On October 24 – 27, 2010, the Chuckwagons of the West Jamboree will be at Circle B in Branson, Missouri.  Top national cowboy music and comedy acts plus special guests will be entertaining at anticipated sold-out shows.

The Horn Family brought Circle B’s brand of cowboy music and chuckwagon-style vittles to Branson 6 years ago, but Circle B has been around for long before that.  Circle B Ranch in the Black Hills of South Dakota was founded in 1976.  The founders made it a priority to be members of the Chuckwagon Association of the West.  Christiana Horn says, “when we took over Circle B, a big part of our identity came from the Chuckwagons of the West.  They wrangled us into the group we’ve become.”

The Chuckwagons of the West began over 50 years ago, when Russ Wolfe and several close friends started inviting tourists to their evening cattle roundups and serving them food at the Flying W in Colorado Springs.  Invevitably, someone would pull out a guitar and sing old cowboy songs for the guests.  Since then, there have been many “chuckwagon” style groups to spring up around the country.  A small core of folks loyal to the original cattle drive spirit and the Association’s goal “to provide the highest level of quality and value in family entertainment and food” is still affiliated with the Flying W through the Chuckwagons of the West. 

Each year, the Chuckwagons of the West meet for a “jamboree”—a thank-you to loyal fans, and a time to swap stories and advice with other members.  The Jamboree is held at a different Chuckwagon each year.  October of 2010 will mark the first time it has been held in Branson.

In addition to some of the finest cowboy music and comedy acts in the world performing at Circle B in Branson, there are several surprises in the works.  “Branson has a lot of good, cowboy entertainment, so we’ve reached out to some of our cowboy friends.  We are blessed to have friends like Dusty Rogers agree to be a part of the event, as well as Johnny Lonestar.” says Kemp Horn

In addition to Circle B in Branson, the other members of the Chuckwagons of the West are:  the Bar –J in Jackson, Wyoming, the Bar –D in Durango, Colorado, the Circle B in Rapid City, South Dakota (now operated by Horn relatives, the Lawson Family), the Flying J in Riudoso, New Mexico,  and of course, the Flying W in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  All are expected to appear at the 2010 Jamboree.  “When we get together for a jamboree, it makes me lightheaded to be sharing a stage with so many cowboy music heroes!” says Circle B mandolinist John Fullerton.

For more information, please visit  CircleBshow.com, or call 1-800-678-6179.

Related interview:  Circle B Chuckwagon Show

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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Beginning July 6, 2009 at 2pm, The Walker Family, also known as “The Redhead Express” will be bringing their award winning show to The Dutton Family Theater. “The Walkers are such an inspiration to us!” says Sheila Dutton. “They are wonderfully talented musicians that we have become very good friends with and we are so excited to add them to the lineup at our theater. Now we will have three great shows at the theater; The Duttons, Island Fire and now the Redhead Express.

Due to scheduling issues in the Fall and the mid-year expiration of their performance contract, The Red Head Express and the Circle B were unable to negotiate a new contract

Brett Walker of the Redhead Express stated, “The Circle B gave us a home and an opportunity to get started in Branson. We will always be grateful to the Horns for that start.

Apryll Walker continued, “Many of our closest business associates strongly suggested that the matinee and morning show market would be ideal for our show. After investigating, we found that The Dutton Family Theater was the perfect fit for us. The Duttons have been very accommodating and good to work with, and we are so excited to be part of the The Dutton Family Theater Experience.

The Walker Family also expressed their excitement about this new venture. “The Dutton Family Theater will be such a great location for us,” says Mr. Walker. “The larger stage, state of the art sound and lighting along with their location right on Highway 76 made this the ideal venue for our show, and we are thrilled with this opportunity.

For more information about the Redhead Express, The Duttons, Island Fire or The Dutton Family Theater, please call 888-388-8661.

Related Interview: Brett Walker – The Redhead Express

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The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers Celebrates 50 Years of Live Music Shows!

When you come to Branson, you will soon discover why it is known as the Live Music Show Capital of the World!  There is music from nearly every era and style performed daily by rising young entertainers and legendary stars.

It all started in 1959, with the four Mabe brothers who called themselves the Baldknobbers. This musical family decided that the fisherman who came to this area needed something to do at night. Now 50 years later, Branson boasts over 100 shows!

“Only in Branson can you see entertainment from around the world. You can see a Japanese fiddle player, Chinese acrobats, a Russian comedian and the Baldknobbers from the Ozarks. What a country!!” says famous Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff.
 
“When were filming Urban Cowboy, Branson was booming. I’ve been here for 20 years and am proud to be apart of the 50th celebration,” says country legend Mickey Gilley.

“We moved our family here to perform in the Music Show Capital of the World, because of the world class quality of family entertainment, and the love of God, family and country that has been a tradition in Branson for 50 years. Now that’s amazing!” says Dean Dutton, from America’s Got Talent finalist, The Duttons.
 
With more than 100 different shows in 50 state-of-the-art theaters, ranging from intimate 50-seat venues to 4,000-seat indoor theatrical palaces, the shows in Branson appeal to visitors of all ages.    Branson’s wide variety of  entertainment includes pop, country, rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, patriotic, Broadway, western, Big Band, swing, bluegrass, jazz, classical and more. Music made famous by classical composers, cowboy poets, cinematic blockbusters, ’50s heartthrobs, ’60s pop bands, and today’s Top 40 artists can be enjoyed from early morning until late at night in Branson. Several internationally famous performers call Branson home, as do scores of ensemble production shows featuring large casts of world-class singers, dancers and musicians.

Many favorites such as Tony Orlando, Joe Diffie, the Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Bobby Vinton, Fabian, Bobby Vee and others join Branson marquee names Andy Williams, Mickey Gilley, Jim Stafford, Shoji Tabuchi, the Osmonds, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Pam Tillis, Moe Bandy, Mel Tillis, Sons of the Pioneers, the Lennon Sisters, Yakov Smirnoff, the Oak Ridge Boys, Buck Trent and more.

“I get asked a lot why Branson? It starts with a neighborly ‘hello friend’ in every show, theatre, restaurant, attraction and gift shop. You’ll hear it in the voices and laughter of the hundreds of incredible entertainers in dozens of world-class theaters. We believe that visitors to our home town aren’t strangers but new friends we’re just getting to know, then add the natural beauty of the Ozarks and you just can’t wrong for your family vacation,” says Jim Stafford.

For more information on the many wonderful shows in Branson, go to www.ShowsInBranson.com.

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The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers

The League works to increase the success and well-being of the theatrical industry in the “Live Show Capital of the World”, Branson, Missouri. With over 100 live shows featuring music, comedy, magic, dancing, acrobats, theatrical plays, and more, the diversity and variety of choices of live shows make Branson a unique and fun-filled family vacation destination. The League strives to increase interest in Branson shows and show attendance, increase profitability for the Branson show community, and to promote communications between shows, as well as throughout the Branson community.

In 2009, Branson is Celebrating 50 Years of Live Music Shows!

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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Three American heroes will be honored for their courage this Friday evening at the Hamner Barber Theater in Branson.

“Thank You’s Not Enough” is a magical, multimedia tribute to American Veterans and active service members and is the new finale of the popular Hamner Barber Variety Show on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.

Featured are three survivors of the WWII Battle for Iwo Jima, Major John Keith Wells, Marines (TX), Ray Victor Snapp, Navy-USS Pensacola (OH), and Richard F. Green, Marines-USS Pensacola (AR).

Major John Keith Wells led what is believed to be the most decorated platoon in Marine history, the 3rd Platoon, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division. This platoon was made famous for its attack on Mt. Suribachi and for raising the first flag on the summit. He wrote a memoir about his command of and war time experiences entitled “Give Me Fifty Marines Not Afraid to Die: Iwo Jima”.  He was also featured in the History Channel production, Shootout! Iwo Jima: Fight To The Death.

Watch a portion of Shootout! Iwo Jima (warning: graphic battle scenes)
Shootout! Scene One (Wells begins at 5:36) | Shootout! Scene Two

This may be the only time that these three highly decorated Veterans will appear together in person as part of the full Hamner Barber Variety Show and the producers of the show, Dave Hamner and Jim Barber are so excited that they are inviting the community to attend the special show at an area-appreciation ticket price of only $5.00 (+tax). Discounted tickets are available to card carrying residents of Stone, Taney, Marion, Baxter, Barry, Greene, Christian, Lawrence, Polk, Webster, Carroll and Boone counties.

Free Event this Friday & Saturday

The theater also invites everyone to attend the “Hand-In-Hand” Branson honors Purple Heart Recipients events this Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. This exciting and free event is produced by Branson.com and Branson Tourism Center. Visit their website for more information on the various activities.

For reservations call 417-334-4363 or visit the box to purchase tickets beforehand. Seating may be limited.

Related Websites: www.HamnerBarber.com, www.Branson.com

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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Andy Williams Makes Mom’s Chicken Pot Pie

Branson’s First Annual Great American Pie Show—with guest celebrity judge Al Roker from NBC’s “Today Show” —has a line-up of celebrities including Andy Williams cooking their personal favorite pies on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, at the Branson Convention Center.

On Friday, events at the Great American Pie Show and Marketplace will be hosted by well-known entertainer Barbara Fairchild. The Marketplace will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring more than 50 booths with foods, herbs, kitchen supplies, cabinetry, cookbooks and more plus samples from local wineries.

The bake-off for the 12 semi-finalists begins at 9 a.m. The contestants were chosen from among more than 1,000 applicants by Taste of Home Cooking Schools. They come from 11 states. Jan Louden, of Branson, is among the finalists.

Celebrities Demonstrate

In addition to hundreds of volunteers, Branson’s celebrities stepped forward to make this new festival a favorite, said Ross Summers, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“The entertainers in Branson are part of the community, and they support our causes and festivals, and that’s what makes Branson a unique place,” Summers said. “The entertainers go out of their way to meet the guests, shake hands, sign autographs, and welcome people to town. It’s all part of the Branson experience.”

To start the pie show on Friday:
10 a.m.—The Lennon Sisters will make their Berry Rhubarb Pie.
11 a.m.—The Branson Divas will reveal the ingredients in McFarlain’s Traffic Jam Pie.
Noon—The Comets will whip up a Raspberry Lemon Meringue pie.
1 p.m.—Who knew Roy Rogers Jr. is a fabulous baker. He’ll make Mrs. Roger’s Lemon Meringue Pie.
2 p.m.—The bakers from the Silver Dollar City’s Culinary & Craft School will make Pumpkin Strudel.
3 p.m.—And Paul Revere will make his favorite Strawberry Rhubarb Pie.

Judging then begins for the 12 semi-finalist by TV meteorologists from NBC affiliates in several area cities including KY-3 in Springfield.

Admission to the Great American Pie Show and Marketplace is $5. Funds will support Ozarks Food Harvest, which supplies many local food pantries.

Get A Taste of Home

Next door in the Branson Convention Center from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday is the Taste of Home Cooking School. Another Taste of Home class will be 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The local hosts for the Cooking Schools are Janet Lennon of The Lennon Sisters and radio and TV personality Janet Ellis.

Taste of Home is the world’s #1 publisher of cooking magazines, cookbooks and hosts 300 cooking shows each year. Taste of Home is sponsoring the cooking show with their national sponsors including French’s Fried Onions, Kraft and Ziploc and the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

Admission is $15 with tickets available at the door or in advance at the front desk of the Hilton Branson Landing Hotel or at www.ticketmaster.com. That also includes admission to the Great American Pie Show and Marketplace.

The theme of the cooking school is simple recipes for spring events. The chefs will create a variety of recipes from Sesame Ginger Glazed Meatballs to Triple Layer Mud Pie. The audience will receive gift bags stuffed with free goodies and will have a chance to win door prizes autographed by celebrities including Rachel Ray, Martha Stewart, Regis & Kelly, Tyra Banks and Ellen plus the casts of the “The Young and The Restless” and “The Bold and The Beautiful.”

Eat A Piece of Pie

There’s no doubt that all this cooking will make guests hungry. Not to fear. Hilton will be selling a variety of whole pies or pie-by-the-slice. And there will be other snacks including sandwiches and drinks.

On Saturday, doors again open at 8 a.m. with the four finalists competing.
10 a.m.—America’s favorite weatherman, Al Roker, will hold a book signing and question-and-answer session.
1 p.m.—Andy Williams takes the Celebrity Cooking Stage to demonstrate how to make Andy’s Mother’s Chicken Pot Pie.
2 p.m.—The Candy House baker will demonstrate chocolate fondue, ganache and truffles.
3 p.m.—Bill Medley will cook his favorite, Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie.
4 p.m.—after all the ovens have cooled down—Roker will announce the grand winner of The Great American Pie Show 2009.

For more information, visit www.greatamericanpieshow.com or www.explorebranson.com or call the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 417-334-4084 or 800-214-3661.

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