If you were lucky enough to grow up in the 50s or 60s then you remember the incredible music that was born during those decades. If you were born a little later, there’s still a good chance that you’ve heard some of the music second-hand. Either way, it’s hard not to love the music that came out of this era in American history.

There are a few Branson shows that take you back to that beloved time the moment you walk into their theater. Whether you’re looking for a show filled with 50s hits or a compilation of hits from the 50s to the 70s, there is a show for you! While most of the shows are currently performing their twist on a Christmas show, their roots are still planted in Rock ‘n Roll.

Rock ‘n Roll Is Here To Stay is the first show on the list. The show opens with a Broadway-style production of the greatest hits of the 50s and 60s. The theater is filled with the voices of an award-winning cast as you watch the awesome dancing choreographed to your favorite songs. After you’re pumped up and ready for more, the cast clears the stage to prepare for the real treat. The Elvis impersonator, Don Solice, takes the stage for his famous “A Tribute To Elvis” production.

For those who want a trip back to the sock-hop without the interference of any other decades, 50′s At The Hop is the perfect show. The music in this show is nothing but the greatest hits of the 50s, including “Hand Jive,” “La Bamba,” and “He’s a Rebel.” Sing along as the Rockin’ Hop Band swoons the Hoppettes dance troupe with great music and awesome dancing. If that isn’t enough to convince you, you should know that this show has won more awards than they know what to do with, including “Show of the Year.” So grab your letter sweaters and poodle skirts and head to the Hop!

In a tribute to true rock ‘n roll, the Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue will have you singing and dancing to classics from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. This show is home to Branson’s Saxophone Player of the Year, and you’ll see why the moment he gets started. Sit back and enjoy the fast paced music, incredible dancing, and the unique tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis. The famous stage band will have you singing along to the hits of the Supremes, the Mamas and Papas, Buddy Holly, Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, and so many more! Grab your dancin’ shoes and time travel back to the glory days.

If you’re looking for that perfect trip down memory lane, or just a great night out, these shows are sure to please. So grab your poodle skirts and your letter sweaters and time-warp back to your favorite decade!

On September 17 through 20, the State of the Ozarks Fiddler’s Association will be hosting the Bob Walsh Memorial Fiddler’s Convention at Compton Ridge Campground.

The Compton Ridge Campground is located just outside of Branson and features sites for RV as well as tent camping. The convention will take place in the main campgrounds. Fiddlers will arrive on Sept. 17, and Saturday and Sunday will feature fiddlers playing on three different stages. Performances start at 10 a.m.

A special feature of this year’s event is special fiddler’s workshops with the visiting artists. During the workshop time, visitors can experience live demonstrations and learn from some of the best fiddlers in the Ozarks.

Fiddlers visiting for the convention can receive discounts on RV and camping sites. Check the Compton Ridge Web site for more information about camping and this event.

While in Branson for this convention, make plans to enjoy some of the legendary shows on the Branson strip, including the world-famous violinist Shoji Tabuchi. He and his family have been entertaining Branson visitors for years with dancing, singing, and amazing violin performances.

Find tickets for the Shoji Tabuchi show as well as additional shows, activities, and lodging in Branson at BransonShows.com or by calling 1-800-987-6298 to make your reservations.

Celebrating its sixth year in Branson, the Hamner Barber Variety Show has continued to appeal to audiences of any age through a variety of illusions, ventriloquism, comedy, singing, and dancing. The show features Dave and Denise Hamner in partnership with comedian Jim Barber for what has been hailed a “must-see show” in Branson.

This year’s performances, which take place every Tuesday through Sunday until December 13, have taken on a new feature: a Veteran’s Tribute titled “Thank You’s Not Enough.” The near 10-minute tribute serves as the finale to the Hamner Barber Variety Show and includes an original song composed by Bobby Hamilton specifically for this production. Dave Hamner and Jim Barber share the stage and provide the vocals to the song, while a video shown across the theater’s three screens tells the tale of three surviving members of the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima. The background vocals in conjunction with the on-screen history lesson have earned Hamner and Barber the National Commendation from the U.S. Army, while also proving to be a consistently powerful and emotional experience.

The Hamners and Jim Barber are no strangers to widespread acclaim. The Hamners are two-time Merlin Award winners of the International Entertainers of the Year, as voted by the International Magicians Society, and Jim Barber has showcased his talent on every major television network. He, too, is a Merlin Award winner as International Ventriloquist of the Year. The aduience favorites combine the talents of award-winning illusions and vocal comedy in what is certain to be a one-of-a-kind evening you won’t soon forget.

Click here to view a full schedule, purchase tickets, or read additional information about the Hamner Barber Variety Show. For a full list of lodging options and additional Branson information, visit BransonShows.com.

Fans of gospel music should mark their calendars for the 1st Annual Branson Gospel Music Convention (BGMC), which is coming to Branson July 14 to 17. The convention will be held at the Branson Convention Center, which is adjacent to the Hilton Branson Convention Center hotel.

YMR Music Productions, run by Rod and Kelly Burton, is putting on this event. The convention will feature over 200 artists, live performances, an awards show, a talent contest, and an exhibit hall.

A number of well-known Southern Gospel acts are headlining the convention and will perform in the evening concerts. These groups include The Blackwood Quartet, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Florida Boys, The Stamps, and The Paynes.

The convention features a variety of events each day. Some mornings begin with a worship service, and Wednesday morning features a special talent contest. Sponsored by HIS Choice Music, the contest is open to any artist not affiliated with a record label. The top prize of the contest is a 10-song recording package from HIS Choice, and there are also second and third place prizes with discounts on recording packages.

Free concerts will be given daily, from approximately 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. These concerts will feature a variety of performers, most of whom will have displays in the exhibit hall, which will be open daily.

Nightly concerts begin at 6 p.m., with the exception of Thursday night, due to the special Diamond Awards presentation. The concert begins at 8:30 p.m. that night. Although the morning and afternoon concerts are free, tickets must be purchased for the evening concerts. Tickets can be purchased at the BGMC Web site. Ticket prices range from $20 to $15, with special prices for children. Package prices are also available.

Times and performances are subject to change. All events take place at the Branson Convention Center.

For more information on the convention, consult the official Web site.

To book a room at the Hilton Convention Center or other great Branson hotels, check out BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-6298.

If you love barbeque ribs, the Annual Rock ‘n Ribs BBQ Festival in Springfield, MO is an event tailor made for you. Held on April 17th and 18th at Bass Pro Shops, the Rock ‘n Ribs Festival raises money for charities and it provides food and fun for contestants and spectators alike. The two day event features several team competitions in different categories such as the best pork ribs, the best brisket, the best chicken and the best sauce. Over 50 teams will battle it out in the Grill master cook-off. There is even a competition for which team can make the best Margarita. Other activities at the festival include a motorcycle show, a petting zoo, a climbing wall, a pie-eating contest and a variety of children’s activities. In addition, there will be plenty of live music to enjoy. The Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders are even making a special appearance.
Best of all, the fun you have will help a good cause. The proceeds from the Rock ‘n Ribs Festival will be donated to several charities including Boys & Girls Town of Missouri, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Ronald McDonald House. Last year the event raised over 100,000 dollars for charities! For more information on the Rock ‘n Ribs Festival go to their website at http://www.rocknribs.com/ . If you plan on attending the Rock ‘n Ribs Festival you may want to reserve lodging in Branson through our website at http://www.bransonshows.com/ or call us at 1-800-987-6298 to make room reservations. Bring your appetite and come on down to the Missouri Ozarks for rock, ribs and recreation!