July 4, 2006

Taste of Missouri

June 27, 2006

Legacy's Live

April 21, 2006

Liverpool Legends

April 14, 2006

Spirit of America Hour" celebrates 2 TV anniversaries

A brand new attraction has now arrived in Branson Missouri called the "Titanic Museum Attraction."  It looks as though this should be a very good draw for tourist who are enamored by the history behind the ship.

My husband and I are coming to Branson March 31 and staying until April 8. We are very excited as our Mixed Pop Group and our Girls Glee Chorus from our high school are going to perform for the preview show of "Hits of the 60" on Friday March 31 and for Showcase Jubilee on Saturday April 1.

We are bringing a good sized group down from Windom and we hope all who read this that will be in the Branson area will come to the show and hear them We love Branson and are so excited to see all the new changes in people from show to show.

I have helped a lot of people with advise about shows, scenery, eating establishments etc.  We have gotten to know a lot of the entertainers. We have followed Amanda since she was first on stage at the age of 12 and she is fantastic. We have lots of thought about other shows too so will send them later.

Oh by the way Windom is in southwestern Minnesota Population about 4500 people. - Loren Hammer

The year 2006 appears to have started as a banner year for the only Awards show in Branson, MO.  "Branson Critic fan base is growing so fast that it will be hard for just My wife and I to get the job done at this pace.  The reviews being sent into BC are incredible, long, and with pictures.  Fans are really putting their heart into the site.  Fan Clubs are forming to make sure points are given to their show or performer by way of review for the 2006 Branson Critic awards.  We expect 500 to 600 major reviews and about the same by way of smaller reviews for this season," say's Doug Holland, owner of Branson Critic.

There are some changes in Tony Roi's show in 2006. David Brooks is no longer playing grand piano, and we sure do miss him tickling those ivories. Gene Puckett has moved on and has been replaced by a great guitarist by the name of Steve – sorry, Steve, but I didn’t catch your last name!! The rest of the band is back again – Kelly, Gary, and Dino. What would Tony Roi’s Powerhouse Band be without them?? Tony has a new Angel Singer, Donna, who has replaced Mandy – Mandy is engaged to be married, so congratulations, Mandy!

A temporary restraining order obtained by magician Kirby VanBurch to prevent performance of the new, original illusion by Darren Romeo expired on Tuesday, March 7 and was not extended. Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo, The Voice of Magic, will premiere the new illusion on March 10 as planned.

 

A major general, a brigadier general, a patriotic competition parade and an exposition are part of the events planned for Branson’s second annual Women Veterans Week May 15-21.

One of the most highly decorated women in the United States, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught is the guest speaker invited by the Women’s Veterans Committee, organizers of the event. The committee is part of the Branson Veterans Task Force that sponsors many veterans’ happenings each year.

"The brigadier general is president of the Women’s Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. She is a role model for many women active duty or who have been in the service. We are honored that she has agreed to be the guest speaker at our banquet during this special week," said Mary Slivka, chair of the Women’s Veterans Committee. The banquet will be held at the Keeter Center at the College of the Ozarks on May 20.


Returning to Branson is Major General LaRita A. Aragon, the Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander Air Education Training Command, Randolph AFB, Texas. Aragon will introduce Vaught and take part in other ceremonies and festivities. Aragon attended the first women’s veterans event sponsored by the task force in November of 2004. At that event it was announced that Branson annually would honor women veterans with their own special week.

"Women Who Serve" is the theme for the second annual exposition set for May 19-20 at Lodge of the Ozarks. Information and displays such as health, beauty, veteran and military specialties, Branson businesses and give-aways will be included along with a new "author and artist" section. Books and art with military themes will be displayed by the authors and artists who will be available for autographs and conversations.

On May 20, a competition parade will take place on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway featuring equestrian teams, marching bands and drum and bugle corps competing for prizes.

"The women’s committee is developing exciting group activities for Thursday and Friday. We will be attending various shows and attractions around Branson as a group. Of special interest are the many that have a patriotic theme," said Slivka.

She recalled it was just prior to Veterans Day in 2004, when Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer proclaimed the third week in May as Women Veterans Week. In his proclamation Schaefer spoke of the need to pay homage to all American women who are military veterans and who presently serve in active duty throughout the world. He noted that 1.2 million American women have served in the armed forces of the United States, with more than 23,700 of them from Missouri. Thousands of women throughout the country's history paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives while serving in the armed forces. Always voluntary, the service, contributions and sacrifices of women veterans have been vital in defending the freedom and way of life enjoyed by the people of the United States, he said.

"Women veterans are encouraged to bring their reunions and families to Branson anytime, but especially during this special week," said Slivka. "The Women Veterans Committee is working hard to make this week grow and have added events to this year’s schedule."

Women’s Veterans Week is just one of many community service projects sponsored by Branson Veterans Task Force and its partners. The task force works to promote an environment of patriotic pride and dignity to recognize and honor the nation's veterans and their families. For more information about women’s week or to register please e-mail Slivka at mslivka@bransoncvb.com or call toll free at 800-935-1199 ext. 317. Also contact Branson Veterans Task Force Inc., 138 Pointe Royale Drive Suite 0 (Helms Building), Branson, MO 65615 or call 417-337-VETS.
 

Branson Veterans Task Force will recognize the Vietnam Peace Accord and Four Chaplains Sunday in two separate ceremonies this weekend.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, the annual ceremony for the Vietnam Peace Accord will be held at 11 a.m. at Golden Corral, 3551 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson. The event will be held outdoors, weather permitting, according to Tom Goldsworthy, vice chairman of the board of directors of the Branson Veterans Task Force.

Goldsworthy is serving as the speaker. The ceremony will include the toll of the bell and posting of the Colors. A special invitation is issued to the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 913 of Branson to attend.

"Branson Veterans Task Force annually sponsors a moving ceremony which marks the day in 1973 when America's longest and most controversial war came to an end," said Goldsworthy. "The headlines of that day called Vietnam America's longest war. The accord was signed in Paris at two separate signing ceremonies. Branson Veterans Task Force is big on events and big on making veterans feel appreciated and welcomed. All are welcome to attend this ceremony. Admission to the ceremony is free."

Inspired by the heroic deed of the four chaplains recognized by Four Chaplains Sunday, the Branson Veterans Task Force marks the anniversary of their sacrifice each year with a special service. This year the ceremony will be held Sunday, Jan. 29, at 1:30 p.m. at the College of the Ozarks Williams Memorial Chapel.

"The ceremony is open to the public and is especially important during this time when American soldiers are serving around the world," said Dr. Dale Smith, chairman of the board of the Branson Veterans Task Force.

The four chaplains, Chaplains George L. Fox (Methodist), Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Clark V. Poling (Reformed Church), and John P. Washington (Catholic), are credited with saving more than 200 lives when they gave up their life jackets and their lives when the United States Army Transport (USAT) Dorchester was sunk. A German submarine sank it on Feb. 3, 1943 only 15 miles from its destination in Greenland. The four calmly issued life-belts to American servicemen aboard the troop transport after it was torpedoed. When the supply of life preservers was exhausted, the four chaplains removed their own life belts and gave them to four soldiers. They then stood on the sinking ship, arms around one another's shoulders and their heads bowed in prayer.

The Branson Veterans Task Force works to promote an environment of patriotic pride and dignity to recognize and honor our Nation's veterans and their families. This is just two of the many happenings the non-profit group sponsors, the largest of which is Veterans Homecoming held during Veterans Week in November. For more information contact: Branson Veterans Task Force Inc., 138 Pointe Royale Drive Suite 0 (The Helms Building), Branson, MO 65615 or call 417-337-VETS.
 

Branson Missouri finally has a satellite map that vacationers will enjoy.  The Branson map allows you to look at Branson from above looking down.  Google provides the technology behind the easy-to-use interactive map. 

The Branson Chamber has started its show lineup for 2006.  It looks like many of the 2005 shows are staying for another year.    

Branson Critic's Heath Hawkins can now be heard on Internet Radio.  Check out the new way of hearing reviews by the biggest Branson fan.

Branson Missouri is fortunate to have the Branson Brothers show back.  It has been many years since the show was played out in front of a Branson audience.  Branson legend Terry Wayne Sanders (As 'Homer Lee') was voted Branson's Comedian of the Year for 2005.  Many band members have left the New South band at the Country Jubilee, and are heading to the new Branson Brothers show in February of 2006.