Branson, Missouri based vocal band the Cat’s Pajamas recently returned from their 3rd annual “Music In Schools” tour, where their efforts raised over $12,000 for music programs in Wisconsin and Massachusetts this year alone.  The popular vocal band is now focusing their fund raising attention to the Branson High School’s music program by promoting their Area Appreciation shows, says The Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band co founder Brian Skinner.

Numerous student groups have already enrolled to partake in Master Classes with The Cats Pajamas certified music teachers, which will also provide these groups an opportunity to perform as featured opening acts.

Branson Area Appreciation Shows

From now through the end of May, The Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band will be raising money at their shows for Branson High School’s music program. Area Appreciation tickets are available April 19th-30th and are $5 plus tax for all locals from surrounding counties with kids 12 and under free!

Passion for music education has been a defining element of The Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band since the group’s inception in 2005. Co-founder Nate Mendl is a trained music educator holding certification in General and Choral Music from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and Zakk Wooten is also a certified music educator from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. The group’s passion has led them to find creative ways to use their professional careers to support and encourage young musicians through inspirational clinics and fund raising concerts.

The Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band performs a regular schedule of Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 2pm and Wednesday and Friday at 8pm at the Dutton Family Theater in Branson. Donations for Branson High School’s Music Department will be accepted at intermission and after the show.

For ticket reservations or other information call 417.332.277 or visit their website at www.vocalmeow.com.

The Tri-Lakes Community Theatre is proud to present INHERIT THE WIND by Jerome
Lawrence & Robert E. Lee on February 18,19,20 and 25,26, 27.

Performances will be at the God & Country Theater in Branson, MO.

Show times are 7:00 pm on Fridays & Saturdays, and 2:00 pm on Sundays.

Inherit The Wind is an intense drama that will make you laugh, make you think,
but ultimately challenge you to examine yourself and what you believe. Based
loosely on the “Scopes Monkey Trials,” this drama portrays a small town that
has lost sight of reason and truth, in favor of serving traditions and
impressing public figures. When a man tries to teach something outside those
traditions in a classroom, he finds himself facing the wrath of the entire
community of Hillsborough in what is to be “The Trial of the Century.” This
trial results in a hard-learned lesson that will change the town of Hillsborough
forever.

TLC invites you to join them for this exciting dramatic experience.

Adult tickets are $15, and student tickets are $7. Tickets may be purchased at the
door or in advance by calling 417-335-4241.

For more information, please visit www.tlctheatre.org.

By: Kathryn Buckstaff, Branson Chamber of Commerce

Branson formal-wear shop “Touch of Class” is proud to be dressing an actress in “Winter’s Bone,” one of the films nominated for Best Picture in the upcoming Oscar award, said shop owner Lana Johnson Nichols.

Shelly Waggoner, who plays “Sonya” in the movie, plans to select a gown from “Touch of Class,” Nichols said. Waggoner, a longtime actress, lives in Reeds Spring.

“Winter’s Bone,” a 2010 film that explores rural life in the Ozarks was shot primarily in and around Forsyth. It has been nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture.

According to the film’s website, “Winter’s Bone” tells the story of Ree Dolly, a 17-year-old who seeks her criminal father after he puts their house up for his bail and disappears. Ree, played by Jennifer Lawrence, must challenge her outlaw family’s code of silence and risk her own life to discover a sinister truth.
Waggener’s character, a neighbor to the Dolly family, provides a touch of mystery to the story, but is largely benevolent toward Ree. The film was written by director Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini, based on a 2006 novel by West Plains’ author Daniel Woodrell.

The 83rd Academy Awards will be broadcast Sunday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. on ABC.

“We are thrilled and honored to assist Ms. Waggoner with her gown at such an exciting event,” Nichols said. “We want her to feel wonderful on the red carpet.”

Nichols said a friend of Waggoner’s suggested Touch of Class, which has been specializing in bridal gowns and formal wear for 13 years. They also supply stage wear to Branson theaters, men’s formal wear, and provide custom sewing and alterations. It is located in The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, 4514 Gretna Road.

Nichols said she’s contacted companies which supply gowns for the shop and will bring in several options from which Waggoner may choose during an upcoming fitting.

“She wants to look elegant and sophisticated,” Nichols said.

Related Websites: www.TouchOfClassFormals.net, WintersBoneMovie.com