Tanya Tucker to Join Larry Gatlin & Gatlin Brothers For June 2 “Feed The Children” Live Show Tapings

(Branson, MO) – Tanya Tucker is joining Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers during their live performances on Thursday, June 2 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson. The shows will be taped before a live audience to create an all-new “Feed The Children” fundraising special that will air nationally on cable networks and television stations in major cities throughout the United States later this summer. A special discounted admission rate for these two “Feed The Children” show tapings is available at the Welk Resort Theatre Box Office or by calling 800-734-5515 or 417-337-7469.

Joe Sullivan, executive producer and general manager of Welk-Sullivan Productions and The Welk Resort Theatre, made the Gatlins-Tucker announcement today. “This is a great opportunity to again put Branson in the national spotlight on television while aiding a very worthwhile cause,” Sullivan said. “We encourage area folks to be a part of the audience and show the world how much fun we have here in Branson. The combination of The Gatlin Brothers and Tanya Tucker will create a heavy demand for tickets, so reservations should be made early.”

Tucker is among the all-time best-selling female vocalists in country music. She burst on the country music scene when she was 13-years-old with her Top-10 hit “Delta Dawn.” She has ten chart-topping hits including “What’s Your Mama’s Name,” “Would You Lay With Me (In A Field of Stone),” and “Strong Enough To Bend.” Her distinctive, sophisticated country rock is evident on over 30 albums including four Platinum and 12 Gold albums. Tucker has been named Academy of Country Music (ACM) Top New Female Vocalist, Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year, ACM Video of the Year, Country Music Television’s Female Video Artist of the Year and has received multiple Grammy nominations.

The two “Feed The Children” live performances are part of the final week of Spring Shows at the Welk Resort Theatre for the Grammy Award-winning brothers -- Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin. 2005 marks their 5th year in Branson with their first-ever spring schedule from April 13 through June 3. The Gatlins will return to Branson later this year for their fall shows with Pam Tillis in September and October; and Christmas shows in November and December with The Lennon Sisters.

Feed The Children, a Christian, international relief organization with headquarters in Oklahoma City, was co-founded by Larry and Frances Jones. In 25 years it has grown into one of the world’s largest private organiza- tions dedicated to feeding hungry people. Last year Feed The Children supplemented over 500,000 meals a day worldwide. They shipped 61 million pounds of food and 22 million pounds of other essentials to children and families in all 50 states and in 62 foreign countries.

Posted @ 12:30 am

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Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Memorial Day Memory Wall to be created at Branson Mall

As part of National Military Appreciation, Branson Mall will present a "Memory Wall" during Memorial Day weekend and observe The National Moment of Remembrance with a moment of silence on Memorial Day.

In cooperation with US Congress’s directive to the White House Commission on Remembrance, the Branson Mall will observe The National Moment of Remembrance as a tribute to the nation’s fallen and its survivors with a moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time. The time will be spent in reflection and remembrance. Branson performer David Lomond will be conducting the short ceremony. Lomond will be singing his personal version of "America, the Beautiful" which he has performed to high praise for Governor Matt Blunt, the National President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and President George W. Bush.

In addition, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, anyone wishing to honor a service member may do so by signing the Branson Mall’s memory posters which will be displayed throughout the mall.

"Your words or message may soothe a need or inspire another’s life with a lasting impact," said Sharon Hill of Joplin, Mo., who created the idea. "For those who, for whatever reason, cannot visit cemeteries where their loved ones are buried, they are welcome to write a message on our posters."

Anyone wishing to sign a message on a poster may do so at no charge. The posters will then be collected and presented to Tom Goldsworthy who is spearheading efforts to build the Yellow Ribbon Veterans Memorial Park. Goldsworthy is a member of the local Vietnam Veterans Association (VVA), Chapter 913, the group that came up with the park idea and a member of the board of directors of the Branson Veterans Task Force, the local non-profit group which leads the town in efforts to honor veterans every day.

"We realize Tom and his committee are in the early stages of fund raising and seeing the park built is some time away. To show our support for this project, we want to present Tom with the messages collected this Memorial Day Weekend in the hope that they will inspire the group and be used in some way when the park and its buildings are opened," said Hill.

Posted @ 11:30 am

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Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Little league’ of entertainers

Nation’s ‘little league’ of entertainers helps performers

obtain goals, dreams:

Obtaining "wishes upon a star" is how one young member of the nation’s only "little league" of entertainers describes traveling half-way around the world and performing on stage with Andy Williams and she credits American Kids Inc. for helping make the opportunity possible.

American Kids Inc., the 23-year-old non-profit organization based in Branson, Mo., places emphasis on character development using the performing arts experience as the vehicle. While the organization doesn’t promise that any child will find work in show business, the list of members performing on stage across the nation is impressive.

"We don’t expect our members to grow up to be professional entertainers anymore than we expect all little league baseball players to grow up to become major league ball players. We do expect them to be better at whatever they choose to do in life because of their experience on stage and overcoming their fear of audiences. We promote drug-free lifestyles, patriotism and community service using entertainment as the means and are just as proud of our members who have gone on to become teachers, pastors, servicemen and women and other careers as we are of those who have found work in the performance industry," said Founder Dr. Dale Smith, who holds a doctorate in administration-education and masters in music education. "We support our members in whatever career path is chosen and for some the door in the entertainment industry has opened. On any given day in Branson, some 20 to 30 alum and members can be found performing on stage in Branson," he said.

Stacy Frerking, a alum of American Kids, has performed on stage as a singer and dancer with Andy Williams for two years in Branson and has traveled to the Far East to perform with him. Sister April Frerking, 16, is on stage with Dalena at the Mickey Gilley Theatre and with "Justin Flom: Experience Illusion" at the Branson Mall Music Theatre. L.E. Mae is an understudy to the child acting role at "Celebrate America" at Mansion America while Ambrus Leigh is in the "Presley’s Country Jubilee." Jenna Crispin, 13, is a featured child performer in the "Clay Cooper Show" at the Caravelle Theatre where Alum Tina Silva Cooper is involved as a choreographer, costumer and performer in her husband Clay’s show. Tina also works as choreographer for American Kids shows at Silver Dollar City, and Justin Flom: Experience Illusion.

Dakota Pagan, 11, is an American Kids member currently with Country Tonite. Performing since age 2, the singer, dancer and musician comes by his talent naturally; his grandfather was an original Foggy River Boy. Among his fans is Ed McMahon. Originally performing together three years ago at Branson’s Majestic Theatre in the American Kids show "Raising America," they reunited in April in Washington, D.C. for the Annual Horatio Alger Awards and was featured in a national broadcast on PBS.

Eric Dysart, 12, was also on national television recently in a broadcast of his performance in a Oklahoma City bombing commemorative concert with Vince Gill and Toby Keith. Originally from Disney, Okla., Dysart has been named Oklahoma State Junior Fiddle Champion the past two years and soon can be found on stage with Larry King at the Moe Bandy Theatre.

Blaine Saunders, 11 and an Oklahoma Kids member, has played the lead in five films recently co-starred on NBC’s "Medium." She has also appeared on CBS’s Malcolm In the Middle, Disney’s Movie Surfers and NBC’s Days of Our Lives and a music video.

Brianna Rieffel, 10 and a Louisiana Kids member, is performing on stage at the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and Ciarra Farrow, 9, from Ponca City just shot a national car commercial and Brian Burt, alum from Oklahoma, can be found dancing on stage in Las Vegas with Celine Dion.

"You may recognize the names of Blake Shelton and Bryan White, who are past members of American Kids, but the name Kristin Chenoweth may not be quite as familiar. It will be soon," said Smith.

Alum and Tony Award winning Kristin Chenoweth, originally from Broken Arrow, Okla., this year starred on NBC’s "The West Wing," was in two major movie releases and debuted an album. On her to do list are playing opposite Nicole Kidman in Columbia Pictures’ feature film adaptation of "Bewitched" which co-stars Shirley MacLaine, Michael Caine and Will Ferrell, star in the film version of Augusten Burroughs’s "Running With Scissors" with Annette Bening and Gwyneth Paltrow and start production starring opposite Robin Williams in "RV."

Young people, ages 3 to high school seniors, join American Kids just like adults join a civic club. In the program, they find a peer group all involved in making a difference in the world by using the performing arts as the vehicle. Competition culminates with national finals in July in Branson. Shows range from fairs, festivals and theme parks on a national and international scale to the touring and theater cast of Raising America, a patriotic musical that has been a national hit. For 10 years running, the group has performed at Silver Dollar City Children’s Festival.

"We promise exposure, growth, character development and opportunity. Because of the experience gained from being on stage, our members are better prepared for whatever they choose to do in life," said Dr. Dale. "Fame and fortune are not promised, but personal development is."

For more information about American Kids Inc. call 417-337-8964 or go to www.americankids.com. .

Posted @ 7:30 am

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Monday, May 16, 2005

History Channel and Branson

History Channel to film documentary, Welcome Home,

in Branson during America's Tribute to Vietnam Veterans

BRANSON, Mo. - During America's Tribute to Vietnam Veterans in Branson June 13-19, the History Channel will be filming a documentary under the direction of Emmy nominated and award winning producers and written by a Pulitzer nominee.

Plans for the documentary, Homecoming, were revealed Friday by representatives of the Branson Veterans Task Force, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, Operation Homecoming USA and Skyward Publishing Company. Sammy Jackson, producer, director and editor of the documentary, was introduced along with associate producer and writer, Robert Vaughan and associate producer, Shirleen Sando.

The documentary has been expanded to include more than the week-long event and will also chronicle the histories of Vietnam veterans. The two-hour program will air about mid-2006, according to Jackson, who is producer, director, writer and editor of numerous highly acclaimed documentary programs.

"Many Vietnam veterans are anticipating the welcome home and this event will bring them to Branson. We do not know just how everything will go yet, but this will be a pilgrimage a lot of Vietnam veterans are willing to make as they attempt to heal and get the welcome home that they deserved and never received. We are going to film this documentary to record that well deserved welcome home. We will be filming the veterans on their way to Branson, during all of the varied activities and when it is finished," said Jackson. His work represents some of the most dramatic, poignant and tragic moments in world history including the Emmy nominated programs, The Day the Towers Fell, Eyewitness in Iraq, The Rape of Nanking, War Crimes and many others for the networks and international broadcast. His association over the years with Lou Reda Productions (Lou Reda is Executive Producer of Homecoming) has garnered both acclaim and some of the highest rated programs on national television.

"I got involved with Gary (Linderer) and all I wanted to do was help out with the project. I have been promoting it on more than 50 talk shows ever since. I live in Alabama and we will be forming a convoy of Vietnam veterans and heading north to Branson for the welcome home ceremony. We will be having veterans join our convoy as it travels to Branson and we expect to have a good number join us in Jonesboro, Ark. where we will stop and relax. We expect to roll into Branson with a lot of veterans from the south. I am very excited about this event," said Vaughan, who is a best selling author (New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestseller lists) of 250 titles and 20 million books including his most recent Brandywine's War: Back in Country. Vaughan authored the Valkyrie Mandate, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and Andersonville, which was made into the popular TNT television mini-series. Vaughan is a retired army warrant officer, a helicopter pilot, who served in Germany, Korea, and three tours in Vietnam. For his combat tours, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with the "V" Device, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Dr. Dale Smith, chairman of the board of the Branson Veterans Task Force, said the non-profit group "supports responsible efforts of gathering the stories of this nation's veterans. We currently support the Veterans History Project with the Library of Congress and are especially supportive of preserving the Vietnam veterans' stories. We applaud Ms. Sando's and Vaughan's efforts in helping make this documentary become a reality. We also applaud Gary Linderer and Steve Presley for their insight and hard work with Operation Homecoming USA and this history-making welcome home for Vietnam veterans."

"We are honored to bring the (Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Experience) to Branson and we plan to have the wall escorted by several thousand motorcycles as it heads for the Grand Palace. The purpose of the wall is to give those who cannot go to Washington, DC to see the memorial a chance to experience that special feeling that it brings to Vietnam veterans and the public. This is our way of saying welcome home to all Vietnam veterans," said Jeff Hicks, Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Experience representative. He said the three-quarter size replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall will be in Branson for the entire week rather than the normal three day limit in one location.

Sando said interviews will take place with the crew visiting various veterans' groups during the week along with the many activities, with the convoy and a rally to take place June 12 welcoming the convoy and the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Experience crew as they arrive and erect the wall. Sando is president of Skyward Publishing, serves as director for Ozark Writers Incorporated and newsletter editor for Authorsource.biz. She announced a commemorative book coordinating with the documentary will be published by Skyward Publishing and a PBS pending project, a spin-off from the documentary.

"We have had our ups and downs and we have had some detractors along the way. We have 30 days left until (America's Tribute to Vietnam Veterans) happens and this will be something very special, not only for the Vietnam veterans, but also the City of Branson. A lot of us Vietnam veterans thought something like this would never happen and I want to tell you that this will be a healing process for a lot of those who attend. This will help correct the damage done when these veterans were disrespected by the nation that sent them to Vietnam. It is fitting that it will happen here in Branson where veterans from all wars are welcome," said Linderer.

BVTF works to promote an environment of patriotic pride and dignity to recognize and honor the nation's veterans and their families. In addition to the Veterans History Project, the BVTF hosts the nation's largest Veterans Day event, Veterans Homecoming held during Veterans Week in November. The organization also supports Operation Homecoming USA's Welcome Home...America's Tribute to Vietnam Veterans during which a large part of the filming for the History Channel documentary will be done. The week-long event has the specific mission of providing Vietnam veterans the national homecoming they never received. Operation Homecoming USA is anticipating tens of thousands of Vietnam veterans to attend.

"This is a community with a common goal: that’s to make people’s lives happier. I appreciate being a part of that. Perhaps we can be a beacon of light for other communities and we can find our common purpose," said Smith.

For more information about BVTF go to www.bransonveterans.com or call 417-337-VETS. For more information about Skyward Publishing go to www.skywardpublishing.com For more information about Operation Homecoming go to www.operationhomecomingusa.com.

Posted @ 12:30 am

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Sunday, May 15, 2005

Flag-A-Thon 2005

Branson Veterans Task Force Avenue of Freedom Flag-A-Thon 2005 set for Flag Day, volunteers needed

The second annual Avenue of Freedom Flag-A-Thon is coming on Flag Day, Tuesday, June 14 and volunteers are needed.

After successfully raising over $4,000 in donations and flags during the 2004 Flag-A-Thon, the Branson Veterans Task Force has made the 2005 event bigger and better.

Adopted as a Community First project with KRZK radio, a live remote broadcast will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Citizens Union State Bank, located in the heart of the Avenue of Freedom on Gretna Road.

Donations can be made in honor of or in memory of someone, whether they are veteran or civilian and may be dropped off at the bank, the remote broadcast, or at several intersections around the city. Those who give a gift of $25 or more will receive a copy of Freedom Song. This national anthem of patriotism was written in honor of all veterans who have served or are now serving our country. Freedom Song has been performed at several veterans events including the National Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients convention. Volunteers are needed to serve at four intersections on June 14 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Intersections include: corner of Roark Valley and Gretna Rd. at Majestic Steak House, corner of Hwy. 248 and Gretna Rd. just west of K-Mart, corner of Hwy. 76 and Gretna Rd. at the new Titanic Exhibit and corner of Michel and Main St. at Ozarkland. Approximately 18 volunteers per hour are needed to cover all four locations. Businesses, civic organizations, churches, veterans organizations, high schools and individuals are encouraged to volunteer at least one hour of their day to help raise funds.

Individuals, businesses or organizations may also choose to provide a refreshment stand with a small table, beverage, snack, chairs and umbrella as a rest station for the volunteers. Banners announcing "Support Branson's Avenue of Freedom on Gretna Road" are also needed.

The Avenue of Freedom project began in November 2001 on the heels of 9-11. Currently, 96 flags fly 365 days a year, 24 hours a day in honor of all veterans, military personnel, police, fire, rescue, ambulance, sheriffs, highway patrol, first responders and others who work so hard to protect and defend our citizens everyday. The project costs include regular maintenance of all flags, poles and installation three to four times per year. Annual costs are approximately $10,000. All funds raised over and above $10,000 will allow the return of three very large flags to the three main poles located in the center and at each end of the Avenue of Freedom.

For more information on this event or to volunteer, please contact the Avenue of Freedom Project Chairman, Judy Hartley, at 417-337-0797 or fax to: 417-779-4891. E-mails may be sent to hartley@tri-lakesns.net.

Posted @ 6:05 pm

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Monday, May 9, 2005

Branson Mall Center-stage

Press Conference
Friday, May 13
10 a.m.

Please join representatives from the Branson Veterans Task Force, Operation Homecoming USA, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB and Skyward Publishing as they announce important for details about a major national cable network's plans to film a documentary called "Homecoming" June 13-19 during Welcome Home...America’s Tribute to Vietnam Veterans.

Those attending and available for interviews are:

Sammy Jackson - producer, director, writer and editor of highly acclaimed documentary programs. His work represents some of the most dramatic, poignant and tragic moments in world history including the Emmy nominated programs, The Day the Towers Fell, Eyewitness in Iraq, The Rape of Nanking, War Crimes and many others for the networks and international broadcast. His association over the years with Lou Reda Productions (Lou Reda is Executive Producer of Homecoming) has garnered both acclaim and some of the highest rated programs on national television. For Homecoming, Sammy is Producer, Director and Editor

Robert Vaughan - Associate Producer and writer for Homecoming and best selling author (New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestseller lists) of 250 titles and 20 million books including his most recent Brandywine's War: Back in Country. Vaughan authored the Valkyrie Mandate, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and Andersonville, which was made into the popular TNT television mini-series. Vaughan is a retired army warrant officer, a helicopter pilot, who served in Germany, Korea, and three tours in Vietnam. For his combat tours, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with the "V" Device, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal

Shirleen Sando - president of Skyward Publishing and Associate Producer of Homecoming

Dan Lennon - Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB

Gary Linderer - Organizer of Welcome Home...America’s Tribute to Vietnam Veterans Operation Homecoming USA, decorated Vietnam veteran and author of six books about the war

Dr. Dale Smith - Chairman of the Board of Branson Veterans Task Force

Jeff Hicks - Market Director / Sr. Vice-President, Missouri Commemorative Services, Dignity Memorial
Vietnam Wall Experience

Posted @ 7:05 pm

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Sunday, May 8, 2005

Baldknobbers And Intelligence

A tough old cowboy once told his grandson that if he wanted to live a long life, the secret was to sprinkle a pinch of gunpowder on his oatmeal every morning. The grandson did this religiously and lived to the age of 103. When he died, he left 14 children, 28 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren,
5 great-great-grandchildren and, a fifteen-foot hole where the crematorium used to be!

It's not every day you get to see a bunch of Branson Missouri misfits like the Balknobbers. With our world in constant motion - some things should never change.

Posted @ 11:05 pm

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Wednesday, May 5, 2005

The Yearys Music Show

VIP Invitation:
You are cordially invited Friday May 6, 2005 at
2:00 for VIP Reception with Sweets with The Sweethearts also drawings for great gifts 3:00 PM Showtime
At the Musical Palace:
2353 W. HWY 248 For Reservations call: 417-339-1968

Posted @ 11:05 pm

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Tuesday, May 4, 2005

Women honored in Branson

The "Live Entertainment Capitol" of Branson, Mo., the site of thousands of military reunions, will now honor annually the women who have served in the nation's armed forces.
On Nov. 4, 2004, Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer proclaimed the third week in May to be Women Veterans Week. Schaefer made his announcement at a luncheon held to honor the women who have so proudly served our country. In attendance were women veterans representing the past 60 years, from World War II to the war in Iraq.

In his proclamation Schaefer expressed his gratitude to all women veterans. He announced that the first Women Veterans Week celebration would take place May 16-22, 2005.

Women veterans are encouraged to bring their reunions and families to Branson and enjoy the numerous attractions.

First Women's Veterans Week May 16-22
The first Women Veterans Week's events will include a morning expo on Friday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Mansion America Theatre. The expo is titled "Women Who Serve" and is especially geared for women veterans. There will be booths for information about lifestyle, health and beauty and veterans benefits. The event is free. Members of the public who wish to honor women veterans are also invited to attend.

Also on May 20 a luncheon followed by programs will be held in The All American Café, part of Mansion America, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Programs will include a surprise guest speaker and Jr. ROTC "My Voice Counts" playoffs from neighboring high schools. Door prizes will be given at the conclusion of the programs. The luncheon price is $15.
On Saturday, May 21, the Lodge of the Ozarks will be the site of a luncheon and fashion show for women of all ages, shapes and sizes along with a celebration of "Women in Service."

The luncheon event will include a surprise guest, Branson entertainers, gifts and door prizes. The cost is $16 inclusive. Those who support women veterans may also attend and enjoy their camaraderie. Advanced reservations are suggested for the luncheon events as seating will be limited.

Log onto the www.bransonveterans.com website and click on the topic or logo for women veterans to see a list of attractions, restaurants, hotels and shows that will offer special discounts. An identification card, given upon registration, must be presented to get the discounts.

Posted @ 10:05 pm

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Monday, May 2, 2005

Museum and The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Museum of Earth History in Eureka Springs Arkansas, relays the Biblical story of beginnings in a three-part series of breathtaking scenes. Beginning with the creation story in Genesis and continuing through the flood to the Tower of Babel and global ice age, each section of the exhibit features dinosaur fossils presented in stunning settings with original murals. The exhibits provide a unique blend of religion, history, and science for viewers.

The museum is the latest addition to The Great Passion Play's complex of Biblically based attractions. It is one of three museums on the grounds, and provides another dimension to The Great Passion Play experience. Along with the on-site museums, The Great Passion Play presents other unique attractions, including the New Holy Land Tour (a 2 hour interactive tour where storytellers accurately recreate Biblical stories and personalities at 35 different exhibits) and the Christ of the Ozarks (the largest Christ memorial statue in the United States).

The Great Passion Play opens its season on Friday, April 29, 2005. Performances are on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8:30 PM (7:30 PM after Labor Day).

Posted @ 9:05 pm

Highlands NC

Branson Missouri has great shows, great attractions, and special events. What secrets I hear I will record so all can benefit.