One of Branson’s most popular new shows is the Million Dollar Quartet. It tells the story of one of the greatest jam sessions in rock n’ roll history; an impromptu gathering of four young recording legends-to-be, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, that took place on December 4, 1956 in the Memphis storefront recording studio of Sun Records. The jam session went largely unnoticed until recordings of the event were discovered and released decades later. It is that jam session, those recordings, and the four rock n’ roll legends involved that became the inspiration for the Tony Award winning musical Million Dollar Quartet that shares the music, spontaneity, and drama of what happened that day, as these four legends performed together for their first and last time.

Recently, Cliff Wright, who is the tribute artist playing Johnny Cash (CW) in the Branson production of the show was kind enough to take time from his busy schedule to sit down and chat with me on behalf of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC).

BTC: Where were you born?
CW: In Dallas, Texas at Parkland Hospital.

BTC: When?
CW: May 29, 1979.

BTC: When did you first become interested in music?
CW: At a very early age.

BTC: In terms of your career what came first, Elvis or Johnny Cash?
CW: It was definitely Elvis Presley, but it took decades to develop!

BTC: When did you first become interested in Elvis Presley?
CW: I was about 9 or 10 years old and was traveling with my family near Memphis, TN. I was playing in the back seat and I heard this song, it was probably “Hound Dog” or something like that. I asked my dad, “Who’s that?” He explained that it was a singer who used to live here. I asked, “Doesn’t he live here anymore” and dad said, “He’s passed on.” A few minutes later we went by a black sign with “Elvis” all over it in pink letters, and my dad pointed out that was the singer we had been talking about. I thought to myself, “Aah!” When we got home I started gathering pictures and info on him. I noticed he wore jump suits so I made one out of a large brown paper sack and even drew eagles and stars on it.

BTC: How old were you when you started performing Elvis professionally?
CW: About 30 or 31.

BTC: That’s quite a gap. What did you do in the interim?
CW: I played lead guitar and actually studied and practiced Elvis and Johnny Cash for hours.

BTC: When did you first start performing professionally?
CW: I have been performing as a lead guitarist since I was 18.

BTC: What caused you to transition from Elvis to Johnny Cash?
CW: Two things, Johnny Cash came easy to me and I wanted to be in a field where there was less competition.

BTC: September 12, was the 13th anniversary of the death of Johnny Cash. Does that date hold any special significance for you?
CW: I was at home rehearsing for a guitar gig when it was announced on TV. I wasn’t doing either Elvis or Johnny at the time. I remember getting my guitar and just playing “Folsom Prison Blues,” and saying the words, not singing them, just saying them.

BTC: Whether sung in the Million Dollar Quartet show or not, what is your favorite Johnny Cash song?
CW: My favorite Johnny Cash songs are his gospel songs and, of those, my favorite is, “I Was There When It Happened.” My favorite song that I perform that’s “mainstream” is “Walk The Line” and that’s in the show.

BTC: If you could influence someone to remember one thing about Johnny Cash or his music, what would it be?
CW: Be as true to what you do as he was to what he did.

BTC: Was your first performance as a Johnny Cash Tribute artist professional or otherwise?
CW: In Omaha, Nebraska in 2011. I was getting into Johnny Cash and did a Christmas show that was half Elvis and half Johnny Cash. When I came out and did Johnny Cash they said, “Forget Elvis, just do Johnny Cash.”

BTC: Branson aside, when did you first hear about the Million Dollar Quartet?
CW: I heard about it when it first came out, but auditioned for the show in Chicago twice before I heard about the Branson production. I auditioned via a You-Tube Link and got the job.

BTC: What was it about the Million Dollar Quartet that made you want the role?
CW: I’m kind of an historian and a huge Sun Record fan. I can tell you stories, about not only Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, but the guys who recorded at Sun before they came.

BTC: What do you like most about performing Johnny Cash in the Million Dollar Quartet?
CW: Two things, I get to play my hero every night and seeing the audiences reaction to these songs. It’s the coolest feeling in the world.

BTC: What were you doing prior to accepting the role in the MDQ?
CW: Among other things, running a recording studio using the same type and models of equipment that Sam Perkins used at Sun Studios. I still have it in my home and love doing it.

BTC: Why do you think that someone coming to Branson should come and see the Million Dollar Quartet?
CW: They will experience, and feel like a part of, the fun and excitement of the most unique rock and roll jam session of all time, presented by an extremely talented cast dedicated to sharing that magic musical event with its audience. It is a joy to sense and feel the audience’s reaction and response each performance.

BTC: What is your first impression of Branson?
CW: WOW, there’s really a lot to do here!

BTC: What’s your favorite thing to do in Branson when you are not performing?
CW: Just relax. Our schedule is so busy that you really do appreciate your time off.

BTC: If you could meet and perform with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
CW: It would be Elvis Presley because he was the first influence that started on the path that has led me to where I am now.

BTC: Is there one event that you particularly would have like to perform with him at?
CW: Yes, December 4th, 1956 when he performed with Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins because I would have gotten to see and perform with all of them.

For more information on the Million Dollar Quartet and other amazing Branson shows, attractions, or lodging, please call one of Branson Tourism Center’s Branson based Travel Planners at 1-800-875-1550. They will be delighted to answer any questions you might have about Branson, its shows, hotels, or attractions and assist you with reservations to help ensure that you obtain the best available seating at shows and the accommodations you desire. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

The Pierce Arrow Show is perennially one of Branson’s most popular shows. The success of the show is directly attributable to the man who started the show, Dan Britton, who is also the show’s executive director and the bass singer in its award winning quartet, “Pierce Arrow;” the outrageously funny James Sibley; female vocalist Shonna Bond, and the Pierce Arrow Band. It’s two hours of wonderful vocals, humor, inspiration, and fun.

“Branson – Up Close and Personal,” is a service of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and is intended to provide readers with an up close and personal look at a Branson star or personality. The interview with Dan Britton (DB) uses a “Question and Answer” format with the interviewing being done for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by Gary J. Groman, a 30-year resident of the Branson area, local columnist and freelance writer.

BTC: You had stopped performing a few years back, but are back performing now. Why?
DB: I had been entertaining all of my life and, at the time, I was looking for a break. When Tim Storms, the guy who replaced me in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s lowest bass singer, came to work for me, it was a Godsend. A couple of years ago he decided to pursue some other career interests and left the show, so here I am again.

BTC: How do you feel about being back on the stage performing?
DB: I’m enjoying singing more than I ever have in my life.

BTC: What is the format of your Christmas Show?
DB: The first half of the Christmas show is the best from our regular season non Christmas show with the Patriotic Finale moved from the end of the show to the end of the first half. The whole second half of the show is pure Christmas from beginning to end.

BTC: What is your personal favorite part of the Christmas Show?
DB: Our finale, “Oh Holy Night,” performed by the full cast. The spiritual aspect of what I do is very important to me and there’s just not a better song out there that expresses the true spirit of Christmas.

BTC: It is said that you set the world record for “the lowest note ever sung” and that your vocal accomplishments have been recorded in the “Guinness Book of World Records” several times. Of all the vocal records you have set, which one means the most to you and why?
DB: Setting the Guinness Book of World Records record for the lowest note produced by a human voice which I held for 18 years. When I won it I replaced J.D. Sumner, one of my idols. I was replaced on the list by Tim Storms, who sang bass in our show up until about two years ago when he left to pursue other interests.

BTC: How long have you been in show business?
DB: I have been singing since I was three years old and singing bass since I was 12 years old. I have been singing professionally for over three decades.

BTC: How did you end up in Branson?
DB: My brothers and I performed together traveling around doing night clubs for ten years. I had decided that I was going to quit because of the traveling and other factors. I got a call from a group here in Branson called the “Branson Brothers” who said I would not have to travel if I came to Branson and sang with them. I started with them while they were performing at Silver Dollar City.

BTC: How long have you been Performing in Branson?
BD: Since about 1991. I performed with the Branson Brothers at Silver Dollar City for about five years before going to the ’76 Music Hall [Now Grand Country] with Pierce Arrow.

BTC: Pierce Arrow has been in existence how long?
DB: I started Pierce Arrow in 1996.

BTC: How long has Pierce Arrow been in this theater.
DB: In 2000, along with some investors, I bought this theatre. Leaving the job I had was one of the hardest decisions of my career, but I felt a calling to do it. Our first show in this theatre was on May 22, 2000.

BTC: Do you own the theatre?
DB: Yes, I am the majority owner with my two brothers.

BTC: What do you do in your roll as Executive Producer of the show.
DB: I am involved with every aspect of the theatre and show, from production, lighting, wardrobe, choreography, show content, hiring and firing etc. and whatever else it takes. On occasion, I have gone from singing to cleaning the theatre.

BTC: What is your first memory of Branson?
DB: How quaint it was and the overwhelming friendliness of the people.

BTC: What do you like best about performing in Branson?
DB: The opportunity to perform such a wide variety of music and the wholesomeness of Branson.

BTC: What’s your favorite thing to do in Branson when you are not performing?
DB: Being at home with my family and our horses.

BTC: Where is your favorite place to eat in Branson – Favorite dish?
DB: Paradise Grill right across the street from our theatre. I just love their steaks.

BTC: If you could perform or meet with any entertainer/person (living or deceased) who would it be and why?
DB: Trace Adkins, a country singer, because of his music.

BTC: In all the performances of Pierce Arrow that you have been involved with, either as a performer or an executive producer, which one personally meant the most to you?
DB: Performing for President George W. Bush in Joplin, Mo.

BTC:  Do you have a favorite hobby or activity and what is it?
DB: Raising horses.

BTC: Do you have a “little known” fact about yourself that you think our readers would enjoy?|
DB: I am known for making the best homemade biscuits and gravy in Branson. Just ask my kids and their friends.

BTC: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in front of an audience?
DB: The night when I was rushing to get into position to go out on stage, but tripped and went flying out through the curtains across the stage, skipping like a rock in a pond.

BTC: What part the show do you enjoy performing the most, and why?
DB: The patriotic finale because it thanks the Veterans, the members of the military and their families for their service and sacrifices and moves so many people.

BTC: If I were planning a trip to Branson why should I plan to see your show?
DB: Because you’re on vacation and you will feel like you’re at a party. When you leave you feel happy and entertained.

BTC: If I were coming with children ages 9 through 14 would your answer be the same and why?
DB: Yes. Our show is very visual. Kids love our active comedy, music choices and things like our moving stage.

BTC: Anything else you want our readers to know?
DB: Often people come up and say, “Dan, you sure are lucky.” I reply, “No, but I sure am blessed.” God has blessed me with a wonderful family, opportunities and the community of Branson in which I work, live and raise my family and for that I am very thankful.

For more information on the Pierce Arrow show 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 by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com, or calling one of their Branson-based Travel Planners at 1-800-785-1550. They will be delighted to answer questions about all that Branson has to offer as well as assist you in getting the best available seating at shows, lodging, and explain how packaging your theatre and lodging together can save you money.

“Although it’s early, we are getting questions about what shows will be open on Thanksgiving Day and over that weekend,” said, Preston Garrison, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “We are pleased to provide a list of most of the Branson shows scheduled to be open on Thanksgiving Day and over that weekend. It is in alphabetical order with those on Our List of Most Popular Branson Shows listed first. Those that will be open on Thanksgiving Day are indicated with an ^* after their entry; the links will take you to the specific show page with additional information on the show, schedules, ticketing, special discounts, pricing options like VIP seating, videos and more:

Acrobats of China^*

Amazing Pets^*

Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza^*

Billy Dean in Concert with Jarrett

Branson Country USA

Christmas Wonderland

Clay Cooper’s Country Express

Comedy Jamboree

Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies

Grand Jubilee^*

Hughes Brothers Christmas Show^*

Legends in Concert^*Million Dollar Quartet^*

Moses

Moses Behind the Scenes Tour

New Jersey Nights^*

Ozark Mountain Jubilee

Presleys’ Country Jubilee

Puttin’ on the Ritz*

Reza Edge of Illusion^*

Shoji Tabuchi^*

SIX^*

Sunday Gospel Jubilee

The Blackwoods Morning Show

The Haygoods^*

The Lettermen^*

#1 Hits of the 60’s & 50’s too

50s Rock Roll and Reminisce

70’s Music Celebration Starring Barry Williams^*

ABBA Tribute – Thank You for the Music

Alabama Rolls On Tribute

All American Gospel

All Hands on Deck

Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai^*

A Neil Diamond Tribute^*

Art Parties Tonight

A Tribute To George Strait Dinner Show

A Tribute to John Denver^*

A Tribute to Marty Robbins^*

AYO starring Voices of Glory

Beach Boys California Dreamin’

Bee Gees and Beyond

Big Clayton’s Piano Show

Boot Daddy Presents Dailey & Vincent

Branson Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers

Bretts

Carpenters Once More^*

Christmas on the Trail Chuckwagon Dinner Show^*

Classic Country’s Patsy Cline & Friends

Comedy Hypnosis Show^*

Conway Remembered

Crazy ’bout Patsy and Other Country Legends^*

Dixie Stampede^*

Doo Wop and the Drifters

Duttons^*

Eagles Tribute Concert

Forever Young

George Jones and Friends Remembered

George Strait Country starring James Garrett^*

Golden Sounds of The Platters with Eddie Stovall^*

Hallmark Presents Maxine’s Christmas Carol^*

Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show^*

Hank Williams Revisited

Hot Rods & High Heels

Kelli Grant “The Queen of Swing”

Legend of Kungfu – Return of the Dragon^*

Lynyrd Skynyrd & Suthyrn Fryd Frynds Tribute

Magnficent 7 Show

Motown Downtown^*

Ozark Mountain Opry Show

Pierce Arrow^*

Red, Hot & Blue

Sanders Family Christmas^*

Showboat Branson Belle^*

Smoke on the Mountain

The Hypnolarious Show^*

The Petersen Family Bluegrass Band

The Sons of Britches

TitanicDance^*

Twice Adopted^*

Waylon, Willie & The Good Ol’ Boys

Branson Tourism Center’s Garrison reminds that show schedules are subject to change. For the most current schedules, he suggests checking the link for any show you might be interested that is listed in this article, which will automatically be updated; the BTC Branson Show List, the most current list of Branson shows available anywhere; or calling the Branson Tourism Center, at 1-800-785-1550 and talking with one of its Branson based Travel Planners.

Simply put, with great performers, music, energy, and choreography. As I sat in the King’s Castle Theatre in Branson recently for a performance of Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies, I was amazed that one show could have so much vocal talent and cover such a wide variety of music. From its Irish-Celtic roots to opera, this show offers a variety of music that truly has something for every musical taste, but especially for those wanting to experience Irish and Celtic music.

The show is basically divided into two parts; the first half, primarily Irish and Celtic music and the second half, presenting a wide variety of “their” favorite music. As they explain, Irish music is really a form of Celtic music which includes the music of Ireland, Scotland and other countries from that region. For purposes of this piece I will refer to it as Irish music.

From the very first number to the very last number of the first half, the beautiful vocals of Celtic Ladies, Amber Casey, Sarah Hunter, Maggie Moore, and Heather Petersen and Dublin’s Irish Tenors, Ryan Walton, Ollie Barrow, Jay McManus, James Allen, and Rob Quibell, treat the audience to one Irish song after another. It is a wonderful, inspiring, and colorful musical journey to the Emerald Isle and the land of the Celts.

From the many Irish numbers performed, my two favorites were the opening number of the show, “Danny Boy,” sung beautifully by the Celtic Ladies and the Irish folk song “Maggie” so poignantly sung by James Allen and dedicated to all those serving in our country’s Armed Forces. The last set of the first half, from the “Drunken Sailor” to “Phil The Fluther’s Ball,” was so much fun to watch and hear.

It was highlighted by the marvelous Irish dancing of Jay McManus and was a perfect illustration of how the vocal talent and energy of its performers, colorful costuming, choreography, and energy is combined into every element of the show. What a tremendous way to end the first half!

During the second half of the show, the cast presents some of their favorite numbers which covers a variety of music from Broadway to opera all sung and performed to perfection and, along with a few surprises, will have a musical favorite for just about everyone. Two of my favorite numbers from this half of the show were “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” which is not only my favorite song, but the very first song that the Dublin’s Irish Tenors and the Celtic Ladies ever sang together. Maggie Moore’s performance of “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s opera Turandot was magnificent.

With every show a common question is, “Will children enjoy this show?” There are no animals, peer performances by other children or segments specifically designed for children, but when combined with its wide variety of music, sets, costuming, and dancing, children who have an appreciation of music or dancing should love this show.

From Ireland to Broadway, the shows unique blend of Celtic music mixed with just the right amount of current contemporary and classical favorites is a joy to experience and will be enjoyed by “music lovers of all ages.” For additional information or tickets for Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies or any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

 

As would be expected from a show with “Moon River” in its title, Moon River and Me is first and foremost a musical tribute to the life, talent, and music of the incomparable Andy Williams. The “Me” in the title begs the question, “Who is ‘Me?’” When one realizes that it’s Jimmy Osmond, who at the age of three made his first TV appearance on the Andy Williams Show, was mentored by Andy throughout his career, and the friendship they shared, it’s easy to realize just how special this show is going to be.

The show starts with a short video “montage” of photos and video clips of Andy’s life, from childhood on shown on a large screen in the center of the stage. As it concludes with a clip from an interview, Andy says, “That’s what I want to be remembered for, my music,” and, as the screen rises, Jimmy Osmond does just that with the first of the show’s many songs remembering Andy for his music, a beautiful rendition of Charade, which was immediately followed by Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.

In keeping with Andy’s tradition of fostering and helping young entertainers get started, Jimmy is immediately followed by a 19 year-old singing sensation from Great Britain, Charlie Green, who was a favorite with both fans and judges when he competed on “Britain’s Got Talent.” He became an ardent fan of Andy’s at the tender age of five when he heard him sing Moon River, which is still his favorite Andy Williams song. Charlie does an excellent job of singing Butterfly, one of Andy’s first hits, which was a Number 1 hit on the charts in both the U.S and Great Britain in 1957, 40 years before he was born, and Born Free.

And that’s just during the first few minutes of the show! Throughout the show, both together and individually, they performed a number of Andy’s hits which are accentuated with timely short displays of photos and short video clips shown the large center stage video screen that was lowered and raised as needed. The tasteful manner in which the large screen is integrated into the show for short periods of time, showing pertinent photos and videos, adds another wonderful dimension to the show.

Fully realizing that yours might be different from mine and picked from many, I customarily mention a few of my personal favorite moments from each show I write on. Those would be the medley of Andy’s hits that Jimmie and Charlie performed during the first half of the show, Jimmy’s performance of The Way We Were while photos and video clips were showing on the large video screen, and my absolute favorite, Jimmy singing Moon River live onstage, simultaneously with Andy singing it on the large video screen. It was so beautifully sung and choreographed.

Andy’s tradition of having variety in his show was also honored. Chipper Lowell, “one of the entertainment world’s most imaginative comedic masters of trickery,” presented his fast paced and energetic magic and comedy routine. It included audience participation, “mind boggling” magic and comedy that kept the audience amazed and laughing while wondering what he would pull out of his trunk next.

The “Moon River Band” performs a wide variety of music flawlessly throughout the show. This amazing group of musicians is composed of Greg Gray, -piano, vocals, and arranger; Steve Mason-drums; Gene Puckett-guitar and vocals; and Shaun Munday, bass and vocals.

The show also featured Jay Osmond in the second half performing on the drums, reminiscing about the Osmonds and their association with Andy, accompanied with pictures and video clips on the big screen sharing some of those moments. Jimmy and Jay closed out the set singing a couple of Osmond hits including One Bad Apple and Through The Years, which was also accompanied by highlights and pictures from the Osmond’s career shown on the big screen and touched my heart.

Moon River and Me is an awesome and touching entertainment experience, not only for Andy Williams and Osmond fans, but for anyone who loves great music. It has a short Branson run, ending on May 12 when it leaves Branson to perform in England later in the year. For additional information or tickets for this or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

“I am just so excited about the variety, quality, and timing of the entertainment we are presenting at the Starlite Theatre this year,” said Linda Merkling, the theatre’s General Manager. “We have the right talent for the right people at the right time of the year,” she added.

She points out that their resident shows, those other than one or two-day limited engagement shows, offer an unrivaled variety of quality entertainment. Anchoring the schedule from now until December 30 are such nationally recognized entertainers as Billy Dean, The Blackwoods, and The Texas Tenors. The young cutting edge illusionist Reza and Buckets N Boards, a show that is one of the most requested show on Disney Cruise Lines, will be on the schedule during the months when families and younger audiences are in Branson. The net result is one of the most dynamic, demographic responsive, and exciting line ups of any theatre in Branson.

Merkling points out that the Billy Dean and Jarrett in Concert show is a mainstay on the schedule. For 2016 Billy has completely redone the format to provide a more intimate and personal interface with the audience, including him playing the piano. The show provides a unique opportunity to hear the man who wrote them sing, hit after hit, including Let Them Be Little; Somewhere in My Broken Heart, Billy The Kid, and his debut single, Only Here for a Little While, a song that grabbed an impressive top five spot on Billboard’s Country Charts along with many more.

The music would be enough, but it’s his ability to connect with the audience on a personal level through that music, and the stories of his life and how the songs were written, that injects a unique special element to the show. Add the comedy of long time Branson favorite Jarrett Dougherty, with his funny characters, rapid-fire wit, and perfect comedic timing, honed by more than 20 years on the Branson stage, and you have a show with about as much fun, excitement, and entertainment as most people could ever want!

Here’s a list of the Starlite’s resident shows sorted by opening date along with a link that provides more information on the show including a description, scheduling, pricing, and ticketing:

Resident Shows:

Billy Dean in Concert with Jarrett: Through Dec 30
Reza Edge of Illusion: Through Sep 7
The Blackwoods Morning Show: Through Dec 30
Buckets N Boards: Apr 20-23 and Jun- Aug 12
The Texas Tenors: Apr 26-May 13, Jun 6-10, Sep 12-Nov 30*

“We are also excited about the array of National stars that will be rounding out our schedule with limited engagement performances throughout the year through ‘Boot Daddy Presents’ and ‘Larry’s Country Diner Series,’” Merkling said. Here’s a list of the Starlite’s limited engagement shows sorted by opening date along with a link that provides additional information on the show including a description, scheduling, pricing, and ticketing:

 Limited Engagement

Larry’s Country Diner-T. Graham Brown: May 2 & Sep 23
Larry’s Country Diner-Jimmy Fortune: May 3 & Sep 21
Larry’s Country Diner-Gene Watson: May 4 & Sep 20
Larry’s Country Diner-Mark Wills: May 6
Boot Daddy Presents Branson Gospel Reunion: May 6 & 7
Larry’s Country Diner-Mo and Holly Pitney: May 6 & Sep 22
Larry’s Country Diner-Mark Lowry: May 7 & Sep 24
Boot Daddy Presents Dailey & Vincent: May 20 & 21
Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson: Apr 22 & 23
Boot Daddy Presents Jason Pritchett: May 30, Jun 25 & Jul 30
Larry’s Country Diner-Rhonda Vincent: Sep 19
Boot Daddy Presents Suzy Bogguss: Sep 29 & 30
Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune: Oct 24 & 25, Nov 14 & 15

Merkling believes that the combination of resident and limited engagement shows at the Starlite provides a unique combination of entertainment designed to meet the different needs of the Branson visitor throughout the year that is unmatched in terms of its quality, variety, and excitement. She also points out that its central location right on the famed Branson Strip, near its intersection with Gretna Road, the Titanic Museum Attraction, the Clay Cooper Theatre, and numerous other Branson shows and attractions makes access to the Starlite a breeze. With a twinkle in her eye she said, “And our parking lot just might be the biggest flat piece of ground in Taney County, no hills to climb.”

For additional information or tickets for any of the Starlite’s Shows, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services; call 1-800-785-1550 or visit www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

 

*All November shows will be Christmas Shows

“Definitely not! That’s why its water quality is so important,” said Preston Garrison, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest providers of tourism services and information. His comment pertained to the overall importance of Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo to the Branson experience of many Branson visitors and the recent water quality assessment of Table Rock Lake by David Casaletto, President and Executive Director, of Ozarks Water Watch, a not for profit organization dedicated to, among other things, preserving the water quality of Branson’s lakes.

Casaletto said that, as in the past, Table Rock Lake’s waters are ready for both locals and visitors alike to enjoy during 2016. The most recent testing shows that it is safe and clean for swimming, boating, fishing, and other water related activities that Branson’s millions of visitors might want to do.

Even though many of Branson’s visitors might never see it, Table Rock Lake is a virtual aquatic paradise consisting of over 43,100 surface acres and 745 miles of shoreline. It offers and hosts, a variety of recreational activities including hiking, sightseeing, hunting, skin diving, fishing, and water sports such as swimming, boating, water skiing etc.

State Highway 165, which can be accessed from its terminus at State Highway 76 commonly called “The Strip,” is one of the main access routes to Table Rock Lake and its attractions. Just south of the entrance to the Chateau on the Lake is the turn off to Moonshine Beach, a public access area offering swimming, a sand, beach boat launching ramp and many other amenities. There is another public boat launching ramp located at the Table Rock State park just south of the dam and the Show Boat Branson Belle’s White River Landing. The State Park Marina is a full service marina, with boat rentals, other aquatic attractions, and activities, as well as a bait and tackle shop.

The Dewey Short Visitor Center is located on State Highway 165 at the south end of the dam between Moonshine Beach and the State Park. In addition to having information about all the public access areas and other information about Table Rock Lake the $10 million center has an exhibition area detailing the natural history of the Ozark Mountain region, its earliest inhabitants, and the construction of Table Rock Dam. A 20-minute film entitled, “Taming of the Riviera Blanche” explains the history and construction of the dam itself.

Branson Tourism Center’s Garrison points out that the really neat thing is that it offers all of this within a few miles of everything else Branson has to offer. Where else can you dock your boat, leave the beach, or come in from a fishing trip and be enjoying the shows, attractions, activities, shopping, and other activities that Branson offers within minutes?

For additional information on Table Rock Lake or Branson’s shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

In January, The Track Family Fun Parks, in Branson, Missouri, announced that it had purchased the 15-story Ferris wheel formerly featured at Chicago’s Navy Pier and that it would be disassembled, transported to Branson, and reassembled for the enjoyment of Branson visitors during the summer of 2016. Recently a spokesperson for The Track Family Fun Parks said that, depending on a number of factors, they are hoping for a Memorial Day Weekend opening.

Modeled after the first Ferris wheel built for the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition, the Ferris wheel stands 150 feet tall, has 40 gondolas that can hold up to 240 passengers, and will light up the Ozarks nighttime skies with the glow of its 16,000 lights. It was a popular iconic attraction at the Chicago’s famous Navy Pier tourist destination. “Branson will be a great new location for this amazing Ferris wheel,” said Brian Murphy, COO of Navy Pier. “It was a landmark here for many years, and we are happy to know that it will continue to attract thousands of visitors each year to such a family-friendly destination.”

“We are very excited to be the new home to this iconic Ferris wheel,” said Craig Wescott, President and CEO of The Track Family Fun Parks. “Our hope is that adding this unique attraction, which can be enjoyed by people of all ages, will enhance our guests’ experience during the time they spend in Branson.”

The Ferris wheel represents a $2.5 million investment that the company is making as part of its 35th anniversary. The Track Family Fun Parks has four locations in Branson offering a variety of activities including “high-rise and classic go-kart tracks for all ages, laser tag, bumper boats/cars, mini golf, batting cages, kids’ rides, arcades, and more with no gate admission charge.” The Ferris wheel will be located in Track 4 on the famed Branson Strip at 3345 West 76 Country Boulevard.

For more information about The Track Family Fun Parks, the Ferris wheel or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services; call 1-800-785-1550 or visit www.BransonTourismCenter.com

* Photo Credit: Navy Pier