Sept. 27, 2005

Gilley returns to "Gene Williams Show"

The one and only Mickey Gilley returns to as a guest star on the next telecast of the Lucas Oil Products sponsored "Gene Williams Country Television Show."

"Mickey delights the audience with his stories and an impromptu rendition of ‘Great Balls of Fire’ during my show," said Williams, the star, creator and producer of the "Gene Williams Country Television Show" that takes Branson to 20.5 million viewers each week. "I truly appreciate the support Mickey has given to my show. He is responsible for country music going mainstream with the help of the movie ‘Urban Cowboy.’ His numerous number-one hits include ‘Room Full of Roses,’ ‘I Overlooked an Orchid,’ ‘City Lights,’ ‘Stand By Me’ and ‘A Headache Tomorrow (or a Heartache Tonight).’ "

 

DH

Posted @ 9:12 pm

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Sept. 22, 2005

‘Ring Them Bells’ benefit concert set for Louisiana Kids hurricane recovery

Missouri Kids help Louisiana Kids
 

A local non-profit children’s performing group will be presenting a concert on Sunday, Oct. 2, at Branson Mall Centerstage from 2:30 to 5 p.m. to help fellow members from Louisiana who were affected by the recent hurricane.

"Ring Them Bells" is the theme of a benefit concert in which members of Missouri Kids, a division of American Kids Inc., will raise funds to help their friends and families who survived Hurricane Katrina, many of whom lost everything. The Louisiana Kids co-state directors’ office is in Jefferson Parish. Many of the 127 members of Louisiana Kids live in the communities directly affected by this disaster.

"Our members from throughout Missouri will be ringing the bells of freedom through sharing our talent gifts in song and dance from the Branson Mall stage," said Tina Cooper, alumna of American Kids and choreographer and performer in many shows in Branson. 'The public will be in for a surprise when some of the local known entertainers drop in to support the relief for Louisiana Kids."

"Several of our members’ families lost everything - all that is left of their homes is a slab of concrete - and yet they are out singing for others in Louisiana right now. It is this kind of spirit that represents the hope of children and we in Missouri Kids are helping to keep that flame alive. We invite the community to drop by, listen to the performers and drop a donation in the on-table jar," said Dr. Dale Smith, founder of the 23-year- with members in some 25 states.

"We've long taught our members to step in and help families and children in crises - from working in downtown Oklahoma City in the 1995 Murrah Building Bombing a multitude of fund raisers for children with health needs," said Dr. Dale. "Our members are taught to honor the sacrifices of those who give us our freedoms and thus these kids learn through these activities that courage, caring and commitment are foundations of a strong character and a strong country."

American Kids Inc. has for 10 years presented shows at Silver Dollar City and members are involved in Branson shows such as "Celebrate America," "Presleys Jubilee," "Country Tonite," "Stuck in the 70s," "Lost in the Fifties," "Dino," "Clay Cooper Show," "Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," Echo Hollow and other Silver Dollar shows.

"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 contact the American Kids Inc. national office located in Branson at 417-337-8964.



 

DH

Posted @ 9:12 pm

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Sept. 21, 2005

75-year-old golfer goes for world record

American Kids’ Dr. Dale to golf 75 holes on 75th birthday

He began golfing the number of holes equal to his age the year he turned 70, and this year when Dr. Dale Smith turns 75, he will attempt world records as the oldest man to progressively golf holes equal to his age and the most holes in the shortest amount of time.

Smith’s attempt will be documented during the American Kids Inc. Charity Golf Tournament on Oct. 22 at the Pointe Royale Golf Course in Branson, Mo.

"It’s a feat most 30-somethings wouldn’t try. Yet, for the past five years, Dr. Dale has easily accomplished his one-day golfing marathon to raise funds for the nation’s only little league of entertainers, the non-profit organization he founded 24 years ago," said American Kids Inc. board member Steve Weyher.

In conjunction with Smith’s attempt, an eighteen-hole scramble will be held followed by awards and his birthday party. Smith will already have started his rounds when scrambles golfers begin to register and enjoy brunch at 10:30 a.m. Games begin at 12:30 p.m. and the tournament officially begins at 1:30 p.m. Dinner, awards and a silent auction begin at 5:30 p.m. The birthday party starts at 7 p.m., according to organizers Rene and Carolyn Crispin of Branson.

"This tournament is one that is long overdue. He’s an avid golfer. Dr. Dale has played golf here in Branson since 1997," said Rene Crispin. "Registration is $75 and includes golf cart, brunch, dinner and prizes. An optional tee-value packet is available for $25 that includes gifts, glove, a sleeve of balls, certificates, putting and mulligans."

"Other golfers do not have to golf 75 holes while I am attempting to break my record of 74 holes," said Dr. Dale.

The event has become such a tradition at Pointe Royale Golf Course, that fellow golfers allow the distinguished white-haired Dr. Dale to "play through" and offer encouragement along the way. That support along with organizers, golfers, green sponsors and tee sponsors are appreciated, said Smith whose entourage will include officials documenting his world record attempt.

American Kids Inc. now has over 1,000 members from some 25 states, Smith said.

"We promote drug-free lifestyles, patriotism and community service using entertainment as the vehicle," said Smith, who holds a doctorate in administration-education and master’s in music education and lettered in golf. "Over the past two decades we’ve given a significant number of college scholarships. A goal is to see American Kids become one of the nation’s largest college scholarship programs."

A tribute show is being held the night before. Organized by alumni of American Kids Inc., the adult former members of the group want to show their appreciation for the opportunities the organization gave them.

Golfers, green sponsors and tee sponsors are still being accepted. More information is available on the website at www.americankids.com.  For an entry form call American Kids Inc. at 800-377-8117 or 417-337-8964.

 

DH

Posted @ 8:05 pm

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Sept. 20, 2005

Mary Lou Turner on "Gene Williams Show"

The Grand Ole Opry’s Mary Lou Turner guest stars on the next telecast of the Lucas Oil Products sponsored "Gene Williams Country Television Show."

"My good friend, Mary Lou Turner, joins me as my guest this week to announce the return of the Grand Ladies of Country Music to Branson," said Williams, the star, creator and producer of the "Gene Williams Country Television Show" that takes Branson to 20.5 million viewers each week. "Mary Lou’s hits which kept her in the charts include "All That Keeps Me Goin’," "It’s Different With You," "Love It Away" and "Cheatin’ Overtime" and her duets with Bill Anderson like "Sometimes" and "That’s What Made Me Love You."

The next taping of the "Gene Williams Country Music Television Show" will be at Ain’t Misbehavin’ at 625 Hwy. 165, on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 2 p.m. Among the scheduled guests are Margo Smith from the Grand Ladies of Country Music and Texas recording artist Todd Fritsch whose current hit is "I Got Mexico," the song that was also a hit for Eddie Raven. Tentatively set is Jeannie Kendall. 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.

DH

Posted @ 8:05 pm

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Sept. 19, 2005

Don Gabriel leads BransonFunTrip

Goal of bringing 1 million more tourists to town

H. Donald Gabriel is serious about his goal of bringing one million more tourists to Branson with his new company, BransonFunTrip.

Gabriel believes the goal will be realized within three years through marketing Branson on the Internet and to the more than 20,000 members spanning 140 countries globally who belong to the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).

‘This company was a long time in development. I’ve spent seven years conducting research to prepare for this day," said Gabriel, who is not only the company’s founder, but also the president and chief executive officer. "We need to attract the Baby Boomer, his children and grandchildren. God has something to say to them. The Spirit that permeates this community will minister to them." Gabriel who sees the Internet as one of the main tools. Through research he created a simple, cost efficient way for travel agents and their clients to book online vacation packages.

"BransonFunTrip is an out of market wholesale program designed to bring a whole new generation of customers to Branson, through an industry that we have never penetrated and who long to have a relationship with us - the travel agent. BransonFunTrip will work with ASTA, the nation’s largest and oldest travel agent organization," he said. The cooperative effort between ASTA and BransonFunTrip will be announced internationally in November at ASTA World Congress held in Montreal. "At World Congress we will literally be sharing Branson with the world where some 3,000 travel agents are expected to attend," he said.

"At bransonfuntrip.com, the Internet makes it easy to book reservations and the travel agent receives generous agency commissions. The program will fill theater seats, increase room occupancy, improve property values, provide additional marketing funds and help assure the success of the Branson Landing, convention center and other projects in the works," he said.

Initially the company plans to focus on the key markets of Springfield, Kansas City, St. Louis, Joplin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Little Rock, Memphis, Chicago/Rockford, Wichita, Minneapolis, Omaha, Lincoln, Columbus, Shreveport and New Orleans.

"I am excited about our team and how God will use them to accomplish His will," Gabriel said. His team includes Jess Coker, vice president, and Mary Melsa, special projects director.

Seeing the Branson visitor-base grow has been a long-time goal of Gabriel’s. He has been a member and worked in a number of community groups including a tour group event, Destined for Branson (president and founder), Christian Business Men’s Committee (president and founder), the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Bee Creek Baptist Church. As father of Branson entertainer, Doug Gabriel, and the inventor of the "Mufftar" - a guitar made from a muffler, he has been heavily involved in the Branson tourism industry. The experiences gained from each is being utilized in the development of BransonFunTrip, Gabriel said.

BransonFunTrip’s parent company, Rubloff Jet Express, a subsidiary of Rubloff Development Group Inc., is based in Rockford, Ill. Rubloff Development Group Inc. is a full service, diversified real estate development company with a broadly diversified portfolio including shopping centers, office buildings and assorted other commercial developments throughout the Midwest, residential construction, Rubloff Jet Express, Ryan International Airlines and BransonFunTrip.

"It was important to me when I found a stockholder for BransonFunTrip, that air service be an integral part of the plan. A key to the success of BransonFunTrip is low-cost flights to Branson using Ryan International Airlines. It makes Branson able to compete as a first class destination with drive or air packages, according to Gabriel.

"Bringing 1 million people to Branson will allow God to minister to them through our front line people in our various venues. Branson has a transforming effect on people. These new customers will experience what Branson is really like and the tremendous value and variety that is available. We are the other (Disney) world at half the cost. They will leave this town transformed and become travel sales people from now on," Gabriel said.

DH

Posted @ 9:05 pm

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Sept. 17, 2005

Sept. 14, 2005

Justin Flom: Experience Illusion changes performance days

Donations for Christian Action Ministries accepted

In order to better meet the demands of his audiences, Branson’s youngest headliner and illusionist in Branson, Justin Flom: Experience Illusion, is changing his performance days to Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 5 p.m. at Branson Mall Music Theatre.

While Flom is in his first year of shows in Branson and he is only 19, he is a veteran illusionist and performer. He has been performing the art of illusion for over 16 years. His award-winning magic has been featured for audiences all around the United States of America as well as in eight different countries. He recently returned from Peru where he and his family performed and ministered.

"It is important to help others such as the work we did in Peru. It is also important to help those in our own community. Christian Action Ministries provides those who need it with food, utility and rent assistance and clothing. They have been doing an excellent job helping locals and handling the added demand of helping those who have come to the area from the hurricane-stricken coast. On the organization’s need list right now are baby food, formula and disposable diapers. I am happy to accept these items along with half-price admission to see my show now through the end of September. I also am honoring the card being given to hurricane survivors by the Salvation Army to see my show for free," said Flom.

Justin Flom: Experience Illusion, presented at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Branson Mall Music Theatre, 2206 W. Hwy. 76, features unforgettable illusions, sidesplitting comedy with Flom’s duck, Juan, and beautiful magic with the assistance of the lovely and talented April Frerking. Especially moving is a veterans tribute that Flom went so far as to get special permission from the United States Army and the military department for part of the act to be included in his fast moving show for the whole family.

"I have a passion for the art of illusion; but my real passion lies in evangelism through creative and effective means. I use magic and illusion to catch people's eyes, so they listen with their ears, so God can touch their hearts," said Flom.

For reservations call the Branson Mall Music Theatre Box Office at 417-339-3939.

DH

Posted @ 8:05 pm

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September 13, 2005

Jackie Brown at ‘Country Tonite’ to judge

Doug Gabriel’s ‘Branson Spotlight’

Chelsea Martz of Lenexa, Kan., last week’s winner

Chelsea Martz of Lenexa, Kan., is the newest winner in the hit Branson late night show, Doug Gabriel’s Branson Spotlight, as the show gears up for its last week of preliminary competition this Friday with guest judge Jackie Brown of Country Tonite.

Contestants this week are Cara Humphrey of St. Joseph, Mo., Mackenzie Lollar of Shawnee, Okla., Don Ramhort of Collinsville, Okla., Jaime Highfill of Owasso, Okla., Parry Hough of Ellisville, Mo., Dmitri Sobol of Tulsa, Okla., and Tim Reeves of Pacific, Mo.

This week’s guest judge will join Gabriel and his judging team: "The Lady Outlaw" Jessica James and a favorite Branson comedian Terry Sanders as Doug's Grandma. The celebrity co-host will emcee with Cheryl Gabriel is Trey Wilson of Grand Country Jubilee.

As last week’s winner, Martz joins Nathan Foster of Ballwin, Mo., Amberdawn Bolding of Ozark, Mo., Troy Sawyer of Liberty, Mo., Michael Porter of Old Hickory, Tenn., Justin Long of Springfield, Mo., Doug Cooper of Blue Springs, Mo., Jason Martin of St. Charles, Mo., Emily Groce and Gordie Wensel of Lebanon, Mo., Gregory D. Manis of High Ridge, Mo., Bryan Davis of St. Joseph, Mo., Kurt Pearson of Independence, Mo., Michelle Ostman of Belleville, Ill., Jenny Lee of Sandoval, Ill., John Sagger of Deshler, Ohio, Elizabeth Teel of Wills Point, Texas, Luke Foster of Broken Arrow, Okla., Thomas Sheffield of Lawton, Okla., Casey Fetters of Pond Creek, Okla., and Alaina Whittaker and Lloyd Holt of Tulsa, Okla., as semi-finalists for 2005. Semi-finals begin Sept. 23.

The 2004 winner, C.J. Andreas of Edwardsville, Ill., is enjoying the opportunities our show has given her and is currently working with Doug Gabriel on her recording session in Nashville. After season one, two contestants are working as professional entertainers in Branson. Yolanda Fletcher is with the World Famous Platters and Wendy Sewell is with Fifties at the Hop. Both came from the Tulsa auditions, said Gabriel.

Contestants auditioned this past winter in Lebanon, St. Joseph, St. Louis and Kansas City in Missouri, in Tulsa, Okla., or submitted a mail-in packet. A total of 144 singers from 14 states made it through the audition process.

DH

Posted @ 8:00 pm

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September 12, 2005

Casey Moore on "Gene Williams Show"

Casey Moore, an up-and-coming country singer from Illinois, is the guest star on the next telecast of the Lucas Oil Products sponsored "Gene Williams Country Television Show."

"Casey is a wonderfully, talented singer. She wowed our audience with her country songs and talked about her new CD and her plans as she pursues a career in Nashville and Branson," said Williams, the star, creator and producer of the "Gene Williams Country Television Show."

 

DH

Posted @ 7:05 am

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September 11, 2005

POW/MIA Silent March set for Sept. 16

In recognition of all prisoners of war and those missing in action and especially the 250 Missourians who are POWs or MIAs, the Branson Veterans Task Force will host a silent march in downtown Branson at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

The march commemorates those who did not return from military service in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War and Desert Storm. Local veterans and members of the public are asked to join in remembering America’s prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Staging for the march will take place in front of the Branson post office. Participants should reach the staging area at 8:30 a.m. The first 140 to arrive will receive POW/MIA flags to drape over their shoulders for the march. Marchers will begin walking at 9 a.m. and proceed down Commercial to Main, then east on Main to the depot area, the end of the route.

"Over the past several years, all or most of the 50 states have conducted ceremonies on POW/MIA Recognition Day. Throughout POW/MIA Recognition Week, countless ceremonies will be held in conjunction with the national ceremony in Washington, DC. This commemoration is set aside to honor the commitment and the sacrifices made by this nation's POWs and those who are still MIA, as well as their families. Support for missing Americans and their families is deeply felt, especially here in Branson where we welcome veterans every day. America's POW/MIAs should be honored and recognized, rather than memorialized. We should focus on the need to account for those still missing as fully as possible, alive or dead," said Dr. Dale Smith, chairman of the board of the Branson Veterans Task Force.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is one of the six days specified by law on which the black POW/MIA flag shall be flown over federal facilities and cemeteries, post offices and military installations. Other than "Old Glory", the POW/MIA flag is the only flag ever to fly over the White House, having been displayed in this place of honor on National POW/MIA Recognition Day since 1982.

The silent march is just one of many events sponsored year round by the Branson Veterans Task Force, the largest of which is the week-long Veterans Homecoming Nov. 5 - 11. For more information call 417-337-8387.

DH

Posted @ 8:05 am

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September 7, 2005

Try and try again applies for last Saturday’s winner of the Mallstar competition in which the top finalist will win $2,500 cash.

"Everyone wants a 'win' and while the Boyle's parents were disappointed they knew that this opportunity was one for positive character development. They didn't let the boys complain about the decision of the judges. They used their 'loss' to learn about dedication, persistence and commitment," said Smith.

Judged by a Los Angeles music writer, a Branson Mall vendor and audience members the Mallstar progressive competition is open to all who have the passion to entertain. Five minutes are allowed for the performance onstage during which the performer can sing, dance, do magic or play an instrument - or any combination.

"We seek entertainers with a strong relationship to the audience, those who make our shoppers feel welcome," said Branson Mall owner Brad Petersen. "It's a true pleasure when we meet performers of all ages who are caring and willing to learn. We observe the entertainers both offstage and on as we are interested in those who are professional in their behavior."

Mallstar invites winners and sometimes, other competitors to return and periodically appear at the Branson Mall Stage. Eric Dysart, a Mallstar winner (and also Oklahoma's two year running junior state fiddle champion) has been doing regular shows at the Branson Mall as has Mallstar Winner Cristin Perry of Hollister, Mo.

Entry forms are available at Radio Shack in the Branson Mall who along with Bath Junkie are prize sponsors of each event. In the progressive talent contest, the competition is held twice monthly building to grand finals in December. Prizes are awarded at each competition and include radio and stage appearances and prize packages from various mall merchants. One act will win $2,500 in the grand final.

For complete entry information call 417-337-8964.

Smith, founder of the non-profit American Kids Inc., hosts the competition that was developed by officials with American Kids and the Branson Mall as a benefit for the group’s scholarship program. American Kids Inc. is the nation’s only little league of entertainers with a two-decade history of successful talent competitions across the country. Branson Mall is the "do it all" mall and the only all indoor, climate controlled mall in Branson.

DH

Posted @ 9:10 pm

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Sept. 5, 2005

VA executive to speak November 7

Rose Petal ceremony planned for women veterans tribute
The coordinator of the Women Veterans Outreach Program for the Department of Veterans Affairs will visit Branson during Veterans Homecoming to attend events that include a Rose Petal Ceremony and luncheon on Nov. 7.

Veterans Homecoming Nov. 5-11, the nation’s largest Veterans Day celebration, is sponsored by the Branson Veterans Task Force. Nov. 7 is the day dedicated by the Task Force to recognize the contribution of women veterans.

"The purpose of our two events on Nov. 7 is to honor women veterans and active duty women. Members of the public are welcome to attend. We are especially pleased to be welcoming Linda S. Piquet as the guest speaker for the noon luncheon," said Mary Slivka, chair of the Women Veterans Committee of the Task Force. Slivka is also the veterans’ representative at the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Rose Petal Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at the fountain in front of Mansion America Theatre. A representative from each of the five branches of service will speak during the ceremony.

"When a representative finishes speaking, women veterans from that service will drop rose petals into the fountain to remember those who died serving their country. After each branch of service has participated, members of the public may drop petals for those veterans, men or women, whom they wish to remember," said Slivka.

Goldwing Express of Branson will start the ceremony with music and Branson singer and guitarist John Tweed will close the ceremony.

Piquet will speak at the noon luncheon to be held immediately afterward at the Majestic Steakhouse. Piquet manages information, training, problems and outreach in Washington, D.C., with the help of the Veterans Benefit Administration’s nationwide Women Veteran Coordinators. She was recently selected as a consultant to the Veterans Health Administration’s Women Veterans Mental Health Committee. She holds membership in the Texas State Society and is a new member of Soroptomists International, a volunteer service organization working to improve the lives of women and girls worldwide.

Local dignitaries participating at the luncheon include Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer who will welcome women veterans and other guests and Andrea Brett of the Brett Family Singers in Branson who will read her moving poem I Am a Veteran.

While lunch is served, guests will be entertained by a uniform fashion show that includes authentic, historic, collectible and classic military uniforms.

Tickets for the luncheon are $25 and must be reserved in advance. Make checks payable to Women Veterans Committee and mail to the attention of Mary Slivka, Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1897, Branson, Mo. 65615. For more information call toll free at 800-935-1199 and ask for Mary Slivka, ext. 317, or email mslivka@bransoncvb.com.

The Second Annual Women Veterans Week will be held May 15-21, 2006. The schedule for May 19 and 20 includes an expo of book signings and art displays, a competition parade and a dinner with Brigadier General Wilma Vaught as the special guest speaker. Vaught is president of the board of directors for the Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. and one of the highest decorated women in the United States.

Both events are just two 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 contact: Branson Veterans Task Force Inc., 138 Pointe Royale Drive Suite 0 (Helms Building), Branson, MO 65615 or call 417-337-VETS.

DH

Posted @ 9:05 pm

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