With the majority of Branson’s live shows preparing to begin their 2009 season within the next few weeks now is the perfect time to brush up on some of the area’s more popular offerings. In particular, we’ve chosen to highlight two performances, each for very different reasons. From a relatively new show that is likely to be gone before you know it to a timeless Branson classic that may be overlooked only because it’s been entertaining the area for the past 20 years, each of these shows is sure to help liven up any visit to Branson, MO!

Mickey Gilley

Mickey Gilley is not only one of the first big-name stars to routinely perform in Branson, but also one of the brightest. From his unforgettable rendition of ‘Stand by Me’ to fan favorites such as ‘Room Full of Roses’ and ‘Your Memory Ain’t What It Used To Be,’ you’ll witness all of the Mickey Gilley classics. And those interested in seeing the Urban Cowboy live will find that Branson and the Mickey Gilley Theatre are one of the few places to do so, and that the performance is still every bit as entertaining as you last remember!

Noah the Musical

Noah the Musical is entering its second season in Branson and still considered one of the top draws in town! However, those wanting to see the show are advised to do so sooner than later as Sight & Sound Theatre is noted for routinely switching out its line-up to ensure its fans are greeted with fresh material. Of course, until that time you’ll find Noah being performed almost daily complete with a set design featuring an ark that towers over 40 feet in the air, 3D video imaging, laser lighting, and pyrotechnics. Simply put, you’ll experience the production value of a blockbuster movie laid over the timeless tale of Noah’s faith and commitment to God.

Those coming to Branson, Missouri for the 2009 performance season may be interested in knowing that three of their favorite acts have relocated to a different theater. The Haygoods, Red, Hot…& Blue, and Tony Roi will now be working their magic on the stage of  the New Americana Theatre. Purchased in May of last year by the Haygood Family, the New Americana Theatre is located along the famous 76 strip in Branson and will be opening on March 3rd. The theater features state of the art-special effects, a spacious lobby, and a gourmet deli amongst other things for guests to enjoy.

The Haygoods

The Haygoods consist of 8 talented siblings (7 brothers and 1 sister) all skilled in the art of theater performance including singing and playing their own instruments such as the violin, piano, and harp. They started out 18 years ago performing at Silver Dollar City and have since gained immense popularity. To date, The Haygoods have completed over 10,000 shows for more than 4 million people! This show is sure to be fun for the whole family and showcases a number of musical genres spanning from golden oldies to contemporary rock as well as expert dance numbers choreographed by the Haygoods themselves.

Tony Roi: The Elvis Experience

Tony Roi is a renowned Elvis impersonator and when you come to see “The Elvis Experience,” you’ll swear The King of Rock n’ Roll is standing right before your very eyes! Watch as Roi performs songs and dances that continue to make Elvis Presley a legendary superstar around the world. For 18 years, Tony Roi has won acclaim for his performance in the Legends in Concert Show and is now starting his 7th season with “The Elvis Experience”!  This show has won numerous awards and continues to be one of the hottest shows in Branson.

Red, Hot…& Blue

This high-energy show will take you on a ride through popular decades of music from the roaring 20′s  and beyond! With a live band and talented vocalists and dancers, you’ll be tapping your feet along in time as some of your favorite classics are performed with a flare that makes this show worthy of it’s many awards. From jazz numbers that will have you dancing in your seat to a fantastic tribute to the veterans of this country, this act is sure to become a  favorite for the season!

As the snow melts and warmer weather approaches, it’s only natural to want to be outside more often to explore nature and it’s amazing features. With a wide array of outdoor recreation destinations available in the Branson, Missouri area, you’ll find yourself taking day trips to to do just that! Enjoy bike rides, leisurely swims, and family picnics at some of these outdoor locations that draw hundreds of nature enthusiasts from Spring to Fall.

Dogwood Canyon

• Visit this 10,000 acre  park to enjoy a variety of recreational sports including hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. Dogwood Canyon also offers fascinating guided tours by tram or jeep that can provide up-close views of wildlife in their natural habitat. Come celebrate annual events like Christmas in the Canyon and try a stay in one of the many rustic log cabins, perfect for  giving you a way to  escape the hustle and bustle of the world without sacrificing all the comforts of home.

Moonshine Beach

• Enjoy this recreational site after a long day of shows or shopping Branson or make it your sole destination for a day of fun! This sandy beach is great for swimming, boating, and picnics. Enjoy the courtesy dock, restrooms, and showers for your convenience as well as an on-site playground. This is sure to be a place that warrants repeat visits!

Table Rock Lake State Park

• Come to this 350 acre area on the north side of Table Rock Lake, Table Rock Lake State Park for an afternoon of canoing, para-sailing, and water-skiing courtesy of the full-service marina. Of course you can also enjoy camping, picnics, volleyball, bicycling, and hiking! Although there is no designated beach area,  you can still enjoy swimming in the lake.

This spring marks the return of World-Fest to Branson, Missouri. This annual event is the largest international festival in the United States! This year’s festival runs from April 4^th to May 3^rd. The 2009 lineup is bigger and better than ever with new performers including the Dzenbii percussion musicians from Ghana, Jallmay from Peru, New Zealand’s Banjo Queen, Jenny Blackadder, and the high flying Zhejiang Chinese Acrobats. In addition to these stunning new performers, you will be treated to performances by past performers such as Australia’s Wayne Horsburgh, on his 25^th Anniversary Farewell Tour, and Ireland’s Feet of Fire, back by popular demand. A list of featured performers for this year’s festival is provided below:

• Zhejiang Chinese Acrobats
• Dzenbii percussion musicians from Ghana
• Jenny Blackadder – New Zealand’s Banjo Queen
• Jallmay from Peru
• Ireland’s Feet of Fire
• Invaders steel drum band from Trinidad
• Russian Academic Band
• Australia’s Wayne Horsburgh on his 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour 

After enjoying some of the world’s finest entertainers, feast upon meals from around the globe with international food to accompany the international performers. Enjoy Kolacky from Eastern Europe, Greek Spanakopita, Irish Stew, Mexican Carne Asada, and so much more. Even the dessert will have an international flavor, whether you prefer Italian Tiramisu, German Black Forest Cake, or Baked Alaska from Norway. 

To view more international foods on this year’s menu visit the link below. 

http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=53&pid=127 

So whether you want to enjoy delicious international cuisine or watch an amazing array of entertainers and performers, the 2009 World-Fest celebration definitely has a place on your travel calendar! While you are at the World-Fest, keep in mind that you can still enjoy the other attractions and rides at Silver Dollar City as well. 

For Silver Dollar City ticket and Branson lodging information during World-Fest call Branson Shows at 1-800-987-6298 or visit

www.BransonShows.com

Following a long day of shopping, attractions, and shows, there’s only one thing on the minds of the average visitor to Branson, Missouri: food. Sure, you can swing by any old fast-food joint and satisfy your need for nourishment, but why not top off your memorable visit to Branson by stopping at a restaurant that boasts fine dining at affordable prices? Branson offers a wide variety of dining facilities serving everything from classic comfort foods such as meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy to gourmet delicacies such as trout amandine with a healthy helping of expertly sauteed vegetables. For a fantastic dinner (or lunch!) experience, try these restaurants the next time you’re in town.

Andy Williams Moon River Grill

Located near the famed Moon River Theatre, Andy Williams Moon River Grill is a favorite of the legendary performer himself. It is said that he dines here nightly! Even if you don’t get a chance to see the singer at his most casual, you can enjoy all of his favorite homemade- inspired dishes offered on the menu. Savor a meal that will fill you up and leave your wallet feeling the same!

Candlestick Inn Restaurant & Lounge

This lounge offers a classy though laid-back dining experience with live music and delicious entrées  that will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy the option of being able to dine on everything from classic club sandwiches to gourmet fillets of lobster and tilapia. A diverse selection of wines are also available for enjoyment with your meal.

Rocky’s Italian Restaurant

Delight in great food and great service at a great price when you dine here! The Italian dishes served here range from simple favorites such as spaghetti and meatballs to gourmet masterpieces such as veal scaloppini. A downtown favorite for more than 20 years, you’ll be glad you chose this restaurant as your last stop for the day as the food offered will tantalize your palette and satisfy even the most discriminatory of tastes.

The College of the Ozarks campus in Point Lookout, Missouri, located just minutes from Branson, will host the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship from March 11^th to March 17^th. Come experience a bit of “March Madness” as you watch 32 teams compete to be crowned national champions in this one week tournament. The NAIA Men’s Division II Basketball National Championship Tournament has been held since 1992, and unlike the NCAA Tournament which spans multiple weekends, the NAIA Tournament is played entirely in the same week where 32 teams are whittled down to one champion.  

Although the NAIA Division II Tournament features smaller colleges, do not assume that the absence of schools like Duke, UCLA, and Kansas means that these players are short on talent. Some dazzling, talented, and colorful NBA players came out of the NAIA Division including Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, Willis Reed, Slick Watts, Lloyd “World B” Free, M.L. Carr, Nate Archibald, and Elgin Baylor. So while you are in Branson, make a trip over to the College of the Ozarks campus to watch some action-packed college hoops as NAIA Division II teams battle it out for a national championship.

 For tickets to the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament call 417-335-NAIA (6242). Ticket prices and additional information can be found at http://www.cofo.edu/naia/ticket.asp

If you need to book a room for Tournament Week visit our site at http://www.bransonshows.com/ or call us at 1-800-987-6298 to make room reservations.

This February 13 – 14, Hometown Radio and TVC Events will once again be bringing the Hometown Radio Health and Family Fair to Branson, MO. The fair, now entering its sixth year, is set to be held at the Branson Convention Center and will feature a range of information, products, demonstrations, and even free and low cost screenings from Skaggs Community Health Center. And best of all, both days will be completely free to the public! Whether seriously looking to improve your way of life or simply looking for something to do over the weekend, the Hometown Radio Health and Family Fair is always and educational and entertaining look into health and well being.

Below, you’ll find a tentative schedule of what to expect at this year’s Hometown Radio Health and Family Fair.

Friday

• 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Healthy Heart Screenings (call 335-7140 or visit www.skaggs.net to make an appointment)
• 9 a.m.: Silver Sneakers Demonstration
• 10 a.m.: Healthy Cooking Demonstration with Chef Nathan Read
• 12 p.m.: “Ask the Experts”, a panel of experts answers your health questions
• 1 p.m.: Silver Sneakers Demonstration
• 2 p.m.: Concert Pianist and Skaggs Cardiologist Dr. Eliot Nissenbaum

Saturday

• 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Healthy Heart Screenings (call 335-7140 or visit www.skaggs.net to make an appointment)
• 9 a.m.: Presentation – Managing Stress
• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Missouri Child Identification Program
• 10 a.m.: Cooking Demonstration with Debbie Dance Uhrig
• 12 p.m.: Fitness for Kids
• 1 p.m.: Tai Chi Demonstration
• 2 p.m.: Lighten up for Life Challenge 2

For more information, visit http://tvcevents.com/healthfair/

TVC Events, a division of the Vacation Channel, is hosting the 13^th Annual Branson Tri-Lakes Building and Home Show, at the Branson Convention Center from March 6^th through March 8^th. The event showcases remodeling, home improvement, landscaping and household security services for home owners and prospective homeowners. Geared towards consumers, the show will feature seminars, guest speakers, door prizes and vendor booths. The event will be conveniently located close to the Branson Landing shopping area, so that consumers checking out the home show can also access the Landing for shopping opportunities after they are finished exploring the home shows many exhibits. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with vendors and learn more about home building, repair, and remodeling, so that you can make the best decisions possible in the current housing market.

With the beginning of Branson’s Spring season quickly approaching it’s time to start thinking about when you’ll visit the Ozarks this year and what you plan to do once you arrive. And while you’re sure to find that cherished favorites ranging from Silver Dollar City to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede are still alive and well in the ‘Live Entertainment Capital of the World,’ we thought we’d highlight a couple shows that will be completely new to Branson throughout ’09 in an effort to ensure you are aware of all that is available to you during your time in Branson!

Peter Pan the Musical at The Mansion Theater

Starring Cathy Rigby, famed Olympic gymnast, as Peter Pan, Peter Pan the Musical presents Branson visitors with a magical re-telling of one of the most cherished children’s tales of all time. Through joyous song, you’ll experience some of your favorite scenes from the book and countless movie and cartoon spin-offs, all the while being mesmerized by the athletic talents of Cathy Rigby. Be sure to allow magic and music to combine at The Mansion Theater during your ’09 Branson vacation with the inclusion Peter Pan the Musical!

Miracle of Christmas at the Sight & Sound Theatre Branson

Branson is routinely regarded as one of the top vacation hot spots during the holiday season, and with the recent inclusion of Miracle of Christmas at the Sight & Sound Theatre Branson the ’09 Christmas show line-up is looking to be better than ever! Miracle of Christmas brings an intimate glimpse into the season as audiences have the chance to interact with Joseph, Mary and others from the nativity scene; enjoy the aroma of holiday treats; and marvel at the beauty of the production’s thirty-foot Christmas tree before the show even begins. As for the actual performance, you’ll witness the story of the birth of Christ re-told in the typical, larger-than-life style that Sight & Sound Theatre is known for as both the small details and larger message are brought to the forefront.

Branson, Missouri has become one of the premier destinations in North America for both young and old alike and has managed not to compromise it’s family-friendly atmosphere in the process. With many theme parks and events catering to family members as young as two years old, Branson is quickly becoming a popular place for families to spend a weekend. Affordable, hospitable, and overall fun, here are some parks and attractions to keep in mind for your next visit to Branson with your loved ones!

Branson Family Fun Factory

• The name says it all! This family-oriented facility offers 18-holes of “glow in the dark” miniature golf with 4 different themes, a game room full of arcade classics, and a 3,000 foot laser tag course! Think about booking your next party here or just stop in for an afternoon of food and fun.

The Hamner and Barber Variety Show

• This incredible performance features the talents of renowned ventriloquist Jim Barber and the illusions of magical duo The Hamners. Comical puppets, exotic birds, special effects, and talented singers and dancers are a part of this fascinating production that will make your visit an exciting experience.

Silver Dollar City

• Easily one of the most popular attractions in Branson, this amusement park allows you to visit the 1800s with period-themed rides and shows such as the PowderKeg, McHaffie’s Homestead, and the GIANT Swing! This theme park is sure to become a family favorite and with so much to see and do, repeat visits will be necessary!

For more information about these attractions and others, visit www.explorebranson.com, www.vacationsmadeeasy.com, or call 417-823-0981.