Steve Presley – 50-year Branson journey starts on a log drum stool playing a snare drum

Steve Presley, age 10, playing snare drum while sitting on a log seat.

When you are watching Presleys’ Country Jubilee you probably won’t notice the drummer any more than any other instrumentalist on the stage. When you do notice him, the first thing you will see is his smile which, along with playing drums, is what Steve Presley has done on stage since he was ten years old.”

Well maybe in the beginning, the word “drums” would be a slight exaggeration. Oh, he was still the “drummer,” it’s just that the drummer was playing a single snare drum while sitting on a tree log with a piece of wood nailed on top for a drum stool. It was even a little more challenging than that.

In 1967, at age ten he left his friends in Springfield to move to an isolated spot on Highway 76, where his family was building Branson’s first live music theatre. At this point, Steve’s life was changed forever.

He went to school days, helped in the theatre, drummed in the show, and discovered the Ozarks outdoors and squirrels. In his free time, he hunted squirrels and other small game in “tick-heavy brush” near the theatre on the family’s property. He remembers walking across, the usually untraveled, Highway 76, to one of the few businesses in the area, “Jones Hardware Store” to buy BBs for his Daisy BB gun.

From the very first performance of the Presleys in their new theatre, Steve has been the drummer and so much more. Like his older brother and sisters, he did whatever was necessary to help the show succeed.

He sold tickets from the screened in back porch of the family home and a little “outhouse” looking ticket booth, in the front of the theatre; helped his dad and sister, Janice, clean the theatre after shows; and got his first job in marketing, walking through the campgrounds in the Branson area handing out Presleys’ brochures. Another “marketing” job was putting paper bumper stickers on the cars at intermission with masking tape. It took keen hearing, timing and quickness however. When he’d hear the bass guitar start playing for the second half of the show he’d run back into the theatre and start playing the drum again.

Over 50 years later, the drums have changed, but not his love of playing them or his smile.

Over the last 50 years a lot has changed. Jones Hardware is long gone and Highway 76, filled with theatres, attractions, businesses, and non-stop traffic, has become the famous “Branson Strip.” His single snare drum and log drum seat have been replaced by a high tech electronic drum set atop a platform at center stage. One thing has not changed however, his love for playing the drums, which he has been doing continuously in Presleys’ Country Jubilee for over 50 years.

In 1976, he made one of the best decisions of his life when he married his long-time sweetheart, Raeanne Miller. While both were attending Branson High School, Raeanne worked as an usher at “Presleys’ Theatre.” Together, in addition to raising a family, their involvement at the theatre and with the show, they have unstintingly given of themselves in serving the Branson community and its entertainment industry. Among other things, Steve was the volunteer chairman of the Advertising Committee for the Branson CVB for over 20 years, retiring from that role about four years ago. Raeanne served in many public service positions, most recently as the Mayor of Branson.

Oh, and that smile you see while he’s playing. It’s the genuine smile of a man reflecting his love for what he is doing and being able to do it with his family.

Broadway’s greatest “hits” Branson Strip in a spectacular way!

Whole cast performing “We Go Together” from “Grease.”

Broadway has burst upon the Branson Strip in a spectacular new production, Broadway’s Greatest Hits. The show adds a unique new dimension to the scope of entertainment Branson’s live shows offer. It’s a show of “bests.” It’s Broadway’s “best” presented in one of Branson’s “best” productions by some of the “best” vocalists and dancers on any stage in Branson.

The shows vocalists and dancers are the lifeblood of the show. Their unbelievable talent, enthusiasm, and boundless energy is a joy to experience. Oh, the music and production is spectacular, but WOW, are those vocalists and dancers something! They are vocalists Ryan Walton; Vocal Captain; Maggie Moore-Cyr; Katie Mussler; and Robert Quibell and dancers Ollie Barrow, Dance Captain; Rebecca Hoffpauir; Sarah Hunter; Joey Kuba; Amy Morlang; Ruth Robertson; Dasha Ruden, Ballet; Kelvin Wright, Ballet; and Landy Saavedra.

Obviously, with a title of Broadway’s Greatest Hits the music comes from Broadway production shows. Most of the time, when these songs are performed outside of the production show itself the style of the performance is “park and bark.” That’s where someone stands there and performs the song “concert style.” Broadway’s Greatest Hits is different in that each number is a mini production.

Each segment has its own choreography, style, special effects, costuming, and more. The timelessness of the music, the interaction between the vocalists and dancers, their talent and energy, the many styles of dancing, colorful costuming and more, appeal to both adults and kids alike and have them waiting for what’s coming next.

Normally, one would not associate a music show, particularly one featuring Broadway music they might not be familiar with, as something kids would enjoy. That’s not the case with this show. During an interview, Maggie Moore, one of the vocalists, said, “There’s so much music in it that will directly appeal to them such as, ‘Mary Poppins,’ ‘Aladdin,’ and Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The constant action, interaction between performers, dancing, and colorful costume changes appeal to adults and kids alike.” In addition, an associate of mine took her 13-year-old daughter to see the show. She loved it and wants to go see it again!

The show starts with a high energy, and colorful performance of We’re In The Money” from “42nd Street” and a full cast performance of the Academy Award winning song, Lullaby of Broadway. What a wonderful and powerful way to prepare the audience for the wonderful musical journey through Broadway’s Greatest Hits that follows!

The beautiful and talented Katie Mussler performing “Memory” from “Cats.”

And do they ever! From “Westside Story” to “Oklahoma,” “Les Miserables,” “Aladin,” “Mary Poppins,” and many more; the journey travels seamlessly from one great show to another. As is my custom, I will highlight, from among many, three of my favorite highlights.

Katie Mussler’s singing of Memory from “Cats” was a joy. What talent! Simultaneously, with Katie’s singing, ballet dancers Dasha Ruden and Kevin Wright, were performing an exquisite ballet. OK, I’ll admit I don’t know the difference between a “pirouette” and a “two step,” but I do recognize a WOW moment. This was one!

The performance of One Day More from “Les Miserables,” involved both vocalists and dancers in an extremely entertaining and inspiring performance. WOW, what a way to end the first half! My third highlight would be the performance of Step In Time from “Mary Poppins.” It features Ryan Walton singing, a really unique dance routine, chimney sweep costuming, and a neat “chimney” set. What the dancers do during the number is so entertaining and amazing.

From beginning to end this show is a wonderful, high energy, and colorful journey through Broadway’s Greatest Hits. It’s a journey that ends all too soon.

For additional information or tickets for Broadway’s Greatest Hits please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550, or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Gary “Herkimer” Presley – 55 years of amazing Ozark’s comedy

Herkimer is still the same 15-year-old boy he was when he started…

It’s impossible to think of “gut busting” comedy and laughter in Branson without thinking of Gary Presley and his creation, Branson’s favorite comedy character, “Herkimer” performing in  Presleys’ Country Jubilee. He has been bringing laughter and joy to audiences, as the comedic Ozark hillbilly, for over 55 years but, it didn’t start out that way.

While Gary was growing up, his dad, Lloyd, performed throughout the Ozarks with the “Ozark Playboys.” Gary along with the rest of the family regularly went to Lloyd’s performances and along the way, he and his siblings, by their own choice and without formal lessons, taught themselves to play and sing.

His entertainment career started in 1962 playing guitar and performing with his dad and two sisters in the show “Farmarama. It was performed at the 1000 seat auditorium of “Springfield’s Fantastic Caverns” every Saturday night and was recorded for later rebroadcast on Springfield radio station KGBX. The shows emcee and promoter was Loyd Evans, a deejay at KGBX.

…he just got a lot grayer and lost a lot more hair over the years.

Evans thought the show could use some comedy and Gary, who was 15 at that time said, “Well, I’ll give it a try.” The costume came first, a set of size 50 overalls from one grandpa for his then 130-pound frame; a set of glasses from another grandpa; an old hat; and teeth blackened with an eyebrow pencil.

Evans came up with the name “Herkimer.” Gary believes that Evans was a friend of the Carter Family and that he “picked up the name” from a song June Carter called, “Herkimer the Bull.”

He got his first laughs just walking out on the stage in the costume, liked it, and began adding a few lines and jokes. The rest is comedic history! Since then he has developed and perfected comedy routines and jokes that audiences just love and come back to see time and time again.

That said, what keeps “Herkimer” relevant 55 years later is Gary’s unique ability to keep things fresh and exciting by constantly adding fresh new material and trending topics to his comedy. He keeps “Herkimer” funny and audiences happy and laughing.

How he does what he does it is as important to the audience’s enjoyment as the routines and jokes themselves. His spot-on comedic timing, ad-libbing, and delivery cannot be imitated. When coupled with his ability to communicate his genuine love for people, family, and his craft to his audience, the result is 55 years, and counting, of the most unique, iconic, and just plain funny comedy anywhere!

“Herkimer” has been a trademark performer with Presleys’ Country Jubilee in Branson for over 50 continuous years, performing on a nightly basis. His son, “Cecil,” Gary’s real-life son Eric, performs with him nightly and Ben Presley, Eric’s son and Gary’s grandson, performs with them almost every night ensuring the continuation of that “patented” Presley comedy and humor for generations to come.

As to “Herkimer” today, Gary Presley says, “Herkimer is still the same 15-year-old boy he was when he started; he just got a lot grayer and lost a lot more hair over the years.” To that this writer would simply add, “Yes sir, probably so, but he sure didn’t lose any of his ability to make people laugh and enjoy themselves!”

For more information or tickets for Presleys’ Country Jubilee please contact the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.Com.

Neither snow nor rain, nor heat or cold stops Branson’s Big Three

From great shopping to dinosaurs and shows, there’s always plenty to do in Branson regardless of the weather.

“Weather impacts our daily lives whether we are on vacation or not. Fair sunny weather is what most want, but that’s not what we always get,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Weather does impact some of what’s available to do in Branson. The great news however, is most of the fun and exciting things families can enjoy doing in Branson are not weather dependent,” she adds.

Branson has hundreds of different ways to have fun and enjoy yourself, in both good weather and bad. Most will fall into one of the “Big Three” Branson categories “Attractions,” “Shows,” and “Shopping.” Let’s take a closer look at them and the reasons why you can count on enjoying them regardless of the weather:

1.Shows: “The show must go on.” With most of Branson’s incredible live shows performing in indoor theatres, the weather outside makes no difference. Their theatres are state of the art, with comfortable seating, the latest sound and lighting equipment, and, of course, are environmentally controlled for the audience’s comfort. The variety available is amazing including unique shows such as the Million Dollar Quartet, it starring the Hughes Brothers, Amazing Pets, Clay Cooper’s Country Express, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Grand Jubilee, and over 100 more.

2. Attractions: A few of Branson’s attractions, and rides within attractions, are weather sensitive, but many more are not. While great to visit any day, they can be a “vacation saver” when the weather turns ugly. Like Branson’s theatres they are located inside buildings with climate control systems and their operation is not impacted by weather.

From dozens of Branson attractions, here’s a few examples illustrating the breadth of the options available to have fun in Branson even on the worst weather day. Want to meet a “T-Rex,” up close and personal? The Branson Dinosaur Museum features life-sized replicas of the two and a half story “T-Rex” down to one of the smallest dinosaurs, the “Micro Raptor.” Dinosaurs not your thing, then how about a visit to Branson’s Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure. Explore the Banyan Tree Adventure, the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze, and of course, the Butterfly Aviary, filled with hundreds, if not thousands of stunningly beautiful, fluttering butterflies.

The Track Family Fun Parks offers many options for total family fun! Bumper rides, laser tag, kiddie rides, mini golf courses, arcade games, and batting cages, everything you need to stay entertained for hours on end. Although many of the activities are outdoors there are indoor activities such as laser tag, mini golf, arcade games, and more. Plus, when there is a break in the weather, your family can enjoy the outside activities including go-karts and the new Branson Ferris Wheel.

Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction “boards passengers” every day, rain or shine, for an exciting interactive adventure sharing and remembering what happened when the “unsinkable ship” sank in the deep waters or the north Atlantic Ocean over 100 years ago. The World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex includes over 1 million toys from the 1800’s to present, including model trains, planes, cars, dolls, superhero figures, Disney, and much more. It’s 26,000 sq. ft. contains, five museums and, from “Star Wars” to Barbie Dolls and BB guns, several unique collections.

3. Shopping: Branson offers a variety of shopping that is unmatched by any travel destination anywhere near its size. Major shopping areas including Tanger Outlets, historic downtown Branson, and Branson Landing with its over 100 retail stores, restaurants, and attractions remain open rain or shine. Hundreds of other specialty shops, flea markets, galleries, and stores, including the famous “Dick’s 5 & 10,” also remain open offering shoppers a unique world class shopping experience regardless of the weather.

Obviously, there will be a few days of the year when ice, snow, or some other weather condition might impact the total Branson area, but on a day to day basis, the three major things Branson is noted for, its shows, attractions, and shopping, are available regardless of the weather.

For more information on “Branson’s Big Three;” Branson shows, attractions, or lodging please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com

“it starring the Hughes Brothers” makes for fantastic Branson entertainment!

The Hughes Brothers, Ryan,left, Adam, Andy, Jason,Marty

All I can say is WOW! From beginning to end it starring the Hughes Brothers is non-stop quality entertainment from the Hughes family to yours. I’ve seen and enjoyed this show for years, but this year’s show just knocked my socks off! It was like seeing a new show, and what a great show I saw.

The show’s powerful opening set features the stars of the show, the Hughes Brothers, Marty, Jason, Adam, Ryan, and Andy. It sets the stage for what’s to follow. They perform Alabama’s Here We Are; Welcome, from Disney’s “Brother Bear;” and Avicii’s Hey Brother, closing the set out with an absolutely spectacular performance of Pure Imagination from “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.”

There’s just something about familial harmonies that’s hard to beat and, these guys are just plain good. The opening set immerses the audience in that talent while exposing them to the variety of music they will experience throughout the show. The Brothers perform many numbers throughout the show, with others and by themselves. Two of my favorite pure Brothers’ numbers, from among the many, were Pure Imagination and their a capella version of America.

In addition to singing, the Brothers maintain a constant relaxed interaction with the audience. That interaction, through their comedy and sharing of information about themselves and the family is an inherent part of the show as it transitions from act to act throughout the show.

The Hughes family is billed as one of the, if not the largest family acts performing together anywhere. And it’s quite a cast, including, the four brothers and their wives Marty and Cindy, Jason and Mara, Adam and Vikki, Ryan and Carina, and Andy and Becky, plus over 35 children ranging in age from two to 24.

The number and makeup of the cast is a unique entertainment experience and phenomenon in itself, but it’s so much more! It’s not just putting kids on a stage. These kids are there because they want to be, are talented, and know what they are doing. Jason Hughes, the show’s producer, once said, “Sure it might be a four-year old performing, but it’s going to be one of the best performances by a four-year-old that you have ever seen.”

The kids in the audience seemed excited to see their “peers” performing. This, at the same time their parents and grandparents are enjoying the same performance. From the Hughes Brothers themselves, to their wives, and kids these are very talented entertainers presenting some awesome entertainment.

From among many, here are three of my favorite highlights featuring members of the Hughes family other than the Brothers. The performance of the Halo Theme Song featuring Aaron, William, and Hannah and the barrel drums was a WOW moment. The drums were made from 55 gallon barrels and their combination with the violins and lighting made for an awesome experience. I loved it. It was one of the most unique and amazing violin performances I have ever seen on a Branson stage.

The Teens really knocked it out of the park with their Teen Medley.

The “Teens’ Medley” of I Did It All, Geronimo, and Can’t Hold Us was so much fun! Not only was it colorful and well sung, but the dancing and energy within the performance was phenomenal. The younger Hughes Brothers’ Kids’ performance of the Trunk Song was just a joy. You won’t believe what they do with those trunks, but you will love it!

I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. This is one great show, with lots of everything for everyone, that families can enjoy simultaneously together. It also is a standalone show that adults will enjoy throughout. It’s hard to explain, but a joy to experience.

Family, yours and theirs, is the whole reason for this show. Nowhere is that more evident than when the Brothers and their wives are joined by the rest of the family as they sing All You Need Is Love and Somebody To Love. “It” would be hard to imagine a more unique, entertaining, or fun filled show for the whole family than it starring the Hughes Brothers.

For more information on it starring the Hughes Brothers please contact the Branson Tourism Center, the sellers of over 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets, by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com

Pursuit of a dream leads Presleys onto the airwaves and into the caves

Lloyd, right, and Gary (Herkimer) Presley at Fantastic Caverns in the early 1960s.

Building and opening Branson’s first live music theatre, on the now famous “Branson Strip,” took more than a dream. That doesn’t mean however, like many of life’s sterling accomplishments, it didn’t start with a dream and, become realized because of its passionate pursuit.

The longtime dream of Lloyd Presley, the family’s father, was to be able to play music for a living. It was a dream he never gave up. Even as he married the love of his life, Bessie Mae, in 1942; started a trucking firm delivering produce to grocery stores in Springfield, Missouri; and began a family in 1943, he played and sang whenever he had a chance.

In the early 1940’s, he teamed up with the Luttrell Brothers to form a bluegrass group called the “Ozark Playboys.” The group became a staple performing all over southwest, Missouri just about everywhere and anytime they had an invitation to perform. The talent and passion of their performances increased their popularity to the point where KGBX, a radio station in Springfield, Missouri, invited them to put on a local show once a week. That show, “Saturday Night Jamboree” immediately preceded the stations’ nationwide broadcast of the “Grand Ole Opry.” They also played live on Springfield’s KWTO “the station that launched the careers of such country music legends as Chet Atkins, Porter Wagoner, and June Carter Cash.”

The second generation of the Presleys, “filled in” with the births of Deanna, Gary, Janice, and Steve. The young family regularly went to Lloyd’s performances together. In what should have been a surprise to no one, the kids, “of their own choice,” and without formal lessons, taught themselves to play and sing.

Loyd Evans, a promoter and a deejay at KGBX, had acted as the emcee with the “Ozark Playboys” on the popular long running radio show, “The Country Caravan.” In 1962, he arranged for the Presleys to perform every Saturday night in the 1000 seat auditorium of “Springfield’s Fantastic Caverns.” The show, “Farmarama,” was recorded for re-broadcast on KGBX later. It featured Lloyd, 18-year-old Deanna and ten-year-old Janice as vocalists, and 14-year-old Gary on guitar.

Evans thought the show could use some comedy. The result was 15-Year-Old-Gary creating the hilarious character “Herkimer.” Ever since, “Herkimer’s” been making audiences laugh as a highlight feature of the Presleys’ shows.

There was yet another cave for the Presleys to visit on the way to opening their own theatre on Highway 76 near Branson. Monday through Friday nights, Lloyd, Gary, and Janice performed in “The Tri-Lakes Opry” show at the “Under Ground Theatre,” a cave near Branson. The show was produced by Bob White and was also recorded for re-broadcast and syndication all over the Midwest.

While performing at the Underground Theatre, the Presleys realized two things. The first was the importance of air conditioning to an audience. The second was that it was time to realize the dream of owning their own theatre. Stepping out on faith; the result was the building of Branson’s first live music theatre on the now famous “Branson Strip.” On June 30,1967, the air conditioned “Presleys’ Theatre” opened, featuring the first performance of, what has become one of Branson’s most popular and beloved shows, Presleys’ Country Jubilee.

 

The Duttons! Spellbinding Branson entertainment for the whole family

The Duttons!

Just about every live music show in Branson is entertaining and has kid friendly content. Few however, can simultaneously entertain the whole family at a high-level of interest throughout the whole show. The Duttons do.

From their opening set, “Good Funk Mashup,” featuring Good to be Alive Right About Now and Uptown Funk to the last, their famed Finale, Boil Them Cabbage Down, it’s spellbinding entertainment that the whole family will enjoy together, Add that special “patented” Dutton family warmth, and the result is a wonderful entertaining experience unlike any other in Branson. One that’s as inspiring as it is entertaining.

The Dutton siblings, Abigail, Amy, Jonathan, and Tim, along with his wife Judith, are the “stars” of the show. It’s cast is rounded out with Sheila and Dean; drummer, Rob Wilson; and the talented Dutton grandchildren. The talent and versatility of this cast, enable a show providing a constant flow of color, action, and “peer” performances for both adults and kids. As I watched the reaction of some of the kids in the audience, it was obvious that they were having a great time. What was also obvious was that the adults in the audience were having a great time right along with them.

A perfect example, and one of my favorite numbers in the show is their performance of Cotton Eyed Joe. The combination of their remarkable instrumental skills, with a neat “black light” performance, featuring other members of the family was awesome. The audience just loved it!

Amy and Tim Dutton playing the “Orange Blossom Express.”

Some of my favorite highlights would start with Amy and Tim’s performance of the Orange Blossom Special.” It’s hard to imagine a more exciting, energetic, or entertaining performance of this fiddle classic. Tim Dutton playing a short segment of Pachelbel’s Canon in D major on a variety of instruments, and using a “looper’ to combine them into “an orchestra,” was as amazing to watch as it was to hear. Amy’s performance of Vivaldi’s Four Season Summer Movement was a WOW moment along with the performance of their spectacular Finale Boil Them Cabbage Down.”

I would add one more, “You Can Count On Me.” It’s beautifully and inspiringly performed by the whole cast. As many time as I have heard it, it always touches my heart because, to me, it captures what makes the Duttons so special; their commitment to each other, their craft, and their audience.

From rock and roll to bluegrass and country this show has a variety of music with something for everyone. It’s not the show’s content alone however, that makes it so special. It’s how the Duttons present it! It’s the combination of that fabulous Dutton talent, showmanship, and their innate ability to instill that warm “directly from our family to yours” feeling that make this show the spellbinding experience it is.

For ticket or information for the Duttons or for any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging, please call one of our Branson based Vacation Specialists at 1-800-785-1550. They can also help with making show, attraction, or lodging reservations. This ensures getting the best available show seats and lodging. One call takes care of it all!  There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

Celebrating 50 years of the Presleys’ Branson tradition!

Presleys’ 50 year Branson tradition started here in 1967 and…

Friday, June 30, 2017, is a special day in Branson’s storied entertainment history. Fifty years ago to the day, on Friday, June 30,1967, the Presleys opened Branson’s first live music theatre on the now famous “Branson Strip.” Over the last 50 years, “Presleys’ Theatre” has become a Branson landmark and the Presleys have continued to entertain audiences with their unique mix of comedy and country, bluegrass, and gospel music in Presleys’ Country Jubilee.

As the Presleys celebrate the 50th Anniversary of that opening, it’s almost impossible to imagine that in 1967 there was no “Branson Strip.” Highway 76 was a curvy two-lane stretch of blacktop tourists used to get from Branson to the growing “Silver Dollar City,” “Shepherd of the Hills,” and “Table Rock Lake.” Except for the “Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Play,” located well west of Branson, there were no music shows or other live entertainment anywhere on Highway 76 for tourists to go to in the evening.

The Presleys, who had been entertaining audiences with their music and comedy for years, in caves and other places around the Ozarks, recognized the opportunity to achieve the dream of owning their own theatre. Gary Presley said, “We thought that if we could put a building on Highway 76 we might have a few people show up.”

The “we” was a partnership. It was composed of Lloyd and Bessie Presley; Gary and Pat Presley; Deanna, Gary’s sister, and husband David Drennon; and Francis and Larry Drennon, David’s parents. Thanks to their cooperative efforts and sacrifices, the “Mountain Music Theatre,” built about three and one-half miles from Branson, opened on Friday night, June 30, 1967.

The show’s format that night, short sets of country, bluegrass, and gospel music, broken up by hilarious comedy, was an ideal fit for the talents of the Presleys. In fact, it worked so well, that’s it’s still used today. And that’s not the only thing that hasn’t changed! Two of the original cast that night, the shows comedian, Gary Presley as “Herkimer,” and drummer, Steve Presley, have been performing with the show continuously since that night.

and continues here today.

The success of the theatre was no sure thing. At the time, not only were there no theatres or attractions on Highway 76, but it was largely unpopulated with only a few non-tourist related businesses on 76 between downtown Branson and Shepherd of the Hills.

Well, here we are 50 years later, in hind sight, looking back in amazement at what has happened since that day in 1967. Within a couple of years, the name of the theatre was changed to the “Presleys’ Theatre.” Through the years it has undergone many renovations making it one of the most unique, comfortable, and state of the art theatres in Branson.

Even more remarkable was the number of theatres and attractions that soon started to join the Presleys up and down Highway 76. So many, that the portion of Highway 76 running by Presleys’ Theater is now called the “Branson Strip.” In the middle is its “first show,” the iconic Presleys’ Country Jubilee, still featuring the Presley family and celebrating 50 years of working together to entertain Branson audiences.

 

Highway 65 construction impact on travel between I-44 and Branson this summer

“The announced renovation of Highway 65 in Springfield is scheduled to start on July 10,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The southbound Highway 65 exits, from both the east and west are scheduled to be closed the weeks of July 10 and July 17. There will be no impact on the northbound lanes during that period, he added.

Angela Eden, Senior Communications Specialist for the Southwest District of the Missouri Department of Transportation said that it’s a major $10.8 million project. It includes rebuilding the outside two lanes in each direction between Kearney and Sunshine Streets and other work.

In addition to the southbound exit closures, Highway 65 will be closed, one direction and location at a time, at various times, between Kearney and Sunshine Streets in Springfield. The northbound lanes will be open through the Week of July 31while the southbound lanes are being worked on. The southbound lanes will be open after the Week of July 31 while the northbound lanes are worked.

The official “signed detour” is I-44 to Route 360/60 (James River Freeway) at Exit #69. Once on the James River Freeway, follow it east and exit onto Highway 65 south. Reverse the process when traveling to I-44 from Branson. Garrison expects no impact for those traveling to and from the west on I-44. For them, ‘The James River Freeway,’ at Exit 69, is an ideal route,” he said. He points out that those traveling from and to the east will have about 15 to 20 minutes added to their trip using the “signed detour.”

Although there are alternative routes to the official “signed detour,” he advises their use only by those familiar with the area. It provides a clean shot to and from and to I-44 with no stop lights or exposure to local Springfield’s traffic which will also be detouring around the construction.

Here’s the specific closure dates and segments of Highway 65 impacted by the construction during those dates:

Week of July 10 into Week of July 31- Southbound Lanes:

Week of July 10– The westbound I-44-to-southbound Route 65 ramp and the eastbound I-44-to-southbound Route 65 ramp will be closed as well southbound Route 65 between Kearney Street and Division Street.

Week of July 17– The westbound I-44-to-southbound Route 65 ramp and the eastbound I-44-to-southbound Route 65 ramp will be closed as well southbound Route 65 Division Street and the Chestnut Expressway.

Week of July 24 into the Week of July 31– Southbound Route 65 will be closed between Chestnut Expressway and Sunshine Street.

Week of July 10 through Week of July 31- Northbound Lanes: There will be no impact on northbound travel on Highway 65 between Branson and I-44

Week of August 7 into Week of August 28- Northbound Lanes

Week of August 7– Northbound Route 65 will be closed between Sunshine Street and Chestnut Expressway.

Week of August 14– Northbound Route 65 will be closed between Chestnut Expressway and Division Street.

Week of August 21 into the Week of August 28- Northbound Route 65 will be closed between Division Street and Kearney Street.

Week of August 7 into the Week of August 28- South Bound Lanes: There will be no impact on south bound travel on Highway 65 between Branson and I-44.

For more information, please feel free to call one of Branson Tourism Center’s Branson based Travel Planners at 1-866-593-9740. They’ll also answer questions about Branson including its shows, hotels, and attractions as well as assist with reservations. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 9:00 AM to 8.00 PM.

 

Best Branson Insider Highlights for July 2017

Families will enjoy the spectacular magic of “Illusionist Rick Thomas.”

“One of the greatest joys of July in Branson is to see so many families creating wonderful vacation memories. Branson overflows with the vibrancy of families together, experiencing the unique fun, excitement, and spirit of Branson,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “From spectacular firework displays, to lakes, over 120 live shows, rides, water parks, golf, and more, there’s just so much to see and do in Branson.” She added.

Along with our Highlight List, containing some of the best of what’s going on in Branson during July, here’s our Featured Show, Limited Engagement, and Event of the Month:

Featured Show of the Month: If your family wants to have a great time together, enjoys magic, stunning illusions and spectacular beauty, you don’t want to miss the Illusionist Rick Thomas Show. With headline shows in Las Vegas, years of successful tours around the world, and the honor of the Academy of Magical Arts awarding him its “Stage Magician of the Year Award,” he’s at the top of the magic game. His unique ability to keep audiences of all ages and walks of life simultaneously spellbound throughout his performance is “magical.”

Hit Las Vegas show, “Raiding the Rock Vault,” comes to Branson for a limited engagement.

Featured Limited Engagement of the Month: Raiding the Rock Vault goes back in time on a magical musical journey. That journey takes you from 1960 to 1990, with classics from The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, The Eagles, Queen, AC/DC, Deep Purple, Van Halen, Journey, Heart, Free, Aerosmith and others. Experience history of rock ‘n’ roll as it comes to life in this live rock and roll concert featuring a stunning light show, video screen, dancers and high-quality concert sound production.

Featured Event of the Month: Silver Dollar City’s Star-Spangled Summer Festival offers family fun and entertainment you won’t find anywhere else. See the world famous Harlem Globetrotters perform their one of a kind show for their final season at Silver Dollar City, your favorite cartoon characters, Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience, and much more! And that’s beside everything else Silver Dollar City offers. The 1880s styled them park has over 40 thrilling rides and attractions including “The World’s Most Daring Wood Coaster,” Outlaw Run, demonstrating craftsmen, shows, and other activities.

Limited Engagement Highlights (Sorted by starting date)

Jul 5: T. G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang
Jul 6-22: Raiding the Rock Vault

Special Event Highlights (Sorted by starting date.)

Jul 1-Sep 4: Branson Landing’s Annual School Shoes For Kids
Jul 1-16: Silver Dollar City Star-Spangled Summer
Jul 1: Rockaway Beach Centennial Car & Bike Show
Jul 1: 30th Annual Fireburst Fireworks Celebration
Jul 1-4: Tanger 4th of July Weekend Sale
Jul 1-7: Ballparks of America – Week 6 Independence Day Boomer 10U-13U
Jul 1-3: Rockaway Beach 4th of July Weekend
Jul 2: Independence Day Celebration – Galena, MO
Jul 2: Chateau on the Lake Fourth of July Celebration
Jul 3: Branson Landing’s Annual Liberty Light Up Fireworks Show
Jul 3-4: Main Street Lake Cruises – July 3rd & 4th Fireworks Cruises
Jul 4: Rockin’ Rockaway Beach 4th of July Celebration
Jul 4: Firecracker 5000 Run
Jul 4: Hollister’s Annual 4th of July Celebration
Jul 4: 4th of July Celebration at Branson Auto & Farm Museum
Jul 6-22: Limited Engagement – Raiding the Rock Vault
Jul 8-14: Ballparks of America – Week 7 Mid-Summer Classic 10U-13U
Jul 14: The Dan Benton Band – Live in Concert
Jul 15-21: Ballparks of America – Week 8 The 76 Strip Sizzle 10U-13U
Jul 15-Jul 30: Silver Dollar City Moonlight Madness
Jul 22: SECOND ANNUAL VVA GOLF TOURNAMENT
Jul 22-Jul 23: Branson in July! Antique Festival of the Ozarks
Jul 22-Jul 28: Ballparks of America – Week 9 Missouri Heat Classic 10U-13U
Jul 28: The Mark Chapman Band – Live in Concert
Jul 28-Aug 12: Summer Movies in the Park at the Branson RecPlex
Jul 29-Aug 4: Ballparks of America – Week 10 Back to School Bash 12U-13U

For additional information on these events, Branson’s shows and attractions, or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com, or calling 1-800-785-1550 and talking with a Branson-based vacation planning specialist. They will be delighted to answer any questions, and assist you with show or lodging reservations and there’s absolutely no charge for this service.