Category Archives: Featured

Branson’s Most Unique Country Music Show is pure country

“A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country,” in Branson, Missouri might just be the most unusual country music show that most people have ever seen. We’ll get to the music shortly, but how many people have ever been to a country music show where the music has been accompanied by 36,000 gallons of water going 45 feet high in the air? This writer would wager not many.

Cody Dooley performing John Conlee's "Rose Colored Glasses."

The show is presented in the “Amazing Waltzing Waters Theatre.” It combines the performance of the show’s star, singer and impressionist, Cody Dooley, with beautiful music, colored lights, and the movement of 36,000 gallons of water in a synchronized display that it absolutely amazing.

Kevin Curtis, the owner of Waltzing Waters said its 36,000 gallons of water and 502 fountains can make over 42,000 different controlled movements sending water up to 45 feet into the air amidst a combination of colors. The show’s music is programmed and choreographed with the fountains and lighting to produce a unique and spectacular light show. In addition to the beauty of the fountains it is amazing to see Cody Dooley perform live and interact with the audience knowing that the fountains are moving on to the next number even if he isn’t. The timing and coordination was wonderful and the 45 minute show went off without a hitch.

As beautiful and marvelous as the water show is, it is the singing and impressions of Cody Dooley that add the country to this show and let there be no doubt about it, this show is a pure country trip down memory lane with one hit after another. Newlyweds Mr. & Mrs. Mark Johnson spent part of their honeymoon at the show. Mark said, “I loved the show” and both said they would recommend it to any country music fan.

Dooley is an excellent singer and an impressionist and does a great job of keeping the show interesting and entertaining. He has been performing at various venues in Branson over the last 10 years and has worked with artists such as Willie Nelson and John Conlee. He introduces each song with its title, the year it was recorded and the artist and, with most, a short note of interest about the song all of which adds to the overall enjoyment of the show.

The shows repertoire is a trip down the memory lane of country music’s greatest hits and artists. From “Ring of Fire,” by Johnny Cash to Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe” and Don Gibson’s “Oh, Lonesome Me,” it’s 45 minutes of one country hit after another. This writers two favorite numbers were Dooley’s presentation of Charlie Pride’s “You’ve Got to Kiss An Angel Good Morning” and his presentation of the Willie Nelson/Waylon Jennings “duet” of “She’s a Good Hearted Woman.” How does someone sing a duet with themselves? In Dooley’s case, in a very entertaining way.

In addition, to the “A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country,” performed at 3 and 6 p.m., the “Amazing Waltzing Waters Theatre” offers its choreographed water and light shows every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For additional information or tickets for Cody Dooley and the “A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country” show 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.

Time is running out to see one of Branson’s most spectacular shows “Peter Pan”

Cathy Rigby as "Peter Pan."


Please Note this article is from 2010 and is here for archival purposes only

“If you don’t want to miss seeing one of the most spectacular shows in Branson don’t miss seeing Cathy Rigby as ‘Peter Pan,’ before it ends its limited engagement run on August 15,” says Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the  Branson Tourism Center. “It is a Branson show experience that is as magical for children as it is for adults.”

One review of the show said, “How magical? From a child’s perspective, ‘How many shows does one go to where the children are hurrying the parents to get back in their seats after intermission?’ Not very many, but Peter Pan is one of them. From an adult’s perspective this is a high energy spectacular first rate production with amazing sets, choreography, costuming and a cast to match.”

Generations have enjoyed the story of the Darling children and their trip to Never Land with the forever young Peter Pan and the fairy Tinker Bell. Branson’s production of Peter Pan “brings that story to life in a cornucopia of color, action, excitement, music, singing, dancing, athletic ability and drama that literally “soars” into your heart.

The sets are magnificent covering the range of everything from a stately residence to a pirate ship. What’s truly amazing is that as magnificent and complex as some of them are, the set changes are virtually seamless and breathtaking when revealed.

The ability and energy of the cast and their “owning” of the characters they play contributes immeasurably to making this a wonderful joyful fun filled experience. Cathy Rigby was “born” to play the part of Peter Pan and do it she does “as she does everything from acting, singing and dancing to sword fighting, ‘flying’ and the spreading of Pixie Dust.”

And what an amazing cast she has surrounding her. Robert Westenberg does a first class job of playing Captain Hook and convincing the audience that he is one of the most villainous scoundrels of all time. Chloe Leatherwood does a great job in her role as Tiger Lilly, the leader of the Indians, and Doran Schmidt as Wendy. There is an assortment of other characters such as “Slightly Soiled” played by Austin Michael and “Gentleman Starkey” played by Tom Wolff who add so much to the show.

Combine great choreography, lots of action with great costuming, sets, and a cast that performs like they do in Peter Pan and the result is a joy to watch and experience. A recent review of the show pointed out, “Nowhere is this more evident than in the number “Ugg-a-Wugg,” when Peter Pan, Tiger Lilly, Wendy, the Lost Boys and the Indians unite in one of the most spectacular production numbers ever produced on a Branson stage.”

Johnson agrees with one reviewers comments, “Peter Pan is a world class production that is one of the most entertaining shows this writer has ever seen. Any parent or grandparent sharing this with a child or grandchild will create a memory that should last for a lifetime.”

She reminds everyone that the last day to see Peter Pan in Branson is August 15. For additional information or tickets for Peter Pan or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities 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.

“Diana the People’s Princess” is an iconic Branson experience

At the time of her tragic death on August 31, 1997, the woman born Diana Frances Spencer had achieved iconic status as Diana, Princess of Wales. The initial exhibit of the Branson Exhibition Center, “Diana, the People Princess,” tells the story of that iconic rise from her birth and early years through the fairy tale engagement and wedding to Charles, Prince of Wales, her service as a member of the royal family, motherhood, divorce, separation from royalty and what she did with that iconic status up till her death.

Tony Doblin, President & COO, Exhibition Dynamix feels the exhibit is an excellent fit with Branson. He said, “Diana will resonate well with the Midwest and the people who come to Branson because, whether you were a millionaire or a pauper, Diana treated you exactly the same. It’s an incredible exhibition that provides a very interesting and exciting introspective look into her life.”

The vast majority of the items on display are the property of John Hoatson, a life-long collector of Princess Diana memorabilia and pieces. He said, “I have been collecting Diana memorabilia since my early childhood and have over 6,000 pieces in my collection.” In addition to the over 2,000 pieces from Hoatson’s collection, the exhibit has a number of her actual Royal Dresses and other unique and interesting items including photos, videos, other items that most people have never seen and actual tapes of Diana’s voice obtained from a private answering machine message to a dear friend.

The Royal Dresses in the exhibition were acquired by Maureen Rorech Dunkel when Princess Diana auctioned off a collection of her dresses in a well planned and publicized auction for charity on the evening of June 25, 1997 at the world famous Christie’s in New York City. The auction and sale of the auction’s catalog raised over $5.6 million for the charities selected by Diana to benefit her humanitarian efforts.

Over $700, 000 of that came from an anonymous buyer who was not even at the auction and had only found out about it five days before it was held. That buyer was Ms. Dunkel who purchased 13 of the dresses as an investment based on Prince William’s anticipated future ascension to the throne. Due to the tragic and untimely death of Princess Diana less than two months later, the investment value of the all the dresses sold that night has gone up drastically.

A number of the actual Royal Dresses are displayed in the exhibition and help separate the different stages of the life of this remarkable woman. One example is the elegant pink wild silk dress, with its bodice elaborately embroidered with a “tapestry of flowers, sequins and gold,” that she wore on her State Tour of India in 1992.

As important as the items in the exhibit are it is the way they are arranged and presented that contributes substantially to the experience guests will have while touring the exhibit. The experience starts by entering a theatre where a short video gives an overview of the stages of Diana’s life, from birth to death and her rise to iconic status. This provides an excellent foundation for the self-guided tour that follows.

When you exit the theatre you will enter the first major exhibit area, “Althorp,” her ancestral home where you will begin an experience that will share the life of this remarkable women from her birth to her death and the impact she has had even after her death. The tour uses videos, story boards, and an elaborate system of visual indexing and identification to identify each item in the exhibit which enhances the overall experience of the exhibit’s visitors.

One example of the variety and what to expect while viewing the exhibit is its “Engagement and Wedding” presentation. When you walk into the room, you are surrounded by huge video screen showing the actual wedding which creates increases the sensation that you are really there. Among many of the interesting items that most people have never seen is an actual preserved piece of the wedding cake.

Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “This exhibit is a great addition to the Branson entertainment scene. From the ‘Beverly Hill Billies’ TV truck to a Princess and the Titanic, the World’s Largest Toy Museum and so much more, the exhibit ‘Diana the People’s Princess’ is another excellent example of the choices Branson has to offer its guests.”

For additional information or tickets for the exhibit “Diana the People’s Princess” 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 peoples review of the Branson show “NOAH the Musical”

Noah dancing with part of the spectacular 300 foot Ark in the background

“NOAH the Musical’ is one of Branson’s most spectacular stage productions,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center.” She points out that the epic bible story is performed on a 300 foot long wrap around stage filled with 26,550 square feet of live and animated animals; talented actors, singers, dancers and great costuming and an ark that ends up towering over 40 feet above the stage. “It is one of the most popular shows we sell and consistently receives great reviews from our customers.”

In a recent review this writer said, “To anyone who knows the story of Noah and the Ark, the ending is no surprise, but the entertaining journey to the end of the story in “NOAH the Musical” is filled with a wonderful mixture of surprises, original music, pageantry, adventure, fun, spectacular sets and drama. It is a Branson show unrivaled in spectacle, uniqueness, entertainment and message that everyone from children to adults will enjoy.”

The Forums of the website 1Branson.Com are an excellent place to get information on all that is Branson from shows, attractions, lodging, events and much more. It provides an excellent place to ask questions and share opinions of all that is Branson. The two-way flow of information between those living in or familiar with Branson and those with questions about Branson is unique and effective. The comments made by people who have made a Branson show part of their Branson experience provide a “person to person perspective” on a show.”

Recent posts to the thread entitled “REVIEW: Noah The Musical” speak volumes about what a fantastic entertainment experience “NOAH the Musical” is. The poster’s screen name is in parentheses followed by their comments.

“Sunnikc” said, “We went the last time we were in Branson, it was the fall of the year it opened in Branson. My children are still talking about it. They absolutely loved it. It’s also the only show I’ve actually been to in Branson outside of SDC [Silver Dollar City] shows.”

“Busymomx3” said “Awesome show for all ages! Well worth the $ Our group of 6 consisted of ages 70-1 and all enjoyed it. FYI–they have 2 cry rooms for the little ones, so you won’t have to go out and miss part of the show. The building is huge and very well built for a large flow of people. Everything flowed real nicely–with bathroom breaks and exiting after show. Would recommend to everyone.”

“Flutterby” said, “We went to see Noah this past weekend and it was absolutely amazing! It is more expensive than most other shows, but it is worth every penny. Before we could even get out of the theater, my teenage daughter was asking if we could go back to see the Christmas show this season.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “The Christmas show referred to is the “Miracle of Christmas,” another spectacular show, which replaces “NOAH the Musical” for the Christmas season from November 2 through December 31. She said that the first season for the “Miracle of Christmas,” in Branson was in 2009 and it appears that it will become a part of the Christmas tradition for many Branson visitors. Johnson also points out that the Christmas Season is a very popular time of the year in Branson and suggests making show and lodging reservations as early as possible to ensure the best choices of show seats and lodging.”

For additional information or tickets for these or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions activities 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 the semifinals of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”

Michael Grimm during Branson interview. He has a new look for the AGT Semi Finals.

Michael Grimm during Branson interview. He has a new look for the AGT Semi Finals.

Branson, Missouri, known as the “Live music show capital of the world,” has some of the finest singers and musicians in the world playing in its live shows. Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center points out that Michael Grimm, who was a guitar player and vocalist with the “Righteous Brother Bill Medley Show” in Branson, was selected by America voting to go into the semifinals of the NBC prime time hit show “America’s Got Talent (AGT)” earlier this week.

Grimm was playing with the Bill Medley show in Branson when he auditioned for AGT. After his initial appearance on AGT in the Los Angeles auditions he was selected to go to Las Vegas for the next round of competition. After his June 5th performance with the Bill Medley show he left Branson to devote full time to the AGT competition. The auditions and Las Vegas shows were taped for TV, but the Los Angeles show was performed live in front of millions of TV Viewers.

In addition to being performed live, it is the first time during the competition this year that America has gotten to vote for who they wanted to go to the next level. Up to this point the three judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osborn and AGT’s newest judge, Howie Mandel made the decisions on who progressed to the next level. On the live show, they make recommendations and America votes. In selecting who will go into the semifinals the popular vote selects three out the four from each show and the judges pick the fourth.

The words of AGT host Nick Cannon, after watching Grimm’s audition performance, almost seems prophetic. He said, “That’s a Super Star’s voice right there.” Evidently, America agrees with him because Grimm was advanced to the semifinal round by its popular vote.

During an interview prior to leaving Branson 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.”

He 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 said, “My grandma is my inspiration,” He credits her, not only with his interest in music and the start of his professional career. His career started at the age of twelve as he sang in “hole in the wall” bars in the Waveland Bay St. Louis area in southern Mississippi as his Grandma chaperoned him and sit there drinking “Diet Cokes” all night until he was through..

During that interview he also said, “It is a once in a lifetime experience and it’s been quite a ride.” Well hold on Michael the rides not over and there’s still have a house to get for Grandma.

For additional information or tickets for the “Righteous Brother Bill Medley Show” 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 “hot” attractions provide cool relief from summer heat

Silver Dollar City's new $7 million dollar RiverBlast literally provides a watery blast of relief from the summer heat.

Even in the midst of the summer’s heat, Branson’s “hot” shows, attractions, activities and the excitement and adventure they offer makes it one of the ‘coolest’ vacation and entertainment destinations in America,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “Branson’s attractions and activities provide a variety of ‘cool’ fun filled ways to get relief from the heat.”

Silver Dollar City, an international award winning 1880s themed park and Branson’s most popular paid attractions has many ways to cool off. The “American Plunge” is an exciting traditional log flume ride providing a thrilling five story plunge at speeds up to 35 miles an hour into a splashdown that guarantees a refreshing soaking. Other rides that provide a similar soaking would be the “Lost River of the Ozarks” or Silver Dollar City’s newest water ride, the $7 million “RiverBlast” which provides a leisure float into what might be the biggest “water fight” on the planet. Another interesting way to get cool at Silver Dollar City is to take the Marvel Cave Tour.

The Branson area is blessed with three fresh water lakes, Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, and Lake Taneycomo. Many people are aware of the great fishing, boating and other recreational activities available on the 43,100 plus acres of pristine waters of Table Rock Lake. One feature a lot of Branson’s visitors might not be aware of however, is Moonshine Beach located just north of Table Rock Dam on State Highways 165/265 within minutes of the Branson Strip. Moonshine Beach is operated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers and, in addition to its large sand swimming beach has a play ground, picnic areas, a boat launch ramp, flush toilets and showers. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and there is a daily charge of $4.00 per vehicle.

White Water, southwest Missouri’s largest water park, is located on 12 acres right on the famed Branson Strip. It has two million gallons and of cool liquid excitement, more than 7,000 feet of water slides and a dozen rides to help provide a fun filled way to find relief from the summer’s heat. One of its major rides is “Kalani Towers”, a seven story tall six slide ride. Two of the slides have 300 foot drops enabling speeds of up to 40 mph and four have 312 foot slides located immediately adjacent to each other that permit lane racing at speeds up to 25 mph. Other cooling rides are the Raging River Rapids a two slide ride wrapping around a huge five story high waterfall as riders race to the pool below; the Bermuda Triangle, a fast paced enclosed slide; the Caribbean Plunge and Tropical Twister rapid-water raft rides; Surfquake, a 500,000 gallon wave pool producing 4-foot waves and the Lazy River, a gently moving river for just floating and relaxing.

The majority of Branson’s shows and indoor attractions are air conditioned but iceberg located near the entrance to the Titanic Museum is an indication of some special “cool things.” Does it get much cooler than touching an iceberg? In addition, as guests near the end of their exciting adventure aboard the Titanic, after it has hit the iceberg, they will encounter a chilling experience followed by a real “cool “hands on experience in the interactive area near the lifeboats.

For additional information on these and other really cool Branson shows, attractions, and activities or for lodging arrangements please call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-875-1550 or visit www.BransonTourisimCenter.com.

A whirlwind overview to a bit of great free Branson family fun

The Branson Landing Boardwalk runs along the Lake Taneycomo shoreline.

“We are often asked if there are any ‘free’ things to do in Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The answer is ‘Absolutely;’ it is the combination of the excellent value provided by Branson’s shows and attractions and the free activities that make Branson such a fun value family destination.”

“From trout hatcheries to grist mills and the fire and water show at Branson Landing there are many things that families and visitors to Branson can do for free.” Here is one itinerary she suggested that will share Lake Taneycomo, Historic Downtown Branson and Branson Landing. It is flexible in terms of time from about two hours to up to eight hours depending on how much time is spent at each activity.

Let’s start out on the shores of Lake Taneycomo adjacent to Scotty’s Trout Dock, at the unofficial duck feeding area that most people coming to Branson don’t even know exits. It’s conveniently located near Branson Landing and the public boat loading ramp on the southeastern corner of the City of Branson’s Camp Ground. Just drive south off of Branson Landing Boulevard on to Box Car Willie Drive toward the city of Branson’s Lakefront Campground and follow the signs to Scotty’s.

Lamar Patton, the owner of Scotty’s says that on any given day there are about 100 to 200 Canada Geese, pigeons, Mallard ducks and other water fowl around, depending on the season. “Many will come right up to you,” Patton points out. Although he sells bags of corn to feed them they will also eat bread, crackers etc. This is a great place to take some great pictures of the kids and grandkids “feeding the ducks.” (Time for Feeding the Ducks: 15 minutes – Elapsed time: 15 minutes)

From feeding the ducks go back to Branson Landing, drive to the north parking lot, Belk’s, and park as close to Belk as you can. Walk directly east toward Lake Taneycomo and you can’t miss the Boardwalk running along Lake Taneycomo’s shoreline. Turn left (north) and you can walk through the a park area to the mouth of Roark Creek or turn right (south) and see a unique view of the Branson Landing as you walk along its lake side.

Along either route you will be able to see various species of ducks, Canada Geese, Grey Herons, Black or Turkey Vultures (buzzards), an occasional Bald Eagle and other birds and water fowl that inhabit Lake Taneycomo. It is also interesting to observe the boat traffic on the Lake including the Branson Landing Princess and Lake Queen. Go 15 minutes in either direction and return to the spot where you parked your vehicle. (Time on Boardwalk- 40 minutes – Elapsed time including travel time from feeding the ducks: 60 minutes.)

The free Discovery Trolley goes between Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson.

Walk past that spot to the boarding area for the the Historic Downtown Branson “Discovery Trolley.” Don’t confuse it with the tram that runs up and down the promenade within the Branson Landing. The Discovery Trolley boards at the edge of the parking lot near Belk’s and is clearly marked. It runs a 15 minute loop through Historic Downtown Branson and back down to Branson Landing and has multiple stops along the way. The convenient 15 minute loop makes, it easy for those shopping down at Branson Landing to take the trolley up to the Historic District to experience its unique shopping and restaurants and vice versa.

The Trolley ride provides an excellent view and perspective of the historic downtown area, the Branson Convention Center and Branson Landing. Along the way you will pass Branson’s first theatre, the Owens Theatre and the spot where the “ Baldknobbers” performed Branson’s first live music show over 51 years ago and the grave of the man the city of Branson is named after Ruben S. Branson. About 15 minutes after boarding, the Trolley will drop you off at the spot where it picked you up. (Time on Trolley including waiting – 25 minutes Total Elapsed time: 85 minutes.)

The reason this article is entitled, “A whirlwind overview to a bit of great free Branson family fun” is because it is just that, an overview of an itinerary based on a minimum time for each activity. The times are very flexible and could very easily be expanded to include a whole day if one decided to spend more time feeding the ducks, walking on the Boardwalk, visiting Branson Landing or exiting the Trolley in historic downtown Branson to visit one of its many shops including the famous “Dicks 5 & 10.”

Those with more time might consider exiting the Trolley when it stops at Bass Pro Shops on the north end of Branson Landing and exploring what Branson Landing has to offer as they work their way south through the Landing back to their parked car. Johnson offers the assistance of Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most trusted vacation planning services, to answer any questions anyone might have about what Branson has to offer including information or tickets on Branson’s shows, attractions and activities 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.

What do the Titanic, art and horses have in common?

The rustic beauty of Rachel Wilson's hedge horse sculptures is unique and captivating.

Towering 100 feet above the famed Branson Strip it’s hard to miss Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction (Titanic) as she seems ready to sail onto the strip. Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center points out that since July 1st it has also been hard not to notice what appears to be a herd of horses grazing and frolicking on a grassy knoll almost under the bow of the great ship.

Information received from the Titanic indicates that the “herd” is composed of extraordinary horse sculptures by Missouri artist Rachel Wilson and are all sculpted from hedge-wood sticks found on the farm she owns with her husband Kyle in Availla, Missouri. John Joslyn, owner of the Titanic said, “I think our July visitors, especially the kids, will be surprised and startled by the realism and motion that Rachel has captured in her imaginative, hedge-horse sculptures. Each ‘horse’ has a name and story to tell, from the large plow horse to the smallest of colts.”

In describing how she creates her sculptures Wilson indicates that it involves the whole family. “Hedges or Osage orange trees were planted in rows and used for fences by early-day farmers,” she explains. “We make gathering the fallen hedge branches a family affair. My husband drives the truck and our four kids and I ‘pickup sticks.’  Back in my studio, I wait for the pieces to ‘speak’ to me before I begin to give them the form and personality they dictate.”

As unlikely a scenerio as one could ever encounter, the Titanic and horses appearing to meet on a grassy knoll.

The result is amazing and gives those visiting the Titanic an interesting opportunity to see something that is truly unique and beautiful. It is not just the artistic rustic beauty of each of Wilson’s individual horses but the unique manner in which they are displayed, “running free” on the grassy knoll with the Titanic and the Branson Strip in the background. What a chance for one of the most unusual Kodak Moments of all time!

What do the “horses” have in common with the Titanic? They are both unique and demonstrate the originality and commitment of their creators as they give each Branson visitor an opportunity to make them a special part of their total Branson experience. Passengers on the Titanic will get to share the same experience that over 2.2 million Branson visitors have had as they take a self guided tour through the ship’s 20 galleries displaying more than 400 priceless artifacts, walk the full sized Grand Staircase and participate in many fun interactive activities.

Well perhaps not exactly the “same experience.” The exhibits are constantly being changed so that there is always something new for Titanic visitors to see and experience. In addition, they will not only get to see Wilson’s beautiful sculptures, but see them displayed in an exciting, natural and unique environment.

From an artistic perspective it should be pointed out that there were two sculptors on board for that fateful first and last voyage of the Titanic, “Paul Romaine Chevre and Francis Millet. Chevre, a French sculptor, was on his way to Ottawa, Canada, for the unveiling of one of his statues. Millet, an American painter, sculptor, poet and journalist, was returning home from vacationing in Europe.” One of them survived the disaster the other did not.

For additional information or tickets for Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) one of Branson’s largest and most trusted 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 Grand Palace re-opening concert by hip hop artist Nelly

Grammy award winning hip-hop Artist Nelly to perform in Branson.*

Branson, Missouri, called the “Live music show capital of the world” is adding yet another genre of music to is exciting repertoire. On July 4 it was announced that the Grammy winning rapper and hip-hop singer “Nelly” will be performing a concert in Branson Missouri on August 21. The outdoor concert will be performed in the Grand Palace’s rear parking lot as part of its re-opening. The rear parking lot is being used because of delays in finishing its extensive on-going renovations. The announcement said that indoor shows would resume in September with the Branson Daily Independent reporting that date as September 11.

During the summer of 2000, Cornell “Nelly” Haynes debut hip-hop album “Country Grammar” was a huge success selling 250,000 copies within its first week of release. Within two years Nelly has won two Grammies for the singles “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma” from his six million seller album “Nellyville” and was selling millions of albums and singles.

Paul Dunn who took over the management of the Grand Palace said, “We’re making history…We’re bringing a genre of music Branson has never seen before. This is a prelude of what’s to come.” The announcement contained no additional information relative to who will be doing what at the Grand Palace after the August 21 concert except for the fact that the Grand Palace will resume inside shows during September.

Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging said, “This is yet another example of the variety of the live entertainment Branson has to offer and the constant change that helps make Branson the exciting destination it is.”

Photo courtesy of www.nelly.net.

Planning a trip to Branson Jeopardy style

Silver Dollar City, Branson's most popular paid attraction, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.

America’s favorite TV quiz show “Jeopardy,” has a unique format. For each round, the game board displays six categories each of which contains five clues. Each of the clues have a dollar value. Contestants win by answering, in question format, with the question that the clue was based on. The ultimate winner of the game is the one with the most money at the end.

Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most trusted vacation planning services said, “If ‘Planning a Trip to Branson Missouri’ was a category on Jeopardy the the five clues below just might be included.”

$200 – Hotels and Lodging
$400 – Branson’s live shows.
$600 – Having fun at Branson Attractions
$800 – Silver Dollar City
$1000 – Presleys’ Country Jubilee

The answers (questions) for each clue are as follows:

$200 – What should be taken care of first in planning a trip to Branson?
$400 – For what  form of entertainment is Branson most noted?
$600 – What are most of the kids who come to Branson interested in?
$800 – What is Branson’s oldest and most popular attraction?
$1000 – What is the name of the first show on the now famous “Branson Strip?”

The last round of the game is called “Final Jeopardy” where the contestants can wager from $0 to the total amount they have won up to that point. After placing their wager the clue is revealed and they have 30 seconds to write down their response. The game’s winner is the one who has the most money after “Final Jeopardy.”

In terms of planning a trip to Branson Jeopardy Style, the Final Jeopardy Category might be “Experiencing Branson” and the Clue “Branson Tourism Center”. The Answer (Question) would be “Who provides free personal service in planning a Branson vacations, has sold over 2 million Branson show and attraction tickets, is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau and is dedicated to ensuring that each Branson visitor has a great experience.”

Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.