Category Archives: Featured

How 4 and no red neck jokes equals the 3 Red Neck Tenors

What a funny musical journey it is from this in Paris, Texas...

In one of the funniest and most relaxed interviews he has ever had the pleasure of participating in, Matthew Lord, one of the 3 Red Neck Tenors set him straight on a couple of things. There are actually four and not all of them are tenors. He plays “Billy Joe” in the show along with “Billy Bob” and “Billy Billee,” who was named after his ma’s pa “Billy Floyd” and his pa’s pa “Billee Duane” from which they came up with the “imaginatory” name of “Billy Billee.”

Lord said that in spite of the name of the show and its humorous content, “There’s not a red neck joke in our show” explaining that the show is actually about the humorous and musical journey of “3 Red Necks” from a trailer park to the opera in New York City and they wouldn’t be making “red neck” jokes about themselves. Actually, having seen the shorter version of the 3 Red Neck Tenors that appeared in Branson last year, this writer can testify that this show doesn’t need “pure red neck jokes” to have you rolling in laughter. Click here for his review of that show.

Lord points out that the show artfully incorporates a blend of unique humor and a variety of music including country, pop and classical into a two hour comedy and musical entertainment experience that entertains audiences of all ages. When asked if people have expressed a desire for one type of music more than another he said that happens. Some want more pop or country etc, but the “most popular number we do in the show, bar none, is ‘Nessun dorma’ from the opera ‘Turandot’ by Puccini and made extremely popular by Pavarotti.” Having heard the number last year in their show this writer can readily understand the truth in that statement.

to this in Carnegie Hall. Left to right, Alex Bumpas a.k.a. Billy Joe, Matthew Lord, a.k.a. Billy Bob and Blake Davidson, a.k.a. Billy Billee

He said that audiences really appreciate the patriotic medley at the end of the show. Lord said it was not put in the show just for Branson, but was designed into the show six years ago when it was originally written, in part in honor of his dad who was a Veteran of World War II and Korea. As is the case with the whole show, it is performed in Branson exactly the same way as it has been performed since the beginning including their performances in Las Vegas because it was conceived and written for the whole family to enjoy and required no cleaning up or modifying for Branson audiences.

Lord said they are looking forward to being able to present their full two hour show for a full season in Branson at the beautiful Mansion Theatre. “The addition of the ‘3 Redneck Tenors’ to the exciting lineup of live shows in Branson adds another unique quality entertainment experience for Branson visitors to experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center who also points out that they are scheduled to perform in Branson from April 22 through December 10.

For additional information or tickets for the 3 Red Neck Tenors 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 either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Informal personal mini reviews on some of Branson’s most popular shows

Jim Stafford performing during March 31st matinee.

As would be expected in Branson, Missouri, a place noted as the “Live music show capital of the world,” there are any number of reviews written on its shows by Branson writers including this writer. Almost without exception, they are a “review” and description of the contents of the show and are not a formal critical review, which in the opinion of this writer, would be meaningless in the Branson entertainment environment of just having fun.

It has been this writer’s experience that Branson has some of the finest musicians, singers, shows and productions available anywhere. The people who come to Branson are not coming to write a critique or critical review of its shows, but to be entertained by and have fun at those shows. It is in that spirit that these mini personal reviews present the comments made by people, indicated only by their first name, on the Branson  shows  they have seen in the last week or so.

Presleys’ Country Jubilee

Mary – “I just loved it from beginning to end. It is my favorite show in Branson. I have seen it 20 times over the years and this is their top show. In fact we liked it so much we bought the shows DVD.

“I just loved the comedy and the jokes. Herkimer [Gary Presley] and Cecil [Eric Presley] are too much and the kids just loved it. They have such colorful costumes, the band is excellent and Ambrus [Presley] sings “I Will Always Love You,” so beautifully. The show was just superb.”

Jim Stafford Show

Patina and Don – “When we came to the show, we were in a blah mode because of the rain, clouds and no sun, but we’re in a light hearted sunny mood now. He’s really funny and so personable. His son and daughter are so fantastic on the piano. I loved the whole show and his guitar playing, but my favorite part is when he tells his jokes. We definitely recommend this show, it’s fantastic.”

Show Boat Branson Belle show “Encore!”

Debra -“It was a high energy show with a lot of audience interaction by Janice Martin, The ShowMen and Christopher James, who was very funny. Janice Martin is great at whatever she is doing in the show.

“Whether it’s playing the piano, violin, or singing it is intense. She is just so good. She is so in her element; the way she plays the violin is just unbelievable. I was really impressed when she played the violin while performing an aerial silk act high above the stage, but my favorite was her rendition of the ‘Orange Blossom Special.’

“You could just feel the energy level of the ‘The ShowMen’ throughout the audience as they sang songs of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s and the live band was just awesome.”

LaDonna – This is a great show for any age with great food and service. I loved the shows variety with music, magic, an aerialist and the violin and the way it rotates between the different acts to keep things fresh and moving along. My favorite performer was Janice Martin, the violinist, aerialist and singer and my favorite part of the show was when she  played “Stairway to Heaven” on the violin while doing her aerial silk act.

Rankin Brothers Show

Debra – “The Ranking Brothers, Matt and Mark, are just full of energy and life and people are just amazed by their talent. While they are singing you can just close your eyes and picture the original artists they are performing. My favorite number in the show is when Matt sings the Righteous Brothers Bill Medley song, ‘Unchained Melody.’

“Whenever I go to their show I just watch the audience’s reaction  and the people that were around us are just amazed at the talent they have. They are awesome, hold the audience’s attention and relate so well to them. It is an awesome show that I will see again and recommend that people coming to Branson make this one of their top shows to see.”

For information on 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.

Young Christians’ Weekend provides excitement, fun and inspiration

Fireflight, Justin Cox,left, Dawn Michele, Phee Shorb, Glenn Drennen, Wendy Drennen*

“What could be more fun than gathering together for a weekend of Christian fellowship, praise and worship, great concerts presented by some of the biggest names in Christian music and hearing inspiring messages that will delight the soul? asked Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for Branson Tourism Center. “How about having it all available at Silver Dollar City with all the thrilling rides, attractions, and fun it offers?” Well, it’s going to happen on the weekend of April 1-3 as Branson’s Silver Dollar City hosts the Midwest’s premier Christian youth event, ‘Young Christians’ Weekend,'” he continued.

Dove nominee, the modern rock act “Fireflight” get things started on Friday night, April 1, with a concert in the 4,000 seat Echo-Hollow Amphitheatre at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, April 1, “Abandon” plus Dove Winner and Grammy nominated “Sanctus Real” perform mini concerts as part of a rally with speakerAdam Donyes from Kanakuk Kamps. The rallies will be held in the Echo-Hollow Amphitheatre at Noon, 3:00 p.m. and 6 p.m. Those wishing to attend one of the rallies are advised to chose the one they want to attend at the time they purchase their tickets to ensure availability.

Also featured on April 2 will be Tina Marie who has appeared in many TV Shows and films such as “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Jimmie Kimmel Live” and others. As she exposes the lethal consequences of the glamorization of the “self-destructive behaviors portrayed in all entertainment mediums” she will encourage the young Christians attending “to live to their fullest potential by making positive media choices, thereby building higher self esteem and moral character.”

Sunday April 3 will feature two worship services in the Echo-Hollow Amphitheatre, one at 8:30 a.m. and the other at 11:00 a.m. Each will feature the music ofChristian recording artist, Caleb Rowden and Dove winner “Tenth Avenue North,”  who recently completed their “The Light Meets The Dark” tour. The speaker will be noted inspirational speaker, Joe White of Kanakuk Kamps.

“All of that is admist all the other excitement and fun that Silver Dollar City offers on a day to day basis,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Kurtright. The park has over 30 rides and attractions. Whether it’s a ride on “Wildfire,” the parks exhilarating world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour; a 0 to 53 miles per hour 2.8 second launch on PowderKeg; fun on “The GIANT Swing or one of its many other rides and attractions, the opportunities for fun, action and excitement at Silver Dollar City are endless.

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City 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.

*Photo courtesy of www.fireflightrock.com

Branson wins TripAdvisor recognition as one of “Great U.S. Destinations to Discover”

The Showboat Branson Belle cruising on Table Rock Lake combines the natural beauty of the Ozarks with great dining and entertainment.

“Over 7 million people a year get to experience firsthand what a great vacation destination Branson, Missouri is in terms of excitement, value and the number of things to do,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “Thanks to the willingness of many of them to share their opinion about what a great Branson experience they had with TripAdvisor®, Branson was recently named a winner of its inaugural “Travelers’ Choice® Family Award-winning Great U.S. Destinations to Discover.”

The award was announced in a recent TripAdvisor press release stating it was based on millions of reviews and opinions. The award went to those destinations receiving “the greatest number of recommendations from reviewers who traveled with family” and Branson was one of only ten named in the category of “Great U.S. Destinations to Discover.”

The narrative with the listing explains that “Branson is called the Live Music Show Capital of the World.” It explained the breadth of the entertainment offered by Branson shows pointing out that its 50 plus theatres offer “almost 90 music, magic and comedy shows on any given day.” The narrative also summed up some of the other great activities that Branson has to offer its natural native Ozark’s beauty and outdoor activities such as water sports, fishing, hiking and biking. Milton points out that Branson has the same quality and choice in its other attractions and activities as it does for live shows and outdoor activities.

She believes that with Branson attractions like Silver Dollar City, The Shepherd of the Hills, White Water Titanic Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not to the Butterfly Palace, The World’s Largest Toy Museum or one of Branson’s championship golf courses there are attractions and activities that will provide families with a constant stream of exciting ways to have fun together. “When Branson’s great shopping and all the other things that Branson has to offer are factored in, it’s easy to appreciate what a great destination city Branson is for families,” Milton added.

Milton points out that this most recent recognition follows Branson being recognized as “A Top Ten Family Destination for 2010” on Fodor’s Travel Blog, being selected by the “American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)” as one of the most budget friendly destinations for travelers in 2009 and others. “The recognition from organizations such as TripAdvisor, ASTA and others is wonderful, but from a personal perspective, the real joy comes from seeing the smiles and excited looks on the faces of families as they experience the entertainment, fun, excitement and adventure that is Branson as they create memories they will remember for a lifetime.”

Let’s use a little Branson Trivia for some respite from all that challenges us

Just one of the many aisles of merchandise in the unique shopping experience that is Dicks 5 & 10.

Even with Spring in the air it seems likes folks are down a bit with the economy, the horror of what those in Japan are going through, terrorism and just the plain uncertainty of our times. Let’s relax and lighten up for just a few minutes and have some fun with something whose very name illustrates all that is good about America and offers respite, relaxation and peace from all that would weigh us down, our home and the place millions of people visit each year, Branson, Missouri.

We’ll work through a series of ten “trivia” questions followed by the answers. It’s not how many we get right, it’s just the fun and entertainment of doing it.

1. True or False, Branson’s biggest attraction is located within the city limits of Branson?

2. Table Rock Lake has how many miles of shoreline?

3. The title of being Branson’s first music show rests with the Baldknobbers Jamboree. What is the name of Branson’s first and longest running paid attraction?

4. How clever are “The Cleverlys?”

5. The majestic “Grand Staircase” of the Titanic Museum in Branson, is a precise replica of the “Grand Staircase” on the Titanic. What were the tiles used on the staircase made of.

6. How many lodging establishments are there in Branson?

7. On what date was the City of Branson officially incorporated?

8. Out of the five Missouri golf courses listed in Golfweek’s recent article on the best courses in America how many were in Branson and which ones are they?

9. Within five thousand either way, how many items does the unique “Dick’s 5 & 10” in historic downtown Branson sell?

10. What Branson entertainers performed in 18 cities throughout China earlier this year?

Answers:

1. False. Even though it has a “Branson, Missouri” mailing address, Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular paid attraction, is located to the west of the Branson city limits on Indian Point.

2. 745 miles at its normal level, the “Conservation Pool,” and 857 miles at the top of its “Flood Control Pool.”

3. “Marble Cave,” was started by the Lynch Family in the late 1800’s and, except for a short period of time, has been operated as a Branson attraction ever since. The cave was renamed “Marvel Cave” and is currently located under and is part of the entertainment experience provided by Silver Dollar City.

4. Pretty clever because the Bluegrass band from “Cane Spur,” Arkansas has toured the United States, performed for an audience of about 40,000 at the closing of the 2010 CMA Fest in Nashville, TN and will be doing about 80 dates with one of Branson’s favorite comedians, Paul Harris at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre in Branson during 2011. The thing is, no one has checked out the accuracy of their bio written by Vera Mae Paradine Cleverly, the sister to Digger, Miles and VD Cleverly and the mother to Harvey D and his twin brother Harvey C Cleverly. However, when one considers that Paul Harris is Digger why bother. Let’s just sit back, laugh, be entertained and listen to their wonderful music.

5. Linoleum.

6. Remembering that the term “Branson” is not limited to the city limits of Branson the latest statistics from the Branson Lake Area CVB says there are 208 such facilities with 22,000 rooms.

7. April 1, 1912. It’s no “April Fool’s” joke and the city of Branson will be celebrating its 100 anniversary in 2012.

8. The article named three, the Payne Stewart Golf Club, Branson Creek and Murder Rock.

9. Dick’s offers over 175,000 items. It is said that “If you can’t find it at Dicks 5 & 10 you probably don’t need it.” Dick’s is more than a store it is a unique shopping and entertainment attraction that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

10.  That would be the Haygoods. Their extensive and successful tour of the 18 cities was conducted during January of this year.

From shows to golf the Branson experience is quality

Payne Stewart Golf Course's beautiful 225 yard par 3 12th Hole named the "Easy Eight.*"

(Branson, MO) “A neat thing about Branson, Missouri is not just that it has so many things to do, but the quality of what it offers. From its live shows to its attractions, lakes, shopping, lodging, restaurants and other activities, Branson is known for the quality of the experience it provides,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for Branson Tourism Center. “A recent online article by Golfweek entitled ‘Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play,’ illustrates the high quality of the golfing experience available in Branson,” he continued.

The article listed Golfweeks “best courses to play” by state. The number of courses per state varied based on course supply, population and level of play, but for the entire state of Missouri only five were listed. The Branson area has three of the five; Branson Creek, Payne Stewart and Murder Rock. Branson Creek and the Payne Stewart courses have been on the list before and Murder Rock is a new listing. All three courses have been beautifully integrated into the natural topography of the Ozarks and are as beautiful as they are challenging. In addition, each has different length tee areas providing a “championship” golfing experience for just about every level of player.

The $32 million Payne Stewart Golf Club is Branson’s newest golf course and is located within the city limits of Branson on the north end of Branson in the Branson Hills Development just off of Branson Hills Parkway. The course was designed by Chuck Smith with consultation from PGA golfer Bobby Clampett as a tribute course to the late Payne Stewart. Each hole is named and has a plaque to honor his career and memory adding even more excitement and enjoyment to the golfing experience. This championship 18 hole course plays 7,324 yards from its longest tees and 5,323 yards from its shortest tees.

The picturesque and challenging championship courses of Branson Creek and Murder Rock are located just a short 10 minute drive south of Branson near the Branson Airport in the Branson Creek Development. Branson Creek plays 7,036 yards from its longest tees and 5,032 yards from its shortest tees. The Murder Rock Golf and Country Club is 6,727 yards from its longest tees and 5,627 from its shortest.

Branson Tourism Center’s Kurtright points out that in addition to the courses mentioned in the article there are other exciting golfing opportunities in Branson including two championship courses located within the city limits of Branson, the Thousand Hills Golf Course and the newly renovated Pointe Royale Golf Course. He said, “Branson has a choice of courses offering a great golfing experience and challenge for both beginners and more advanced players.”

To avoid disappointment and ensure getting a convenient tee time Kurtright suggests making advance arrangements For additional information on any of the courses mentioned in this article, tee times or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services for “one stop service” for all that is Branson. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

*Photo courtesy Payne Stewart Golf Club

Festivals add another exciting element to the Branson experience

Silver Dollar City's Worldfest.*

(Branson, Missouri) The word “festival” can be defined in many ways, but in Branson, Missouri we define it as “A celebration of fun!” Many people return to Branson with their families every year because they feel like their time in Branson is one big family festival of fun, entertainment, adventure and excitement.

In addition, although known primarily for its live shows, entertainment, attractions and shopping, proportionately speaking, there’s not a town in America, perhaps the world that offers more quality, variety and numbers of festivals than Branson. From “Kewpiesta,” a three day festival in April celebrating the “Kewpie Doll” and its inventor, Rose O’Neil to the two month celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas there is a festival being celebrated as part of the fun and excitement Branson offers.

Branson’s biggest and most popular attraction, the 1880s theme park Silver Dollar City features six major festivals each year starting with World-Fest the country’s largest international festival. It wouldn’t be Spring in the Ozarks without this colorful international festival of fun, entertainment, and food. World-Fest allows you and your family to experience the traditions, culture, music, dancing, and excitement of many countries without leaving the beauty and peace of our Ozark hills, but the fun and excitement doesn’t end there.

As is the case with all its festivals, festival activities are in addition to everything else for which Silver Dollar City is famous. You can enjoy any of the 30 rides and attractions in the park including everything from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to their new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7, dozens of demonstrating craftsmen and some of the best live shows and entertainment available in Branson, all amid the natural wonder of its Ozarks Mountain setting.

In addition to the Festivals at Silver Dollar City, there are a variety of other festivals held throughout Branson every year to celebrate everything from the “Kewpie Doll, ” Ozark history, heritage and crafts to fiddle playing, Bonnie and Clyde, the traditional Christmas, food and wine and many other things. Here’s a list of just some of the festivals taking place in Branson throughout the year sorted chronologically:

18th Annual IMAX Film Fest – March 18 – April 24
See the World in Branson – No Passport Needed – May 1 – May 30
Silver Dollar City’s Young Christians Weekend – April 1 – 3
Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest – April 7 – May 8
Kewpiesta 2011 – April 13 – 17
Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients – April 28 – 30
3rd Annual Missouri Wine and Food Festival – April 29 – 30
Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival – May 12 – May 30
Compton Ridge Campground Fiddle Convention – May 19 – 22
Plumb Nellie Days Arts and Crafts Festival – May 20 – 21
Silver Dollars City’s KidsFest – June 11 – July 24
Shepherd of the Hills Summer Cruise 2011 – August 11 – 13
Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic – August 25 – September 5
23rd Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival & Mid America Fiddle Championship – August 25 – 28
Shepherd of the Hills Fall Festival – September 6 – October 22
Compton Ridge Campground Fiddle Convention – September 8 – 11
Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival – September 10 – October 29
38th Annual Autumn Daze Festival – September 16 – 17
13th Annual Hollister Grape & Fall Festival – September 24
Bonnie & Clyde Festival – October 15
Ozark Mountain Christmas – November 1 – December 31
Veterans Home Coming – November 5 – 11
Silver Dollar City’s – An Old Time Christmas – November 5 – December 30
236th Marine Corps Birthday Ball – November 10

On a day to day basis, Branson’s fun, excitement, entertainment and adventure provides a unique and memorable vacation and entertainment experience. Its broad selection of festivals provides you with an opportunity to make that experience even more special and memorable.

*Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Showboat Branson Belle cruises into 2011 with exciting new shows and menu

Showboat Branson Belle cruising on Table Rock Lake. *

(Branson, Missouri) “The wonder and freshness of Spring is not the only thing causing excitement in Branson, Missouri, the ‘Live music show capital of the world,”‘ said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “When the Showboat Branson Belle starts its 2011 season on March 25. plying the beautiful waters of Table Rock Lake, it will be cruising into the biggest year of change it has had in its 15 years of providing fun, excitement, entertainment, great food and ‘memories worth repeating,'” she continued.

Johnson said that information received from the Showboat indicates there will be two new shows this year along with new costumes, performers, sets, staging, lighting, décor and a new menu.

Janice Martin performing the unique aerial silk segment of her headline act while playing beautiful music. It is an amazing thing to see and it's just part of what this amazing performer does.

The show for the evening cruises will be “ENCORE!,” featuring the artistry and talent of Janice Martin, a world class violinist and vocalist as she brings her unique “high-flying theatrics to the Showboat stage.” Martin has performed in concert halls all over the world including Paris, Tokyo and Prague as well as the White House and Carnegie Hall. This writer had the opportunity to see this amazing artist perform during Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest last year and was amazed not only by her musical talents, but beauty, grace and skill involved with her aerial “silk” performance.

Also appearing in ENCORE! will be a new six man vocal and dancing group called “The Showmen” who will entertain Showboat passengers with a powerful blend of harmonies and solo performances. Returning, as the master of ceremonies, is Showboat favorite, magician and comedian, Christopher James and the Showboat’s signature live band “Rockin’ Dockers.”

Comedian and musician Chris Pendleton headlines the Showboats all new "Funny Fiddle" show.*

The Showboat Branson Belle’s daytime Comedy Cruises in mid-may will present “Funny Fiddle” featuring Chris Pendleton who is a nationally featured comedian and musician that has appeared on Fox network, Lifetime, Showtime and A& E’s “Evening at the Improv.” Appearing with Pendleton as emcee and fiddler will be Branson favorite and master at the fiddle, Dean Church.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “The Showboats new menu sounds scrumptious.” Chef Larry’s succulent entrée offerings include Royal Beef Roast and Chicken Focaccia dressed with Dijon Sauce for lunch and Braised Filet of Beef Tenderloin in a Cabernet Sauce and Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs with a touch of Dijon Sauce for dinner; salads featuring homemade Tomato Basil Croutons; Sweet Potato Mash and French Green Beans and Anna Belle’s Golden Brittle Torte drizzled with Caramel. Johnson also points out that all the meals are prepared in the ships galley and that, in addition to the Showboats regular menu there are specialty dining options available such as the “Paddlewheel Club Room” and “Captains Row.”

For tickets or additional information on the new and exciting things happening on the Showboat Branson Belle 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.

* Picture courtesy of Showboat Branson Belle

** Picture courtesy of www.JaniceMartin.Com

No travel trickery or photo fakeouts needed in Branson

No "Photo-Fakeout" here. This 1982 Cadillac Limousine, stretching over 30 feet with a heart shapped Jacuzzi, is just one of the many unique exhibits and activities available in Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.

Just in time for Spring and Summer vacation planning, a recent segment of “NBC Investigates ” on the NBC “Today Show” reinforces something we have all been warned about, travel scams involving making vacation plans on line. The segment entitled “Beware of Travel Trickery,” was presented by David Rossen. In introducing the segment Rossen said, “But, this time it’s different; our investigation found that it’s the hotels, restaurants and resorts themselves that may be misleading you.”

The report showed what were alleged to be actual photos of rooms, beaches and other scenes used in advertising that it alleged were either deceiving or outright false, sometimes referred to as “Photo-Fakeouts,” bogus reviews submitted to travel web sites and other questionable practices. One “insider informant” said they were speaking out because, “The consumer deserves to know what is truthful and what’s not truthful.” Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson, Missouri’s largest and most respected providers of travel services, show and attraction tickets and lodging, said, “I couldn’t agree more and that’s the great thing about selling Branson, Missouri, it is truly one of the most unique vacation destinations in the world and that truth needs no embellishment.”

Johnson said, The mission of BTC is to ensure that “our customers have a great Branson experience” and that starts by ensuring that the information we give them is as accurate as possible. BTC provides the bulk of that information through one of its three major Branson destination websites. WWW.Branson.Com is Branson’s first and most trafficked website and is one of the most complete Branson informational sites in existence; www.BransonTourismCenter.Com is the BTC Site used in conjunction with the toll free number 800-785-1550 to provide its free personal flagship concierge service via telephone with the assistance of a trained BTC Branson Vacation Planning Specialist and www.BransonOnTheWeb.com, is a transactional site for those who want to do their own research and ordering on the internet.

As one of the primary content writers for BTC’s websites, I strive to tell the Branson’s story as accurately and interestingly as possible. Whether it’s one of Branson’s great live shows, restaurants, attractions such as Silver Dollar City, fishing on one of our pristine lakes or something as simple as shopping or taking a walk on the Branson Landing Boardwalk, my goal is to paint a word picture that tells the story of what you will experience in Branson. That story is so exciting, varied and unique that no exaggeration or hype is necessary.

Pictures and videos are another way to communicate all that Branson offers. The pictures with the vast majority of the articles that I write are taken by me with a Cannon EOS Rebel T2i using available light or the on the camera flash through a Cannon EFS 17-55 mm Zoom lens and are simply shots taken to illustrate the story being written. There is no attempt made to make something bigger or seem closer than it actually is or any other type of “Photo-Fakeout.” What you see is what I saw. Some pictures I use are provided by the hotel, show or attraction, but they are used only if they accurately represent what is being presented based on my 20 plus years of covering all that Branson has to offer.

BTC has its own videographer, Chris Canote and makes extensive use of videos on its websites in an effort to provide potential Branson visitors with as realistic and exciting view of what they will experience in Branson as possible. Chris said, “When I go and film a Branson lodging establishment such as the Grand Plaza Hotel I do not do any polishing, except for some color correction during editing, but other than that, I point and shoot multiple angles of the room types, the lobby, and amenities. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I do some fun shots to make the video enjoyable to the eye, but there is no doctoring of these videos. We believe a customer wants to see what they will get and to the best of my ability that’s what we provide.”

“In addition, our free personal concierge service, via a toll free telephone call to 800-785-1550, provides the assistance of a trained Branson Vacation Planning Specialist who lives in and is familiar with the Branson area and all it has to offer,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson, who has over two decades of experience in helping Branson visitors have a great Branson experience. “Our excellent relationship with our vendor lodging facilities, shows, attractions, restaurants and other Branson activity partners puts us in an excellent position to not only get our customers exactly what they want and save them money at the same time, but to help resolve any problems that might arise,” she continued.

Johnson said, “It’s not only that people are investing their hard earned money and precious time into a vacation that causes us to do business the way we do, but that we want our Branson visitors to not only return to Branson, but to do business with us again when they do. The best way to accomplish that is by making sure they get what they expect when they come to Branson and have a great Branson experience.”

As this writer was reviewing the video of the NBC show he was so thankful that he lives in Branson, Missouri, a place so unique, naturally beautiful, overflowing with talent and the spirit of hospitality that it is the epitome of genuine friendliness, fun, entertainment and excitement with no “travel trickery,” required or needed.

Branson Spring limited engagements offer broad entertainment choices

Gatlin Brothers

“That a little town of about 10,000 people, located in the middle of the natural beauty of the Ozarks, has the broad choice of quality entertainment that it does is one of the best kept secrets in America. Still, over 7 million people a year visit Branson to experience its live shows, attractions, lakes, shopping and natural beauty,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. ” In season, it’s regular show schedule offers close to 100 live show performances a day encompassing a variety of live entertainment that would be the envy of any tourist entertainment destination let alone one the size of Branson,” she continued.

Johnson suggests that just the list of stars and acts that will be making limited engagements appearances in Branson during the Spring season gives a capsule overview of the breadth of Branson’s entertainment. The following list, current as of February 27, 2011 shows the major limited engagement acts scheduled for this Spring in Branson including a link for each providing a show description, schedule and ticket prices on each. The list is sorted alphabetically by date:

Neal McCoy, March 12 – 19*
Oak Ridge Boys, April 26*
Charlie Daniel’s Band, April 28
Sawyer Brown, April 29
70s Super Show with the Village People, May 5
Gene Watson and John Conlee May 14
Neal McCoy, May 19*
Neal McCoy, June 1 – 2*
Exile, June 16-17
Jungle Jack Hanna, June 19
Branson Gospel Music Revival, June 19 – Jul 1

Jungle Jim Hanna with one of his animal friends.

*Indicates performers who will also be appearing for limited engagement performances at difference times during 2011.

Johnson points out that the limited engagement shows are in addition to all the rest of the Branson Shows that perform regularly all season long. She said schedules could change and suggests, before making any plans to see a particular show, that you consult a show schedule similar to the Branson Tourism Center Show Schedule which is updated with current information daily. She said another convenient way to keep updated on the latest shows, schedules and Branson information is to make a free telephone call to a trained Branson Vacation Planning Specialist who will answer your questions free of charge and can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550.