Moe Bandy and a little "Moe" Christmas

Gary J. Groman for Branson Tourism Center, December 1st, 2009

The Moe Bandy show is simply great fun and entertainment with great singing, comedy and playing. Although the show has no specific Christmas segment, there are Christmas numbers seamlessly worked into a show filled with great music and comedy that results in one of the most enjoyable entertainment experiences in Branson.

The band is outstanding and composed of some of the best instrumentalists in Branson, Ricky Boen, fiddle and guitar; Mark Boyd, guitar; John Clark, steel guitar and fiddle; Mark Evans, bass guitar; Bruce Hoffman, fiddle and guitar; Nicko Ochoa, drums and Ed Synan, piano.

The show’s female vocalist is Kari Garrison who does a great job not only as a backup singer but on a number of solos. Her rendition of the Christmas song, “Let’s Make A Baby King” at the beginning of the second half of the show was wonderful and demonstrated the range and quality of her voice. Her duet with Moe of “I Can’t Feel Christmas Without You” was another highlight.


The comedy of Perry Edenburg as “Harley Worthit” will have you laughing from the pre-show to the end of the show. Most of his outfits are outrageous and as funny as his jokes and antics. He does a number of routines by himself and some with his “straight man,” Moe Bandy,” but it is all so funny. One thing for sure, just about the time you think you can’t laugh anymore, along comes another skit such as the one to the music of “Come A Little Bit Closer” and you find out you were wrong.

Moe Bandy sings, and plays straight man to Harley Worthit, but it is his marvelous ability to relate to his audience and the way he sings and presents his music in a way that seems to speak to the ordinary person that makes this show so special. Even the old standard “White Christmas” just seemed different in the context of this show.

Christmas with Yakov, "What A Christmas!"

Gary J. Groman for Branson Tourism Center, November 30th, 2009

“What a show!” It’s the celebration of Russian New Years and Christmas in one show as only Yakov can do it. The Yakov Smirnoff Christmas Show is a combination of his regular show with the addition of the celebration of the Russian New Year and Christmas. From its simple opening with Suzanne Wonderly singing the “Star Spangled Banner” and the celestial introduction of Yakov to its inspiring close, this show is a special Christmas gift of Yakov’s unique humor, great production, costuming, and dancing that is a wonderful Branson entertainment experience.

The majority of the first half of the show is composed of audience favorites from Yakov’s regular show. Yakov does a number of excellent and funny comedy routines that are built around themes and are introduced by full production numbers.

To paraphrase the words of Yakov himself, “You might not have thought about production numbers in a comedy show, but you will now.” The dancers, costuming, and music are excellent and choreographed into the show along with excellent sets. When combined with Yakov’s great comedy and his ability to relate so well with his audience the result is a unique “exciting quality entertainment experience.”

Dino's Christmas Extravaganza - a spectacular Branson entertainment experience

by Gary J. Groman for Branson Tourism Center, November 26th, 2009

The word that comes to mind walking out of the theatre, after seeing Dino Kartsonakis’ “Dino’s Christmas Extravaganza,” in Branson, Missouri, is “spectacular.” Take any element of the show, piano playing, costuming, violin and fiddle playing, dancing, or singing and the word that describes each in the context of this show is “spectacular.” Combine them with a show dedicated to the true spirit of Christmas and the result is not only a spectacular show, but a special spectacular Christmas show.
















Dino is a remarkable pianist and plays it all from pop to classical with energy, elegance, and beauty. Almost as important however, is his showmanship and ability to relate to his audience. Combine that with the singing of his wife Cheryl and the violin and fiddle playing of David Klinkenberg, spectacular choreography, dancing, production, and costuming and the result truly is a spectacular show that is a great entertainment experience.

Acrobats of China honored with International Award

By Joshua Clark, writer for Branson Tri-Lakes Newspapers

Despite the wet, overcast day Thursday, the sun seemed to be shining brightly over the New Shanghai Theatre as the New Shanghai Circus received several local dignitaries, as well as some from China, as it was presented with a rare honor.

“The reason I came here today is to honor the New Shanghai Circus as an International Foundation of Chinese Cultural Entertainment,” Jin Lin, president of the Acrobats Association, said through an interpreter. “To the Chinese people, this is a very amazing honor.”

This honor is so special, just the fact it was presented on American soil says something about the relationship between China and the United States.

“This team has made a great contribution to our Chinese culture,” Lin said. “They have brought our heritage to many American people, which helps not only show our culture, but build our relationships. Our continued success relies on the people of Taney County, the Chamber of Commerce and members of the media.”

Lin also spoke of the importance of having a good relationship between two important countries.

“After several years of heightened relationships, now the Chinese and American people have a very decent friendship,” Lin said. “You can buy all products made in China in the United States, and in China, we see McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and Kentucky Fried Chicken everywhere.”

Is Branson's Buck Trent show "It?" - "Oh Yeah!"

October 22nd, 2009 by Gary J. Groman

“Oh yeah,” the Buck Trent show is one entertaining, lively and exciting way to start a day in Branson. From start to finish, this show is quality non-stop comedy, singing and music presented by some of the most talented singers and musicians in Branson.

Obviously, this show has a star, Buck Trent, who lives up to his billing as a “premier international five string banjo picker, master musician, hilarious humorist, and entertainer extraordinaire,” but from an audience entertainment perspective it’s the way those talents are blended in with the rest of the cast that helps make the show so special. The singing provided by Kenny Parrott and Melody Hart along with their instrumental playing, Parrott on the guitar, Hart on the fiddle and mandolin; Rob Blackwood, drums; Dave Clark, bass guitar; Bruce Hoffman, steel guitar and fiddle and Jonathan Black on the piano and saxophone combine with Buck to provide two of the fastest and most entertaining hours in Branson morning, noon or night!

For the rest of the story click here: http://news.bucktrent.com/2009/10/is-bransons-buck-trent-show-it-oh-yeah.html

What do the New Shanghai Circus and the Baldknobbers have in common?

October 23rd, 2009 by Gary J. Groman

On October 22, the “New Shanghai Circus,” founded in Shanghai, China by Mr. Lizhi Zhao in 1991, received a plaque of recognition from Mr. Jian Lin, President of the Chinese Acrobats Association (CAA), honoring the “New Shanghai Circus” for sharing Chinese talent, entertainment and culture with the United States and other nations. What’s remarkable is that the award was presented to Mr. Zhao, not in Shanghai, China, but over 7,254 miles away in Branson, Missouri.

Even more remarkable is the fact that the award was presented to Mr. Zhao, and other representatives of the “New Shanghai Circus,” in the “New Shanghai Circus Theatre” built in Branson specifically to accommodate the performances of one of Branson’ s most unique and beautiful shows, “The Acrobats of China.” Some might ask, “What’s a Chinese acrobatic show doing in Branson, Missouri where the Baldknobbers country music and comedy show started it all 50 years ago?” The answer is, “Doing the same thing the Baldknobbers did, and are still doing 50 years later, providing Branson visitors with a quality entertainment experience.”

What an evolution has taken place since the first Baldknobbers show. The Branson show scene has grown and expanded to the point where, from comedy to outdoor drama and music from country to opera, the Branson entertainment experience has a high quality show available for just about every taste. Thanks the visionary and persistent efforts of Mr. Zhao and his business associates, since 1998 that experience has included the excitement, strength, grace, and beauty of Chinese acrobatics entertaining Branson audiences as the “The Acrobats of China” shares the incredible talents of its cast and their culture with Branson and the world.

Pictured below at the CAA recognition ceremony October 22, 2009, left to right are: Ms. Xu Ying, shareholder and Artistic Director; Mr. Lizhi Zhao, President and shareholder, Jerry Adams, Public Information Director City of Branson; Jim Strafus, Western District Taney County Commissioner; Mr. Jian Lin, President of the Chinese Acrobats Association; Mr. Ziqian Tan, shareholder and Mr. Jianhua Gu, shareholder.


In an effort to enhance the Branson experience through a “bit” of information about the area we love and service, BTC Branson Bits is sponsored by the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). BTC is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-875-1550 or by visiting their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Party with The Stars - Saturday, October 3, 2009

Branson Community Celebrates 50 Years of Live Music Shows

Branson, MO – (Friday, September 18, 2009) – Saturday, October 3, 2009, will be the night to “Party with The Stars”. The party begins at 9:00pm at the Chateau on the Lake Resort. The League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers (The Branson Show League) and Branson.com invite the public and everyone who lives and/or works in Taney or Stone County to join us as we “Celebrate 50 Years of Live Music Shows”…and the people who made it all possible!

Jeanie Horton, Legends In Concert General Manager and President of the Branson Show League said, “This is a party for all of us…from the show that started it all to the housekeeping staff that makes sure our visitors have a comfortable stay. It’s more than just celebrating 50 years of shows; it’s about celebrating the people who really make Branson what it is.” For complete details go to www.PartyWithTheStars.com.

Cindy Merry, Marketing Team Chair for the Branson Show League said, “We’re inviting everyone who has worked to keep the hospitality and rich traditions of Ozark Mountain Country thriving and who’ve made Branson, Missouri the ‘Live Music Show Capital of the World’ to join us for a night of fun. This is your night to shine.”

Party events include live band, hors d’oeuvres, red carpet event hosted by Branson’s own Joan Rivers (aka Terry Sanders), silent auction, wall of fame, special presentations, appearances from Branson favorites, cash beverage bar, and games including Branson-style Karaoke, Dance Contest, Guitar Hero competitions, and more. “We’re all planning on kicking back and enjoying a party where we can have fun with each other. We’ve got a live band and a dance floor, so plan on kicking up your heels,” says Michael Horn, Circle B Show and Branson Show League board member.

Jim Barber, Hamner Barber Theatre and Branson Show League board member adds, “We really want to say how great it is that Branson.com stepped up as a sponsor of this event. They really understand how important our community is to the success of the tourism industry and what a milestone it has been for Branson to have presented live music shows for over 50 years!”

Dawn Easton, God and Country Theater, adds, “Everyone attending the party will get a chance to do the red carpet walk, so come prepare to have your picture taken, be on video, and hobnob with your fellow stars.”

In order to cover the costs for the party there will be an admission price. For those living and/or working in Taney or Stone County a party ticket is $15 at the door. HOWEVER you can purchase your tickets now from Branson.com for only $9.95 per person. (General admission is $29.99). With your ticket you’ll receive a special Party with The Stars Souvenir Book along with a great evening of Ozarks fun! Purchase your tickets by going to http://www.PartyWithTheStars.com

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About The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers (The Branson Show League)The Branson Show League works to increase the success and well-being of the theatrical industry in the “Live Music 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 Branson Show 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.

Go to http://www.PartyWithTheStars.com