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.

Ventriloquist – Todd Oliver

Todd Oliver and his three “Live Talking Dogs” have been a popular headline act in the Showboat Branson Belle’s Showstoppers! show since 1998.  Todd’s show is an irresistible blend of comical canines and clever comedy.  Beginning March 2011, Todd will star in his very own lunchtime dinner show at the Jim Stafford Theatre where he will also perform with several other characters including Pops, Miss Lilly, Joey and his outstanding Smiling Eyes Band.  The show features audience participation segments, original music and outrageous comedy.

Todd’s national tv appearances include The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Today Show, Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Howie Mandel Show, Walker Texas Ranger, CNN Entertainment News and others. When not performing in Branson, he entertains at major clubs, corporate meetings and conventions around the world with his unique ventriloquist show.

Ventriloquist – Patty Davidson

Patty Davidson has earned the distinction of being the first ventriloquist to perform on a regular basis in Branson, and her phenomenal skills and comedic talent have kept her working steadily throughout the years.  Well-known for her “Who’s On First” routine, Patty has been the featured comedy act in the Box Car Willie Show, the Doug Gabriel Show, the Yakov Smirnoff Show, The Osmond Family Show, The World Famous Platters Show, the Philip Wellford Show and most recently in the Dalena Ditto Classic Country Variety Show at the Tri-Lakes Center in Branson.

Patty’s performances include numerous fairs, festivals, banquets and other events throughout the United States. Along with performing in Las Vegas and Reno, she has delighted audiences during a European U.S.O. Tour and worked the Canadian Fair Circuit. She has opened for Tammy Wynette, Roy Clark, Tanya Tucker, Mel Tillis, Roger Miller, Jim Stafford, Conway Twitty, Larry Gatlin, Janie Frickie, Ray Stevens, Michael Martin Murphy, and more.

Ventriloquism Keeps ‘em Laughing in Branson!

While Jim Barber, Todd Oliver and Patty Davidson have found long term success in Branson, several other ventriloquists have also appeared on Branson stages at one time or another during their careers.   Shari Lewis, Sammy King, Brad Cummings, Jim Teter, Greg Claasen, Gary Owen, Bart Rockett, Bob Rumba and two of the most famous contemporary ventriloquist talents in the country, Terry Fator and Jeff Dunham, have all enjoyed “throwing their voices” to appreciative Branson audiences.

The incredible success and huge popularity of many of these great ventriloquists has added to the overall interest in the art-form and Branson audiences are embracing these performers with huge applause and wild laughter.

On your next visit to Branson, be sure to experience these wonderful variety artists, who, through their creative talents and vocal skills, are keeping the traditional art of ventriloquism alive and well for generations to come!

Related websites: Jim Barber, Todd Oliver, Patty Davidson

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.

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

Mark Your Calendars for This Wednesday, February 24th at 6:49PM to attend the First Annual Branson Gong Show at the Legends In Concert Theatre in the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Complex. Then get ready to laugh your head off while raising funds to help assist our area Senior Citizens who have difficulty getting around town on their own.

There’s never been a show like this in Branson before!

Several highly respected Branson entertainers are volunteering to raise funds for the Branson Senior Center’s Meals-On-Wheels program.  Master of Ceremonies for the event is Jim Barber from the Hamner Barber Variety Show.

Celebrity Judges for the event are Jim’s co-star at the Hamner Barber Theater, the amazing Branson illlusionist Dave Hamner, one of the greatest impressionists in the world, Bob Anderson, the beautiful and multi-talented singer, Dalena Ditto, and the incredibly gifted banjo king, Buck Trent.

Under the direction of veteran TV producer Harry Waterson (“Golden Girls,” “Benson,” “Evis: Aloha From Hawaii”) the First Annual Branson Gong Show will feature a dazzling array of amazing and not-so-amazing (but great fun) family friendly acts from across the Ozarks. The performers will be competing for cash prizes and the chance to be the reigning Branson Gong Show Champion.

Tickets prices for adults: $10, kids: $5 and family: $25. There will be giveways and surprises during the show. Cash Prizes for the winning contestants are: 1st Place $500.17, 2nd Place $101 and 3rd Place: $49.99. This promises to be a terrific evening of fun and all for a great cause!

Related Websites: Harry Waterson Credits, Hamner Barber Variety Show, Bob Anderson, Dalena Ditto, Buck Trent, Branson Tri-Lakes News Article

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Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest film and video productions, and groundbreaking web commercials, videos and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world. The Silver Telly Council judges and oversees the National Awards presentation and is comprised of top industry professionals that are past winners of a Silver Telly, their highest honor. The Telly Awards receives over 13,000 entries annually and it is considered a remarkable achievement to be selected for recognition.

Dave Hamner and Jim Barber are proud to accept this honor on behalf of not only their theater staff and crew, but also on behalf of the 6,821 American casualties of the World War II Battle for Iwo Jima that their magical, multimedia production pays tribute to in each and every performance of the Hamner Barber Variety Show in Branson, Missouri.

Jim Barber is especially honored, as this is his second time to receive the award, having won a prestigious Silver Telly in 2005 for a project that his Hollister, MO based multimedia business Image Works, Inc. developed for the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks “Capital Campaign DVD.” Todd Aeschliman, Jim’s long-time business partner at Image Works, is excited to see the Hamner Barber Show be honored with this award in 2010.

Since 1978, the mission of the Telly Awards has been to strengthen the visual arts community by inspiring, promoting, and supporting creativity. The Telly Awards received over 13,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents.

More information about the Hamner Barber Veterans Tribute can be found here.