How many of these November 2015 Branson highlights would you like to see?

Silver Dollar City's Main Street aglow with Christmas lights.

Silver Dollar City’s Main Street aglow with Christmas lights.

“With Branson’s Veterans Week, Ozark Mountain Christmas, Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, Branson’s Christmas shows, and Thanksgiving, the month of November is easily one of the busiest and most exciting months of the year,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “From the nation’s largest Veteran’s Day Celebration, to what may very well be its biggest celebration of the traditional American Christmas, and so much more, Branson will be bursting at the seams with special events and other activities during November,” she added.

Here’s our Featured Show, Event, and Limited Engagement of the Month, along with a list of the major, limited engagement performances and special events you can enjoy in Branson during November, 2015:

Featured Show: Andy Williams Christmas Show: It’s the most wonderful time of the year as the tradition and legacy of “Andy Williams Christmas Show” continues in Branson. The Osmonds and The Lennon Sisters honor Andy’s favorite time of year! Everything that made television’s Andy William’s Christmas Show special is here; music, dancing, and beautiful sets filled with holiday cheer, all backed up by the incomparable Moon River Orchestra!

Featured Limited Engagement: Moon River and Me pays tribute to the life, the music, and the man himself…Andy Williams! Enjoy memorable video footage, the voice of Britain’s Got Talent singing sensation, Charlie Green, performing his songs, and masterful magic that’s cleverly combined with laugh-out-loud comedy, courtesy of the versatile Chipper Lowell! This is one powerful show!

Featured Events:

Branson Veterans Homecoming Week is one of the the biggest, Veterans Day tributes in America, and is celebrated from November 5 through November 11. It features dozens of events all keyed toward honoring those who have served our nation and sacrificed so much.

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas celebrates the true meaning of this special magical season amidst the glow of over 5 million dazzling lights. Heralded “The Most Illuminated Park on Earth” by the Travel Channel and “One of the most sparkly, lively holiday celebrations anywhere” by Midwest Living, you’ll take home beautiful holiday memories destined to last a lifetime!

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS (Sorted by starting date.)

Nov 1 – 30                  Yakov – Wake Up with Yakov
Nov 2 – 30                  Jerusalem performed by Dudu Fisher
Nov 4 – 24                  Neal McCoy
Nov 4 – 30                  Moon River andMe
Nov 5 – 8                    Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers
Nov 6                          Charlie Daniels Band
Nov 7                          Ricky Skaggs
Nov 8                          Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan
Nov 8                          Rich Little
Nov 11                        Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy
Nov 11                        Lee Greenwood
Nov 13 – 14                Johnny Mathis Christmas Show
Nov 14                        Michael English
Nov 15                        Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
Nov 16 -17                  Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune
Nov 18:                       Kellie Pickler
Nov 19 – 21                Boot Daddy Presents Dailey & Vincent
Nov 20                        Little River Band
Nov 21                        Wynonna Judd
Nov 22                        Charley Pride

 

Ozark Mountain Christmas Lights & Village is Branson's newest drive through lighting display and much more.

Ozark Mountain Christmas Lights & Village is Branson’s newest drive through lighting display and much more.

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (Sorted by starting date.)

Nov 1 – Nov 30           Christmas and Winter Celebration at Titanic Museum Attraction
Nov 1 – Nov 30           Branson Landing’s Winter Wonderlanding!
Nov 1 – Nov 30           White Flight at The Butterfly Palace
Nov 1 – Nov 30           Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights
Nov 1                           26th Annual Branson Motorcycle Toy Run
Nov 5 – 11                   Branson’s Veterans Home Coming Week
Nov 5 – Nov. 30          Ozark Mountain Christmas Lights & Village
Nov 7 – Nov 30           An Old Time Christmas Festival at Silver Dollar City
Nov 11                         83rd Annual Veteran’s Day Parade
Nov 14                         Most Wonderful Time of Year Parade, Branson Landing, 417-239-3002
Nov 23 – Nov 29         Thanksgiving Week in Branson
Nov 26                         4th Annual Branson 5K Turkey Trot
Nov 26                         Chateau on the Lake – Thanksgiving Day Brunch
Nov 26 – Nov 29         Moonlight Madness & After Thanksgiving Sales

For additional information on these events, 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 by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

 

You should share a Branson Christmas show with your family because…

From the "Grinch" to the Nativity and true meaning of Christmas, Branson's Christmas shows are full of color, fun, and the "Reason for the Season."

From the “Grinch” to the Nativity and true meaning of Christmas, Branson’s Christmas shows are full of color, fun, and the “Reason for the Season.”

“…it will create wonderful Christmas memories that will last a lifetime,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Christmas is one of the most exciting times of the year in Branson, and nowhere is that more obvious than at our shows. Each is like an exquisite ornament on a Christmas tree, adding unique beauty, fun, and spirit to the Christmas season.”

Here’s a list of things about our Christmas shows you might want to consider while planning your visit to Branson:

They’re part of Ozark Mountain Christmas: Branson’s live shows are an important part of all that Branson has to offer every day, but during Ozark Mountain Christmas, they share the true spirit of Christmas, the reason for the season, with their audiences in a very special and personal way. Ozark Mountain Christmas runs from November 1 through December 31, and Branson’s Christmas shows generally start with their first November performance.

There are two Christmas show formats: It can generally be said that Branson’s Christmas shows follow one of two formats. First are shows that are totally Christmas, such as the Andy Williams Christmas Show, Christmas on the Trail, Christmas Wonderland, Shoji Tabuchi, and the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show. The second, and by far the more prevalent format used, involves a mixture of their regular season show and their Christmas show. Typically, one half of the show is devoted to the best of their regular season show, and the other half, usually the last half, to their Christmas show.

Most Christmas shows end their season in mid December: Many shows hold their last Christmas performance by the end of the third week in December. These include some of Branson’s most popular shows: Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Andy Williams Christmas Show, Christmas Wonderland, Dublin’s Irish Tenors and the Celtic Ladies, Duttons, Mickey Gilley, New Jersey Nights, Shoji Tabuchi, SIX, and George Dyer. Other popular shows such as Billy Dean in Concert With Jarrett, Clay Cooper’s Country Express, Grand Jubilee, Haygoods, Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Legends in Concert, Paul Harris and the Cleverlys, Christmas on the Trail, and Dixie Stampede are open through the third week in December or beyond.

Early reservations are highly recommended: Ozark Mountain Christmas is not only one of the most special seasons for a visit to Branson, it can also be one of the busiest. The limited Christmas show schedules can make the demand for tickets even greater; so early reservations are very important, not only to ensure availability, but to get the best seats. Branson Tourism Center, a company that’s sold more than 4.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets, has a special relationship with its theatre partners. This relationship helps their customers not only get the show tickets they desire, but also the best possible seats available at the time the tickets are purchased. Branson Tourism Center can be reached by phone at 1-800-785-1550, or through their website at www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

 

 

Pierce Arrow is BTC’s Featured Show of the Week for Oct. 19, 2015

Pierce Arrow, Tony Turner,left, Travis Spratt, Scott Fraker, and Dan Britton.

Pierce Arrow:, Tony Turner,left, Travis Spratt, Scott Fraker, and Dan Britton.

Pierce Arrow is our Show of the Week for October 19, 2015,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, Branson’s premier vacation planning service that’s sold more than 4.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets. “Performing two entirely different shows each day, Pierce Arrow combines stunning vocals, by the Pierce Arrow; the talents of vocalist Shonna Bonds; the hilarious comedy of James Sibley, and a great live band to create a state-of-the-art, high energy show, often referred to as ‘Branson’s Hottest Show.'”

The award winning quartet, consisting of Tony Turner, Travis Spratt, Scott Fraker, and Dan Britton, perform a variety of music including gospel, pop, and country. The group’s talent includes powerful vocals, beautiful harmonies and, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, one of the world’s lowest bass singers – Dan Britton.

Shonna Bonds, the show’s female vocalist, boasts a clear, powerful voice, a vocal range that has been described as ‘off the charts,” and a dynamic style. The end result is a performance that is a joy to see and hear.

To be family funny, it helps to have a great comedian; Pierce Arrow has just that in James Sibley. A comedian for over 20 years, Sibly’s been on TV shows like My Name is Earl, and The Gilmore Girls, and in the movie Mr. Woodcock with Billy Bob Thornton, as well as other films. He now keeps audiences in an almost constant state of laughter with his comedy routines in the Pierce Arrow show. Not only will you laugh hysterically, you’ll have a new appreciation for the term “Gene Pool.”

A recent review of Pierce Arrow in the Shows Forum on www.1Branson.Com, Branson’s largest message board, said that it was one of the best shows they’d seen in quite a while; “the singing of Pierce Arrow was tight and full of energy. The comedian was a master at his craft and had everyone laughing at, and with, him; and that Shonna Bonds brought the house down with each and every song.” They highly recommend this show for all ages, saying, “It’s a top 5 for me!”

For more information or tickets for Pierce Arrow, or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550, or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

What’s the last show you saw in Branson?

SIX, Kevin, left, Owen, Curtis, Lynn, Barry, and Jak,  is perennially one of Branson's most popular shows.

SIX, Kevin, left, Owen, Curtis, Lynn, Barry, and Jak, is perennially one of Branson’s most popular shows.

“When you ask the question, ‘Whether yesterday or 10 years ago, what’s the name of the last Branson show that you saw,?’ you’d expect a variety of answers, and that many of the shows mentioned would be listed on Branson Tourism Center’s List of Most Popular and Highly Recommended Shows,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “That’s just what we got when we posed the question to more than 25,000 Branson fans participating on our Facebook page.”

Although the answers ranged from, “I’ve never been there,” to shows that are no longer in Branson, and covered a wide variety of shows, the vast majority of those mentioned were on BTC’s most popular list. The following four shows were mentioned the most; they’re listed in alphabetical order along with a brief description, and include a link to where you can get more information on their schedule, pricing, and content. In most cases, videos and pictures are included:

Clay Cooper’s Country Express has everything you want in a great Branson show! With 24 veteran entertainers, there’s a variety of singing, dancing, comedy, and music. Backed by a live, 7 piece band, you’ll hear country and pop hits from the likes of George Jones, Hunter Hayes, the Doobie Brothers, and Bruno Mars!

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede will take your family on a wild ride! Dixie features their world famous racing ostriches, 32 horses in some amazing equestrian feats, a stampede of buffalo, the Rumble in the Treetops lumberjack relay, and friendly competition all wrapped up in a fabulous four-course feast!

Jonah is an epic adventure, delighting audiences young and old with its powerful and timely message. This beautiful Sight and Sound production depicts the journey of “Jonah,” a faithful, righteous prophet of God. Enjoy spectacular staging, immersive special effects, and beautiful original music. Note: Time is running out to see Jonah in Branson. Its last Branson performance will be on December 29. Another Sight and Sound spectacular, Moses, will be performed in Branson starting on March 5, 2016.

SIX is Branson’s sensational sibling singing group that quite simply defines the art of performing music without instruments! Sensational harmonizing, polished professionalism, zany on-stage antics…it’s the most talented half dozen guys you’ll ever meet! They’ll charm you right from the opening note!

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood points out that these four, along with others, were at the top of a similar list compiled a couple of months ago when we asked the question – “If a good friend or close relative, age 30, was coming to Branson, what one show would you tell them not to miss?”

For additional information or tickets on these 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

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‘Branson Veterans Homecoming Week’ honors America’s Veterans from the heart

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“Honoring America’s Veterans, those currently serving in its Armed Forces, and their families for their service and sacrifice is an inherent part of what Branson is,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Even by Branson standards however, ‘Branson Veterans Homecoming Week’ is special,” she added.

The annual event is one of the, if not the biggest, Veterans Day tributes in America, and is celebrated from November 5 through November 11. It features dozens of events all keyed toward honoring those who have served our nation and sacrificed so much.

The following is a schedule of most of the major events sorted chronologically and by starting time. A telephone number or link is included to provide access to additional information on specific events:

November 5, 2015

0900 – 1600 Veteran Registry, Tactical Operations & Vendor Village, 417-337-0563
0900 – 1530 Veterans Events & Reunions Registry Mill Craft Village, 417-230-2278
0900 – 1800 Day Room 9am – 6pm at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
0900    Walls of Heroes – Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
1000 – 1800 Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall opens at Welk Resort, 417-336-3575
1130 – 1330 Mess Hall Lunch at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
1400    Vets for Vets Celebration Show” at the Baldknobbers Theatre

November 6, 2015

0700    Reveille at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
0800 – 1800 Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall at Welk Resort, 417-336-3575
0800    POW/MIA Service of Remembrance, Vietnam Wall at Welk Resort, 417-336-4232
0830    IMAX Military Film Festival “Ghost Army,” 417-335-3533
0900 – 1600 Veteran Registry, Tactical Operations & Vendor Village 417-337-0563
0900 – 1530 Veterans Events & Reunions Registry Mill Craft Village – 417-230-2278
0900 – 1800 Day Room 9am – 6pm at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
0900    Walls of Heroes – Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
1000    Fourth Annual Navy Memorial at Golden Corral
1100    Veterans Grove Tree Dedication, College of the Ozarks
1130 – 1330 Mess Hall Lunch at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
1700    Retreat at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387

November 7, 2015

0700    Reveille at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
0800 – 1800 Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall at Welk Resort, 417-336-3575
0830    Veterans Sporting Clay Shoot, Ozarks Shooter Complex
0830    IMAX Military Film Festival “We Answered the Call: Building the Crown Jewel of Afghanistan,” 417-335-3533
0900 – 1600 Veteran Registry, Tactical Operations & Vendor Village 417-337-0563
0900 – 1530 Veterans Events & Reunions Registry Mill Craft Village – 417-230-2278
0900 – 1800 Day Room 9am – 6pm at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
0900    Walls of Heroes at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
1000    Musical Fun with Twang, Veterans Military Museum
1130 – 1330 Mess Hall Lunch at Ballparks of America, 417-337-83871200
1200    West Plains High School Marching Band “Veterans Tribute,” Branson Landing
1400 – 1800 4th Infantry Division Social, Savannah House Hotel
1400    Musical Fun with Twang, Veterans Military Museum
1600    Women Veterans Mini Reunion at Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center
1700    Retreat at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
1900    Memorial Service for Lost Submarine/Tolling of the Bells, Branson Landing

November 8, 2015

0700    Reveille at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
0800 – 1800 Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall at Welk Resort, 417-336-3575
0900 – 1600 Veteran Registry, Tactical Operations & Vendor Village 417-337-0563
0900 – 1530 Veterans Events & Reunions Registry Mill Craft Village – 417-230-2278
0900 – 1800 Day Room 9am – 6pm at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
0900    Walls of Heroes at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
1000 – 1200 Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion, Clay Cooper Theatre
1000    Tribute to Veterans Sunday Worship, Doug Gabriel Theatre
1130 – 1330 Mess Hall Lunch at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
1200 – 1400 12th Annual Tribute to Women Veterans & Rose Petal Ceremony, Clarion Hotel & Conference Center
1400 – 1600 Gold, Silver & Blue Star Mothers Afternoon Dessert, Shindigs
1700    Retreat at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387

November 9, 2015

0700    Reveille at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
0800 – 1800 Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall at Welk Resort, 417-336-3575
0830    IMAX Military Film Festival “We Answered the Call: Building the Crown Jewel of Afghanistan,” 417-335-3533
0900 – 1600 Veteran Registry, Tactical Operations & Vendor Village 417-337-0563
0900 – 1530 Veterans Events & Reunions Registry Mill Craft Village – 417-230-2278
0900 – 1800 Day Room 9am – 6pm at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
0900    Walls of Heroes at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
1000    Transition Assistance at Military & BB Gun Museum, 417-239-0719
1130 – 1330 Mess Hall Lunch at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
1400 – 1700 Korean War Veterans Mini Reunion, Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center
1700 – 2300 19th Annual Military Gala & Banquet, Chateau on the Lake
1700    Retreat at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
1900    Flag Retirement Ceremony, Veterans Memorial Museum

November 10, 2015

0700    Reveille at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
0800 – 1800 Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall at Welk Resort, 417-336-3575
0830    IMAX Military Film Festival “Honoring The Valley of the Tears,” 417-335-3533
0900 – 1600 Veteran Registry, Tactical Operations & Vendor Village 417-337-0563
0900 – 1530 Veterans Events & Reunions Registry Mill Craft Village – 417-230-2278
0900 – 1800 Day Room 9am – 6pm at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
0900    Wal-Mart Tribute to Veterans, Oak Ridge Boys Theatre
0900    Walls of Heroes at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
1100    Celebrity Waiter Fundraiser, Doc’s Hickory Roadhouse
1130 – 1330 Mess Hall Lunch at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
1400    Railway to Heaven, Royal Oak Auditorium, Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks
1500 – 1700 15th Anniversary Celebration of the Veterans Memorial Museum, Veterans Memorial Museum
1700    Retreat at Ballparks of America, 417-337-8387
2100    Railway to Heaven, Jones Auditorium College of the Ozarks

November 11, 2015

0700    Flag Raising/Wreath Laying Ceremony, Main Flag Pole, Chapel Lawn, College of the Ozarks
0800 – 1800 Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall at Welk Resort, 417-336-3575
0830    IMAX Military Film Festival “Honoring The Valley of the Tears,” 417-335-3533
1100    82nd Annual Veterans Day Parade in historic downtown Branson, 417-239-6511
1700    All Hands on Deck! Show, Branson Star Theater
1700 – 2000 Free Golden Corral Dinner for Veterans, Golden Corral

For information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Blessing or luck, crew of the ‘Lucky Lady’ celebrates 70th Annual Reunion

Crew members of the U.S.S Sante Fe attending its 70th Annual Reunion, ictured from left to right, with ages in parens, are Richard Champagne, 91; Clifford Hamilton, 89, Ivan Cannon, 89, Robert Hazelwood, 92, Stephen Wong, 92; Charles Bright, 89; and Steve Downing Jr., 90.

Crew members of the U.S.S Santa Fe attending its 70th Annual Reunion, pictured from left to right, are Richard Champagne, 91; Clifford Hamilton, 89, Ivan Cannon, 89, Robert Hazelwood, 92, Stephen Wong, 92; Charles Bright, 89; and Steve Downing Jr., 90.

Recently, the crew of the “Lucky Lady,” more formally known as the U.S.S. Santa Fe (CL-60), a Cleveland class light cruiser, celebrated their 70th Annual Reunion in Branson, Missouri. Melissa McGowan, a Group Sales Manager for the Branson Tourism Center Groups Department, worked with the group in planning and conducting the reunion. She said, “It’s always an honor and privilege to work with our military groups, but this group was special.”

“It was an absolute pleasure to be with them and to hear them talk about what they experienced aboard the Santa Fe during World War II. It changed me. Of the over 1300 plus crewmembers who sailed on the ‘Lucky Lady’ throughout the war, only seven were able to attend the reunion: Richard Champagne, Clifford Hamilton, Ivan Cannon, Robert Hazelwood, Stephen Wong, Charles Bright, and Steve Downing Jr. The oldest was 92 and the youngest was 89. Precious heroes; I love them!”

When the Santa Fe, named after the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, was christened, the traditional bottle of champagne was not used. Instead, the bottle was filled with water taken from the Santa Fe River that had been blessed by Santa Fe’s archbishop. That, and the appropriateness of the ship’s nickname, “Lucky Lady,” came to mind many times as the crew and family members of crew members who have passed, shared some of their experiences. Remarkably, the Santa Fe and her crew fought their way through 224,999 miles of battles, air raids, kamikaze, and torpedo attacks in the Pacific Theatre during World War II without the death of a single crew member due to battle injuries!

How lucky or blessed were they? How about having a torpedo hit the bow of the ship near a gun turret, surrounded by ammunition, that failed to explode? The crew said that if it had exploded they would have lost the bow of the ship. Imagine a kamikaze torpedo plane coming at the ship and being blown out of the sky by the ship’s guns about two seconds before it would have crashed into the ship. It was so close that gas from the plane sprayed aboard, injuring crew-members and killing one non-crew member that the ship had previously rescued. They all agreed that if the plane had remained airborne for two more seconds, very few, if any of them, would have survived.

During one air attack, the aircraft carrier USS Franklin was bombed by a Japanese plane, was on fire, and was in danger of sinking as she listed horribly. The Santa Fe and her crew, in a daring move of extraordinary courage and seamanship, pulled alongside the badly damaged ship, and maintained its position for over three hours, amid fires and exploding ammunition, with the towering aircraft carrier listing over it, as they rescued more than 800 members of its crew.

For her action with the Franklin, the Santa Fe received a Navy Unit Citation. That was in addition to the 13 Battle Stars she received for service from the Aleutian Islands to Tarawa, Wake, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and just about every other major sea raid and battle conducted in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.

The U.S.S. Santa Fe 7 Reunion was held in the beautiful Grand Plaza Hotel in Branson from September 22 through 26; the hotel’s Montclair Room was made available for meetings, dinners, and fellowship. Their schedule allowed plenty of free time to shop, relax, and enjoy the comradery and fellowship of their shipmates, family, and friends. In addition, there were planned events and meals, along with the opportunity to ride the Branson Scenic Railway, experience the adventure of dinner and a show aboard the Showboat Branson Belle on Table Rock Lake, and to see the fabulous Legends in Concert show.

Branson Tourism Center’s McGowan said, “It was an honor to work with them and, although just for a while, get to know them. I hope they enjoyed their time in Branson as much as we enjoyed having them!”

Presleys’ Country Jubilee is BTC’s “Featured Show of the Week” for Oct. 12, 2015

The humor of Herkimer and Cecil delight both young and old.

The high energy humor of Herkimer, right, and Cecil delights both young and old.

“Presleys’ Country Jubilee is our show of the week for Oct. 12, 2015,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and sellers of over 4.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets. “For the better part of five decades, the Presley family has been a leader in promoting Branson, its shows, and everything else it has to offer, while presenting a show filled with color, music, comedy, and production that has not only set a standard for others to follow, but has become one of Branson’s most beloved and popular shows,” she added.

In a recent review of Presleys’ Country Jubilee, I said, “From the time you walk into the theatre until the curtain goes down, a night with the Presley family at Presleys’ Country Jubilee is an unequalled entertainment experience! As you enter one of the most home-like theatre lobbies in Branson, you’ll hear the sounds of gospel music drifting down from the pre-show gospel sing-along in the loft; smell glazed almonds and pecans made from a secret recipe developed by Cecil, a.k.a. Eric Presley, and begin to realize that you and your family are in for a special evening.”

When the curtain rises, you become part of a Branson phenomenon as its first show on the now famous Branson Strip, does what it has continually been doing since 1967…wow the audience with its unique combination of music and comedy, presented by some of the most talented vocalists, musicians, and comedians in Branson. You’ll be treated to a spectacular evening of current and classic country songs and gospel greats, as well as the side-splitting, slapstick antics of Branson’s dynamic duo of comedy, Herkimer and Cecil!

Since the Presleys’ opened on the Branson Strip, Gary Presley, known on the stage as “Herkimer,” has been making the show’s audiences laugh ‘til they hurt! In combination with his son, Eric, “Cecil” in the show, their comedy is a unique blend of Ozark humor, one-liners, high energy, and skits that always seem to be relevant to current events.

When that comedy is strategically interwoven with the musical performances, the result is a one of a kind entertainment experience that keeps the audience, kids and adults alike, completely entertained, laughing, and wondering what to expect next! The Springfield News Leader proclaimed Presleys’ Country Jubilee to be “the standard by which other shows are judged,” and after seeing this show, you’ll know why!

For more information or tickets for the Presleys’ Country Jubilee, or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

 

Morning shows are an amazing way to start your exciting Branson day

151008 FINAL Morning Show CompositeWith over 53 theatres, more than 100 live shows and almost 60,000 theatre seats, it’s easy to understand why Branson’s famous for the quantity and quality of its live entertainment. Even after living in Branson for more than 29 years, the wide variety of live shows available to entertain visitors, from morning to night, is a constant source of amazement to me.

There are a number of reasons to start your Branson day by going to a show, but what could be better than starting your day on the uplifting note of being energized, entertained, and inspired by a great morning show? From shows like Amazing Pets, that children will absolutely love; to the country music and humor of Down Home Country, the exquisite voices of Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies performing everything from pop to Irish classics, and a wide variety of other options, there is a Branson morning show that will start your day off in a special way!

Some of Branson Tourism Center’s Most Popular and Highly Recommended Shows routinely schedule morning, as well as evening shows. These include, among others, Clay Cooper’s Country Express and the shows appearing at Kings Castle Theatre. Still others, such as Shoji Tabuchi, have occasional morning shows.

The links in this article will take you to Branson Tourism Center’s (BTC) Show Schedule containing detailed information on the show’s content, schedule, pricing, and, in most cases, videos and pictures. This schedule is reviewed and revised on a daily basis by BTC, the company that’s sold over 4.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets, and is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. Here’s a list of major morning shows, sorted alphabetically, with BTC’s Most Popular and Highly Recommended shows listed first:

Amazing Pets
Clay Cooper’s Country Express
Down Home Country
Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies
New Jersey Nights
Puttin’ on the Ritz
Shoji Tabuchi

All American Gospel
Always Patsy Cline
AYO starring Voices of Glory
Best of Neil Sedaka, the Carpenters, and Captain & Tennille
The BIG Show
Bretts
Buck Trent
California Dreamin’
Doug Gabriel’s #1 Hits Tribute
George Dyer
George Jones and Friends Remembered
Good Ol Boys
IMAX Adventure Films
A Neil Diamond Tribute
Red, Hot…& Blue!
A Tribute to John Denver
The Twice Adopted Gospel Show
Wade Landry’s Gumbo Show

For additional information on any of the shows discussed in this article 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 .

Window of opportunity closing to experience three incredible Branson shows

Mickey Gilley and Yakov Smirnoff

Mickey Gilley and Yakov Smirnoff

“The window of opportunity to see three of Branson’s most popular shows is closing,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “When the curtain falls on the Mickey Gilley show on the evening of December 2, 2015 and the Wake Up With Yakov show on the morning of December 5, it will be more than the end of the show and their 2015 season; it marks the end of more than two decades of Branson performances from each of these iconic stars. We’ll surely miss country music legend, Mickey Gilley, and comedy superstar, Yakov Smirnoff,” she adds.

Wood points out that the incredible biblical spectacular Jonah will conclude its Branson run after the December 29, 2015 performance. It will be replaced by another phenomenal Sight and Sound production, Moses, in 2016.

Following is a brief description of each of these shows with a link to more information, including schedules, videos, pricing, and ticket options:

Sight and Sound's "Jonah."

Sight and Sound’s “Jonah.”

Jonah is an epic adventure, delighting audiences young and old with its powerful and timely message. This spectacular production depicts the journey of “Jonah,” a faithful, righteous prophet of God. Sight and Sound Theatres are experts at filling their 300 foot surround-sound stage with music, action, dancing, drama, and special effects melded into magnificent productions. The action scenes of the ship breaking up; Jonah flying through the air, particularly as he departs the belly of the great fish; the set of Jonah in the belly of the fish; and the underwater scene with the great fish swimming out over the audience are simply magnificent and something no one has ever come close to seeing on a Branson stage.

Mickey Gilley: Known for his honky-tonk piano playing style and a string of 17 number 1 hits, this country music icon, even in the face of a paralyzing injury that would have put a lesser man down, has been entertaining Branson audiences for 26 years. Along with the “Urbanettes” and the “Urban Cowboy Band,” this consummate entertainer, with his genuine talent, warmth, and irresistible smile provides an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind musical entertainment experience. The show features many of his biggest hits, including number one songs like She’s Pulling Me Back Again, Bring It on Home to Me, Talk to Me, Fool for Your Love, Stand By Me, and many more. He’s the consummate entertainer…the music man extraordinaire…the one-and-only “Mickey Gilley!”

Wake Up With Yakov: It’s hard to imagine a funnier way to start a day in Branson than with the humor of America’s favorite Russian, Yakov Smirnoff. Since moving to America with his family in 1977, he has combined the experience of growing up in the communist Soviet Union ans his fascination with American human nature to completely charm audiences year after year. His incredible humor, exceptional comic timing, and warm personality helps to create a show full of side-splitting laughter, warmth, love, and patriotic cheer that will tickle your funny bone as it touches your heart.

Don’t miss this final opportunity to see these three amazing shows in Branson. For additional information or tickets for any of these shows or Branson’s other shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or visiting its web site www.BransonTourismCenter.com. Branson Tourism Center has sold over 4.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets, and is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services.

Don’t you and your family deserve a Grand Branson lodging experience?

Grand Plaza Hotel from Branson Strip

Grand Plaza Hotel from Branson Strip

Someone a lot smarter than this writer said, “Your choice of where you stay when you travel will have a direct impact on the quality of that travel experience.” Over the past 13 years, along with selling over 4.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets, the Branson Tourism Center has sold hundreds of thousands of room nights to Branson visitors. The Grand Plaza Hotel has been a consistent favorite with its customers.

With 200 luxurious and comfortable rooms, an excellent location, value, family-friendly amenities, and variety of accommodations, the Grand Plaza Hotel is a great choice for families, groups, or business travelers. In terms of its location, it’s the perfect illustration of the term “location, location, location.” Its central location, about a block north of the center of the famed “Branson Strip,” provides its guests with the best of both worlds; the quiet of not being directly on the strip, while being just a block away, along with easy access to Branson’s alternate colored routes, and less trafficked routes to Silver Dollar City, Branson Landing, Dixie Stampede, Legends in Concert, and other big attractions.

One of Branson’s largest and most popular discount factory outlet malls, Tanger Outlets, is located within walking distance. The Kings Castle Theatre, home of some of Branson’s most popular shows, including the Dublin’s Irish Tenors & The Celtic Ladies, Puttin’ on the Ritz, New Jersey Nights, Spirit of the Dance, and Christmas Wonderland, is also within easy walking distance.

Grand Plaza's indoor pool.

Grand Plaza’s indoor pool.

With its Standard Queen Room featuring two queen-sized beds; Family Units with two bedrooms and bathrooms, and Honeymoon/ Executive Suites with a separate, closed off sitting area, the Grand Plaza can meet just about every lodging need. The entire property is completely nonsmoking, and has amenities that include a game room, indoor pool, sauna, fitness room, and hot tub. In addition, the hotel offers a full buffet breakfast of hot and cold items every morning including cereal, fruit, waffles, breads, rolls, eggs, ham or sausage, and biscuits and gravy.

“The Grand Plaza Hotel is a great blend of value, luxury, amenities, and location,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “It also participates in Branson Tourism Center’s Lowest Rate Lock Program, which guarantees that the price you pay for your lodging accommodations at the Grand Plaza will be the lowest rate available. If you find a lower price offered for the same room on the same dates at any time between the date you book your room with BTC and when you arrive in Branson, BTC will match the lower rate.

For more information about the Grand Plaza Hotel please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.