Ozarks’ Hunting and Fishing featured in museum exhibit

18 foot canoe with a 1926 Evinrude Elto motor is one of many items in the Sportsman’s Paradise Exhibit.

“Visitors to the Branson, Missouri area have yet another unique activity to consider,” said, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “If you like the outdoors, history and Ozarks heritage then the ‘Sportsman’s Paradise Exhibit’ at the White River Valley Historical Society (WRVHS) Museum in Forsyth, Missouri might be for you.”

“Many people from all over the country come to Branson for its live shows and great attractions,” she continued, “In addition however, many come to enjoy a taste of Ozark Mountain history and heritage and the constantly evolving wonder of its outdoors with a myriad of activities, beautiful scenery, lakes and gently rolling mountains.”

Information received from the WRVHS indicates that Sportsman’s Paradise is an original exhibit, designed and presented by WRVHS members featuring a combination of historical Ozark hunting and fishing items and photos. Among the items on display will be “the 49 pound Missouri state record Striped Bass from 1986, a 40-year-old 18 foot canoe with a 1926 Evinrude Elto motor, assorted hunting accouterments, and dozens of images. Items on loan from local sportsmen add to the display of vintage lures, reels, and minnow traps, including examples of making lead lures, wooden lures, and fly tying.”

Operating hours of the exhibit are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday through October 29. Although donations are welcome, admission to the Sportsman’s Paradise exhibit is free.

The WRVHS is located at 297 Main Street, Forsyth, across from the Taney County Judicial Center about a leisurely 30 minute drive from Branson. Johnson reminds everyone that the timing of the event with the Ozarks Fall foliage will even make the drive from Branson to Forsyth a beautiful memorable part of the experience.

For more information on the Sportsman’s Paradise exhibit please call 417-546-2210 or visit the WRVHS website at www.wrvhs.org. For information or tickets for 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.

*Photo courtesy of WRVHS.

Branson’sVeterans Homecoming Week – About our Veterans, the Military and their families

“One of the largest ‘Veterans Day’ celebrations in the world, Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week, will be celebrated in Branson, Missouri starting on November 5 and running through November 11,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Although Branson has a special place in its heart for Veterans, with the vast majority of its many live shows routinely honoring America’s Veterans, active duty Armed Forces personnel and their families on a daily basis, Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week is special.”

“It’s a week long celebration filled with events and activities honoring America’s Veterans, active duty Armed Forces personnel and their families,” Johnson continued. “There is a variety of events, most of which are free to Veterans, all with the same theme, to honor America’s Military and their families.”

Some of the major highlights include the Opening Ceremony at the home of the spectacular “Miracle of Christmas” show, the Sight and Sound Theatre on November 5 at 1230; the “Traveling Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall” at the Welk Theater from November 5 through the 15th; the Showboat Branson Belle’s “Special Salute to Veterans on November 5 at 1900; many mini reunions such as the “WW II Veterans Mini Reunion” on November 6 from 1400 to 1700 at the College of The Ozarks; the 4th Annual Military Gala & Banquet on November 8 at 1700; the “The United States Marine Corps 235th Birthday Ball,” Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute on November 11 at 1400; the 77th Annual Veterans Day Parade through historic downtown Branson on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and the Closing Ceremony at Tri-lakes Center at 1400.

The Veterans Village and Branson Veterans Task Force Tactical Operations Center will be located at the Factory Merchants Mall, (Red Roof Mall) and will be open from 0900 to 1600 daily from November 6th through the 10th. It will host one of the two Veterans Registries with the other being at the Veterans Memorial Museum, located at 1250 West 76 Country Music Blvd; vendors booths and the “All American Lunch” served free to Veterans daily between November 6 through November 10 by Steve’s Tree House and Grill betwee 1130 and 1300. It will also provide a convenient place to just relax and fellowship with old friends and new acquaintances as well as the latest information about the week’s events and Veteran discounts.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that in addition to the full slate of Veterans Homecoming Week activities, those attending can participate in the first week of Branson’s “Ozark Mountain Christmas” with all the excitement it provides, including the opening of Branson’s major Christmas shows and its drive through Christmas Lighting displays and the Silver Dollar City’s award winning “An Old Time Christmas” which starts on November 6 and runs through December 30.

Johnson extends a warm and heartfelt welcome to all the Veterans, active duty Military personnel and their families that will be coming to Branson and says, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice.” For additional information about Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week activities, Ozark Mountain Christmas, or Branson shows, attractions or lodging please contact Branson Tourism Center, (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550, through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com or through a personal visit to its office located at 220 Branson Hills Parkway in Branson just west of the Bee Creek Highway 65 exit.

The Track Family Fun Park #3 hosts benefit for Gift of Hope on October 2

The Track Family Fun Park #3 located at 2505 W. Hwy 76, Branson will host a Gift of Hope Fundraiser for the benefit its Backpack Club and Christmas Share programs on Saturday, October 2, 2010 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Those attending will enjoy reduced rates with $5.00 one-pass rides including bumper boats and miniature golf and “Kids Kountry” passes at $5.00 for 1 hour.”

The Gift of Hope’s mission is “Providing essentials and pathways to independence for Taney County Families.” One of the ways it does that is through “The Backpack Club” which provides a backpack of nutritious food for children who have shown signs of hunger outside of the school meal program. Children receive the food each weekend during the school year. The Christmas Share program will provide customized assistance to approximately 30 families in need during the winter months.

“Branson visitors as well as locals can enjoy this great event,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “The Track Family Fun Park #3 has many of ways for the whole family to have fun with everything from the “Wild Woody Go Cart Track,” to bumper boats, miniature golf, a “Kids Kountry” with special rides for the younger children and so much more. What a great way for families to have an afternoon of fun, save money and help a great cause.”

She also reminds Branson visitors that Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival runs through October 30. For information on the Gift of Hope Benefit please call 417-546-8062. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Michael Grimm of Branson’s “The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley Show” wins NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”

Michael Grimm during Branson Tourism Center interview.

(Branson, Mo) During an interview about his expectations from competing on the NBC prime time hit show “America’s Got Talent (AGT)” Michael Grimm said, “I just want to get as far as I can get. It would be an honor if I can make it a couple of rounds, open some doors for my career, and make enough money to build my Grandma a new house.” The exclusive interview, for the Branson Tourism Center, was conducted right after his initial audition for AGT had aired and two days prior to leaving the “Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley” show in Branson, Missouri to devote full time to the competition.

On the evening of September 15, the smooth raspy voiced southern blues singer went as far as anyone can go on America’s Got Talent and received its ultimate honor. In front of a national prime time audience, Grimm won AGT and its first place prize of $1 million dollars and being the privilege of being headliner on the AGT National Tour and show at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

From the thousands that initially auditioned for the show and after weeks of competition four acts made it to the Finals which was held the evening of September 14. The four finalist were “Prince Poppy Cock,” basically a singer who presents his songs in his own unusual, but extremely entertaining way; “Fighting Gravity,” a black light show with great visual appeal and Jackie Evanco an 11 year old young lady with an operatic voice that is unbelievable and Michael Grimm. “America voted” and Michael Grimm came in first, Jackie Evanco second, Fighting Gravity third and Price Poppycock fourth.

During the Branson Tourism Center interview Grimm said that his relationship with his Grandma, Laura Butters, goes back to about age four when she took over the raising of him and his sister after their parents separated. He unabashedly says that “My grandma is my inspiration” and credits her, not only with his interest in music, but with the start of his professional career.

Michael Grimm and McKenna Medley singing ""You Don't Know Me" during one of his last performances in the "Righteous Brothers' Bill Medley Show."

He said that it started at about age six when he and his sister started singing the great hymns like “Jesus Loves Me,” “Amazing Grace” and others in church. At about age twelve he started singing professionally in “hole in the wall” bars in the Waveland Bay St. Louis area in southern Mississippi. On each appearance his Grandma would chaperone him and sit there drinking “Diet Cokes” all night until he was through.

Grimm said that over the last ten years he has worked a lot in Las Vegas at casino lounges such as Caesar’s Palace, New York New York and the Station Casinos. He is also an accomplished song writer; has opened for artists such as the band Heart, BB King and Peter Green, who used to be with Fleetwood Mac; has recorded and released two CDs “Michael Grimm Live,” recorded live at the Cannery Casino in Las Vegas and “I Am Michael Grimm,” with all original music and is currently working on another unnamed CD with which he is honored to have Bill Medley helping him on a couple of the songs.

He went on to say that over the last year or so he has been working with Bill Medley on various road trips and in “The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley Show in Branson, as a vocalist and guitar player. Although his first visit to Branson wasn’t until the second half of 2009 it has obviously made an impression on him. Grimm said, “My first memory of Branson is the hospitality and friendliness of everybody. This is God’s country out here, this is America and that’s what I love about it.”

In an interview with Levi Michael of the Branson Tourism Center on September 16, Bill Medley said that Grimm is a true artist, passionate about his music and deserves every bit of the wave of success he is riding. When asked what she thought about Michael winning AGT McKenna Medley said, “I am so ecstatic, it’s not even funny. I was freaking out, I went running jumping screaming and couldn’t even talk for 30 minutes.”

While in Branson performing in the Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley Show, Grimm sang a duet with McKenna of the Jann Arden song “You Don’t Know Me.” He sang that song in the audition that launched him on his way to winning AGT and caused the shows MC, Nick Cannon to say, “That’s a Super Star’s voice right there.” America has voted and evidently they agree.

Branson entertainer Michael Grimm makes Final Four in “America’s Got Talent”

Branson entertainer Michael Grimm pursues dream on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”

Great video of Bill and McKenna Medley sharing insights on Micheal Grimm

Like the leaves of fall a variety of entertainment is falling on Branson

The Grammy award winning, Michael Bolton

“The breadth of the regular live shows that Branson has to offer is amazing, ” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The variety of its regularly scheduled shows covers just about every area of entertainment from acrobats, cirque and Kung Fu to showboats, outdoor drama, thundering horses, the circus, and every genre of music from country and blue grass to pop, rock and roll and easy listening with everything in between.”

“When that variety is expanded with the addition of shows that perform limited engagements in Branson there is a variety of live shows that is unequalled by any other destination city anywhere near Branson’s size,” she continued. “Look at the variety of the limited engagement entertainment that visitors to Branson will have the opportunity to see between now and the end of October.”

The following list is sorted by starting date. For many, links are provided for further information, schedules and pricing:

Andy Williams, September 2 through October 23 (Christmas Show starts November 1)
Roy Clark with Justin David, September 13 through October 26
Ray Stevens, September 15 through Oct 23
Country’s Family Reunion, September 19 and 20
Ozark Murder Mysteries Sundays only
Oak Ridge Boys, September 21 through October 21
The Texas Tenors, September 28 through October 23
Vicki Lawrence/Mama, October 8 and 9 only
Mid West Country Stars, October 20 and 21 only.
The Front Men of Alabama, Lonestar, and Restless Heart October 22 only
Michael Bolton on October 23 only.
Miracle of Christmas, starts for Christmas season October 30.

Johnson also points out that the limited engagement performances are in addition to the full complement of Branson’s many other shows, attractions, festivals and major activities that will be taking place between now and the end of October such as:

Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival, September 11 – October 30
Shepherd of the Hills Fall Harvest Festival, September 7 – October 23
Autumn Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, September 16 -19
Ironman Branson 70.3, September 19
12th Annual Hollister Grape & Fall Festival, September 25
First Annual Titanic Firehouse Chili Cook-off, October 2
BBQ & Big Smith at Branson Creek, October 2
Titanic’s 3rd Annual Woodcarving Event, October 8 – 10
Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo, October 8 -10

“Mother Nature adds perhaps the greatest “‘show’ of all to the mix,” said Johnson. “In addition to everything else Branson has to offer, the Fall foliage in the Ozarks is a beautiful thing to see.”

She advises that the Fall Season is a particularly busy one in Branson and recommends making show and lodging reservations well in advance to insure that the seating and accommodations meet expectations. For additional information or tickets for these shows, attractions or events mentioned in this article, 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. It can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson’s Dutton Show drives to new entertainment heights

( Branson, MO ) “A recent Branson show review appearing on www.Branson.Com/News describes Branson’s Dutton Show as ‘a driving, exciting, touching, comfortable and simply wonderful entertainment experience,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets, lodging and vacation planning services. “It was a great review, entitled ‘The Duttons drive their audience to new entertainment heights,'” she continued.

Johnson points out that the reviewer said the shows enjoyment goes beyond its “instrumentality, vocal skills, great sets, costuming, choreography and the way the show seamlessly flows from one enjoyable element to the other.” The review refers to the synergy of the show’s individual elements resulting “in a dynamic and unique quality family entertainment phenomenon that thrills and delights the audience.”

It also indicates that children should just love this show because of the artful integration of the Dutton grandchildren into the show at key points. The reviewer said, “The way additional younger family members are worked into the show is a joy to experience…. Whether its playing a Munchkin, singing or playing a fiddle, the participation of the younger children in the show is well planned, professional, and not only enhances the total entertainment experience of the show for adults, but gives the children in the audience something they can specifically relate to and enjoy.”

Excerpts:

The “driving start” to this year’s show gives the audience an idea of some of the surprises and exciting entertainment that lies ahead. There’s nothing ordinary about any part of this show…

Their “initial set,” including the Alabama hit “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler),” their own special rendition of “The Orange Blossom Special,” the Duttons’ “patented” musical introductions using the “Foggy Mountain Breakdown, the Buddy Holly hit “All My Love All My Kisses,” “Footloose ” and others, sets the tenor for what is to follow. Within those first few numbers, the audience not only meets the Duttons, but experiences the power, diversity, excitement, originality, energy and beauty of the entertainment experience that is “The Duttons!”

Click here to read the entire review.

Nine Branson area Corps of Engineers Table Rock Lake parks close Sept. 15

“Information recently received from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicates that they will be closing nine of their Table Rock Lake camp grounds and parks on September 15 for the 2010 season,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The parks and campgrounds included are Cricket Creek, Aunts Creek, Baxter, Big M, Campbell Point, Long Creek, Moonshine Beach, Viola and Viney Creek.” She points out that the boat launch ramps at these facilities will continue to be open and that area use fees will still apply.

The same information said that that camping will be available at Cape Fair, Eagle Rock, Indian Point, Mill Creek and the Old Highway 86 parks until October 31.

Johnson points out that both of the campgrounds in the state operated “Table Rock State Park,” on Highway 165 just south of the Table Rock Dam, will remain open offering complete camping services through November. After that date and through February 2011, Camp Ground #1 will remain open except for the possibility of individual campsite water spigots being shut off during colder weather.

For additional information on camping facilities or any of Branson’s 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 National Harvest Festival – one reason why Silver Dollar City is “The Home of American Craftsmanship”

Gourd Painting is just one of the many crafts featured in the National Harvest Festival.

“You know fall is coming to the Ozarks when the National Harvest Festival starts at Silver Dollar City,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It’s been an exciting and important part of fall in the Ozarks for decades.”

The National Harvest Festival is an inherent part of the experience that Silver Dollar City has provided its visitors since its early days “when its founding family wanted to share the ways of the Ozarks with visitors to the Ozark Mountains.” It is a festival of “American crafts and demonstrating craftsmanship – celebrating the handwork, the foods, the music and the long-established camaraderie of the harvest…” Long known for preserving our Ozarks, history, heritage and craftsmanship, the U.S. Congress recently recognized Silver Dollar City by proclaiming it “The Home of American Craftsmanship.”

Silver Dollar City’s “National Harvest Festival,” running from September 11 through October 30 not only illustrates the appropriateness of that recognition, but will provide Silver Dollar City guests with a unique opportunity to view a variety of some of the finest craftsmen in America. Over 130 visiting craftsmen from all over the country will demonstrate their art or craft. From glass blowing and painting to basket weaving, Native American flutes, knife making, basket weaving and many more crafts. The National Harvest Festival is one of the largest gatherings of demonstrating artists and craftsmen anywhere in America.

New to the Festival this year will be the “Craft in America Exhibit” from the creators of the Peabody awarded PBS documentary series featuring 50 works from nationally acclaimed artisans such as Kit Carson, Richard Notkin, Tom Joyce and many others; the “Craftsmen’s Reunion Showcase” featuring renowned craftsmen previously featured at Silver Dollar City such as noted outdoor artist Tom Crain and wood carver Peter Engler; the “Caricature Carvers of America Showcase” and the “Learn-How-To-Do-It-Yourself Craft Workshops.” Returning again this year will be the “Best of Missouri Hands” featuring some of the best of Missouri’s craftsmen and artists featuring juried members of the “Missouri Artisans Association” who are all Missouri residents and recognized as masters in their respective “medium.”

The National Harvest Festival will also present an original award winning musical production sharing the harrowing adventures and colorful characters of America’s westward expansion during the 1860s entitled “Headin’ West.” The production has ” surprising special effects, vivid scenery and talented performers and is Silver Dollar City’s biggest production show ever!” In 2009 it won the “Big-E” award for “Best Overall Production” presented by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Headin West will run from September 11 through October 24 at 11:30 a.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the Opera House Theatre.

Another fun activity of the National Harvest Festival will be the opportunity to participate in the “Missouri’s Largest Barn Dance.” It will be held on the giant dance floor inside the Red Gold Heritage Hall and feature live bands such as Horsecreek Band, Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys, Missouri Travelers and others will be playing your favorite country & western and western swing tunes. In addition, “seasoned dancers will be on hand to give tips and instruction to beginners.”

And what would a Harvest Festival be without the tastes of fall. From “Great Northern Ham and Beans” to “Indian Tacos,” “Wrangler’s Buffalo Chili, “Goodnight’s Son of a Gun Beef Stew” and desserts such as blackberry cobbler and hot apple dumplings, there is something for just about every palette as the “Tastes of America,” are shared in the restaurants throughout the park.

The National Harvest Festival starts September 11 and will run through October 30, Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. For information, schedules and tickets, feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson entertainer Michael Grimm makes Final Four in “America’s Got Talent”

America's Got Talent Finalist,Michael Grimm during interview just prior to leaving Branson for his live AGT performances.

“The caliber of the vocal and instrumental performers in Branson’s live shows is second to none,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Day to day, in terms of quality, diversity of choice and excitement, Branson’s live shows provide some of the best entertainment available anywhere.”

Johnson points out that until a couple of months ago, visitors to Branson would have seen Michael Grimm, as the guitar player and vocalist with the “Righteous Brother Bill Medley Show” in Branson. On September 7 and 8, with millions watching on national TV, Grimm competed and was selected as one of the four finalists on the NBC prime time hit show “America’s Got Talent (AGT).”

The other finalists are “Prince Poppy Cock,” basically a singer who presents his songs in his own unusual, but extremely entertaining way; “Fighting Gravity,” a black light show with great visual appeal and Jackie Evanco an 11 year old young lady with an operatic voice that is unbelievable. They will be competing for the $1 million dollar prize and other career changing opportunities including a National Tour and being the headliner of a Las Vegas Show, on Tuesday night, September 14 with the results being announced on Wednesday night September 15.

At the time of the airing of the taped audition show that started Grimm on his journey he was playing in the Righteous Brother Bill Medley show in Branson. Within a week of that airing, after his June 5th performance with the show, he left Branson to devote full time to the AGT competition.

Two comments come to mind that seem particularly appropriate as Grimm goes into the AGT Finals. One was the almost prophetic statement made by AGT host Nick Cannon, after watching Grimm’s initial audition performance, when he said, “That’s a Super Star’s voice right there.” The other two were made by Grimm himself during an exclusive interview with this writer for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, two days before his final Branson performance, when he said, “I just want to get as far as I can get. It would be an honor if I can make it a couple of rounds, open some doors for my career, and make enough money to build my Grandma a new house.”

Grimm,s relationship with his “Grandma” is special and dates back to when he was four and she took over the raising of him and his sister after their parents separated. He credits her with his interest in music and the start of his professional career saying, “My grandma is my inspiration.” Grandma Laura Butters was sitting in the audience as he performed for the finals on Tuesday night and on Wednesday night when his selection to the Final Four was announced.

Grimm also said during the interview that he would be coming back to Branson. When asked “Even if you win?” Shaking on it he said that there are wonderful people here, he had a great experience in Branson and would be back whether he wins or not.

“While it would be nice if Grimm does come back to Branson to perform, the great news for Branson visitors,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson, “is that many performers of his caliber are performing in Branson’s live shows on a daily basis”. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s 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.

Petersen Family Band wins 2nd Annual Branson CAM Gospel Sing-Off

Branson Tourisim Center's Becky Jewsberry congratulating the Petersen's after presenting them with the first place prize check. Left to right, Katie, Matthew, Jon, Karen (mostly blocked) and Ellen. The lady in red to the right is Barbara Fairchild.

Branson’s “Petersen Family Band” won the 2nd Annual Branson Christian Action Ministries’ (CAM) Gospel Sing-Off held at Branson’s Sight and Sound Theatre, the home of spectacular productions of “NOAH the Musical” and the “Miracle of Christmas” at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 5. The 12 finalists, selected from over 50 applicants from five different states performed before a large Branson crowd and a panel of celebrity judges competing for $3,000 in prizes.

The celebrity judging panel was composed of people, who like the vast majority of everyone else associated with CAM, volunteered their time. The judges were Branson performers Barbara Fairchild, George Dyer, and Benjamin Dutton; Ronnie Page Entertainment Editor for the Branson Daily Independent and a member of the “Nashville’s Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame” and John Bartley, a photographer for the Chicago Tribune.

The 12 finalists were “Jericho,” a quartet from DeSoto, MO; Shelley Luginsland living in Branson West, MO; Todd Braschler from Wichita, KS; “One For All,” quartet from Harrison, AR; “Angels Wings” from Branson, MO; Zach Svoboda from Vinton, IA; “The New Joy Quartet” from Ash Grove, MO; Sarah Clemmens from Tahlequah, OK; “Psalmody,” a trio from Branson, MO;” Matt’s Family Jam,” a family quintet from Branson, MO; “Connected,” a duet from Branson West, MO and “The Petersen Family Band from Branson, MO.

The competition was filled with great gospel singing and a great mix of original music. When the results were tabulated Todd Braschler had won the third place prize of $500.00, Psalmody second place and $1,000 and The Petersen Family Band first place and its $1,500 first place prize.

The Petersen Family Band, consisting of the father Jon; mom, Karen; sisters Katie and Ellen and brother Matthew performed a live “non track” music program displaying not only their instrumental and vocal talents, but their ability to connect with the audience. The highlight, in this writers opinion, was their acapella version of “Travelin Shoes.”

After presenting the checks to the winners, Becky Jewsberry representing the prizes donor, the Branson Tourism Center, said, “What a wonderful afternoon of talent and gospel music. It was a an honor for us to be able to partner with CAM in an event like this that is a major fund raiser for CAM’s work in helping to feed the needy and hungry within our community. What a blessing it is to be a part of providing an opportunity for such talented performers to share their talents on the stage of the Sight and Sound Theatre with a Branson audience having a heart for CAM’s work and gospel music.”

Bob Hubbard, of the “Foggy River Boys” and the original lead singer of “The Jordanaires,” did an excellent job of Emceeing. In addition to the talent of the competitors, world-renowned tenor and Branson performer George Dyer opened the show with a set. His rendition of “Abide With Me Tis Even Tide” was simply amazing. While awaiting the judges final tabulations, last year’s winners of the event, “The Sons of the Silver Dollar, who perform at Silver Dollar City, showed the crowd just why they won with a wonderful performance and their goose bump generating presentation of “In God We Still Trust.”