festivals, food services, demonstrating craftsmen and much more. From the very beginning their mission has been to be a place that creates “Memories worth repeating” that will bring visitors back time and time again. The fact that they have been entertaining Branson visitors for over 53 years testifies to its success. The constant addition of new attractions, such as the Titanic Museum Attraction and dozens more, provide still more exciting and fun ways to help Branson visitors create special memories.

It is the “Creating of memories worth repeating” that not only brings families and visitors back to Branson each year, but is the promise that attracts many initially. Branson’s commitment to and keeping that promise is what makes it such a unique and special place.