Cruising into spectacular Branson Fall foliage

View of the first "blush" of Fall foliage from the bow of the "Landing Princess."

BRANSON, Mo., August 25, 2013 – “The rains experienced during July and August have set Branson up to have a great fall foliage season,” said Loralei McCoy, Director of Operations for Main Street Lake Cruises. “It’s a spectacular show put on by Mother Nature and one of the best seats ‘in the house’ to experience it is on Lake Taneycomo while cruising aboard one of Main Street Lake Cruises’ boats,” she added.

Lake Taneycomo, is a long narrow impoundment of the White River, with its shorelines being much closer together than other lakes such as Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lakes providing a unique opportunity to truly experience the brilliance, color and vividness of the Ozark’s fall foliage. A typical cruise aboard one of Main Street Lake Cruises’ boats is a spectacular experience any time of the year offering an up close chance to view Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, other birds, deer, other wildlife, panoramic vistas and bluffs not available through any other means except by boat on Lake Taneycomo. They are seen by very few the millions who visit Branson each year.

As the foliage changes color, these panoramic vistas turn into magnificent “masterpieces” that have to be seen to be believed. Operating the only cruises on Lake Taneycomo, whether on a sightseeing cruise aboard the Lake Queen, a modern day replica of the grand riverboats which used to ply the White River or a dinner cruise aboard the 100 foot luxury yacht Landing Princess, the boats of Main Street Lake Cruises provide an unparalleled view of not only the magnificent beauty of the changing Ozark’s foliage, but of Lake Taneycomo and its natural scenic wonders.

Main Street Lake Cruises’ McCoy points out that, depending on the weather, the first blush of color is toward the end of September with its peak at about the third week of October. Because of the popularity of these cruises she suggests making advance reservations. For additional information on Branson’s fall foliage season or Main Street Lake Cruises please call 1-877-382-6287.

There’s a reason they are called the Incredible Acrobats of China

Scene from the shows colorful and exciting Opening.

BRANSON, Mo., August 20, 2013 – For those who might not want to read a detailed story about a really great show, let’s summarize it in one sentence. Having seen the Incredible Acrobats of China Show featuring the New Shanghai Circus, yesterday, this writer can again say, without a doubt, it is a one of a kind cornucopia of color, excitement, grace, action, and danger that entertains all ages, from its exciting and colorful opening until the curtain falls.

In a town with over 100 shows on any given day, this show stands alone in terms of its uniqueness and ability to simultaneously entertain both children and adults throughout its entire length with a caliber of entertainment that is truly incredible. A family from Flower Mound Texas* consisting of mom and dad and their two lovely daughters aged four and six are an excellent example.

At intermission, when asked how they were enjoying the show the adults answer was, “We are enjoying the show a lot.” Their four and six year old daughters both said that they liked it and when asked if they had a favorite act they both, in their own way, said that they liked the whole show and would not pick a favorite act. Their six year old daughter said that she thought that other kids her age would enjoy the show as much as she did. The telling of the story doesn’t do it justice because you can’t see the excitement in the eyes of the girls or sense the happiness of the parents that their daughters were enjoying themselves so much.

The show’s exciting Opening features most of the cast members, is a harbinger of what is to come and raises the bar in terms of audience expectation. The 14 acts that follow do not disappoint with each unique act having its own choreography, music and colorful costuming, but more importantly, being performed by people with a skill level that simply has to be experienced to be believed.

The most thrilling Chair Stacking act most people will ever see.

In addition to acts that it is almost certain most people have never seen before, the show includes acts such hoop diving, juggling, contortion, human strength, chair sticking and Silks that you might have seen before, but it is almost certain that you have never seen them performed like they are in this show. As I sat there watching the show, as I have at least once a year for most of the last decade, I knew I was seeing some of the types of acts that I had seen before, but it was presented in a different and fresh manner making it a new entertainment experience. One thing for sure, the shows juggling act will add new meaning to the term “Hat Trick.”

Chair Stacking acts are not unusual, but how about one where the performer is up about 30 feet in the stack, does a one hand stand on top of some “beer” cans then drops down to the stool they are sitting on. It’s absolutely amazing, but then so was the five ladies performing in synchronization on an eight chair stack during the second half of the show! The Roller Skating act performed at high speed by two ladies within a six foot diameter raised circle was as breathtaking as it was exciting. At one point one of the performers was suspended by her neck as she was twirled around at high speeds. The audience just loved the Hoop Diving as the performers, running at full speed launch themselves into the air and through hoops at varying heights, while performing acrobatics and other feats before falling back to the ground.

It’s hard to imagine anything more beautiful and graceful than the show’s Contortion, high flying Silk and Human Ballet acts. The Silk act is one of the best this writer has ever witnessed and “The Human Ballet,” where a Ballet Dancer gracefully performs a ballet on the head and shoulders of her partner, “is one of the most unique, incredible and beautiful things I have ever seen performed on a stage.”

And these are just a few of the amazing acts presented in the Incredible Acrobats of China Show featuring the New Shanghai Circus. If you want to see a unique, exciting and colorful one of a kind entertainment experience performed by athletic, skilled, energetic and graceful performers to perfection that simultaneously entertains adults and children then you don’t want to miss this show.

For additional information or tickets for the Incredible Acrobats of China Show featuring the New Shanghai Circus please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com

* Name omitted to protect the privacy of the children.

Material Connection

“Legendary” Dean Z wins Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest

Dean Z performing his Elvis tribute during a recent performance of the Legends in Concert show.

BRANSON, Mo., August 18, 2013 — “At Legends in Concert we take great pride that our tribute artists are the best of the best,” said Jeannie Horton, General Manager, of the Branson Legends in Concert Theatre. “We have always known that Dean Z was one of the best Elvis Tribute Artists out there and we are just thrilled that now the whole world knows,” she continued.

Horton was referring to the fact that “Dean Z,” who has been performing as the Elvis Tribute Artist in the Branson edition of the Legends in Concert Show since 2007, won the national “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest,” in front of a full house at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis, TN last night. Sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ involved hundreds of Elvis tribute artists competing in 28 preliminary Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ events all over the United States for cash and an invitation to the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ Semi-Finals in Memphis during Elvis Week.

Dean Z won his invitation to the Semi-Finals by winning the Preliminary held during the Rockin’ Elvis Fest” on March 17 at the Pala Casino, in Pala, CA. He and the 27 other semi-finalists competed for the ten spots in the Finals on August 14 with the Finals being held last night.

In a Branson Up Close and Personal Interview for the Branson Tourism Center in February of 2011, Dean Z’s answers to three questions just might indicate why he is enjoying the success he is:

BTC: How did you get started being an Elvis Presley Tribute Artist?

DZ: I started when I saw Elvis on television when I was three years old. I cleared off the coffee table, started dancing and the next thing I knew I was performing at my sister’s talent show singing ‘Jailhouse Rock.’

BTC: How long have you been performing as an Elvis Tribute Artist?

DZ: For the last 24 years and I’m still singing ‘Jail House Rock.’

BTC: You are known for the effort you go through for authenticity

DZ: Elvis was pretty successful so ‘If it ain’t broke I don’t fix it.’ I want my tribute to be as close and accurate to the way Elvis looked and performed as possible. From shoes, to jackets, suits, and the other cloths I wear on stage, everything is custom made to help keep it just the way he did it.

“We too would add our congratulations Dean Z on his well-earned victory. Not only is it a tribute to him, but a testimony as to the caliber of the entertainment to be found every day performing in Branson in the Legends in Concert and other Branson shows,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center.

Legendary Mickey Gilley guest hosts exclusive Branson “Cruise With The Stars”

Mickey Gilley

BRANSON, MO, August 17, 2013 — “Congratulations to Mickey Gilley upon his selection for induction into the National Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame which will take place on August 31, 2013, said Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center. “Yet another accomplishment for this legendary performer who will be the guest host for Branson Tourism Center’s next exclusive Cruise With The Stars event at 11:45 AM on September 19,” she added.

The Cruise With The Stars events are offered exclusively to customers of Branson Tourism Center because of the special relationship it has with the various stars and shows involved with the cruises and Main Street Lake Cruises, who operates the 100 foot luxury yacht Landing Princess. No other company offers this unique experience.

The Cruise With The Stars event, guest hosted by Mickey Gilley, combines two separate entertainment activities into one unique and exciting event available only to those who have taken advantage of the exclusive offer and purchased Cruise With The Stars tickets. The first activity is the opportunity to experience a live performance of this legendary star at the Mickey Gilley Show anytime between September 15^th and1 8^th.The second is the exclusive VIP luncheon cruise on September 19^th.

The cruise is on beautiful Lake Taneycomo aboard the Landing Princess, a luxuriously appointed 100 foot luxury yacht. Each VIP cruise includes lunch and an unparalleled f up close and personal experience with Gilley including opportunities for photos and autographs. In addition, as is the case with all Main Street Lake Cruises, the cruise will provide a view of beautiful Lake Taneycomo with its wildlife, birds, scenic vistas and so much more as Mother Nature presents a constantly changing show that can only be seen from the lake and is experienced by very few of the millions of visitors who come to Branson every year.

The schedule of the remaining Cruise With The Stars events for 2013 is:

The Haygoods – October 4^th, 2013

Yakov Smirnoff – October 14^th, 2013

Tony Orlando – November 7^th, 2013

Legends in Concert – December 5^th, 2013

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood advises that there are only a limited number of seats for each Cruise With The Stars event and recommends making advance reservation as soon as possible. For tickets or information on the exclusive Cruise With The Stars event, the Mickey Gilley Show or for 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.

Heavenly match of fun, music and food at Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic

Great Southern Gospel music and fun at Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

BRANSON, Mo., August 12, 2013 — “Running for only 11 days, from August 23 – September 2, Silver Dollar City‘s Southern Gospel Picnic has one of the shortest running times of any of Silver Dollars City’s world class festivals,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It’s almost ‘Heavenly,’ the way they integrate and combine all the rides, excitement and adventure of a world class theme park with over 60 of the finest Southern Gospel music acts available anywhere and a ‘picnic’ Silver Dollar City style.”

Information received from Silver Dollar City about the event said there will be over 60 acts performing Southern Gospel music throughout the park during the festival. The Festival’s coordinator D.A. Callaway said that they will feature everything from “…legendary performers and Dove award winners to contemporary artists and family bands,” offering “impeccable harmonies and uplifting songs” that will be appreciated by fans of Southern Gospel Music while offering those “new to the genre” an excellent opportunity to sample different types of Southern Gospel Music presented by some of the top artists in the field.

Guy Penrod the host of the show “Gospel Music Showcase” on the Daystar network and one of Southern Gospel’s premier performers will be performing at the Festival. In addition to his album “Hymns” being the top selling Southern Gospel album of 2012 Penrod’s credits include more than a decade of performing with the Gaither Vocal Band, singing backup for Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain as well as being nominated as the Inspirational Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year.

And that’s just one of the acts that will perform hundreds of performances during the Festival. Other acts include Karen Peck & New River, 2012 Dove Award Country Song of the Year & Southern Gospel Album of the Year; Triumphant Quartet, Four 2012 Singing News Fan Awards including Favorite Traditional Quartet, Favorite Musician & Album of the Year; The Hoppers, 2012 Singing News Fan Awards Favorite Soprano – Kim Hopper and dozens of others. Click here for a complete schedule.

The daily performances will be followed each night by the “Southern Gospel Nights” concert which will be held in Echo-Hollow, Silver Dollar City’s 4,000 seat amphitheater and will be hosted by gospel emcee Duane Garren. On Sunday August 25 and September 1 there will be a special worship service featuring the Hosea Bilyeu Family on August 25 and noted humorist and evangelist Dennis Swanberg on September 1.

“Well that takes care of the ‘Southern Gospel’; the The House of Chicken & Fixin’s on the Square is going to add the ‘Picnic,'” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson. In addition to all the delicious food normally available throughout the park The House of Chicken & Fixin’s will be offering the park’s guests mouthwatering double-battered fried chicken, smoked barbecue chicken and more with their favorite “picnic fixings.”

In addition to all the special activities and events involved in the Festival, all the excitement and adventure that the international award winning 1880s theme park is noted for is also available. This includes 100 resident craftsmen and over 30 rides and attractions including Silver Dollar City’s new ground-breaking wood coaster Outlaw Run featuring “the world’s first and only double barrel roll on a wood coaster, with a 720-degree (double) barrel roll.

For further information on Silver Dollar City, its Southern Gospel Picnic or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill has legendary Branson opening

Some of the cast from the "Legends in Concert Show" "Celine Dion," Brigitte Valdez; "Johnny Cash, Paul Eve and "The Blues Brothers" Bucky Heard as "Jake Blues" and Justin Clark as "Elwood Blues" enjoying their meal at the Grill.

BRANSON, MO, August 6, 2013 — Where can you eat fried pickles see a truly legendary show, hear Elvis sing, see a Celebrity Car Museum and experience a legendary show all at one place? All this and more is at the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Complex on the famed “Branson Strip.”

The Complex is “an integrated entertainment and hospitality destination” with a state of the art theatre featuring the Legends in Concert and the Bretts shows, a Celebrity Car Museum, an adjacent Ramada Inn and the recently reopened “Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill.” Among many others the Grill’s new menu includes classic signature items such as Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches, Almond Crusted Chicken Fingers and Fried Pickles.

In talking about all that the Complex offers, Legends in Concert General Manager, Jeannie Horton said that the Grill is the perfect enhancement for the Complex. It enables their guests to park their car, enjoy a truly unique dining experience at the Grill, peruse the expanded museum quality memorabilia in the theater lobby, see the Celebrity Car Museum and top it off by seeing the award-winning Legends in Concert show without ever leaving the Complex.

The opening of the Grill was made possible because local Springfield/Branson businessman and philanthropist Jim D. Morris, who purchased the Complex in 2011, entered into an agreement with Dick Clark Productions for re-opening of the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill at the Complex. In announcing the addition of the Grill Morris said that he was ” delighted to have the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill re-open and pleased to see it restored to its original name, concept and design within the Bandstand Complex.”

Morris also announced that the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Complex will continue its long-term relationship with the celebrated tribute artist production, Legends in Concert saying, “The strength of the ongoing partnership with Legends in Concert and Dick Clark Productions was instrumental in the decision to bring the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill back to Branson.” Liz Morentin, Vice President of Corporate Communications, for Dick Clark Productions said, “Jim D. Morris is a terrific partner and we look forward to having Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill…in Branson. Our team has handpicked many unique, one of a kind memorabilia items from our archives to decorate the restaurant and to enhance the current collection of pop culture items in the theater lobby.”

For more information about Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Complex; or tickets or information for the Legends in Concert or Betts shows please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website, www.bransontourismcenter.com/.

“Adventures of Marco Polo” world debut in Branson

One of the many spectacular and colorful moments in the show..

BRANSON, Mo., August 2, 2013 – The story of Venetian “explorer” Marco Polo’s 20 plus years of living in China, his relationship with Kublia Kahn and first hand descriptions of the culture, history and heritage of China in the late 1200’s created a fascination with China when the “story” “The Travels of Marco Polo” was first published around 1300. On August 9 Branson audiences will have the opportunity to experience Marco Polo’s story and China as it is beautifully and spectacularly brought to life on stage in the show the “The Adventures of Marco Polo.”

Pamela Kay Critchfield, Director, Sales, Marketing and PR for the White House Theatre said that it “is one of the biggest shows that ‘China Heaven Creations International Performing Arts Co. Ltd.’ a major producer of entertainment productions in China since 1999, has ever produced. “It was especially created with American audiences in mind and to debut in Branson,” she continued.

Critchfield points out that the shows lavish sets and a 2,000 square foot floor to ceiling and side to side high resolution screen LED screen provide a spectacular, visual, and dynamic element to the show. When combined with an international cast of 66, over 100 beautiful costumes, “original orchestration, amazing dance, acrobatics and magic,” along with a story line combining history and love, the result is a show that will truly entertain all ages “from 2 to 92.” She said that Branson audiences will be treated to an entertainment spectacle the caliber of which is typically only available in New York or Las Vegas.

“We are just so excited that this epic production will be added the line-up of great shows that Branson has to offer,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Too we are honored that ‘China Heaven Creations International Performing Arts Co. Ltd.’ chose to have the world debut The Adventures of Marco Polo in Branson,” she added.

For additional information or tickets for The Adventures of Marco Polo please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourism Center.com
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Branson one of Condė Nast’s Top Ten Friendly Cities

Silver Dollar City associates have exemplified the standard for friendliness in Branson for over 50 years.

BRANSON, MO, July 31, 2013 – Branson was just named one of the top ten friendliest cities in America by the readers of Condė Nast Traveler in its “2013 Annual Readers Choice Survey” along with cities such as Asheville, North Carolina; Austin, Texas; Sonoma, California and Telluride, Colorado. In commenting on the results of the Condė Nast survey, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center was not surprised. “Along with the fabulous shows, attractions, fun and excitement that Branson is noted for, one of its ‘Hallmarks’ and things that helps make Branson so special is the friendliness of its people.”

She points out something that expresses just how important “friendliness” is to all that Branson is. “The Branson Promise,” says, “We believe that new people aren’t strangers, just friends who haven’t visited. We believe that every guest can be a part of our Branson family. From headline performers to the folks who sell the tickets, we invite you to become part of the fun we create every day.”

In summarizing why Branson was chosen as one of the top ten most friendliest cities, Condė Nast Traveler said, “‘A throwback to gentler times,’ Branson, Missouri, is a popular destination for visitors looking for a Southern twist on ‘great family entertainment for all ages.’ Newcomers to Branson also find themselves falling for the ‘good folk’ who call the city home. ‘The people are terrific, the shows are fun, and the area is peaceful and beautiful,’ says one fan of the area, which plays host to dozens of theaters, wineries, and tourist-friendly attractions. ‘Fun is at every turn.'”

“What better way to make special memories for your family than to take them to a place where there is ‘fun at every turn’ provided by some of the friendliest people in America,” Johnson said.

Clay Cooper delights passengers on first 2013 Branson Cruise With The Stars

Clay Cooper "at the helm" of the Landing Princess .

BRANSON, MO, July 27, 2013 — “Just look at the way he relates to the passengers and the great time they are having with him,” said Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the facilitators for Branson Tourism Center’s exclusive “Cruise With The Stars” event. She was referring to Branson star Clay Cooper, of the Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express show, as he interacted and shared with them on an individual basis during the Clay Cooper Cruise With The Stars event on July 26.

All of the passengers were part of an event combining two elements, seeing the Clay Cooper Country Music Express show and an exclusive VIP luncheon cruise with Cooper aboard Main Street Cruise Lines‘ 100 foot luxury yacht, Landing Princess. The VIP luncheon cruise with Cooper was available only as part of the Cruise With The Stars entertainment experience offered exclusively to Branson Tourism Center customers because of the special relationship it has with Clay Cooper’s County Music Express and Main Street Lake Cruises.

As each passenger boarded the Landing Princess they were greeted by Cooper who posed for pictures with them. After the cruise got underway, everyone had a chance to see Branson Landings spectacular “$7.5 million “Fountain Show” featuring the merging of music, fire, water, and light into an amazing and dazzling display of water fountains shooting 120-foot geysers and flame bursting from fire cannons all choreographed to light and music. They enjoyed a wonderful lunch as they cruised beautiful Lake Taneycomo. Fortunately, even though it was raining, the fog had lifted except for lingering wafts which added an additional element of surreal beauty to the scenery as the boat glided by.

As they ate and cruised Clay personally visited with each group and table. It was an honor watching him interact with the guests aboard the boat. When one sees his show they cannot help but be impressed with how he almost instantly established a rapport and relationship with his audience. It’s not something that is learned. One either has it or not and he has the gift. From the looks on the passengers faces and their comments it was obvious that the passengers felt that they had a special experience and one they would not soon forget.

Many asked for the schedule of future cruises because they wanted to plan to participate. Subject to change, the following Branson stars will be participating in Cruise With The Stars on the dates indicated:

Mickey Gilley – September 19^th, 2013

The Haygoods – October 4^th, 2013

Yakov Smirnoff – October 14^th, 2013

Tony Orlando – November 7^th, 2013

Legends in Concert – December 5^th, 2013

As was the case with the Clay Cooper Cruise With The Stars, along with a unique view of beautiful Lake Taneycomo, Branson Landing and spectacular Ozark vistas each VIP cruise will include lunch and an unparalleled chance to interact with the star(s) on the cruise. This includes opportunities for photos, autographs and a unique up close and personal experience that is available only to those who have taken advantage of the exclusive offer and purchased Cruise With The Stars tickets.

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood advises that there are only a limited number of seats for each Cruise With The Stars and recommends making advance reservation as soon as possible. For tickets or information on the exclusive Cruise With The Stars event please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-875-1550.

Yakov Smirnoff performs limited engagement Branson shows

Yakov Smirnoff

BRANSON, MO, July 24, 2013 — “Even if only for a limited engagement, it’s great news to have Yakov Smirnoff returning to the Branson stage and performing in his all new Branson show Dinner with Yakov,” said Tiffany Isnard, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “And the news just gets better,” she continued, “because it was just announced that not only will he be appearing from October 1 through November 27 in 2013, but will be returning to Branson to perform in the Fall of 2014.”

Dinner With Yakov combines a “delectable mouth-watering meal ” with side-splitting comedy that will have the audience “laughing the entire way through their meal” as Yakov shares “his insightful and laughter-filled philosophy on life, love, family and country. He takes his comedy to a new level to showcase laughter’s effects on relationships and envisions a world where sadness and tears are replaced with love and laughter. The New York Times called his one man hit Broadway show, “warm-hearted, delightful and splendidly funny.”

Between 1992 and 2012 Yakov produced “several outstanding award-winning shows” and entertained over four million Branson visitors. In 2011 he announced that 2012 would be his last full Branson season. After traveling around the U. S. with his acclaimed “The Happily Ever Laughter Tour” during most of 2013 he will be returning to Branson for his Fall season limited engagement performances with his new show.

One of America’s favorite comedians since he first hit the entertainment scene in the late 1970’s Yakov “has been a popular guest on numerous national TV shows including the Tonight Show, HBO and “ his highly praised Showtime special as well as co-staring ” in movies with Robin Williams in Moscow on the Hudson, Tom Hanks in The Money Pit, Meryl Streep and JackNicholson in Heartburn, and Richard Pryor in Brewster’s Millions.” He has been “invited to to perform at the White House for several presidents and honored guests and President Ronald Reagan called him a “national treasure.”

For additional information on Dinner with Yakov or for information or tickets for 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.