"Voices of Glory," Michael, Avery and Nadia Cole, during guest performance at 2012 CAM Gospel Sing-Off.

BRANSON, MO, February 4, 2013 – In announcing that “Ayo” would be appearing at the Hughes Brothers Theatre along with it, Jeff Topper, Director of Sales for the Hughes Brothers Theatre, did not mention the fact that there is not another theatre marquee in Branson that could announce it was presenting two shows and only take up a total of five letters. What he did say however was, “At the Hughes Brothers Theatre we’re already open with our hit show it and we’re excited about adding another upbeat show like ‘Ayo’ starring ‘Voices of Glory’ to our theatre line-up.”

“The Voices of Glory,” siblings Michael, Avery and Nadia Cole who started singing together in 2007 when they sang to their mother who was in a coma as the result of “a head-on collision with a drunk driver.” Their mother came out of the coma, those who heard the Coles sing realized they were hearing something special, they adopted the stage name “Voices of Glory,” kept on singing and in 2009 ended up as a top five finalist on the NBC prime time hit show, America’s Got Talent. Since then, among other things, toured “internationally, performing at the Annual GMA’s Dove Awards, the 2010 & 2011 ICM Awards, at Madison Square Garden, were a featured act in ‘Andy William’s 2012 Christmas Show,'” and performed in “Germany for Weihnachtszauber.”

Jason Hughes, one of the Hughes Brothers co-producing the show said, “In Ayo we’re taking the audience on a journey of joy using song, dance, lights, and the personalities of Michael, Avery, and Nadia, backed up by a live band.” In describing the show, Nadia Cole said, “Ayo adds another level to the Branson show mix. While Ayo features our original music, and of course our gospel favorites, it also reaches out to visitors of all ages with current and familiar songs that speak to the musical soul.” Michael Cole said, “We love the music and we love what music can do for people.  In Ayo we want the audience to feel what we feel when we sing – a pure call to joy!” and his brother Avery adds, “Ayo is also a slang term for ‘Hey you’…and we’re hoping that just like that term reaches out and grabs your attention…that Ayo will reach out and grab your heart!”

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, congratulates both the Hughes Brother’s Theatre staff and Voices of Glory on the new show. She points out that although Ayo’s premier is not until March 18 that it at the Hughes Brothers Theatre opened its 2013 season in January and is currently running a full schedule of shows. For additional information or tickets for “Ayo,” “it” or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center through their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

"New South," Trey Wilson, left, Jason Robinson, Mark McCauley and David Price, during their opening set.

BRANSON, MO, February 1, 2013 — In a previous review of the Grand Jubilee this writer said, “It might seem like a cliché, but the Grand Jubilee is truly ‘grand’ entertainment. I laughed until I hurt, listened to some of the most talented musicians and vocalists I have ever heard, in Branson or anywhere else, and was thoroughly entertained by a fast moving production that held my interest throughout. It was over all too quickly.” After seeing the new 2013 edition of this show on January 25 of this year all this writer can say is “Ditto.”

In that review it was pointed out that the elements of the show aren’t that much different from the Branson variety show mold that was cast by the Baldknobbers over 52 years ago and has worked so successfully for so many Branson shows. They have vocals, a live band and comedy, but that’s like saying because a pie has ingredients 1, 2 and 3 that it’s going to be a great pie. It’s not the elements or ingredients by themselves, but the the quality of the talent involved with each element and how they are woven together that makes the Grand Jubilee the “grand” entertainment experience it is.

The main vocal element of the show features “New South,” one of Branson’s premier male quartets, composed of lead vocalist, Trey Wilson, tenor Jason Robinson, baritone David Price and bass Mark McCauley. Individually these guys have great voices, but when they sing together it is a WOW blow your socks off kind of thing not only in terms of the vocals themselves, but their energy and ability to convey the feeling to the audience that they are not just going through the motions, but having a good time.

New South performs a variety of music from many different genres including pop, country, gospel, patriotic, gospel and more covering decades of hits. As important as what they sing is how they sing it. In this writers opinion, as good as each is individually, combined they have a power, voice range and synergy that is amazing. Although certainly subjective the group’s performance of “Antioch Church House Choir,” featuring Trey Wilson ,”Elvira,” featuring the bass voice of Bass Mark McCauley  and “YMCA” are a few of many numbers illustrating not only New South’s vocal talent, but their ability to get the audience invested in the performance, the shows excellent costuming and some great moves. And speaking of “moves,” you won’t believe the moves Mark McCauley makes during the group’s performance of “YMCA.”

The beautiful and talented Jackie Brown,

The female vocalist is the extremely talented Jackie Brown. She performed a variety of music throughout the show demonstrating her considerable vocal talents. Her spirited rendition of the Dolly Parton song, “Baby I’m Burning” illustrates why it was one of Dolly’s favorite songs and her duet with Trey Wilson of “You Don’t Know Me” was simply beautiful.

It’s hard to describe just how good the “Grand Band” is and what an integral part of the show they are. It is composed of Michael W. Davis, Piano/Keyboard & Vocals; Wayne Massengale, Fiddle and Acoustic Guitar; Larry Allred, Bass Guitar; Rob Blackburn, Drums; Matt Hanshaw, Lead and Acoustic Guitar and Gene Mulvaney, Steel Guitar, Electric Guitar, Banjo & Band Director.

These guys just don’t sit back and play, they are seamlessly worked into many of the numbers of the show with featured segments in a way that makes the Grand Jubilee show unique among Branson shows. These guys are some of the most talented instrumentalists in Branson, both individually and collectively, enjoy what they are doing and convey that enjoyment to their audience. Two Band highlights was their rendition of what I believe was “The Grand Bounce” and Wayne Massengale’s fiddle duet of “Orange Blossom Special” Jamie Haage, who is also the show’s comedian.

"Jim Dandy," Jammie Haage, left and his faithful straight-man, the shows emcee and producer, Mike Patrick.

The multi-talented, Jamie Haage, who is one of Branson’s best comedians is the shows comedian and does an hilariously funny job of playing “Jim Dandy.” You’ve heard of “dark comedy,” well welcome to “orange comedy,” where, strategically placed throughout the show, Jim Dandy, along with his straight man, the shows Emcee Mike Patrick, will have you laughing until you hurt with a blend of comedy and one liners. It’s safe to say that after experiencing this show you will have a newly found appreciation for just how funny and magical a banana can be. Watching the metamorphosis of Haage from comedian to instrumentalist and vocalist is a special and unique thing to see and hear and testifies as to the versatility and talents of this “grand” entertainer.

No review of the Grand Jubilee would be complete without mentioning the shows Director and Producer Mike Patrick who is also the shows Emcee, Jim Dandy’s straight man and even plays a mean honky-tonk piano. This show is a wonderful blend of great music, comedy and fun that is simply a joy to see, hear, and experience. From its opening number to its stirring patriotic finale, the Grand Jubilee is a ‘grand’ entertainment experience that just might be two of the best and fastest moving hours of entertainment in Branson.

The unique one of a kind bird illusion of Dave and Denise Hamner is just part of the magic and amazing entertainment of the Hamner Barber Variety Show.

BRANSON, Mo., January 14, 2013 — “It’s no illusion, Branson’s magic shows are a ‘magical’ experience for the whole family,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center . She goes on to point out that although known primarily for the variety and quality of its live music shows, Branson is also blessed with a variety of award winning magic shows offering something for every taste.

The Hamner Barber Variety Show features the spectacular magic of Dave and Denise Hamner who have won numerous awards for their magic including having twice received a “Merlin Award” from the International Magician Society. From the opening through the subtle beauty of Hamner’s presentation of the “Magic of the Silver Coins, ” the death defying excitement and danger of “Vertigo” and inspiration of the “Ark of the Lost Covenant” the illusions in this show keep audiences on the edge of their seats as illusions unfold and hold them in a constant state of excitement as to what was coming next not only in terms of the illusion, but the production, sets, and color that is part of each.

And that’s just part of the “magic” of the show. The ventriloquism genius and comedy of Jim Barber, one of the world’s top ventriloquists is woven together with the Hamner’s illusions the result is a unique magical blend of entertainment not available anywhere else in Branson.

Kirby VanBurch, another International Award-Winning Magician, and his signature ” family of exotic animals including a Royal White Tigers has been entertaining Branson audiences with shows filled with huge illusions, “big time production numbers dancing and hilarious comedy” for over a decade. It has been described as “a thrill-a-second production packed full of astonishing disappearing acts, a helicopter appearing in 3 seconds flat, assistants cut in half, and other never-before-seen illusions.”

Taylor Reed, who has been entertaining audiences in Branson for eight years, was seen by millions when he appeared on the hit NBC primetime show, “America’s Got Talent” and ” amazed judges Howie Mandel, Sharon Osborne, and Howard Stern when he made a motorcycle appear during his performance. In 2013 this talented magician will have his own theatre and a new show called “The Magic & Comedy of Taylor Reed”, featuring along with Reed, special guest illusionists that will be appearing throughout the season.

The show will feature ” original illusions, comedy, and dance, along with his menagerie of furry friends,” a “fire eating performance and a disappearing NASCAR illusion.” In announcing the new show Reed said that in performing at his own theatre, ” I am presented with an amazing opportunity to bring out the “Big Gun” illusions, with professional lighting, sound, and special effects. And, the original set from the Las Vegas EFX show designed by David Mendoza.”

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 by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.