Blues Brother” Bucky Heard says people just don’t think of morning shows when they think of Branson.

But that doesn’t stop him and other local entertainers from producing early offerings.

“The fact of the matter is that between Doug Gabriel, Buck Trent, The Brett Family and Clay Cooper, there is some top-notch entertainment in the morning, and most of those performers could be headlining an 8 p.m. timeslot,” said Heard, a local entertainer and a Legends in Concert “Blues Brother.”

Click here to read the rest of the story:

http://www.bransondailynews.com/story.php?storyID=12591

Celebrating 50 Years of Live Music Shows Continues Throughout 2009

(Branson, MO – Wednesday July 1, 2009) - A pirate and a princess, a circus and a cowboy—look no further than Branson, Missouri, the nation’s happiest (and most affordable) family destination, to find them all. 

Peter Pan and his loveable nemesis Captain Hook, Princess of Magic Bambi VanBurch, Yakov’s Moscow Circus and entertainer Neal McCoy are all NEW in town for the summer.  With special prices for families, Branson shows and attractions offer plenty for everybody to see and do.

Cathy Rigby, who stars in the title role of J. M. Barrie’s classic children’s story Peter Pan, lights up the stage at The Mansion Theatre with her high-flying talent.  With sets and special effects from the Broadway play itself, Peter, Wendy, the Lost Boys and Tinker Bell are in town providing a true theatrical experience. Cathy Rigby said, “I am so happy to be in Branson! I’ve brought along six family members of all ages because there is truly something fun here for everyone.”

At the nearby Music City Centre, Bambi VanBurch has her own new afternoon show, while continuing to perform with husband Kirby VanBurch in their popular magical show each evening.  Awarded the Female Magician of the Decade by the International Magicians Society, Bambi’s show provides a unique feminine perspective on the world of magic. The many magical treats audiences are enjoying include mysterious floating objects, mind-reading, Origami Illusions, disappearing acts, and there’s even a kangaroo!

Yakov’s Moscow Circus is a new show presented by the famous Russian Comedian, Yakov Smirnoff.  It features a revolving line-up of physical performance artists (both human and animal) such as the Human Slinky, Fire Eatin’ Lady, Adagio Stars, Clowns, Mishka Bears, and more.  Yakov says, “Only in Branson can you find these international talents, we have Japanese fiddler, Chinese Acrobats, Russian Comedian, Moscow Circus…and the Baldknobbers.” 

Also appearing at Yakov’s Theatre is triple-platinum recording artist and two-time entertainer of the year, Neal McCoy.  Known for this fast-moving shows and fun music, Neal McCoy says, “I like to entertain and have a great time with the folks. Here in Branson people know how to have a good time! So that’s what we’re planning on doing and you gotta love that.”

Along with over 100 shows, a multitude of attractions, and three lakes, Branson’s exciting summer entertainment scene includes:

·        Silver Dollar City’s National KidsFest through August 9 featuring the first appearance of JEERK in the U.S. and the magic of Peter Gossamer.  Moonlight Madness runs July 27 through August 9, when the park will stay open from 7 to 10 p.m. Southern Gospel Picnic with hundreds of performances from top Gospel stars will open on August 27.

·        Fun Spot, at Grand Country Square.  This indoor, black-light mini golf course transports golfers, in 3-D, back to the sights and sounds of old river towns.  While we can’t say for sure that Missouri’s famous residents Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn ever played golf,  don’t be surprised to see a few of their friends whitewashing the occasional fence in this “have-to-see-it-to-believe-it” attraction!

·        Magnificent Variety Show at Osmonds Theatre covers seven decades of music with 75 blockbuster hits and over 300 costume changes.

·        The 60,000 square foot Branson Auto Museum has opened with over 100 cool cars.  The museum also houses a miniature toy car display and an automotive memorabilia gift shop.

With so many affordable things to do and see in Branson, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber has provided an easy way for visitors to find hot deals for your family vacation. Visit the CVB website at www.explorebranson.com for special offers from shows, attractions, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and more.

So, don’t be like Captain Hook and fear those alarm clocks, mateys!  Set them early, and enjoy a full day and night —or days and nights—of excitement in Branson this summer. 

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Following last year’s five-day trip to this mecca of country music, about 90 folks from throughout Central and West Texas joined Tracy Pitcox of Brady and members of the Heart of Texas Country Music Association last week for an encore.

Our tour group was treated to more than a dozen country music concerts or variety performances, including Jim Stafford, Moe Bandy, Buck Trent, Barbara Fairchild, Shoji Tabuchi, Yakov Smirnoff, Pretty Miss Norma Jean, the Rankin Brothers, Alan Edwards, Odessa native Ricky Boen and Texas Mud, and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede pageant.

Read the entire story here:

http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2009/may/24/trip-to-branson-reminds-us-how-great-the-us-is/