The Art of Ventriloquism Finding New Popularity

Widely referred to as the “Live Music Show Capital of the World,” the phenomenal vacation destination of Branson, Missouri is usually associated with the dozens of quaint theater venues around the town offering a wide variety of production shows featuring great music of every style.  Whether you prefer Country Western, Broadway, Jazz, Rock & Roll,  Motown, Native American, or even Celtic Rock… Branson has a diverse line-up of live entertainment that appeals to all ages and taste in music.

Among the diverse musical options in Branson, is another form of live entertainment that is experiencing a huge resurgence of popularity across the country… the ancient Art of Ventriloquism.

Branson is home to three of the Country’s most unique comedians who have not only perfected the vocal techniques of ventriloquism, but developed and honed their skills to a point where they have achieved wide recognition for their contributions to the craft. You won’t believe your ears or eyes when you experience the live comedy performances of all three… Jim Barber, Todd Oliver and Patty Davidson.

Ventriloquist – Jim Barber

Co-star of the Hamner Barber Variety Show, comedian and vocalist Jim Barber entertains Branson audiences nightly along with his partners,  award-winning illusionists, Dave and Denise Hamner.  Their popular variety show celebrates it’s 8th Season in 2011 at the Hamner Barber Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.  Jim is not only known for his original comedy routines and one-of-a-kind puppet characters, but his vocal abilities as a singer have earned him accolades as well.

His most famous act is titled “Barber & Seville” (Jim plays the part of the little Dummy) and has been featured on every major television network in programs hosted by David Letterman, Matt Lauer, Vicki Lawrence, Jerry Lewis and many others.  Other original characters include a hilarious baby in a bag and a singing Chihuahua dog named Chico Pete.  Jim’s trademark “Ventriloquist Karaoke” also brings unsuspecting members from the audience in on the act, which leaves everyone talking… and singing!

Jim first came to Branson in 1994 as the featured comedian in the Glen Campbell Goodtime Show and later went on to appear in other Branson production shows before developing his own show with The Hamners in 2004. He has performed in every State in the Nation for nearly 2000 colleges and universities as well as in over a dozen foreign countries for the USO.   He is also a popular act for corporate events and convention groups when not appearing in Branson.  The Hamner Barber Variety Show is a must-see for anyone who loves comedy, magic, music, dance, and especially great ventriloquism performed by a master of the craft.

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The Keatings… A Father and Son Musical Experience, announce a very special show to benefit Christian Action Ministries, May 21, 2010, 3:00PM at the Hamner Barber Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.

The Keatings, came to Branson in 2009 and were immediately touched by the feeling of “community” they found here.  In an effort to give back to the community that has made them feel so much a part of it, in such a short time, Ken and Josh are offering a FREE TICKET to their show on Friday, May 21st at 3:00PM to anyone who will bring a donation of canned goods to help supply the food pantry at Christian Action Ministries.  Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your neighbors and a few canned goods for each ticket.   Let’s make this a real “celebration of community;” helping CAM help those in need.  All donations must be made at the theater. For details or to reserve great seats call the box office at Hamner Barber Theater, phone 417-334-4363.

The Keatings take audiences on a musical journey that spans numerous genres including pop, jazz, rock, country, opera, Broadway, standards, and even gospel. Audiences are captivated by the unique combination of powerful voices from a father and his 18 year old son.  Recently, The Keatings performed on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon and in February, 2010 they made their debut appearance on a world-class Crystal Cruise Lines ship.

Ken Keating is an accomplished vocalist and pianist.  Ken was one of the original winners of the Liberace scholarship for both the piano and voice categories in 1981.   Ken has been performing since he was a teenager.  By the age of 18, he was playing with his show band in lounges around the Las Vegas strip.

Magical Parrots & Talking Mutts at the Hamner Barber Theater

From the moment the curtain opens on the Hamner Barber Variety Show, the audience is transported to a magical world where beautiful tropical birds appear seemingly out of nowhere, flying over the heads of the astonished audience.

With all the action, one would think an umbrella would be in order, but fortunately that isn’t the case. Famed Illusionists The Hamners have worked diligently with their friendly flock of magical birds to ensure that an accidental blessing from above doesn’t befall an audience member.

Master Ventriloquist Jim Barber’s canine sidekick Chico Pete is another story all-together. While he’s fairly confined to Jim himself, Chico often let’s loose with hilarious songs and frisky humor that may leave the audience rolling in the aisles.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg of incredible family entertainment awaiting you at the Hamner Barber Variety Show. There are amazing original illusions galore that you won’t find in any other magic show in the World. Jim Barber’s unique puppet characters and multi-octave singing voice will even have the audience becoming part of this fun Branson show.

Individually, The Hamners and Jim Barber have headlined their acts in such mecca’s of entertainment as Las Vegas, Laughlin, Reno, Atlantic City, Atlantis Resort, and even Hollywood’s Famed Magic Castle to name a few. Together, they combine two amazing variety acts into one incredible show that can only be seen at the Hamner Barber Theater in Branson, Missouri.

By the way, the theater gift shop carries a wide array of magic tricks, photos, dvd videos, quality jewelry, and just in case… umbrellas too!

Related Website: HamnerBarber.com

Hamner Barber Variety Show February – December 2010