Thursday, June 30, 2005

Spirit of ‘76 event at 5 Branson parks

Helping children learn more about the American flag is the theme for the annual Spirit of '76 event 9-10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 4 which will be held at five Branson parks, Alexander Park, Cantwell Park, Murphy Park, Stockstill Park and Branson RecPlex.

All children present will receive free ice cream, an American flag and a brochure that will answer questions on how the United States flag is to be displayed, respected and discarded. The event is a family-oriented community service sponsored by the Branson Veterans Task Force and Branson’s Golden Corral.

"All area families and children are invited and encouraged to visit one of five different local parks on the Fourth of July to learn more about our nation’s flag," said organizer Steve Weyher, who is the Task Force’s community liaison. "Volunteers will be on hand from 9 to 10:30 a.m. to help encourage a sense of patriotism in America’s young people. Children are encouraged to decorate their bicycles in red, white and blue to ride at the park and everyone is asked to wear patriotic colors to show their pride in America."

The Branson Veterans Task Force works to promote an environment of patriotic pride and dignity to recognize and honor the Nation's veterans and their families. This is just one of the many projects 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.

DH

Posted @ 9:30 am

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Tuesday, June 28, 2005

2,399 shows and counting for ‘Gene Williams Show’

It’s 2,399 shows and counting for Gene Williams who makes it a family affair on the next broadcast of the Lucas Oil Products sponsored "Gene Williams Country Television Show," the weekly show which takes Branson, Mo. to the nation.
In 1963 he started the "Gene Williams Country Junction Show" in Arkansas and syndicated it nationwide to 173 markets. Since then the show has been renamed the "Gene Williams Country Television Show" and is broadcast to 20.5 million homes nationwide from Branson, Mo. where it is taped live before a studio audience from the Ain’t Misbehavin’ Theatre. As the star, producer and creator of the "Gene Williams Country Television Show" Gene Williams brings his sons, Glen Williams of Dallas and, Robert Gene Williams of Paris, Texas, to the 2,399th show.
Glen, executive producer for the "Gene Williams Show," is the guest drummer with the Country Junction Band. Glen is a limited partner and general manager of Great Dane Trailer Sales in Dallas. As a performer in his high school and college days, Glen worked with such greats as Claude King, Del Reeves, Charlie Louvin, Hank Thompson, the late Bill Carlisle, the late Roy Acuff and many more.
Robert sits in the host’s chair for a time as Gene announces the upcoming 2,400th broadcast of his show and says that someday when he retires Robert will take over that position. At the young age of 9 in 1980, Robert was introduced on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry during a country music convention as the youngest country music disc jockey in the United States. Since then he has continued as a disc jockey in Little Rock, Horseshoe Bend, Ark., and Paris, Texas.
A 2003 National Telly Award winner, the "Gene Williams Show" features celebrity guest stars performing with his band, the Country Junction Band, and in up-close-and-personal interviews. "The 2,399th show will be broadcast on Saturday, July 2, and Sunday, July 3. The Country Junction Band welcomes the Texas state fiddle champion Keith Searcy and Gene’s co-host Katie Lynn introduces an up and coming country singer from Beebe, Ark., Harley Brittain," Williams said.
Branson, MO KCZ/UPN 15 Saturday 6 a.m.
Branson, MO KCZ/UPN 15 Sunday 6 a.m.
Branson, MO* KWBM/WB 31 Sunday 10:30 p.m.

The next taping of the "Gene Williams Country Music Television Show" will be at Ain’t Misbehavin’ at 625 Hwy. 165, on Sunday, July 10 at 2 p.m. Special guest will be Bryan Burnett from the Nova Theatre and two band members, Terry Bethel on the steel guitar and Rob Wilson on the drums. From the Grand Ole Opry stage, Bethel has worked with Mel Tillis for 24 years. Wilson has performed with Ronnie Prophet and Dalena Ditto. The three half-hour shows will be taped live before a studio audience. Admission is free. Doors to the theater open at 1 p.m. For more information go to genewilliamscountry.com.

Williams began his career in the country music field as a DJ in Memphis on KWAM in 1957 and was named 1961 Grand Ole Opry DJ of the Year. He made two movies about country music which featured more than 39 Grand Ole Opry stars including Ray Price, Carl Smith, Jordanaires, Kitty Wells, Little Jimmy Dickens, Grand Ole Opry Square Dancers and the late Marty Robbins, Webb Pierce, Ernest Tubb, June Carter, Bill Monroe, Duke of Paducah and Faron Young. Williams is an inductee to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and has been honored by the Missouri Senate and the State of Arkansas for his contributions to the tourism industry. He holds a record in Arkansas of having eight days proclaimed Gene Williams Day by five governors including three times by former President Bill Clinton.
Co-host Katie Lynn has received the Branson Entertainment Awards Best Support Vocalist twice for her work in the "Mickey Gilley Show." She performs solos each week with the Country Junction Band.
 

DH

Posted @ 10:30 am

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Friday, June 24, 2005

Liverpool Legends return
to Branson Mall Music Theatre

The British Invasion is back in Branson by popular demand with Liverpool Legends in concert at the Branson Mall Music Theatre June 28 through July 3 and July 5 at 8 p.m.
Liverpool Legends, the only Beatles tribute band endorsed by and managed by a relative of the Beatles, Louise Harrison (George’s big sister), was created by Louise in conjunction with Kevin Mantegna and Marty Scott. The group debuted in February to high praise and in early June added dates to their first performances at the Branson Mall Music Theatre.
"The sheer electricity between the band and the audiences is the most joyous I have experienced since the only band playing Beatle music was John, Paul, George and Ringo. Kevin and Marty are the very best John Lennon and George Harrison impersonators I have seen in the past 40 years. We have Davey Justice, one of the foremost impersonators of Paul, and the fantastic Joe Bologna as Ringo," said Louise.
To the world, Louise’s distinctive British accent is familiar due to her hundreds of public appearances and daily broadcasts of Beatle reports. She has appeared on national and international television (Larry King Live, Paula Zahn, Aaron Brown, Today Show, Good Morning America and more), been featured on dozens of radio shows and in newspaper articles worldwide and been featured in magazines such as Rolling Stone, People and Modern Maturity.
"For this band, I incorporated many ideas from conversations with my brother. This is the kind of band George would have enjoyed playing with and enjoyed as friends," said Louise who is eager to point out that the members enjoy each other’s company with no ego trips, play a wide variety of Beatle and individual Beatle music as well as some of George’s personal favorites.
"We are dedicated to upholding and continuing the Beatles’ positive impact on the planet. With precise attention to every musical detail, along with costume changes, vintage instrument and special effects, Liverpool Legends magically create the ‘Ultimate Beatles Experience.’ Our audiences continue to praise the band - how they look, the exact reproduction of the melodies and the harmonies," she said.
Tickets are available through the Branson Mall Music Theatre box office. Call 417-339-3939 for reservations.
The Branson Mall Music Theatre is located in the Branson Mall on Highway 76 in Branson, Mo. It is the do it all mall and the only indoor mall in Branson.
 

DH

Posted @ 11:30 am

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Friday, June 17, 2005

50 youngsters in chorus with Oak Ridge Boys for grand finale for Vietnam event

Fifty youngsters from six states are joining the Oak Ridge Boys on stage at the grand finale for Welcome Home in Branson on Saturday. Some are grandchildren of Vietnam veterans they are honoring. Others have special needs and are overcoming challenges to participate.

The kids are members of the nation’s only little league of entertainers, American Kids Inc., and consider it a once in a lifetime opportunity to welcome home the Vietnam veterans and sing chorus for the National Anthem with the renowned Oak Ridge Boys.

Tori Severance, 10, from Conroe, Texas, a new member of American Kids and a poster child for the SIDS-Autonomic Dysfunction Center for Children, is especially eager to participate. She will be wearing a special vest to help keep her body cool and her only concern is having to get up extra early to make the long trip to Branson.

"Tori just joined American Kids and is delighted to be able to join the group in Branson on Saturday," said her grandmother Kathleen Thomas. "We are really looking forward to meeting all of you in Branson, and she is looking forward to singing on stage with the Oak Ridge Boys. Her uncle Z was injured during the conflict, and suffers still with chronic pain, so she understands what this program is about. She is proud to be giving back."

"Tori has a beautiful voice," said Texas Kids Regional Director Deb Rambo, the organizer of the 10 members from Texas who will be in the chorus. "Ciara West, who is autistic and is another of our special needs children, also has a beautiful voice."

"Kids are representing Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Illinois and Iowa," said Dr. Dale Smith, founder of American Kids Inc. and chairman of the board of Branson Veterans Task Force, the organization which leads the City of Branson in becoming the home of the nation’s veterans. "In addition to performing in the grand finale, they have planned a special visit to the Dignity Memorial Wall at 10:30 p.m. Friday. Our kids are very aware of the importance of this Welcome Home. For instance, Sarah Blackerby, a Missouri Kids member, is proud to be involved because her grandfather is a Vietnam veteran."

Smith said the invitation to perform in the grand finale is something that all 50 of the children cherish. The 24-year-old organization’s mission statement encourages the members to share their talent gifts for the benefit of others and to honor the commitment of those who gave the nation its freedom.

"This is our second invitation to sing with the Oak Ridge Boys. American Kids members were in the chorus for their Christmas TV special a few years ago. I value the trust which is being shown our group," he said.

American Kids Inc. is a non-profit group with some 1,000 in 27 states. Its production office is in Branson, Mo., and its competition office is in Oklahoma City. For more information call 417-337-8964 or go to www.americankids.com.

DH

Posted @ 10:30 am

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Thursday, June 9, 2005

Free show to welcome the Vietnam Veterans to Branson

Free show to welcome the Vietnam Veterans to Branson

Branson Revue USO-type Show

sponsored by the Branson Veterans Task Force
featuring a host of Branson headliners & Nashville performers Doug Gabriel, Moe Bandy, Circle B, Jan Howard, Tommy O, Tony Roi, cast of Celebrate America and many more - Monday, June 13 /2-5 p.m.

Mansion America
189 Expressway Lane
Free Admission
for more information 417-337-8387
Branson Veterans Task Force

DH

Posted @ 9:30 am

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Friday, June 3, 2005

T.G. Sheppard in Branson Friday

Branson, Mo. -- The legendary T. G. Sheppard is presenting a concert at the Branson Mall Music Theatre Friday, June 3, at 8 p.m..

Sheppard’s unstoppable passion for music and his dedication to entertainment has made him one of the most popular performers in country music. His remarkable run of number one hits including 10 consecutive number one records combined with his ability to connect with the fans are evidence of his success as a recording artist and a live stage performer. His hits have become his signature songs: "Last Cheater’s Waltz," "Only One You," "Party Time," "Do You Wanna Go to Heaven," "I Loved ‘Em Every One," and "Finally."

His ability to crossover to the pop charts is also evidence of his fan appeal. "I Loved ‘Em Every One," and "Finally" and a duet with Clint Eastwood, "Make My Day" from the movie "Sudden Impact" were all on the pop charts.

With his new CD release "Timeless" last year, Sheppard has once again added a vast new flock of music fans. "People Magazine" said, "The result is this energetic, amiable album that’s a good reminder of why Sheppard was so successful."

Sheppard promises to again provide Branson audiences a great evening of entertainment with his tried-and-true repertoire of hits, delivered with non-stop energy.

For reservations call the Branson Mall Music Theatre box office at 417-339-3939. The theater is located at 2206 W. Highway 76 in Branson, Mo.

DH

Posted @ 12:30 am

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Branson Shows

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