Category Archives: Featured

Branson’s Dutton Show drives to new entertainment heights

( Branson, MO ) “A recent Branson show review appearing on www.Branson.Com/News describes Branson’s Dutton Show as ‘a driving, exciting, touching, comfortable and simply wonderful entertainment experience,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets, lodging and vacation planning services. “It was a great review, entitled ‘The Duttons drive their audience to new entertainment heights,'” she continued.

Johnson points out that the reviewer said the shows enjoyment goes beyond its “instrumentality, vocal skills, great sets, costuming, choreography and the way the show seamlessly flows from one enjoyable element to the other.” The review refers to the synergy of the show’s individual elements resulting “in a dynamic and unique quality family entertainment phenomenon that thrills and delights the audience.”

It also indicates that children should just love this show because of the artful integration of the Dutton grandchildren into the show at key points. The reviewer said, “The way additional younger family members are worked into the show is a joy to experience…. Whether its playing a Munchkin, singing or playing a fiddle, the participation of the younger children in the show is well planned, professional, and not only enhances the total entertainment experience of the show for adults, but gives the children in the audience something they can specifically relate to and enjoy.”

Excerpts:

The “driving start” to this year’s show gives the audience an idea of some of the surprises and exciting entertainment that lies ahead. There’s nothing ordinary about any part of this show…

Their “initial set,” including the Alabama hit “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler),” their own special rendition of “The Orange Blossom Special,” the Duttons’ “patented” musical introductions using the “Foggy Mountain Breakdown, the Buddy Holly hit “All My Love All My Kisses,” “Footloose ” and others, sets the tenor for what is to follow. Within those first few numbers, the audience not only meets the Duttons, but experiences the power, diversity, excitement, originality, energy and beauty of the entertainment experience that is “The Duttons!”

Click here to read the entire review.

Nine Branson area Corps of Engineers Table Rock Lake parks close Sept. 15

“Information recently received from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicates that they will be closing nine of their Table Rock Lake camp grounds and parks on September 15 for the 2010 season,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The parks and campgrounds included are Cricket Creek, Aunts Creek, Baxter, Big M, Campbell Point, Long Creek, Moonshine Beach, Viola and Viney Creek.” She points out that the boat launch ramps at these facilities will continue to be open and that area use fees will still apply.

The same information said that that camping will be available at Cape Fair, Eagle Rock, Indian Point, Mill Creek and the Old Highway 86 parks until October 31.

Johnson points out that both of the campgrounds in the state operated “Table Rock State Park,” on Highway 165 just south of the Table Rock Dam, will remain open offering complete camping services through November. After that date and through February 2011, Camp Ground #1 will remain open except for the possibility of individual campsite water spigots being shut off during colder weather.

For additional information on camping facilities or any of Branson’s 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 entertainer Michael Grimm makes Final Four in “America’s Got Talent”

America's Got Talent Finalist,Michael Grimm during interview just prior to leaving Branson for his live AGT performances.

“The caliber of the vocal and instrumental performers in Branson’s live shows is second to none,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Day to day, in terms of quality, diversity of choice and excitement, Branson’s live shows provide some of the best entertainment available anywhere.”

Johnson points out that until a couple of months ago, visitors to Branson would have seen Michael Grimm, as the guitar player and vocalist with the “Righteous Brother Bill Medley Show” in Branson. On September 7 and 8, with millions watching on national TV, Grimm competed and was selected as one of the four finalists on the NBC prime time hit show “America’s Got Talent (AGT).”

The other finalists are “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. They will be competing for the $1 million dollar prize and other career changing opportunities including a National Tour and being the headliner of a Las Vegas Show, on Tuesday night, September 14 with the results being announced on Wednesday night September 15.

At the time of the airing of the taped audition show that started Grimm on his journey he was playing in the Righteous Brother Bill Medley show in Branson. Within a week of that airing, after his June 5th performance with the show, he left Branson to devote full time to the AGT competition.

Two comments come to mind that seem particularly appropriate as Grimm goes into the AGT Finals. One was the almost prophetic statement made by AGT host Nick Cannon, after watching Grimm’s initial audition performance, when he said, “That’s a Super Star’s voice right there.” The other two were made by Grimm himself during an exclusive interview with this writer for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, two days before his final Branson performance, when he 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.”

Grimm,s relationship with his “Grandma” is special and dates back to when he was four and she took over the raising of him and his sister after their parents separated. He credits her with his interest in music and the start of his professional career saying, “My grandma is my inspiration.” Grandma Laura Butters was sitting in the audience as he performed for the finals on Tuesday night and on Wednesday night when his selection to the Final Four was announced.

Grimm also said during the interview that he would be coming back to Branson. When asked “Even if you win?” Shaking on it he said that there are wonderful people here, he had a great experience in Branson and would be back whether he wins or not.

“While it would be nice if Grimm does come back to Branson to perform, the great news for Branson visitors,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson, “is that many performers of his caliber are performing in Branson’s live shows on a daily basis”. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Petersen Family Band wins 2nd Annual Branson CAM Gospel Sing-Off

Branson Tourisim Center's Becky Jewsberry congratulating the Petersen's after presenting them with the first place prize check. Left to right, Katie, Matthew, Jon, Karen (mostly blocked) and Ellen. The lady in red to the right is Barbara Fairchild.

Branson’s “Petersen Family Band” won the 2nd Annual Branson Christian Action Ministries’ (CAM) Gospel Sing-Off held at Branson’s Sight and Sound Theatre, the home of spectacular productions of “NOAH the Musical” and the “Miracle of Christmas” at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 5. The 12 finalists, selected from over 50 applicants from five different states performed before a large Branson crowd and a panel of celebrity judges competing for $3,000 in prizes.

The celebrity judging panel was composed of people, who like the vast majority of everyone else associated with CAM, volunteered their time. The judges were Branson performers Barbara Fairchild, George Dyer, and Benjamin Dutton; Ronnie Page Entertainment Editor for the Branson Daily Independent and a member of the “Nashville’s Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame” and John Bartley, a photographer for the Chicago Tribune.

The 12 finalists were “Jericho,” a quartet from DeSoto, MO; Shelley Luginsland living in Branson West, MO; Todd Braschler from Wichita, KS; “One For All,” quartet from Harrison, AR; “Angels Wings” from Branson, MO; Zach Svoboda from Vinton, IA; “The New Joy Quartet” from Ash Grove, MO; Sarah Clemmens from Tahlequah, OK; “Psalmody,” a trio from Branson, MO;” Matt’s Family Jam,” a family quintet from Branson, MO; “Connected,” a duet from Branson West, MO and “The Petersen Family Band from Branson, MO.

The competition was filled with great gospel singing and a great mix of original music. When the results were tabulated Todd Braschler had won the third place prize of $500.00, Psalmody second place and $1,000 and The Petersen Family Band first place and its $1,500 first place prize.

The Petersen Family Band, consisting of the father Jon; mom, Karen; sisters Katie and Ellen and brother Matthew performed a live “non track” music program displaying not only their instrumental and vocal talents, but their ability to connect with the audience. The highlight, in this writers opinion, was their acapella version of “Travelin Shoes.”

After presenting the checks to the winners, Becky Jewsberry representing the prizes donor, the Branson Tourism Center, said, “What a wonderful afternoon of talent and gospel music. It was a an honor for us to be able to partner with CAM in an event like this that is a major fund raiser for CAM’s work in helping to feed the needy and hungry within our community. What a blessing it is to be a part of providing an opportunity for such talented performers to share their talents on the stage of the Sight and Sound Theatre with a Branson audience having a heart for CAM’s work and gospel music.”

Bob Hubbard, of the “Foggy River Boys” and the original lead singer of “The Jordanaires,” did an excellent job of Emceeing. In addition to the talent of the competitors, world-renowned tenor and Branson performer George Dyer opened the show with a set. His rendition of “Abide With Me Tis Even Tide” was simply amazing. While awaiting the judges final tabulations, last year’s winners of the event, “The Sons of the Silver Dollar, who perform at Silver Dollar City, showed the crowd just why they won with a wonderful performance and their goose bump generating presentation of “In God We Still Trust.”

Labor Day Weekend Fireworks in Branson

Fireworks from Chateau on the Lake burst over Table Rock Lake

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center advises that in addition to all of Branson’s great shows, attractions, shopping, lakes and other exciting activities over the long Labor Day Weekend there will be two major firework displays. One will be at the beautiful Chateau on the Lake Resort and the other at Big Cedar Lodge.

In connection with its Labor Day festivities, including a Backyard Barbecue Buffet on its Garden Terrace with live music on September 5, the Chateau on the Lake will offer a spectacular fireworks display starting at dusk. The display can be easily and conveniently viewed for free from Table Rock Lake via boat, from the “park in loop” just south of the new overrun floodgates on Table Rock Dam or from the Chateau’s public areas.

The Showboat Branson Belle has an 8:00 p.m. dinner cruise. Although there certainly is no guarantees, the Showboat has been known to stop and watch the Chateaus firework displays. At the very least they will be observable from the Showboat’s decks. Johnson said there are still reservations available for the 8 p.m. cruise on September 5.

Big Cedar Lodge is planning an exciting Labor Day for September 5. An afternoon of “Crazy Fun” will be followed by a Barbeque and a spectacular fireworks display. Johnson points out that Big Cedar is located south of Branson off of State Highway 86.

Johnson stated that both firework displays will start at dusk and suggests bringing your own chairs and blanket. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Texas Tenors Return to Branson for Fall and Christmas Season

Texas Tenors during their Spring 2010 Branson Performance

In 2009, over 100 million people from around the world watched the Texas Tenors take fourth place in the overall competition on the hit NBC prime time show “America’s Got Talent. Starting on September 28, Branson, Missouri audiences will get the chance to see the Texas Tenors perform at the Starlite Theatre.

“From John Denver to Puccini, JC, Marcus, and John bring their unique blend of Country, Gospel, Classical, and Broadway to the stage with breathtaking vocals, humor, chemistry, and cowboy charm. So grab your cowboy hat and your opera glasses, cause this inspirational and patriotic show will leave you shouting ‘ENCORE & YEE-HAW!’ Shows begin September 28th, 2010 Tuesday thru Sunday at 3:00 pm and 8:00pm.

“Along with their September & October schedule, they’ve also added dates for November & December this year, as well as joining Righteous Brother Bill Medley for a New Year’s Eve Party on December 31st.”

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, said, “Branson is already known as ‘the live music show capital of the world.’ The Branson engagement of the Texas Tenors is another exciting entertainment choice for Branson visitors.” For additional information or tickets for the Texas Tenors or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

CAM – volunteer servants to Branson’s hungry

A CAM food bundle for two people for three days.

Since its inception in 1984 by 11 participating churches and the community, the organization called “CAM,” an acronym for, “Christian Action Ministries,” has been helping to feed the hungry and needy people in Branson and Taney County. CAM’s primary goal “is to help people obtain the basic resources of food; to encourage self-sufficiency and independence and bring together the caring communities religious, business, and individual for meeting these needs.”

CAM accomplishes this goal by operating food pantries at two central locations where food is distributed directly to those families and individuals who need it. Its services are provided at minimal administrative cost by a two person permanent staff and dedicated volunteers working together to obtain the food and coordinate its distribution to hundreds of hungry and needy families and people each month.

CAM’s 2009 Annual Report shows that its volunteers donated 6,569 hours to CAM and that CAM provided food and resources for over 5,881 families and 14, 817 individuals, an increase of 34 percent over 2008 and over 50% from 2006. Recently Jack Burke, CAM’s Volunteer Chairman of the Board said that so far in 2010 all indications are that the number of families and individuals needing help will grow even higher.

Dave Hoy, CAM’s Volunteer Treasurer, said that the food that is distributed comes from three basic sources the Federal government (25%), private food donations (50%) and food purchased with private donations (25%). He said that, within the limits of the resources available, CAM tries to provide a nutritionally balanced diet in the food parcels they distribute.

The shelves of one of CAM's processing rooms where items are "picked" and pre bundled.

Hoy said it’s a simple process for people to get CAM’s assistance. All they have to do is come into one of the two CAM Food Pantries. Within 10 to 15 minutes they will have been processed and leave with enough food for each family member for three days. To make the process more efficient and to try to ensure that the elements of a nutritionally balanced diet are provided, CAM’s volunteers pre-bundle the food in bags containing enough food for one or two people for three days. As clients are processed the volunteers bring them the appropriate number of bags for the size of their family.

He pointed out that people can get Federal food for only three days a month. That means that any assistance beyond that has to come from private food donations or purchased food. This creates a huge need for private donations of food and cash. The need increases with CAM’s efforts to provide a nutritionally balanced diet. Many times the components necessary to do so must be purchased because they are not available through either Federal or donated food.

CAM Board Chairman Jack Burke points out that the “Branson CAM Gospel Sing-Off” is one of CAM’s major fundraising events of the year. It will be held at the magnificent Sight and Sound Theatre, the home of the spectacular productions of “NOAH the Musical” and the “Miracle of Christmas” at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 5. The 12 finalists, selected from over 50 entrants will compete for $3,000 in prizes, $1,500 for First Place, $1,000 for Second Place and $500 for third place before a large Branson audience and a panel of celebrity judges..

In sponsoring the prize purse for CAM’s Gospel Sing Off, Lianne Milton, co-owner of the Branson Tourism Center with her husband Larry, said, “As a member of the Branson community, we are honored and humbled to be able to help further the work of Christian Action Ministries as it provides needed food to thousands of people within our community. We are so appreciative of the efforts of CAM and its dedicated volunteers for all that they do.”

The CAM Food Pantry in Branson is currently located on the lower level of “Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 202 – B Vaughn and may be contacted by phone at 417-334-1157 or through their website www.christianactionministries.org. Although subject to change, the Branson Food Pantry is Open Monday through Friday from 12 to 4 p.m. with extended hours on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. The CAM Food Pantry in Forsyth is located at 10275 E. Highway 76 in the NEC Foundation building and may be contacted by phone at 417-251-0260. Its current hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday except for every fourth Tuesday when it is closed.

22nd Annual Branson Fiddle Festival adds “Orange Blossom Special Contest”

2009 Fiddle competition at the fountains in Branson Landing.

The song “banned” from the official competition at the “22nd Annual Fiddle Festival and Mid-American Fiddle Championship,” the “Orange Blossom Special” will be featured in its own “1st Annual Orange Blossom Special Fiddling Contest” in Historic Downtown Branson (HDB). Angela Walker, Events Coordinator for Historic Downtown Branson said that the event will be held as part of the expansion of the activities involved with the Festival starting at 6:00 p.m. on August 28 just prior to the square dance that will be held on Commercial Street in Historic Downtown Branson.

Walker points out that the all time favorite fiddle song is “banned” from official competitions. HDB thought the contest would provide some fiddle fun and entertainment as people with a song that fiddle players seem to love to play and audiences love to hear.

She said the contest will be judged by Keith O’ Neil, long time Branson Recording producer and co-host of the KLFC radio morning program with Charlie Ingram; Darrell Boen, Ricky Boen’s dad, and a multi awarded fiddle champion and Branson’s “Ole Seagull,” Gary Groman, a local columnist and entertainment writer. Contestants will be competing for a $100 Grand Prize and other prizes. Entries are limited and will be filled on a first come first served basis.

The “22nd Annual Fiddle Festival and Mid-American Fiddle Championship” will take place in Branson, Missouri August 27 through August 29. The Festivals events will be in one of two venues, the Fountains and Public Square of Branson Landing and in Historic Downtown Branson on Commercial Street between Main Street and Atlantic (HDB).

All the Festivals competition in the “Mid-American Fiddle Championship” will take place at the Branson Landing where the competitors will be competing for $5000 in cash prizes and a “bye” into the Fiddling Nationals. All the “Street Festival” activities, Orange Blossom Special Contest and the square dance will take place in Historic Downtown Branson. Trolley service will be available to transport guests to and from Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson (HDB).

FRIDAY 8/27

8:00 p.m. Kick off concert at Branson Landing with “BIG SMITH.”

SATURDAY 8/28

9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Street Festival in HDB
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Mid-American Fiddle Championship Preliminaries at Branson Landing
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 1st Annual “Orange Blossom Special Contest,” HDB
7:00 pm. – 10 p.m. Square Dance Historic Downtown Branson

SUNDAY 8/29

9:00 a.m .- 4:00 p.m. Street Festival in HDB
10:00 a.m. Gospel Celebration at Branson Landing
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Mid-American Fiddle Championship Finals at Branson Landing

The “Street Festival ” in Historic Downtown Branson will consist of a variety of events. These events will include entertainment, Horse and Pony Rides, Crafters, Demonstrations, Seminars, Food Vendors, a Farmer’s Market, Make-and-Take Crafts and a Children’s Area featuring inflatable “rides.”

For additional information on the 22nd Annual Fiddle Festival and Mid-American Fiddle Championship please visit www.downtownbranson.org. For information or tickets for 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 Historic Downtown Branson.

Branson’s Gazebo Inn is a little bit of lodging magic

The unique Gazebo Inn located in the center of the famed Branson Strip.

When one turns off of the middle of the famed Branson Strip into the drive of the Gazebo Inn the first thing they see is its inviting, warm, quaint and distinctive exterior tucked back in a secluded area within feet of the strip. For those who have not seen the Gazebo Inn before it’s is a surprising sight and for all coming to the Inn it’s an indication of the wonderful lodging experience that they will have.

The General Manager of the 73 room Gazebo Inn, Joel R. Knoblauch said there’s a kind of special “magic” about the Gazebo Inn. He feels that magic comes from exceeding their guests expectations through a combination of things. These include very reasonable prices, location, its relatively small intimate size, secluded safe quiet environment, quality and cleanliness of its rooms, a large continental breakfast, the quality of staff and the services they provide to their guests.

Knoblauch said that the Gazebo Inn has a nice mixture of rooms. They range from their standard king and queen rooms to rooms with whirlpools, a Honeymoon suite with an in room Jacuzzi and a large two room family unit with its own parking space that is located near the pool. All the Inn’s rooms are non-smoking.

One of the spacious standard queen bed rooms.

Standard amenities include in room refrigerators, coffee machines, hair dryers, irons, ironing boards and free wireless internet. The Gazebo Inn has an outdoor pool and, while having no indoor pool, is located in close proximity to its “sister” property, the “Grand Plaza Hotel” which provides complimentary access to its indoor pool and those amenities not available at the Gazebo Inn.

The Gazebo Inn is ideally located on the Branson Strip. It is within walking distance of a number of Branson’s finest shows including The Andy Williams Show, Paul Revere and the Raiders with the Comets, Spirit of the Dance, The Twelve Irish Tenors, Broadway The Star Spangled Celebration, Spirit of Christmas and Shake, Rattle and Roll. The fabulous shopping available at the Tanger Mall and the Grand Village as well as great dining at restaurants such as Andy William’s Moon River Grill and the Hard Luck Dinner in the Grand Village are also within walking distance.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “The Gazebo Inn provides our customers with a great lodging experience. ” For additional information or reservations for the Gazebo Inn or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions 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

Entertainment, festivals, special events and foliage make Fall special in Branson

“The breadth of the regular live shows that Branson has to offer is amazing, ” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The variety of its regularly scheduled shows covers just about every genre of music and major area of entertainment from acrobats, cirque and Kung Fu to a showboat, outdoor drama, thundering horses, the circus and Branson’s two original trailblazing shows, The Baldknobbers Jamboree and Presleys’ Country Jubilee.”

“When that variety is expanded with the addition of shows that perform limited engagements in Branson there is a variety of live shows that is unequalled by any other destination city anywhere near Branson’s size,” she continued. “Look at the variety of the limited engagement entertainment that visitors to Branson will have the opportunity to see between now and the end of October.”

The following list is sorted by starting date. Links are provided for further information, schedules and ticket pricing:

Island Fire through August 28
Rock U Mentally through September 4
Ozark Murder Mysteries through October 31 (Sunday night only)
Andy Williams, September 2 through October 23 (Christmas Show starts November 1)
Gatlin Brothers, September 3 through September 5
Christian Action Ministries’ Gospel Sing Off, September 5 only
Leona William & Gene Watson, September 12 only
Roy Clark with Justin David, September 13 through October 26
Ray Stevens, September 15 through Oct 23
Country’s Family Reunion, September 19 and 20
Oak Ridge Boys, September 21 through October 21
The Texas Tenors, September 28 through October 23
Vicki Lawrence/Mama, October 8 and 9 only
Don Williams, October 9 only.
Mid West Country Stars on October 20 and 21 only
The Front Men of Alabama, Lonestar, and Restless Heart on October 22 only
Michael Bolton on October 23 only.
Miracle of Christmas, starts for Christmas season on October 30.

Johnson also points out that the limited engagement performances are in addition to the full complement of Branson’s many other shows, attractions and Festivals and major activities that will be taking place between now and the end of October such as:

Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic, August 26-September 6
Down Town Branson Fiddle Festival, August 27-29
Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival, September 11-October 30
Shepherd of the Hills Fall Harvest Festival, September 7-October 23
Autumn Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, September 16-19
Ironman Branson 70.3, September 19
12th Annual Hollister Grape & Fall Festival, September 25
First Annual Titanic Firehouse Chili Cookoff, October 2
Titanic’s 3rd Annual Woodcarving Event, October 8-10
Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo, October 8-10
Titanic Princess Tea Parties, Part II, October 16-17

“Even Mother Nature adds to the entertainment,” said Johnson. “In addition to everything else Branson has to offer, the Fall foliage in the Ozarks is really spectacular.”

For additional information or tickets for these shows, attractions or events mentioned in this article or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. It can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.