Billy Billee (L), Billy Bob and Billy Joe, The 3 Tenorinas,performing at the "Masonic Lodge and Catfish Farm

BRANSON, Mo., August 25, 2012 —  After seeing the 3 Redneck Tenors show in each of its last two seasons in Branson and just having seen the 2012 version this week, all that can be said is that the 2012 edition is a completely different experience that takes an already unique and entertaining show and makes it, exponentially, even more so. From the git-go, one thing should be made perfectly clear, although the story line of the first half of the show is based on the entertaining and funny adventures of three loveable Texas Rednecks who have great vocal talent, as they transition from being unknowns in Paris, Texas, to performing on Broadway and in Carnegie Hall in New York City, it is the vocal performance of the shows star’s that is the heart and soul of the show.

The 3 Redneck Tenors is funny; has a very talented live band, composed of David Cassavitis, Musical Director; Paul Houser, Guitar; Tim Pope, Percussion; Matt Skates, Bass and Tom Eckert, Violin; lots of colorful costuming and an amusing funny story line. However, it is all of that in combination with the magnificent vocals of the show’s stars, “Billy Joe,” performed by Tenor Matthew Lord; “Billy Bob,” performed by Tenor Alex Bumpas, and “Billy Billee,” performed by Baritone, Blake Davidson that make this show such a unique and special experience. Each of them has  extensive operatic experience which is displayed over a wide variety of music ranging from their compound version of “Ave Maria” and “Dixie,” “Hound Dog” to “The Impossible Dream” and the inspirational “Nessun Dorma.

The shows Redneck theme is played out during the first half of the show, starting with a Redneck memorial service that adds new meaning to the term, “Chip off the old block;” the discovery of the 3 Redneck Tenors by the “Colonel,” performed by Dinny McGuire and their journey from unknown obscurity to stardom along with the realization of their dreams. The journey is an exciting, fun filled and fast paced “adventure” filled with colorful costuming changes, wonderful humor and absolutely great vocals. This writer’s favorite stops along the journey was when the “3 Tenorinas” performed “You Light Up My Life” a benefit at “The Masonic Lodge & Catfish Farm” and the “3 Village Tenors” performed “YMCA” at “The Mudcat Saloon.”

Blake Davidson (L), Dinny McGuire, Alex Bumpas and Matthew Lord performing the shows finale "Nessun Dorma.."

A major change in the show this year is its second half and WOW what a wonderful change it is. When the curtain closes on the first half it closes on 3 Redneck Tenors. When it rises for the second half, it rises on the shows three stars appearing as themselves, with the red neck persona nowhere evident , as they sing the “Impossible Dream.” They introduce themselves and interact with the audience as they perform a variety of music ranging from Broadway to their powerful rendition of “Lone Prairie and a classical duo including “Figaro” and the shows closing piece, the beautiful, inspirational and powerfully sung “Nessun Dorma.”

The magnificent voices of its stars is showcased with just the right amount of “themed comedy” in the first half and explodes into an entirely different entertainment experience in the second half. What a delightful, personable and entertaining show. If you have never seen this show, don’t miss it and, if you have seen it before, but not this year, you owe it to yourself to see it again.

For additional information or tickets for the 3 Redneck Tenors or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Blues Brothers performed by Justin Clark and Bucky Heard.

BRANSON, Mo., August 17, 2012 — In a previous review of this show this writer said, “Saying the Legends in Concert Show is just another tribute show is like saying the ‘Kentucky Derby’ is just another horse race. There are horse races and there is the ‘Kentucky Derby.’ There are tribute shows and there is the ‘Legends in Concert Show.’” After seeing the Legends in Concert on August 11, all that can be said is, “Its only gotten better, don’t miss this show if you want to see one of the most unique and entertaining shows in Branson.”

The foundation of the show, is celebrity impersonators recreating legendary superstar performers. Each recreation of these legendary superstars is a wonderful artistic performance incorporating the voice, mannerisms and looks of the star being recreated which is fabulous on its own. When combined with the rest of the shows cast, great production and choreography the result is no less than a “legendary” entertainment experience.

While acknowledging that the stars of the show are the “Legends” performing, it is the combination of their performances and the versatility and talent of the band and the shows dancers and vocalists that help make it such an outstanding entertainment experience. It makes no difference if it’s the music and performance style of Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, the Blues Brothers, Michael Jackson, or Elvis, these talented instrumentalists, dancers and singers adapt to that music and style seamlessly, adding an additional element of reality and enjoyment to each of the “Legends” performances. Although apparent throughout the show, perhaps nowhere was it more obvious than during William Hall’s recreation of “Michael Jackson.” It was amazing!

The “Legends in Concert Band is composed of Kevin Allen, Guitar/Band Leader; Lyman Clark, Keyboard; Eddie Howard, Drums and Brian Zerbee, Bass Guitar. The “Legends in Concert Dancers” are Dance Captain Stephanie Drey, Elisha Conner, Jamie Curry Cindy Dardas, Larry Miller, and Stephanie Richardson. Conner and Richardson also do an excellent job in providing the vocal backup for many of the shows numbers.

William Hall during his outstanding performance of Michael Jackson.

The typical Legends in Concert show features five recreations. Two of them, the “Blues Brothers,” portrayed by Bucky Heard and Justin Clark and “Elvis Presley” portrayed by Dean Z are Branson based and are in every show. The other three come from a constantly evolving cast of “super star legends.” Appearing in the show I saw, and until September 2, are Annika Weaver as “Faith Hill,” Zach Parrish as “Tim McGraw” and William Hall as “Michael Jackson.”

Each of the “Legends” did a mini concert “set,” consisting of four to six hits from the careers of the superstars they were impersonating, complete with its own costuming, musical arrangements and choreography. This writer’s personal favorite number from each “set” was Faith Hill’s medley including “This Kiss” and “The Way You Love Me;” Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying;” the Blues Brother’s “Shout,” Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and Elvis Presley’s “If I Can Dream.”

The duets of “Let’s Make Love” and “It’s Your Love,” by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw were beautiful and the way they were worked into the production during each of their separate sets added yet another pleasant surprise to an already wonderful show. The energy and excitement of the Blues Brothers’ performance is special and a great way to end the first half of the show. Speaking of energy and excitement, the performance of Michael Jackson was a super way to start the second half of the show. In this writer’s opinion, the back to back performances of the “Blues Brothers” and “Michael Jackson,” with its accompanying choreography, costuming and involvement from the Legends In Concert Dancers and Band was a unique joy to experience and nothing short of extraordinary.

The synergy and excitement of this show, resulting from the combination of the “superstars” impersonators, the band, dancers, colorful costuming and great production provides Branson audiences with a unique and exceptional entertainment experience. For additional information or tickets for Legends in Concert or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

Shoji Tabuchi performing "In The Garden."

BRANSON, Mo., August 2, 2012 — In a town called the “Live music show capital of the world,” there is no one individual who is the very embodiment of the spirit and reality of what that means more than the legendary Shoji Tabuchi. Shoji has been entertaining Branson audiences for more than three decades, over two of which have been in the magnificent Shoji Tabuchi Theatre, designed and built specifically for him and the spectacular production show that he and his family presents.

For many shows, just having a violinist/fiddler and consummate entertainer such as Shoji along with a live band would be enough, but the opportunity to watch a performance of the Shoji Tabuchi Show last weekend, demonstrated that is not the case with this show. Dancers, vocalists and magnificent costumes, sets, choreography and production are seamlessly woven in with Shoji’s extraordinary talents to present a beautiful, unique and exciting entertainment spectacle without equal in Branson.

As would be expected, the show stars the incomparable fiddle playing and personality of Shoji Tabuchi. Ok, so it has some pretty good violin playing too because, as Shoji points out, “‘They’ are actually the same instrument; what makes them different is how you ‘fiddle around’ with it.” From the time he makes his unusual entrance onto the stage until his last number in the show, from Texas swing and Boogie Woogie, to Broadway, classical and fiddle standards such as “The Orange Blossom Special,” presented as only Shoji can, he provides a fiddle/violin entertainment experience that is without equal in Branson and, perhaps, anywhere.

What a joy to sit and listen to Shoji play. Whether it’s the classic Patsy Cline hit “Crazy,” “Unchained Melody,” “Memories” from the Broadway hit Cats, playing in a duet, as his daughter Christina sings her original song, “Living in Fear” or one of the many other numbers he plays, the performance is absolutely amazing! This writers three “Shoji” favorites were his version of “Hawaii Five O,” “In the Garden” and “Unchained Melody.”

Shoji and Christina during their performance of the shows patriotic finale.

If there was only Shoji that would be enough, but there’s so much more. Dorothy Tabuchi, Shoji’s wife, is the show’s producer. From Shoji’s dramatic entrance, Mardi Gras Parades through the aisles, trains moving across the stage to giant Japanese Taiko drums, Mary Poppins flying through the air, magnificent dramatic sets, dancers, singers and a great live orchestra, she has produced one of the most unique, entertaining and fascinating shows most people will ever experience.

Christina Lingo Tabuchi, Shoji’s daughter, is an accomplished vocalist and dancer adding yet another dynamic and entertaining element to the show. Her rendition of the Adele hit “Rolling in the Deep” and the duet of her original song ” Living in Fear,” with her singing and Shoji playing the fiddle were this writers personal favorites.

The combination of Shoji’s talent and personality, with that of Christina, his orchestra, singers and dancers, some of the most elaborate sets and beautiful costuming on any Branson stage and production and choreography to match, results in an entertainment extravaganza that is a joy to see, hear and experience. The Shoji Tabuchi show is a “musical cornucopia of talent, color, action, excitement and spectacle” that is a magnificent and unique world class entertainment experience that should not be missed.

For additional information or tickets for the Shoji Tabuchi Show or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

All five Finalists RJ, left, Katie, Ruben, Vonzell and Bo.

BRANSON, Mo., July, 29, 2012 — The third of three groups of American Idol® Finalists performing in the American Idol® Finalists In The Finalists Live show continues the high quality, exciting and sizzling entertainment experience provided by the first two groups and will be performing in Branson at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre through August 18th. As was the case with their predecessors, this group of extremely talented nationally recognized American Idol® Finalists, Reuben Studdard – 2003 Winner, Bo Bice – Runner-Up in Season 4, Vonzell Solomon – 3rd Place in Season 4, Katie Stevens – from Season 9 and RJ Helton – from Season 1, gives Branson show goers a performance that demonstrates, from their first note to their last, exactly why they are American Idol® Finalists.

As I sat there watching the show, I could not help but appreciate how much the live band and background vocalists contributed to the overall enjoyment of the show. What makes it even more amazing is that they have had to prepare for, and work with, 15 different performers, concerts, and styles of music in such a short period of time. One can only imagine the effort that has gone into their contribution to the show. The band consists of Ricki Holmes, Music Director, Keyboards; Doug Clifford, Drums; Matt Skates, Bass; Adam Johnston, Guitar and Will Clark, Keyboards. The background vocalists are Shelia Davis, Jerry Pollock and Heather Peterson with the vocal coordination and arrangement done by Jana King Evans.

Pete Peterkin, who was a Season 4 finalist on “America’s Got Talent ®” opens the show demonstrating why he was referred to on the show as the “Rock and Roll President.” After doing his impression of President Obama he does some very impressive and entertaining impressions of a number of rock and roll and other stars including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson and others. Pete’s recollection of how he helped Johnny Mathis develop his singing style was not only funny, but a great impression of Mathis who will be doing his Christmas Show in Branson on November 16 and 17. Pete is personable, funny, relates well to the audience and is great at his impressions not only vocally, but instrumentally. It’s a wonderful way to open up the show and gets the audience primed and ready to “party” with the Finalists.

Katie Stevens opening set gets the crowd "feeling good."

Before performing their individual concerts, all five finalists open the show and are each featured in two opening numbers, “I Gotta Feeling” and “Get The Party Started.” “The party” gets jump-started by 19 year old Katie Stevens performing a powerful and energetic rendition of Adele’s “Rollin in the Deep.” If the audience reaction is any indication, her performance of “Feeling Good,” from the musical “The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd” really did have them “feeling good” and her performance of “Who You Are” was as inspiring as it was beautifully sung and was this writers favorite from her set. This is one talented young lady who got “the party started in grand style.

Next up was RJ Helton who started his set off with an energetic performance of the Stevie Wonder hit “Superstition.” A highlight of his set was his performance of an original song from his first album, “Real Life,” entitled “Love Song” that he wrote to God in thanks for all that He has done for him. That, coupled with his performance of “My Devotion,” in the opinion of this writer, provided one of the singularly most inspirational and beautiful musical moments of the show.

Vonzell Solomon, has the energy of the “Energizer Bunny” on steroids and a voice to match. From her opening number Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love,” through the Whitney Houston classic “I Have Nothing” to her beautiful and poignant performance of her original song, “Half a Heart,” written when her heart was broken, this amazing artist demonstrates a range of styles, stage presence and vocal quality that shows not only what it takes to be an American Idol®  Finalist, but place in the top three. What an outstanding way to take the show to its intermission.

Ruben Studdard showing why he won American Idol®.

The second half of the show starts with Bo Bice, the runner up to Carrie Underwood in Season 4. His set includes a variety of styles from hard rock to the beautiful “Real Thing,” the inspirational “You Take Yourself with You” and “Sweet Home Alabama” with a guest “feature” from his fellow Alabamian Ruben Studdard. It is absolutely amazing the way Bo transitions from performing hard rock to the hauntingly beautiful performance of “You Take Yourself with You,” with its powerful and inspirational message, while taking his audience along on the wonderful journey.

The last performer was Ruben Studdard who demonstrated the “smoothly soothing vocal style” that not only won him the title of “American Idol®” in 2003, but demonstrates why Gladys Knight nicknamed him the “Velvet Teddy Bear.” Whether it his mama’s favorite song, “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” a Luther Vandross song, “Only for One Night,” or his first single the Westlife hit, “Flying Without Wings” Ruben’s performance is one of those rare entertainment gems that will be remembered long after the performance is over. His vocal talent and ability to have the audience vested in his performance, from the first note of his performance, was a joy to experience.

This excellent show closes with all five Finalists joining on stage to sing “Life in a Northern Town” and “R-O-C-K in the USA.” Don’t miss this opportunity to see these talented nationally recognized American Idol® Finalists perform in this exceptional and amazing show through August 18.

For additional information or tickets for the American Idol® Finalists In The Finalists Live show or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 and talking with one of their Branson based Vacation Planners.