Category Archives: Featured

Shane Long wins Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament

Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series Champion Shane Long with Championship Trophy.

“What a nail biter,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the hosts of the Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. “Missourian Shane Long won the tournament with a total weight of 42.34 pounds, but the suspense went right up to the final seconds of the weigh-in.”

The three day tournament launched from the State Park Marina on Table Rock Lake October 14 through 16. After the first two days the field was narrowed down to the 24 finalists who fished in the Final on the 16th. The first two weigh-ins were held at the State Park Marina, but the weigh-in for the Final was held at the Fountain at Branson Landing. “It was a spectacular setting for the ending to a great tournament and the 2010 PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series” said Kurtright.

For his efforts Long won a new Nitro Z-8 boat rigged with a Mercury Optimax 225 and T-H Marine Atlas Jackplate and $5,000. He said he was using a white Luck E Strike “3-J” jigging spoon, 20-pound test Seaguar fluorocarbon line, and a Falcon crankbait rod throwing the spoon to the back of boat slips. It should be noted that the particular spoon Long used is no longer in production “but is reportedly coming back to the market.”

Angler after angler praised the quality of the fishing on Table Rock Lake. Many said they have caught hundreds of bass during the three day tournament and that although they might not have been big enough for tournament use they were sure fun to catch. Too, there were the reports of plenty of bigger tournament changing bass that got off.

Jim Thompson, a long time tournament fisherman and the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association said, “It was a great event. Although the warm water, changing thermocline and fluctuating weather conditions presented challenges it was a great tournament and the reports by the fishermen on the numbers of bass they caught speaks well for the quality of fishing that can be expected on Table Rock Lake now and in the future.”

The Top Five Finishers, their Home State and their tournament totals are as follows:

1. Shane Long, Missouri, 42.34
2. Aaron Martens, Alabama, 36.41
3. Tommy Biffle, Oklahoma, 36.27
4. Kelly Power, Missouri, 36.16
5. Brian Snowden, Missouri, 35.65

“If you are a bass fisherman, and haven’t fished Table Rock Lake in Branson, it’s an experience you should not miss,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Kurtright. He also reemphasized what an honor it was for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, to help host the tournament. Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Missouri Anglers dominate Top Ten after Day 2 of Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament

Local angler, Brian Snowden at at Day 2 Weigh-In.

“Wow, what a difference a day makes,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, a host of the Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. “We have a new leader who jumped from ninth place on Day 1 to first place on Day 2 and the top three anglers going into Saturdays Final are all from Missouri.”

With the adjustments made based on the number of fishermen competing in the tournament the cut for the Tournament’s Final on October 16 was at 24. The Finalists will fish “Saturday on Table Rock for a total purse of $194,000 including $5,000 to the winner and a new Nitro Z-8 rigged with a Mercury 225 and T-H Marine Atlas Jackplate. Saturday’s launch will be at Table Rock State Park Marina, with the 4:30 p.m. weigh-in to be held at The Fountain at Branson Landing.

Jim Thompson, the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association, a long time leader in conducting regional Bass tournaments and himself a tournament fisherman  said, “The changing weather, clear skies, and the fish in transition should make the Finals interesting. With the caliber of fishermen in the finals and only five pounds separating first from seventh it’s anybody’s tournament to win.”

In his first ever PAA Tournament event, Shane Long, the leader going into today’s Finals indicated just how important every fish is. He said, “I got lucky, got quality bites and put them in the boat. I lost a big one Thursday and I think that may come back to haunt me.”

The Top Ten Finalists, their Home State and the totals they will be starting the Finals with are listed below. Click here for a complete list of the standings at the end of Day 2 including those who are not in the finals.

1. Shane Long, Missouri, 29.28
2. Kelly Power, Missouri, 26.75
3. Brian Snowden, Missouri, 26.49
4. Gary Klein, Texas, 24.80
5. Dave Lefebre, Pennsylvania, 24.73
6. Terry Butcher, Oklahoma, 24.32
7. Rick Clunn, Missouri, 24.21
8. Stacey King, Missouri, 23.70
9. Matt Reed, Texas, 23.56
10. Ronnie Wagner, Texas, 22.63

Branson Tourism Center’s Kurtright encourages everyone to attend the tournament’s Final Weigh-In at the Fountains in Branson Landing at 4:30 p.m. today. He said that that it was an honor for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, to host the Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Day 1 of $400,000 Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament is Texas Missouri Shootout

Local Angler Stacy King in 2nd place after Day 1 of PAA Bass Proshops Tournament (Photo: PAA, Chris Dutton.)

“Today’s been a Texas – Missouri shoot out,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for Branson Tourism Center and one of the hosts of Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix being held on Table Rock Lake October 14 through 16. “Eight of the top ten finishers are from either Missouri or Texas with a Texan in first place and a Missourian in second place.”

At the end of Day 1 Missouri fisherman Stacy King was a little less than 5 pounds behind Texan  Chris Brasher. Brasher’s Day 1 total weighed 19.27 pounds and included the big bass for the day weighing 7.11 pounds and a .25 pound expired bass penalty. King took second place with a five bass limit weighing 14.71 pounds.

The top ten finishers for Day 1 are listed below. Click here for a complete list.
http://fishpaa.com/tournaments/table-rock-lake/2010-table-rock-lake-results/

1. Chris Brasher, Texas, 19.27 pounds
2. Stacy King Missouri, 14.71 pounds
3. Harold Allen, Texas, 14.60 pounds
4. Jami Fralick, South Dakota, 14.25 pounds
5. Brian Snowden, Missouri, 14.12 pounds
6. Rick Clunn, Missouri, 14.10 pounds
7. Matt Reed, Texas, 13.53
8. Gary Klein, Texas, 13.24 pounds
9. Shane Long, Missouri, 12.50 pounds
10. Randy Haynes, Tennessee, 12.48 pounds

The tournament is the final event in the 2010 PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. The tournament continues on Friday and Saturday with a 7 a.m. launch at Table Rock State Park Marina. Friday’s weigh-in will be at 3 p.m. at Table Rock State Park Marina. The top 30 finishers of Day 1 and Day 2 will fish in the Finals on Saturday. Saturday’s final weigh-in will be at Branson Landing Fountains in the Public Square starting at 4:30 p.m.

Brasher said that he had caught his limit, including his big bass by 10.30 a.m. and “then played defense the rest of the day. He checked in an hour early to prevent fish care penalties,” but was docked .25 pounds for an expired fish. Local fisherman Brian Snowden, recent winner of the “Toyota Texas Bass Classic” said, “I caught them everywhere from 60 feet to 3 feet.” Jim Thompson, long time tournament fisherman and the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association, a long time leader in conducting regional Bass tournaments said, “The weather with its cold front and high pressure is adding to the challenges that the fishermen are facing.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Kurtright encourages everyone to attend the tournament’sFinal Weigh-In at Branson Landing at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday October 16. He also reminds everyone that Branson will be particularly busy this weekend and offers the free services of Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, in obtaining information or tickets to any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Silver Dollar City co-founders Jack and Pete Herschend at Springfield book signing

Silver Dollar City's founders, left to right, Jack, Mary and Peter Herschend.

“What a special remembrance and keepsake of the 50th Anniversary of Silver Dollar City, ” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. Kurtright was referring to the announcement that the co founders of Silver Dollar City, Jack and Pete Herschend and their wives, will be in Borders at 3300 S. Glenstone Avenue in Springfield, from Noon until 2 p.m. Saturday October 16 to sign copies of the Springfield News Leader’s SDC 50th Anniversary book “50 Years of Making Memories.” The stores phone number is 417 881-4111.

A spectacular 50th year anniversary celebration of Silver Dollar City’s opening is winding down. The book signing provides a unique opportunity to not only get your copy of the book signed but to meet the Herschends personally.

Kurtright points out that even as the book signing is going on, Silver Dollar City will be doing what is has done for over 50 years, helping people “Create Memories Worth Repeating” as they attend the parks National Harvest Festival running through October 30. The last event of Silver Dollar City’s 50th Anniversary celebration will be its world class award winning festival, An Old Time Christmas.

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.

It’s always a great time to see a show in Branson, but now is special

Johnny Mathis in Branson November 12 and 13.

“Branson’s list of live shows is unrivaled in terms of the variety of live shows it offers on a daily basis,” says Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “From morning shows to evening shows, there is generally a variety of shows available to meet every entertainment need at a time that fits the schedule of most show goers. However, at this time of the year two things happen that make it a special time to see a Branson show.”

The first is the availability of a number of limited engagement shows, particularly during Ozark Mountain Christmas, that are not available during the rest of the year. Some of these are one or two day concerts such as The Front Men of Alabama, Lonestar and Restless Heart on October 22; Marty Stuart on October 22 and 23; Michael Bolton on October 23 and Johnny Mathis on November 12 and 13. Others are for a longer period such as Andy Williams Variety Show, Roy Clark with Justin Davis, Ray Stevens, Oak Ridge Boys, Gatlin Brothers with Debby Boone, the Texas Tenors or Daniel O’Donnell among others.

One of the many spectacular scenes from the "Miracle of Christmas."

In addition, some shows could be considered limited engagement shows because they are only available during the Christmas season. These would include shows such as Andy Williams Christmas Show, Sight and Sound’s spectacular Miracle of Christmas, The Spirit of Christmas, Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters Christmas Celebration and the Mel Tillis Family Christmas.

The second thing is the fact that the vast majority of Branson’s shows incorporate the traditional celebration of Christmas into their shows. “A lot of shows are divided into two segments with the first segment containing the most popular parts of their regular show and the second, their Christmas segment,” Johnson said. “The result is a special opportunity to experience or re-experience some of the special highlights of the shows 2011 season as well as their Christmas show. If you value the traditional Christmas celebrating the birth of the Christ Child, the vast majority of Branson’s shows will fill your heart with Christmas joy.”

Following is a list of the majority of Branson’s limited engagement and Christmas shows sorted by Month and date. For specific schedules, including all of Branson’s other wonderful shows, ticket prices, pictures and information please consult the Official Branson.Com Branson Show Schedule.

October

Andy Williams Variety Show, Through October 23 (Christmas Show starts November 1)
Roy Clark with Justin Davis, October 18 through 26.
Ray Stevens, Through Oct 23
Oak Ridge Boys, Through October 21
The Texas Tenors, Through October 23.
Mid West Country Stars on October 20 and 21 only.
The Front Men of Alabama, Lonestar and Restless Heart on October 22 only
Marty Stuart on October 22 and 23 only.
Michael Bolton on October 23 only.
Festival of Hope For MDA on October 24 only

November and December

Miracle of Christmas, starts October 30 through December 31.
Andy Williams Christmas Show, November 1 through December 11.
Daniel O’Donnell, November 1 through 20.
Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters, November 1 through December 11.
Gatlin Brothers and Debby Boone Together, November 1 through December 4.
Mel Tillis and Family Christmas, November  2 through December 4.
Miracle of Christmas, October 30 through December 31.
Oak Ridge Boys, November 2 through 18.
Spirit of Christmas, November 2 through December 10.
Country’s Family Reunion, November 7 and 8.
Marine Corps Birthday Ball, November 11.
Johnny Mathis, on November 12 and 13 only.

Johnson also points out that in addition to these great Bransons shows that Branson will also be celebrating Branson Veterans Home Coming Week November 5 through 11 and Ozark Mountain Christmas from November 1 through December 31. Ozarks Mountain Christmas is a celebration of the true meaning and spirit of Christmas as only Branson can do it and is highlighted by Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, drive through Christmas lighting displays such as the Branson Area Festival of Lights and the Shepherd of the Hills Train of Lights, the Adoration Parade, millions of colored lights, great shopping and a Christmas spirit that would be hard to duplicate at any other destination city is America.

“It is easily the busiest time of the year in Branson,” said Johnson who recommends that advance reservations be made for shows and lodging to ensure not only availability, but the best choice of seating and lodging accommodations. For additional information or tickets for any of the shows mentioned in this article or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

A ride on Branson Scenic Railway offers history, nostalgia and Ozarks Fall foliage

Traveling over Lake Taneycomo.

“An excursion on the Branson Scenic Railway is always an exciting and relaxing way to experience a part of the Ozarks that most people never see while reliving the memories of a by-gone era riding aboard vintage railroad cars from the 40’s and 50’s,” said, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The fact that the Ozarks fall foliage is about to burst into its annual fall show of vibrant colors over the next few weeks just adds to the enjoyment of this unique experience.”

The history and nostalgia of the excursion starts before the train is even boarded because they depart from one of the oldest surviving buildings in historic downtown Branson, the 104 year old Branson Train Depot. Its completion in 1906 was just a year prior to the publication of Harold Bell Wright’s famous novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills, credited with being the spark that started the “tourism fire” that is called now “Branson.” In 1912, shortly after becoming a city, a fire destroyed the entire downtown business district except for a few businesses of which the Train Depot is one.

The dome cars provide a spectacular unique view of the Ozarks.

The train itself is composed of different types of vintage cars dating from the 40’s and 50’s being pulled by a locomotives that was originally built in 1951. The train includes a 60 passenger coach car, buffet lounge car, domed lounge coach, dining car and domed observation cars among others.

Regardless of where one sits originally they can get up and move around the train at any time. A part of the excursion is the opportunity to walk through the train and actually be in the different types of cars dating back to 1939. It is a unique chance to experience a bit or railroad history that is not commonly available.

The 40 mile round trip excursion takes about one hour and 45 minute and may go either north or south out of Branson depending on the schedule of trains operated by Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad. This writer traveled the southern route.

As the train pulls out of the Branson Depot, it provides an excellent view of the Lake Taneycomo Lake front and the city owned city camp ground just prior to crossing over a short wooden trestle and onto the Lake Taneycomo Bridge and over Lake Taneycomo. As it travels through the city of Hollister and alongside its famed “Downing Street” there is a unique view of its historic downtown including its English Tudor style buildings.

Between Hollister and the end of the southern line the train travels through tunnels and over trestles and past the ruins of long gone communities such as “Melva” which was destroyed on March 11, 1920 by a tornado and never rebuilt. Along the way you will travel through some of the prettiest country, forests and wilderness in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas with the opportunity to see some its abundant wildlife. Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that in addition, at this time of the year, the route provides a unique and relaxing way to see the beautiful fall foliage.

The Dinner Train features an a candlelight dinner in the dining car.

A special once a week “Dinner Train,” departing at 5 p.m. on Saturday only, provides its passengers with a unique opportunity to experience the “traditional-style dining that was the ultimate experience long ago when riding the rails.” Guests enjoy a four course candlelight dinner in the dining car while on the excursion with their choice of a half of rotisserie chicken, baked fish or prime rib entrée, appetizer, salad, vegetable, dessert, and beverage. The dinner train is recommend for children ages 10 and up.

For additional information or tickets for the Branson Scenic Railway 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.

Branson’s Veterans Week and Ozark Mountain Christmas make ABA Top 100 Events List

Silver Dollar City lights up for its "An Old Time Christmas" celebration.

“It’s another indication of the quality and type of experience that people can expect when they visit Branson, Missouri” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson was referring to the recent announcement by the American Bus Association (ABA) that included both “Branson Veterans Week,” commonly called  “Branson Veterans Home Coming Week,” and “Ozark Mountain Christmas” on its “2011 List of the Top 100 Events in North America.”

In the announcement, Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA’s president and CEO said, “The attractiveness of Branson Veterans Week as a don’t miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Branson, Missouri.” He goes on to point out that the real news is the recognition of Branson Veterans Home Coming Week “as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy” and that the honor gives Branson “an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.”

This is the second year in a row that Branson Veterans Home Coming has received Top 100 List recognition and the sixth year in a row for Ozarks Mountain Christmas. “The great news for Branson visitors,” says Johnson, “is that they can experience both events at the same time.”

Johnson explains that, “Ozark Mountain Christmas, running from November 1 through January 2, is a special and unique Christmas experience resulting from the synergy of all that Branson is. It has everything from drive through lighting displays, to great shopping, spectacular Christmas shows, “Silver Dollar City’s An Ole Time Christmas” and that special Branson way of celebrating the true spirit of Christmas that makes Ozark Mountain Christmas a unique one of a kind celebration.

The "Marine Corps Ball" is just one of the many exciting and colorful events held during "Branson Veterans Homecoming Week."

Johnson describes Branson Veterans Home Coming as a “weeklong celebration filled with events and activities honoring America’s Veterans, active duty Armed Forces personnel and their families.” She points out that there is a variety of events, most of which are free to Veterans, all with the same theme, to honor America’s Military and their families. These events include the “Traveling Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall;” the Showboat Branson Belle’s “Special Salute to Veterans; “The United States Marine Corps 235th Birthday Ball,” Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute; the 77th Annual Veterans Day Parade through historic downtown Branson on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and much more. Click here for a complete schedule of events.

Johnson said that November through the middle of December is one of the busiest times of the year in Branson and recommends advance reservations, particularly with the more popular shows and lodging establishments. She points out that the company she works for, the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. This puts BTC in an excellent position to help their customers obtain not only the best seats and accommodations, but often, particularly when shows, attractions and lodging are bundled into one package, save them money. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson’sVeterans Homecoming Week – About our Veterans, the Military and their families

“One of the largest ‘Veterans Day’ celebrations in the world, Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week, will be celebrated in Branson, Missouri starting on November 5 and running through November 11,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Although Branson has a special place in its heart for Veterans, with the vast majority of its many live shows routinely honoring America’s Veterans, active duty Armed Forces personnel and their families on a daily basis, Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week is special.”

“It’s a week long celebration filled with events and activities honoring America’s Veterans, active duty Armed Forces personnel and their families,” Johnson continued. “There is a variety of events, most of which are free to Veterans, all with the same theme, to honor America’s Military and their families.”

Some of the major highlights include the Opening Ceremony at the home of the spectacular “Miracle of Christmas” show, the Sight and Sound Theatre on November 5 at 1230; the “Traveling Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall” at the Welk Theater from November 5 through the 15th; the Showboat Branson Belle’s “Special Salute to Veterans on November 5 at 1900; many mini reunions such as the “WW II Veterans Mini Reunion” on November 6 from 1400 to 1700 at the College of The Ozarks; the 4th Annual Military Gala & Banquet on November 8 at 1700; the “The United States Marine Corps 235th Birthday Ball,” Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute on November 11 at 1400; the 77th Annual Veterans Day Parade through historic downtown Branson on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and the Closing Ceremony at Tri-lakes Center at 1400.

The Veterans Village and Branson Veterans Task Force Tactical Operations Center will be located at the Factory Merchants Mall, (Red Roof Mall) and will be open from 0900 to 1600 daily from November 6th through the 10th. It will host one of the two Veterans Registries with the other being at the Veterans Memorial Museum, located at 1250 West 76 Country Music Blvd; vendors booths and the “All American Lunch” served free to Veterans daily between November 6 through November 10 by Steve’s Tree House and Grill betwee 1130 and 1300. It will also provide a convenient place to just relax and fellowship with old friends and new acquaintances as well as the latest information about the week’s events and Veteran discounts.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that in addition to the full slate of Veterans Homecoming Week activities, those attending can participate in the first week of Branson’s “Ozark Mountain Christmas” with all the excitement it provides, including the opening of Branson’s major Christmas shows and its drive through Christmas Lighting displays and the Silver Dollar City’s award winning “An Old Time Christmas” which starts on November 6 and runs through December 30.

Johnson extends a warm and heartfelt welcome to all the Veterans, active duty Military personnel and their families that will be coming to Branson and says, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice.” For additional information about Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week activities, Ozark Mountain Christmas, or Branson shows, attractions or lodging please contact Branson Tourism Center, (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550, through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com or through a personal visit to its office located at 220 Branson Hills Parkway in Branson just west of the Bee Creek Highway 65 exit.

The Track Family Fun Park #3 hosts benefit for Gift of Hope on October 2

The Track Family Fun Park #3 located at 2505 W. Hwy 76, Branson will host a Gift of  Hope Fundraiser for the benefit its Backpack Club and Christmas Share programs on Saturday, October 2, 2010 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Those attending will enjoy reduced rates with $5.00 one-pass rides including bumper boats and miniature golf and “Kids Kountry” passes at $5.00 for 1 hour.”

The Gift of Hope’s mission is “Providing essentials and pathways to independence for Taney County Families.” One of the ways it does that is through “The Backpack Club” which provides a backpack of nutritious food for children who have shown signs of hunger outside of the school meal program.  Children receive the food each weekend during the school year. The Christmas Share program will provide customized assistance to approximately 30 families in need during the winter months.

“Branson visitors as well as locals can enjoy this great event,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “The Track Family Fun Park #3 has many of ways for the whole family to have fun with everything from the “Wild Woody Go Cart Track,” to bumper boats, miniature golf, a “Kids Kountry” with special rides for the younger children and so much more. What a great way for families to have an afternoon of fun, save money and help a great cause.”

She also reminds Branson visitors that Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival runs through October 30. For information on the Gift of Hope Benefit please call 417-546-8062. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Michael Grimm of Branson’s “The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley Show” wins NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”

Michael Grimm during Branson Tourism Center interview.

(Branson, Mo)  During an interview about his expectations from competing on the NBC prime time hit show “America’s Got Talent (AGT)” Michael Grimm said, “I just want to get as far as I can get. It would be an honor if I can make it a couple of rounds, open some doors for my career, and make enough money to build my Grandma a new house.” The exclusive interview, for the Branson Tourism Center, was conducted right after his initial audition for AGT had aired and two days prior to leaving the “Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley” show in Branson, Missouri to devote full time to the competition.

On the evening of September 15, the smooth raspy voiced southern blues singer went as far as anyone can go on America’s Got Talent and received its ultimate honor. In front of a national prime time audience, Grimm won AGT and its first place prize of $1 million dollars and being the privilege of being headliner on the AGT National Tour and show at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

From the thousands that initially auditioned for the show and after weeks of competition four acts made it to the Finals which was held the evening of September 14. The four finalist were “Prince Poppy Cock,” basically a singer who presents his songs in his own unusual, but extremely entertaining way; “Fighting Gravity,” a black light show with great visual appeal and Jackie Evanco an 11 year old young lady with an operatic voice that is unbelievable and Michael Grimm. “America voted” and Michael Grimm came in first, Jackie Evanco second, Fighting Gravity third and Price Poppycock fourth.

During the Branson Tourism Center interview Grimm said that his relationship with his Grandma, Laura Butters, goes back to about age four when she took over the raising of him and his sister after their parents separated. He unabashedly says that “My grandma is my inspiration” and credits her, not only with his interest in music, but with the start of his professional career.

Michael Grimm and McKenna Medley singing ""You Don't Know Me" during one of his last performances in the "Righteous Brothers' Bill Medley Show."

He said that it started at about age six when he and his sister started singing the great hymns like “Jesus Loves Me,” “Amazing Grace” and others in church. At about age twelve he started singing professionally in “hole in the wall” bars in the Waveland Bay St. Louis area in southern Mississippi. On each appearance his Grandma would chaperone him and sit there drinking “Diet Cokes” all night until he was through.

Grimm said that over the last ten years he has worked a lot in Las Vegas at casino lounges such as Caesar’s Palace, New York New York and the Station Casinos. He is also an accomplished song writer; has opened for artists such as the band Heart, BB King and Peter Green, who used to be with Fleetwood Mac; has recorded and released two CDs “Michael Grimm Live,” recorded live at the Cannery Casino in Las Vegas and “I Am Michael Grimm,” with all original music and is currently working on another unnamed CD with which he is honored to have Bill Medley helping him on a couple of the songs.

He went on to say that over the last year or so he has been working with Bill Medley on various road trips and in “The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley Show in Branson, as a vocalist and guitar player. Although his first visit to Branson wasn’t until the second half of 2009 it has obviously made an impression on him. Grimm said, “My first memory of Branson is the hospitality and friendliness of everybody. This is God’s country out here, this is America and that’s what I love about it.”

In an interview with Levi Michael of the Branson Tourism Center on September 16, Bill Medley said that Grimm is a true artist, passionate about his music and deserves every bit of the wave of success he is riding. When asked what she thought about Michael winning AGT McKenna Medley said, “I am so ecstatic, it’s not even funny. I was freaking out, I went running jumping screaming and couldn’t even talk for 30 minutes.”

While in Branson performing in the Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley Show, Grimm sang a duet with McKenna of the Jann Arden song “You Don’t Know Me.” He sang that song in the audition that launched him on his way to winning AGT and caused the shows MC, Nick Cannon to say, “That’s a Super Star’s voice right there.” America has voted and evidently they agree.

Related articles:

Branson entertainer Michael Grimm makes Final Four in “America’s Got Talent”

Branson entertainer Michael Grimm pursues dream on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”

Great video of Bill and McKenna Medley sharing insights on Micheal Grimm