Category Archives: Featured

“The Complete Beatles” with Liverpool Legends at Andy Williams Moon River Theatre 2013

Liverpool Legends

BRANSON, Mo., November 17, 2012 — At a recent news conference, Lynn Meredith, General Manager, of the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, announced that as part of carrying on the entertainment legacy of Andy Williams that the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre “will continue to be the home of great singers and exciting entertainers.” After pointing out that the 2013 schedule would be out soon he announced that Daniel O’Donnell will be moving to the Moon River Theatre starting in November of 2013.

This week, the theatre announced the second of the outstanding and exciting acts that will be appearing at the theatre, Louise Harrison’s “Liverpool Legends.” They will be appearing at the theatre during the summer of 2013 in “‘The Complete Beatles’,a full-scale Beatles extravaganza like you have never seen them before.” Meredith said, “It’s a total phenomenon that The Beatles are bigger and more popular today than ever before, and to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their arrival in America, we wanted to build the biggest and best production around Liverpool Legends and take their show to a new level.”

“’We are so excited to bring our show to The Andy Williams Moon River Theater,’ said Marty Scott, who portrays George Harrison in Liverpool Legends. ‘It’s going to be our biggest show ever! Andy was one of the first people to come to our show when we came to Branson in 2006 and he was always very supportive of us and told us how much he loved the Beatles and appreciated their music.'”

“Recently, Liverpool Legends were chosen over every other Beatles tribute show in the world by top television and film producer Jerry Bruckheimer (CSI, Pirates of The Caribbean, National Treasure) to portray the band that changed the course of music and the world forever.

“Members of Liverpool Legends have toured the world, playing in historic venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Cavern Club in Liverpool, recording at the famed Abbey Road Studios in London and performing with Denny Laine (co-founder of Wings with Paul McCartney), Pete Best (the original Beatles drummer) and the Boston Pops. They appeared on The Travel Channel’s “Beatlemania Britain” and headlined “International Beatles Week” in Liverpool where 100,000 Beatles fans jammed Victoria Street to hear them in concert.

“Liverpool Legends perform songs spanning the entire career of The Beatles and on through the solo years. With precise attention to every musical detail, along with costume changes, vintage instruments and special effects, Liverpool Legends will make you feel like you are watching the real thing!”

“This is yet another example of the quality and variety of the live entertainment that Branson offers on a daily basis,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “What a wonderful way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Beatles arrival in America,” she continued.

What is Branson’s most unique attraction?

Dick's 5 & 10 in historic downtown Branson provides one of the most unique shopping "adventures" available anywhere.

BRANSON, Mo., November 15, 2012 — A question commonly asked is along the lines of “What is Branson’s “most unique attraction? The one thing that I must see or do while in Branson?”

In a town like Branson, with so many exciting and fun things to do that is not an easy question to answer. First when one applies the common definition of Attraction, “something that attracts or is intended to attract people by appealing to their desires and tastes,” to the question, Branson itself is a unique attraction among family travel destinations. Where else can one go and enjoy all it has to offer from its live shows, “attractions,” lakes, natural beauty and shopping all located so closely together.

In terms of “attractions,” as most would use the word, the award winning 1880’s styled theme park Silver Dollar City, Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction certainly stands out. With its dozens of rides, shows, ongoing entertainment, world class festivals, virtually seamless integration into the surrounding Ozark Hills, demonstrating craftsmen and having a National Natural Landmark, Marvel Cave within the park it is not only one of Branson’s most unique attractions, but one of the most unique theme parks in the world.

Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction, with the great ship towering above the Branson strip, its remarkable displays, the ability of the crew to bring the events of that fateful voyage to life and, of course, its two loveable mascots Molly and Carter make it another of Branson’s unique attractions. A sightseeing cruise aboard Main Street Cruise Lines Lake Queen on beautiful Lake Taneycomo to the amazing bluffs evidencing how the Ozark Mountains were formed and are still a work in progress is another unique adventure.

To the list of Branson Attractions however must be added an attraction of another kind, Branson’s live shows. In fact, a recent Branson CVB study showed that the number one thing people see when they come to Branson is live shows. A cursory examination of a list of Branson Shows, performing during its season, indicates a variety and number of shows that is amazing. When coupled with the quality of the shows it is easy to understand why some call Branson the”Live music show capital of the world” and why its live shows are such a unique Branson attraction.

Many are attracted to Branson by its shopping. Sure, just about every travel destination offers shopping, but how many have an authentic 50 year old 5 & 10, a vibrant historic downtown shopping district and modern shopping attraction such as Branson Landing, with its 100 retail shops, restaurants and seven million dollar fire, water and synchronized music fountain show, located within three blocks of each other. Each of those is a unique attraction by itself, but in combination with each other offer one of the most unique shopping experiences available anywhere. And that’s not counting the hundreds of other retail, craft, fashion and specialty stores located throughout Branson.

These are just highlights of what “attracts” millions of visitors to Branson each year. What is Branson’s most unique attraction and what one thing should people see when they are in Branson? Well, in this writers opinion Branson’s most unique attraction is all that it has to offer and the one thing people should see or do while in Branson is experience as much of that uniqueness and what it has to offer as possible.

There’s more than turkey cooking for Thanksgiving in Branson

The "Andy Williams Christmas Show" is just one of the spectacular Branson shows that will be open on Thanksgiving Day.

BRANSON, Mo., November 10, 2012 — Oh there’s plenty of turkey to be had in Branson on Thanksgiving Day at one of its many fine restaurants or buffets. The neat thing about Branson however, is that after you eat, and perhaps catch a quick nap,or not, there is so much more to see and do.

“The celebration of Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas continues right through Thanksgiving Day and its long weekend to the end of the year” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “With drive through Christmas lighting displays; Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas Festival; the majority of its attractions and live shows open, great shopping and the wide choice of exciting fun filled things it offers for the whole family, Branson is the ideal place to spend your Thanksgiving,” she continued.

From the wonders of Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas or an exciting “voyage” aboard the Titanic Museum Attraction with its “Fantasy Princess” bringing “new Holiday Magic to Branson,” butterflies to tigers, cruises to Go Karts, mini golf to 18 hole championship golf courses and much more, Thanksgiving in Branson is filled with exciting attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Among others, these include the following which are sorted alphabetically:

Adventure Ziplines of Branson

Branson Limousine Christmas Light Tour

Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure

Castle of Chaos

Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors

Hollywood Wax Museum

IMAX Adventure Films

Inspiration Tower

Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess

National Tiger Sanctuary

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum

Shoot for the Stars Mini Golf

Silver Dollar City

The Track Family Fun Parks

Titanic Museum Attraction

Trail of Lights

Vigilante Ziprider

Branson’s two major drive through Christmas Lighting displays, the Branson Area Festival of Lights and Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights will also be open for the enjoyment of Branson visitors. Each is filled with spectacular displays containing millions of sparkling Christmas lights.

As would be expected in the “Live music show capital of the world,” there will be a full slate of Branson’s live shows offering Branson famed live entertainment available on Thanksgiving day as well as over the Thanksgiving weekend. The following list of Branson shows scheduled to be open on Thanksgiving Day is sorted by time. The full schedule of Branson shows will resume on Friday, November 23. Click here for complete information, schedules, pictures, or tickets on any of Branson’s shows.

10:00 am

A Tribute to John Denver

Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band

Christmas in Hollywood

Fountains of Faith

Hughes Brothers Christmas Show

10:30 am

A Neil Diamond Tribute

1:00 pm

Fountains of Faith

2:00 pm

A Tribute to Marty Robbins

Doo Wop and Chico Vega Drifters

Lennon Sisters Christmas Show

Paul Harris & The Cleverlys

Tribute to Four Seasons and The Beach Boys

3:00 pm

Acrobats of China featuring New Shanghai Circus

Amazing Pets

Dixie Stampede

Legends in Concert

4:00 pm

Showboat Branson Belle

5:00 pm

Absolutely Patsy

Johnny Cash Songbook

Yakov’s Dinner Adventure

5:15 pm

Christmas on the Trail

6:00 pm

Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show

7:00 pm

Motown Downtown

7:30 pm

3 Redneck Tenors

Andy Williams Christmas Show

8:00 pm

Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express

Dixie Stampede

Duttons

Hamner Barber Variety Show

Jim Stafford

Kirby VanBurch

Legends in Concert

Sanders Family Christmas

Tony Orlando Christmas

Twelve Irish Tenors

Anchored by its two major outlet malls, Tanger Outlets, and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, Branson Landing and featuring a variety of specialty stores, Branson provides an unique unrivaled shopping experience. From the specialty stores, shops and galleries of historic downtown Branson and surrounding areas to specialty gifts made by the craftsmen at Silver Dollar City and from stores as unique as Dick’s Old Time 5 & 10 to the national chains at Branson Landing it’s hard to imagine a more exciting and unique shopping experience than in Branson, particularly during Ozark Mountain Christmas.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests advance reservations for shows and lodging over the Thanksgiving weekend pointing out that Ozark Mountain Christmas is one of the busiest time of the year in Branson. For additional information on any of Branson’s shows, attractions activities 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 either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Titanic birthday celebration for Branson’s most cuddly celebrities “Molly” and “Carter”

Molly and Carter ready to party.*

BRANSON, Mo., November 7, 2012 — In a town filled with celebrities of every variety what makes the birthday of two dogs so special? Is it because they are the mascots of the Titanic World’s Largest Museum Attraction? Is it because they represent the dogs that were aboard the Titanic when she sank; that they are so cute and cuddly; just love meeting and interacting with the guests who visit the Titanic each day or something else? If those two dogs just happen to be “Molly” and “Carter,” this writer feels safe in saying that it is a wonderful combination of the above and simply because they are two of the warmest, most personable and cuddly animal celebrities in Branson or anywhere else.

During a recent interview with Kelli Sanders their head trainer, she said that Molly and Carter, who are “King Charles Spaniels,” both female, are “sisters” and were born on different days about a month apart, will be celebrating a special joint 4th Birthday on November 24th at the Titanic Museum Attraction. Guests to the attraction will have an opportunity to participate in the special celebration, which will be held in conjunction with the “Noon Presentation” near the bow of the ship and will include birthday cake, balloons, decorations, a large birthday card for them to sign as well as an opportunity to meet with their trainers and to pose with the dogs for birthday pictures.

Sanders said that since assuming their duties as the Titanic’s mascots on March 19, 2010, Molly and Carter’s primary purpose has been to “help us remember that there were dogs on board” the Titanic when she sank and to pay them tribute. “Part of what I do outside of their viewing area is to teach about the ten dogs that were on board and point out little known facts about them such as who they belonged to, where they boarded, how many survived and lots of other interesting facts about the dogs that not too many know about,” she continued.

Another important thing they do is enhance the overall experience and memories that guests to the Titanic have. “They just fall in love with these two and it makes their whole day,” she said. When asked, “How do people tell them apart she said that Carter has “freckles,” a little round spot on the side of her face and Molly does not. She also pointed out that “the girls,” as they are affectionately called aboard the ship, were named after passengers on board the Titanic on that fateful voyage.

Prior to assuming their duties aboard the Titanic, the dogs received intensive training from noted dog trainer Matt Matney, during which, in addition to their basic training, they were trained on socializing with children and crowds so that they would be comfortable with the atmosphere at the ship. In addition, with the help of their trainers, Molly and Carter have incorporated a few cute entertaining tricks into their repertoire. One such trick is Molly’s response when Kelli asks her, “What she thinks of icebergs?”

The dogs look forward to interacting with passengers when they are outside their quarters on the ship. Typically that occurs during their trips throughout the ship in their 1920 baby “pram” and their ceremonious “Noon Presentation” when the ships horn blows and they walk down from the bow of the ship with their handler and past the iceberg to meet and greet the ships guests and pose for pictures.

Carter, left, and Molly with handlers, Kelli Sanders, left, Kelli Riely and Kim Brent.*

The dogs “work” five days a week from 8 AM to 5 PM. When they are not working and are at home, Monday through Friday with Kelli Sanders and her family and the other two days with trainers Kelli Riley and Kim Breit, they love to play outside, go for walks and just enjoy cuddle time with “their” family.

Although the loving care that Molly and Carter receive at the Titanic is obvious, their care is monitored by three levels of government authority, national, state and county. Of these, the primary agency is the U.S. Department of Agriculture which conducts multiple unannounced inspections each year. These inspections include their accommodations both at the at the ship and in the homes of the trainers; how the dogs are handled, treated and transported; working conditions; required paper work such as daily logs and permits and many other areas impacting on the welfare and environment of Molly and Carter.

In addition to their duties at the Titanic, Molly and Carter use their lovely cuddly celebrity status to help the Branson community in a variety of ways. Among other things they have raised thousands of dollars for local humane societies and for a future dog park in Branson; have visited libraries “to champion and advocate literacy” and “nursing homes to warm the hearts of the residents” in addition to attending “Branson Chamber Breakfasts and ribbon cuttings for new businesses in the community.”

“Molly and Carter make an already exciting and fun filled adventure at the Titanic Museum Attraction even more memorable and unique,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “We would take this opportunity to wish Molly and Carter an early Happy 4th Birthday and to thank the “crew” of the Titanic World’s Largest Museum Attraction for adding these wonderful animal celebrities not only to their attraction, but to the total experience Branson visitors can enjoy.”

NEWS FLASH: Just prior to publishing this article we received information that Molly and Carter are entered in the Royal Spaniels Magazine Photo Contest and out of thousands of contestants, have made it to the Top 10 and NEED YOUR VOTE! To vote for Molly and Carter click here.

* Photo courtesy Titanic World’s Largest Museum Attraction

Branson’s three major Christmas Lighting Displays

One of many Christmas lighting displays in the Branson Area Festival of Lights drive through display.

BRANSON, Mo., October 31, 2012 — In Branson, Missouri, last glimmer of Halloween and the Jack O Lantern is quickly replaced by the glow of millions of sparkling Christmas lights as it begins its celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas. Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “At this time of the year, one of the questions we are asked the most is, ‘Where are the best places to see Christmas lights?'”

Johnson points out that the entire Branson area is decorated for Christmas. However, in terms of Christmas lighting displays, by far the three areas that are the most extensively decorated and attract the most visitors to see their lights are Silver Dollar City with its Old Time Christmas, Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and the Branson Area Festival of Lights.

Silver Dollar City, Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction is an 1880s-styled theme park that hosts a number of world class festivals each year. Its last festival each year is An Old Time Christmas, running from November 3 through December 30 this year. It has been recognized as one of the nation’s top theme park Christmas celebrations as it is transformed into a glowing Christmas spectacular with over four million sparkling lights throughout the park and a twice nightly 100,000 light Holiday Light Parade that winds through Silver Dollar City’s town square and by its five-story musical Special Effects Christmas Tree adorned with over one million colorful, sparkling and twinkling lights.

"Trail of Lights" display in shadow of Inspiration Tower.

The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights is a drive through light display located east of Silver Dollar City on Highway 76 between it and the famed “Branson Strip” on the 160 acre Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. The Trail of Lights is unlike any Christmas lighting display anywhere. Its two and a half miles has been integrated into the natural terrain of the “Trail that Nobody Knows How Old” made famous by Harold Bell Wright in his novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills,” offering a Christmas wonderland unlike anything else anywhere.

As would be expected, the drive through includes millions of colored Christmas lights. It also includes hundreds of beautiful displays, most in their own themed area including music; many animated scenes beautiful lighted displays and a trip to Inspiration Tower where you can ride glass elevators up 230′ for a unique view of the lights.

The “Branson Area Festival of Lights,” produced by North Pole Productions, is located a few blocks north of the Branson Strip on Expressway Lane with its entrance located at the northern intersection of the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Expressway Lane. The drive through display is “a one-mile drive along a path illuminated with more than 175 displays” that “will delight children of all ages.”

Realized wish of Daniel O’Donnell becomes part of Andy Williams legacy

Lynn Meredith and Daniel O'Donnell at press conference.

BRANSON, Mo., October 30, 2012 — At a press conference today, Lynn Meredith, General Manager, of the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, announced that the family of Andy Williams has committed to carrying on his legacy and that the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre “will continue to be the home of great singers and exciting entertainers “with a full 2013 schedule to be announced soon. He then introduced one of the exciting entertainers who would be performing at the theatre announcing, “We are very excited that Daniel O’Donnell will be moving to the Moon River Theatre starting in November of 2013.”

In his comments, O’Donnell said that he first performed in Branson in 1997 as a relatively unknown. Then in 2002, “thanks to our fortunate meeting with the people from Public Television it allowed our shows and …names to be known throughout the United States and Canada and there began the success that we have enjoyed here in Branson.”

Going back farther than that, O’Donnell related his first visit to Branson in the mid 90s, when he and his manager came to Branson to see if it would be possible for him to come to Branson and do shows. He said that they traveled around to many theaters and enjoyed many wonderful shows including seeing Andy Williams in concert at the Moon River Theatre. He said that although, since that first visit, they have performed in a number of Branson’s theatres, on that visit he said to his manager, “”Maybe one day I’ll get to do shows in that theatre.”

O’Donnell continued, “The only thing that saddens me is that that ‘one day’ will come after Andy’s life. As he nodded toward the theatre’s marquee he said, “And now my wish of the mid nineteen nineties comes true and next year my name will be somewhere out there, with all the other great entertainers, carrying on the legacy of one whose shoes we will never fill, but I hope we will do his memory proud, Andy Williams.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and largest seller of show and attraction tickets, said, “What great news it is that the legacy of Andy Williams and the Moon River Theatre will continue to be an important part of the Branson entertainment scene. How cool is it that Daniel O’Donnel gets to realize his wish of performing in the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre as part of continuing that legacy.”

Johnson also reminds potential Branson visitors that the Daniel O’Donnell show will not be performing at the Andy William Moon River Theatre until November of 2013 and that his 2012 performances will be in the Branson Events Center. For information or tickets for Daniel O’Donnell’s 2012 show please call the Branson Tourism through their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

Tribute to Four Seasons and the Beach Boys, Twelve Irish Tenors and Christmas in Hollywood reopen King’s Castle Theatre

Even with out its signage and finishing touches, it's obvious that the King's Castle Theatre has come a long way since....

BRANSON, Mo., October 28, 2012 — “What a blessing it is that Branson audiences will be able to see Christmas in Hollywood, The Tribute to the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys and The Twelve Irish Tenors in time for Branson Veterans Homecoming and Ozark Mountain Christmas,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “We are just so delighted that the ordeal that our friends, at the newly remodeled and renamed King’s Castle Theatre, have been going through since the February 29 tornado, has been mitigated and that they are back doing what they do so well, providing Branson audiences with some of the finest entertainment available in Branson.”

Danell Shoemaker – Tennison, General Manager of the Kings Castle Theatre recently thanked their friends, vendors and fans for their support throughout the extensive recovery process. She also announced that they are proud to be reopening with the following shows starting on October 30th:

Christmas in Hollywood on October 30th at 8 PM

The Tribute to the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys on October 31st at 8 PM

The Twelve Irish Tenors Christmas Show on November 1st at 8 PM with

the early morning hours of Feb. 29. This is just a glimpse of the havoc and damage the storm caused to the the theatre.

Two out of the three shows are obviously Christmas shows and Shoemaker – Tennison points out that there will be some Christmas in The Tribute to the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys show also. She sounds excited about some of the new additions and changes in the The Twelve Irish Tenors Christmas Show.

As the theatre proceeded through its extensive recovery remodeling process, David King, the Owner and Producer agreed to the Killarney Castle idea to stay within its Ireland theme. Formerly known as the “Bobby Vinton Theatre” and the “Branson Variety Theatre,” the newly remodeled re-themed theatre will now be called the “King’s Castle Theatre.” Shoemaker – Tennison said that there are a few things to finish over the off season, some of the signage has been delayed, but that the theatre is open and ready for business and invites people to “come by and have a look.”

For additional information or tickets for the Christmas in Hollywood, The Tribute to the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys or The Twelve Irish Tenors Christmas Shows or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Pierce Arrow pierces Branson with laughter and music

Jarrett Dougherty during toaster routine with Bobby Blackburn.

BRANSON, Mo., October 26, 2012 — If you like great comedy and vocals, the hilarious comedy and wonderful vocals of the Pierce Arrow show are for you. It’s hard to imagine laughing any harder or hearing a broader variety of music any better sung than at Pierce Arrow and it’s easy to see why it is one of the hottest shows in Branson.

The first cast member the audience gets to meet is Jarrett Dougherty, the shows comedian and one of the funniest comedians in Branson. Dougherty, with the periodic assistance of his faithful “straight man” Bobby Blackburn, who is also the shows lead guitarist and band director, has the audience in stitches and laughing from the beginning to the end of the show with a variety of comedy routines, artfully woven into the flow of the show with its various vocal and musical elements to provide a constantly evolving entertainment experience filled with laughter and music.

As one sits in the audience listening and watching Dougherty they can almost feel a personal connection with him and his material. Not only is he funny, but he is a master of his craft down to the costuming and his manner of presentation. Whether it’s Edwin the Maintenance Man, Brother Cecil, his rendition of the James Brown hit, “I Feel Good” or one of his other routines, he is simply one funny guy that will have you laughing throughout the whole show. One thing’s for sure, after seeing his “toaster routine” you will never look at your toaster the same again.

Pierce Arrow quartet, Luke Menard, left, Gary Korebia, Scott Fraker and Tim Storms

Pierce Arrow’s vocalists and instrumentalists are a perfect illustration of why Branson, Missouri, is called, by some, “The live music show capital of the world.” The Pierce Arrow band is composed of Bobby Blackburn/band leader, lead guitar; Randy McConnell/bass guitar; Colt Straub/keyboards/mandolin and Michael Jackson/drums. The quality of their instrumentality is demonstrated time and time again as their talent is combined with that of the vocalists, over a wide variety of music to present a truly memorable musical experience.

The quartet “Pierce Arrow is composed of Luke Menard, Gary Korebia, Tim Storms and Scott Fraker. Their opening number “Gonna Have A Party” gets things rolling and sets the tenor that illustrates why Pierce Arrow is one of the hottest quartets in Branson. From among many memorable numbers this writer’s two favorites were their version of the 1983 Statler Brother’s hit “Elizabeth,” featuring Luke Menard, and “Long Lost Friend” featuring Gary Korebia. What a beautiful song, that leaves no doubt about who is the “Long Lost Friend.” The groups acapella “voice band” version of “Down On The Corner, with Bobby Blackburn giving an assist, was another favorite.

The featured female vocalist is Kim Boyce-Koreiba sang a variety of music beautifully. What a blessing her performance of “There Is A God” was. The audience really loved her rendition of “This One’s For The Girls. CeCe Day, a young Branson teenager did a nice job on the Taylor Swift songs “Our Song” and “Mean.”

Pierce Arrow presents two shows a day, an afternoon and evening show. Although each contains the same cast, the music and comedy for each is different. It really makes no difference which show you see, “If you love great singing and music and want to laugh until you hurt don’t miss the Pierce Arrow Show.”

For additional information or tickets for Pierce Arrow 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.

Webb wins Central Pro-Am Angler of the Year

Mike Webb with a 7.30 pound bass he caught in the CPAA March Tournament on his way to winning Angler of the Year.

BRANSON, Mo., October 23, 2012 — “A big congratulations to Mike Webb on winning the coveted title of “Central Pro-Am Association Angler of the Year,” said Tiffany Isnard, the Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the major sponsors of the Central Pro-Am Association (CPAA). After a series of tournaments, spanning a period of approximately ten months, all fished on Branson’s Table Rock Lake, Webb, with a final score of 1262.58, nosed out fellow fisherman Brad Butler, with a final score of 1250.73, for First place by just 11.85 points. Bob Neff was Third, with 1233.34 points, Pete Wenners Fourth, with 1196.80 points and Jeff Durr Fifth, with 1182.85 points.

The quest for the CPAA Angler of the Year Award started on Dec. 3, 2011 and ended seven tournaments later on Sep. 15. The “points” earned by each fisherman are more than merely the total pounds of fish caught. They are a combination of points awarded for each tournament in the series, with points being awarded for participation, number of fish caught, total weight and placement in the tournament. To win the title, a fisherman must consistently produce at a high level throughout, the seven tournament series.

Going into the last tournament of the competition Webb and Butler were “neck in neck.” Although both Webb and Butler caught four bass, Webb’s 13.29 pound total weight, including the tournaments biggest bass, weighing 6.95 pounds” and First Place tournament finish; coupled with Butlers 11.06 pounds total weight and Sixth place tournament finish, earned Webb the coveted title of “Angler of the Year.” After earning the title Webb said, “This has been a goal of mine since I started fishing Central Pro Am 20 years ago. I’m ecstatic about winning my second event and the Angler of the Year title.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Isnard points out that Webb also runs a program called K.A. S. T. (Kids Are Special Too.) K.A.S.T. was founded in 1996 to educate kids about the hazards of drug use and provide an alternative to that use. Since that time Webb has traveled to countless school assemblies and other gathering of kids giving a “kid oriented” antidrug presentation and sharing fishing and the outdoors as an alternative to drugs.

As if that’s not enough, Webb is a professional fishing guide operating Webb’s Guide Service and has become the new owner of CPAA. He will take over the operation of CPAA with the start of its 2013 season. The first tournament of the 2013 season will be the two day Pro-Am Tournament, “The Bass Pro Fall Spectacular,” on Table Rock Lake out of the Ahoy’s ramp. Entries will be taken for the 2013 Bass Pro Shops Fall Spectacular and the rest of the 2013 CPAA season both on-line at or via phone at 417-485-5644.

Daniel O’Donnell peforming in Branson during Ozark Mountain Christmas

Daniel O'Donnell.

BRANSON, Mo., October 20, 2012 — A collective sigh of relief was breathed by Daniel O’Donnell fans when he said, “We will continue to do our block of shows in Branson Missouri” as he announced he would be cutting back on his touring schedule after his 2011 tours. Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, ” Branson audiences and Daniel O’Donnell are an ideal fit. We are so delighted that he will continue to perform in Branson.”

Johnson points out that Daniel O’Donnell show will start its 2012 limited engagement in Branson on November 1. It will run through December 8 with 2:00 PM shows every day of the week except Sunday and Thursday and Friday November 23.

Known in the United States through his many PBC Specials and tour appearances, O’Donnell has been called “Ireland’s most popular ‘easy listening’ entertainer and is immensely popular in Branson. His discography history in the UK is phenomenal with 14 Top 10 Music Videos, 20 “UK chart albums” and his newest music video, “Songs of Faith” topping “the UK music charts.” His Branson shows will feature guest artist Mary Duff as they “bring a little bit of Ireland “to the Ozarks singing a wide variety of cherished Irish and American classics “as well as songs celebrating the Christmas Season.

O’Donnell is known for his charismatic performances and ability to connect personally with his audiences. The story, entitled Daniel O’Donnell illustrates the ‘heart’ that makes Branson so special, published on line on Branson.com/news in November of 2011,” illustrates that his stage persona goes to the genuineness of the man and, helps explain why is so special to his fans.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests that Ozark Mountain Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year, O’Donnell is very popular and that it might be advisable to make advance arrangements for tickets not only to see Daniel O’Donnell, but for other Branson shows, attractions and lodging as well. She invites anyone wanting more information or tickets to the Daniel O’Donnell show, other Branson shows, attractions or lodging to call 1-800-785-1550 for assistance. The Branson Tourism Center may also be reached through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.