Branson’s SIX is BTC’s “Featured Show of the Week” for Sept. 28, 2015

SIX , Kevin, left, Owen, Curtis, Lynn, Barry, and Jak.

SIX , Kevin, left, Owen, Curtis, Lynn, Barry, and Jak.

“The amazing vocal band, SIX, is our show of the week for Sept. 28, 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. “In a town filled with some of the best singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians, and entertainers in the world, “SIX” stands out for its quality and uniqueness and, year after year, continues to be on our list of Most Popular Shows,” she added

Whether it’s amazing harmonizing or the fascinating instrumental sounds straight from their mouths, these six brothers are brimming with talent, polished professionalism, and a healthy dose of mirth and merriment. They’ll entertain and charm you right from the opening note! This gifted group of fun-lovin’ guys – with another four brothers that work behind the scenes – set the standard for a show that goes far beyond singing a cappella; percussion, strings, horns and other instruments can definitely be heard, they’re just nowhere to be found!

In a review of “SIX,” I wrote, “What you won’t see is any live band; what you will experience is two hours of the most unique, exciting, and memorable music you will ever hear; great vocals and the sound of an actual band. The remarkable thing is that all the sounds, vocal and instrumental are coming from the same place, the mouths of the SIX Knudsen brothers. It truly is an amazing thing to see and hear.”

Using only their voices, perfectly honed from years of performing around the world, “SIX” certainly brings it on big-time with loads of music from some of the best, including Elvis, Kansas, Frankie Valli, MC Hammer, Coldplay, and many more. In addition to their suburb singing and “playing,” Curtis, Lynn, Kevin, Jak, Barry, and Owen dazzle audiences with slick dance moves, silly stories and slapstick humor that’s strategically woven into the fabric of the show resulting in a non-stop, supercharged, high octane level of energy show that’s a one-of-a-kind Branson experience.

For more information or tickets for the SIX show 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.

 

 

How many of these October 2015 Branson Highlights would you like to see?

The amazing Clay Cooper  performing "Crying."

The amazing Clay Cooper performing “Crying.”

“During the month of October, Branson’s shows aren’t the only live entertainment in town. Mother Nature will be putting on a pretty special show of her own as she paints the Ozark Mountains with beautiful fall colors,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “What a beautiful compliment to the live entertainment, attractions, shopping, and other activities that Branson offers,” she added.

Here’s a list highlighting the major special events and limited engagement performances you can enjoy in Branson during October, 2015, as well as our Featured Show, Event, and Limited Engagement of the month:

Featured Show: Clay Cooper’s Country Express: “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!

The Texas Tenors, Marcus Collins, right,  John Hagen, and JC Fisher .

The Texas Tenors, Marcus Collins, right, John Hagen, and JC Fisher .

Featured Limited Engagement: The Texas Tenors: “The Texas Tenors” continue to be one of Branson’s most popular acts! Ever since we met the extremely talented and exceptionally charming trio of handsome troubadours on America’s Got Talent, they’ve been delighting fans with several genres of music; country, gospel, pop, Broadway, and classical. Enjoy favorites like Rocky Top, Unchained Melody and many more, including a spectacular medley from Les Misérables.

Featured Event: Mother Nature’s Ozark Fall Spectacular: From the first tint of color, until the last leaf falls, the fall foliage of the Ozark Mountains provides one of Mother Nature’s most amazing and beautiful shows. If the past is any indication, and everything keeps on going like it’s been going, visitors to Branson can expect a spectacular fall foliage show this year!

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Oct 1 – 31: Wake Up with Yakov
Oct 2 – 4: Boot Daddy Presents Rhonda Vincent
Oct 4: Loretta Lynn and Johnny Rodriguez
Oct 6 – 14: The Texas Tenors
Oct 7 – 9: Boot Daddy Presents Suzy Boggus
Oct 9 – 10: Boot Daddy Presents Mark Bilyeu and Cindy Woolf
Oct 11: Tanya Tucker
Oct 16 – 17: Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers
Oct 17: Kenny Rogers
Oct 18: Ronnie Milsap and Janie Fricke
Oct 19 – 31: The Hits starring the Osmonds
Oct 20 – 22: Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson
Oct 24: Don Williams
Oct 25: Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley
Oct 26 – 27: Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune
Oct 28 – 29: Boot Daddy Presents Dailey & Vincent

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Oct 1 – 31: National Harvest & Cowboy Festival at Silver Dollar City
Oct 1 – Oct 3: Bassmasters Central Open
Oct 10: Hollister Grape Festival
Oct 19 – 31: Tanger Mall FB – Kids Halloween Photo Contest
Oct 23 – 25: Branson Balloon Dayz 417-336-6060
Oct 24: VVA Trout Fishing Tournament
Oct 31: Branson Landing’s Safe Street Trick or Treat 417-239-3002
Oct 31: Tanger Outlets Tanger-ween!

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.

 

Illusionist Rick Thomas – BTC’s “Featured Show of the Week” – Sept. 21, 2015

Rick Thomas at the start of one of the most amazing and beautiful illusions most people will ever see.illusions.

Rick Thomas at the start of one of the most amazing and beautiful illusions most people will ever see.

Branson, Missouri has some of the best singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians, and entertainers in the world presenting a variety of live shows and entertainment that is virtually unrivaled in any other tourist destination,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and sellers of over 4.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets. “BTC’s Featured Show of the Week spotlights one outstanding example of Branson’s live entertainment from its list of Most Popular Shows,” she added

Illusionist Rick Thomas has created a show filled with stunning illusions and spectacular beauty! With years of successful tours around the world, headline shows on some of the biggest stages in Las Vegas, and the honor of being recognized by the magic industry, “Rick Thomas” will again establish his home base in Branson! His graceful movements to music, aided by his exceptional skill at ballroom dancing, and his unique ability to keep audiences of all ages and walks of life spellbound throughout his performance, has kept “Rick Thomas” at the top of the magic game. He’s received the World Magic Award of Magician of the Year, and been honored by the Academy of Magical Arts as the Stage Magician of the Year. He’s been sought after for not only live stage performances, but for television broadcasts on many major networks and popular cable stations, including channels like Discovery, Hallmark, History, and Animal Planet as well as ABC, CBS, and NBC where he appeared on The World’s Greatest Magic.

In a recent review of this show I wrote, “The short and quick of it is, if you want to see one of the best magic shows to ever appear on a Branson stage, you don’t want you and your family to miss the Illusionist Rick Thomas Show at the Moon River Theatre. In over 28 years of seeing magic shows in Branson I have never been as amazed or entertained by a magic show as I was by this show.

“From the time the show starts until it ends with a “blast,” it is two hours of truly magical non-stop entertainment with a variety of illusions; close up magic; …doves, dogs, color, brightness, dancing, music, and action that will knock your socks off. The magic is illusionary, but the fun, excitement, and enjoyment I experienced, and witnessed others enjoying, was real.”

If you enjoy splendid illusions enhanced by elegant dancing and enchanting music, then “Illusionist Rick Thomas” has put together a magical performance custom made for you!

For more information or tickets for Illusionist Rick Thomas Show 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.

 

 

Wouldn’t your Group truly want to see one of these 15 amazing Branson shows?

150820 Six Clay Cooper Haygoods Presleys Composite

“The mission of the BTC Groups Department is to help the Group Leader give their group the greatest Branson experience possible by providing the Group Leader with as much assistance as they want or need; all they have do is come to Branson with their Group, and everything will be ready for a great event,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “In providing that assistance, one of the questions our Group Sales Managers are asked most often is, ‘What Branson shows should we plan to see?'” she added.

Wood points out that the answer to that question depends on what a particular group is looking for in terms of an entertainment experience. That will obviously be different from group to group and, in most cases, from person to person within a given group; the challenge is to find a show or shows that will appeal to most members of the group. The good news is that is easy to do in Branson because of the quality, value, and variety of the great live shows it offers. The following is a list of the top shows that many of our groups are currently enjoying in Branson:

Billy Dean in Concert with Jarrett, a country music star and a country comedy king; it’s almost more Branson excitement than you can handle! Dean’s hits include Only Here for a Little While, Somewhere in My Broken Heart, and Billy the Kid. Jarrett has kept audiences laughing for years, and now he brings a new cast of characters to the stage.

The Acrobats of China always introduces something new to Branson audiences! Known for their colorful costuming and daring feats, as well as their breathtaking renditions of classic Chinese dance and human performance art, The Jinan Troupe is considered one of the most skilled and highly awarded Chinese acrobatic troupes.

The Bretts deliver their popular Branson show with amazing chemistry and sensational harmony! You’ll hear timeless classics, current chart-topping hits, and original music. If you enjoy music from artists like Elvis, ABBA, the Bee Gee’s, and Pharrell Williams, then you’re gonna love “The Bretts!”

The amazing Clay Cooper  performing "Crying."

The amazing Clay Cooper performing “Crying.”

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!

Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies brings some of Ireland’s best to Branson! This exciting production combines two great groups of performers; four beautiful ladies with angelic voices and five of the country’s finest tenors performing a unique blend of traditional folk ballads and classical and adult contemporary favorites.

Branson’s Grand Jubilee boasts tight harmonies and a variety of musical styles; a show custom-made for all ages! Enjoy the dynamic performance of New South, a quartet that can sing it all, from country and gospel, to rock & roll favorites! Jamie Haage and emcee extraordinaire, Mike Patrick, will keep you in stitches!

It’s The Haygoods and it’s an amazing Branson experience! Excellent choreography, exquisite harmonies, state-of-the-art sound and special effects, a delightful sense of humor, and energy that never quits, you get it all in one show from one phenomenal family! It’s easy to see why “The Haygoods” pack the house night after night!

“it” Starring the Hughes Brothers & Their Families features more than 50 amazing singers, dancers, and musicians. See “it” combine an astonishing scope of talents to create an ultimate entertainment experience! Broadway, country, gospel, rock n roll, and comedy galore! See it, Hear it, Feel it, and you’ll Love “it,”…it’s just that simple!

Branson’s Jonah is an epic adventure, delighting audiences young and old with its powerful and timely message. This beautiful production depicts the journey of “Jonah,” a faithful, righteous prophet of God. Enjoy spectacular staging, immersive special effects, and beautiful original music. (It should be noted that Jonah’s last Branson performance will be on December 29, 2015. It will be replaced by the spectacular Moses starting March 5, 2016)

The Million Dollar Quartet,  David Brooks as Jerry Lee Lewis, left, on the piano; Brad Waters as "Carl Perkins;" Austin Wilson as "Jay Perkins," the bass player; Tyler K. Hunter as "Elvis Presley;" and Cliff Wright as "Johnny Cash"

“The Million Dollar Quartet”, with David Brooks as Jerry Lee Lewis, on the piano; Brad Waters as “Carl Perkins;” Austin Wilson as “Jay Perkins,” the bass player; Tyler K. Hunter as “Elvis Presley;” and Cliff Wright as “Johnny Cash”

Million Dollar Quartet captures a singular moment when four of the most extraordinary musical talents – Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins – came together for one unforgettable night! Hear songs like That’s All Right, I Walk the Line, Riders in the Sky, Hound Dog, Peace in the Valley, Whole Lotta Shakin’, and Blue Suede Shoes.

Presleys’ Country Jubilee continues to be a mainstay on the list of Branson experiences you can’t miss! Long before anyone ever heard of Branson, Missouri, the Presley family had people from across the country lined up every night to hear the type of country music and comedy that eventually made Branson a household name.

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!

He’s Shoji Tabuchi, the one and only! For more than 25 years, Branson’s master fiddle player has reigned supreme in his extravagant palace-like theater. The massive production on stage includes a variety of music; country, Broadway, big band, hits of the 50’s and 60’s, and inspirational gospel and patriotic themed songs.

Branson Tourism Center’s Groups Department is dedicated to providing planners with as much premium service and assistance as they want to help make their group tour, reunion, or meeting a great success. Just one call to 1-800-268-4014 takes care of it all. There’s never a service fee when you book through BTC, and you’ll always get discounted prices for shows, attractions, lodging, and all the rest!

Three amazing places to eat on your next Branson trip

Billy Gail's Cafe offers one of Branson's most popular and unique dinning experiences.

Billy Gail’s Cafe offers one of Branson’s most popular and unique dinning experiences.

Branson has over two hundred restaurants offering its visitors a delicious and almost bewildering choice of menu items at a price for every budget. “We thought it would be interesting to poll the over 24,000 people who have ‘Liked’ the Branson Tourism Center Facebook page, found at www.facebook.com/bransontourismcenter, to get an idea of the restaurants where they would like to eat on their next trip to Branson,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. Wood said that although dozens of restaurants of all types were mentioned, both local eateries and national chains, it was interesting to note that the three mentioned most often were small, locally owned and operated, restaurants noted for one or more of the following: burgers, BBQ, or breakfast.

The following list will be no surprise to locals or frequent visitors; it offers those visiting Branson for the first time information about three of Branson’s traditionally most popular eateries:

Billy Bob’s Dairyland: Although its menu is perhaps the most limited of all those our respondents mentioned in terms of quantity of items, it is noted for its delicious hamburgers, usually served basket-style with a heaping order of fries, and its unique, bright, homey 50’s style decor. The burgers, a staple for both locals and visitors alike for over 30 years, are very generously sized, juicy, and oh so delicious! If you like hot dogs, their grilled butterflied Coney Dogs and Foot Longs might just be the ticket. Billy Bob’s is open during lunch and dinner hours, and offers the same menu for each. Make sure you have cash; they don’t accept credit cards. Their phone number is 417-337-9291.

Danna’s Bar B Que & Burger Shop: When it comes to hamburgers, Danna’s is one of the two dining spots mentioned most often. Want to guess what the other one is? In addition to being noted for the quality of its burgers, Danna’s hamburger menu offers some interesting variations, such as the Danna Burger, a 6oz. patty served on a toasted bun with cheese; topped with Danna’s famous BBQ chopped pork, lettuce, tomato, and pickle. Their BBQ, ribs, beef, pork, and chicken are other signature items that, in terms of both quality and popularity, are on a par with its hamburgers. Danna’s is open for lunch and dinner, offers the same menu for both, and accepts credit cards. Danna’s phone number is: 417-337-5527

Billy Gail’s Cafe: Billy Gail’s is noted for its hearty breakfasts served amid an atmosphere reminiscent of the early 1900’s Ozarks. Whether it’s their huge signature pancakes, their four egg omelet, their Belly Buster Breakfast, or one of their other menu items, you can’t make a bad breakfast decision here! Although famous for its breakfasts, Billy Gail’s is also noted for its chicken fried steak and pork tenderloin sandwiches. It’s open from 7 AM to 2 PM, and does not accept credit cards. Billy Gail’s phone number is (417) 338-8883.

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood suggests that a meal at one of these restaurants, combined with seeing one of Branson’s Most Popular Shows, would be a Branson experience as tasty and entertaining as it would be memorable.

Billy Dean in Concert with Jarrett – BTC’s “Featured Show of the Week” – Sept. 14, 2015

Billy laughing during a comedy skit with Jarrett Dougherty as Security Officer :Billy Club."

Billy laughing during a comedy skit at Jarrett Dougherty as Security Officer “Billy Club.”

“Branson, Missouri is blessed with an amazing variety of live shows presented by some of the best singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians, and entertainers on the planet,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and sellers of over 4.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets. “BTC’s Featured Show of the Week spotlights one outstanding example from its list of Branson’s Most Popular Shows.

Billy Dean in Concert with Jarrett is a unique combination of entertainment talent. Billy Dean is a Grammy nominated and Academy of Country Music Song of the Year award winner, singing the very hits that only wrote, but took to the top of the charts. Jarrett Dougherty, is one of Branson funniest and most beloved comedians. The pairing results in a show filled with great music, presented in that special Billy Dean down-home style, and hilarious comedy routines for which Jarrett Dougherty is famous.

Billy Dean’s impressive career as an amazing vocalist and songwriter keeps him in the hearts of everyone who loves a great country song. Dean’s impressive music career took off when his very first single landed in the top five on Billboard’s Country Music Charts. Only Here for a Little While may have introduced him to the world, but the title certainly doesn’t reflect his career; he’s definitely here to stay! He’s charted scores of hits, including the song that earned him a Grammy nomination and an Academy of Country Music Song of the Year award, Somewhere in My Broken Heart. Other big songs include It’s What I Do, Only the Wind, You Don’t Count the Cost, Billy the Kid, and Let Them Be Little.

It’s not just the music that keeps audiences enchanted by the talented Billy Dean, his engaging personality, sense of humor, and delightful story-telling make every performance special; those movie-star good looks don’t hurt either! And speaking of movie stars, Dean has exercised another of his gifts on both the big and small screen, appearing in movies and TV series alongside some of Hollywood’s most memorable names.

Want funny? Nobody brings on the funny like Jarrett Dougherty! He’s kept Branson area audiences in bellyaching laughter for years with his keen wit, humor, and the comedy characters he brings to the stage. It adds new meaning to the term hilarious to see Jarrett’s ‘characters’ interact with Billy Dean on stage.

When you see this show, two things are a certainty, “Billy Dean in Concert with Jarrett” is sure to hit all the right notes and tickle every rib! If you’d like more 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 by calling 1-800-785-1550 or visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Moses to part Red Sea in Branson starting in 2016

150907 Moses NOP

The Sight and Sound Theatre in Branson has amazed audiences with its spectacular and inspirational productions such as Noah – the Musical, Miracle of Christmas, Joseph, and most recently Jonah, which holds its last Branson performance on December 31, 2015. “When I saw Noah the Musical, I wondered how they would be able to top it, but it seems as if each new show just gets more spectacular,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “When I heard that Jonah’s last performance was on December 31st and that Moses would be starting in 2016, I thought, ‘How do you top Jonah?'”

Sight and Sound Theater is known for its spectacular props and filling their 300 foot surround sound stage with music, action, dancing, drama, colorful costuming, dozens of animals, and special effects, resulting in magnificent, entertaining, and inspirational productions of some of the most well-known stories in the bible. Mike Pitman, the Sales Manager for Sight and Sound, said that the tradition continues with Moses, and he’s really excited about its performances in Branson that begin on March 5, 2016.

Pitman said, “The show has incredible special effects that leave people asking, ‘How did they do that?'” One of his favorite scenes, illustrating that point, is where the staff of Moses turns into a snake, crawls down a stair banister, and turns back into a staff again. He loves the inspirational and spectacular scenes where the audience is literally with Moses, surrounded by the mountains, at the “burning bush,” and in the Red Sea as it parts around the Israelites enabling their escape from Pharaoh’s wrath.

This powerful and epic biblical story follows Moses on his quest for personal identity; what that meant as he decided to follow his God and, unbeknownst to him at the time, change the course of history. Journey back to that time with your family and witness some of the greatest moments in biblical history as only Sight and Sound can depict.

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood said that Moses will run through December 31, 2016. She also points out that tickets for Moses are currently available through the Branson Tourism Center and recommends getting them early to ensure not only availability on desired dates, but the best available seats. For additional information or tickets for Moses 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.

Some important things you might not know about Branson’s amazing Christmas shows

150906 Christmas Composite Hughes Shoji Grinch Haygoods

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 is highly unlikely that any other travel destination offers the selection, quantity, quality, and spirit of Christmas shows that Branson offers,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “All year long, Branson’s shows sparkle with that unique Branson spirit, but they just glow in an extra special way as most celebrate Christmas, and ‘the reason for the season,’ with their audiences in a very unique and personal way,” she added.

Here’s a list of things you might not know about Branson’s Christmas shows:

Christmas shows have two general 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 Chuckwagon Dinner Show, Christmas Wonderland, Shoji Tabuchi, and the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show. The second, and by far more prevalent format, used by the remaining Christmas shows, 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, and the other half, usually the last half, to their Christmas show. This would include many of Branson’s most popular shows.

They are part of Ozark Mountain Christmas: Ozark Mountain Christmas, from millions of Christmas lights to Christmas shows, and so much more in-between, is a combination of things that add up to a unique Branson area wide celebration of the true spirit of a traditional American Christmas; one that has been celebrated in Branson for over two decades. Branson’s live shows are a wonderfully entertaining, unique, and inspiring part of that celebration.

Christmas shows start the first week of November: Branson’s Christmas Shows usually start during the first week of November and run to the end of their season, typically the first week in December through December 31.

Most Christmas Shows end by mid-December – Many of Branson’s most popular shows close out their season by the end of the second week in December. These include Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Andy Williams Christmas Show, Mickey Gilley, Shoji Tabuchi, Duttons, and George Dyer. Other popular shows such as Billy Dean Live!, Doug Gabriel’s #1 Hits Tribute Show, Christmas Wonderland, Clay Cooper’s Country Express, Dublin Tenors and the Celtic Ladies, New Jersey Nights, Grand Jubilee, Haygoods, Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Legends in Concert, Million Dollar Quartet, SIX, Paul Harris and the Cleverlys, Christmas on the Trail Chuckwagon Dinner Show, and Dixie Stampede are open to the end of the third week in December or beyond.

Make Reservations early to ensure availability and get best seats! It’s no exaggeration to say that Ozark Mountain Christmas is not only one of the most special times of the year to visit Branson, but it’s also one of the busiest. The limited time these shows run and the demand for their tickets makes it imperative to make early reservations, not only to insure availability, but to get the best seats. In this regard, Branson Tourism Center, the company that’s sold more than 4,000,000 million Branson show and attraction tickets, has a special relationship with its theatre partners. This special relationship helps insure that their customers not only get tickets, but get the best available seats at the time they are purchased. Branson Tourism Center can be reached by phone at 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Last chance to create a special Christmas memory with Jonah: One of Branson’s most popular shows, Sight and Sound’s spectacular biblical production, Jonah, will hold its last Branson performance on December 31. Although not a Christmas show, it is certainly related to the “reason for the season,” and seeing it together with your family would make a wonderful Christmas memory!

How about teeing off on a golf getaway in Branson?

"The #12 par 3 hole, appropriately named The Fountain, at Pointe Royale Golf Course."

“The #12 par 3 hole, appropriately named The Fountain, at Pointe Royale Golf Course.”

“The choice and variety of quality golf courses Branson has to offer makes it a great golf destination, whether it’s for a week or a weekend getaway,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “The consistent moisture this summer has created a virtual golfer’s paradise with lush fairways and greens that are as beautiful to see as they are to play,” she added.

Branson also has a great variety of quality live shows, attractions, and other activities to complement its fabulous golf courses. As one of Branson’s largest and most trusted Branson travel services, we realize that, with all there is to do in Branson, there are many combinations that could go into planning an itinerary for a Branson golf weekend; here’s a sample itinerary of what a golf getaway weekend in Branson could entail:

FRIDAY:

Arrive and check into one of the beautiful condos at Thousand Hills Golf Resort and Conference Center, located just minutes from the center of the famed Branson Strip. Unpack and relax for a while before going out to have a delicious dinner at one of Branson’s fine dining restaurants such as the La Piazza. After dinner, enjoy the show it starring the Hughes Brothers and their Families, conveniently located in the same building.

SATURDAY

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the condo or at one of Branson’s many restaurants, like the Stage Door Restaurant at Welk Resort; it’s just a short 15 minute drive from your condo and right across the highway from Pointe Royale Golf Course. After playing a round of golf at Pointe Royale in the morning, Saturday afternoon would be a great time to visit one of Branson’s many attractions, like Branson Landing, located right downhill from another great attraction, Historic Downtown Branson. After dining at another great restaurant, such as Shorty Small’s, a great way to end the day would be to see another of Branson’s most popular and highly recommended shows such as the Illusionist Rick Thomas, Puttin’ on the Ritz, or SIX.

SUNDAY

Tee off early at Thousand Hills Golf Course, located a minute or two away from your condo, for another fabulous round of golf. Afterward, return to the condo to freshen up and check out, then enjoy lunch at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill on your way home.

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood points out that with all Branson has to offer, this is just one of many possible itineraries that could be planned. Just one call to 1-800-785-1550 will put you in touch with one of  Branson Tourism Center’s Branson-based Travel Planners who will be delighted to help customize an itinerary specifically for you. There is no charge for this service, and the Travel Planners are available from 8:00 AM through 9:30 PM daily during the season.

Do you think all Branson shows are music shows?

The "Amazing Pets" in action.

The “Amazing Pets” in action.

“Branson is called by some, ‘The live music show capital of the world,”‘ 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. “While it’s true that most of the over 100 live shows offered daily during the season, are primarily music shows, some of Branson’s most popular shows are not,” she added.

This rolling pyramid is as dangerous as it is beautiful.

This rolling pyramid is as dangerous as it is beautiful.

A prime example is the Acrobats of China Featuring New Shanghai Circus which gives Branson audiences some of the most electrifying and unforgettable performances they’ll ever witness. A recent review of the show said, “From juggling to strength acts, hoop jumping, an unbelievable bike act, pole climbing, and so much more, this show truly entertains the entire family throughout the entire two hours of the show, entertaining kids and adults simultaneously. Each act seamlessly transitions from one to another, almost like magic, with no dead time. The skill and energy of these performers is amazing even to the way they leave the stage and rush out to the lobby to meet and greet the audience after the show.”

Like animals? The Amazing Pets, a unique Branson show, features delightful circus-like acts with an impressive cast of creatures! Cats galore, cuddly canines, and even brilliantly colored exotic birds put on a show that delights kids of all ages! It’s a bit of magic, a touch of mayhem, and a whole lot of fantastic family fun. Although a show for “kids” of all ages, it will have a special appeal to younger children and the adults accompanying them to the show.

The biblical spectacular "Jonah" is thrilling Branson audiences.

The biblical spectacular “Jonah” is thrilling Branson audiences.

When Sight and Sound puts on a production it’s spectacular, and its production of Jonah is no exception. It takes one of the most popular bible stories of all time and brings it to life with a story that goes from nail-biting to inspirational, has immersive special effects, an original score, brilliant costuming, acting, and singing to give you and your family the experience of a lifetime! Jonah is unlike anything that most people will ever see live on stage, a pure joy to experience and is something that every member of the family can enjoy together and remember forever. Jonah will be performed through December 29, 2015, and will be replaced by Moses in 2016.

Rick Thomas and his assistant Tara.

Rick Thomas and his assistant Tara.

Want a little magic in your life? Illusionist Rick Thomas is the show is for you. As you watch this world class artist perform, you will not only be thoroughly entertained and thrilled, but might be asking yourself the question, “Is it just an illusion…or is it truly magic?” In a recent review, I said, “From the time the show starts until it ends with a “blast,” it’s two hours of truly magical non-stop entertainment. It’s an amazing variety of illusions, close up magic; what I call ‘mind magic’…doves, dogs, color, dancing, music, and action that will ‘knock your socks off! The magic is illusionary, but the fun, excitement, and enjoyment I experienced, and witnessed others enjoying, was real!”

For additional information or tickets for any of these shows, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, by calling 1-800-785-1550 or by visiting its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/