April 15, 2009 Issue
April 15, 2009 Issue
281 Miles to Graceland
Branson's forecast for "King" sightings is unusually high for the weekend of April 17-19, when the 3rd Annual Branson Elvis Festival takes place at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater.
Legends in Concert and Elvis Presley Enterprises are sponsoring Branson's Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest on Saturday, April 18, 2009. The winner of this contest will advance to Memphis to compete for the title of "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist" in August.
In addition to the tribute artist contest, fans can get all shook up with two nights of Elvis karaoke, or they can shop at the Elvis vendor village and watch a free showing of "Speedway" (starring Elvis Presley and Nancy Sinatra). At 10 a.m. Sunday morning there is a Grand Old Gospel Hour with Elvis.
Put on your blue suede shoes and visit www.bransonelvisfestival.com or call 417-339-3003 or 417-336-4888 for more information.
Elvis Connection
While it is believed that the real Elvis was only in the Branson area once (and then only passing through on his way to a May 17, 1956, performance in Springfield, Mo.), the memory of the King of Rock 'N Roll is alive year-round in the Ozarks.
An Elvis tribute is a mainstay at the Legends in Concert show in Branson, with Elvis portrayed by Dean Z. He has performed as Elvis around the world, including performances at Las Vegas' Caesar's Palace, Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand.
Elvis fans also flock to Tony Roi's Elvis Experience. Roi, who moved to Branson in 2000 to perform with Legends in Concert, also has performed in Las Vegas, on Broadway and on the David Letterman Show, Regis and Kathy Lee Show and All My Children. Roi started his own Branson show in 2004.
And new in Branson in 2009 is Hunka Hunka Burnin' Love, an Elvis Presley musical tribute. This dinner show is playing at the Shake It Up Show Club.
Of course visitors can see the King every day on Branson's world-famous 76 Strip: Elvis is one of four faces depicted on the "Mt. Rushmore" facade at Hollywood Wax Museum (the other three are Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne).
The 12 finalists — including two men — in Branson’s Great American Pie Show are making their friends and family happy as they practice their pie recipes for the upcoming event featuring guest celebrity judge Al Roker of NBC’S “Today Show.”
The event on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, at the Branson Convention Center also features Taste of Home Cooking Schools each day presented by Taste of Home, the world’s #1 cooking magazine, along with the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB. The staff at Taste of Home received more than 1,000 entries for the Pie Show.
Finalist Barbie Miller of Oakdale, Minn. operates a group home for disabled veterans, and they’ve been enjoying her “Vermont Maple Oatmeal Pie,” she said. “After what they’ve done for our country, the least you can do is give them some love,” Miller said.
Celebrity Judge Al Roker was named by several of the contestants as the reason they entered, including Barbara Estabrook, a retired realtor from Rhinelander, Wis.
"I watch him every morning, and I just think he’s such a neat guy, and I thought `Wouldn’t it be neat to have him judge my pie,'" Estabrook said. She has entered her “Mixed Nut ‘n’ Fig Pie with Orange-Laced Cream."
Chris Michalowski, of Dallas, is also a Roker fan. “I watch Al every day,” he said. He’s hoping his “Mayan Chocolate Pecan Pie” will earn him the Pie Show's $2,500 grand prize.
The Taste of Home Cooking Schools are Friday, April 24, from 3 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, April 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. On Saturday, doors open at 11 a.m., and the first 100 ticket-holders also will participate as judges in the Great American Pie Show.
From 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, celebrity judge Al Roker of NBC’s “Today Show” will conduct a book signing and question-and-answer session.
Cooking School admission is $15 with tickets available at the front desk of the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel or online at www.ticketmaster.com. The ticket also gets you into the Great American Pie Show.
The Great American Pie Show is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday with the 12 finalists competing with judging at 3 p.m. Four finalists will compete from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday for the Grand Prize. The Awards Ceremony with Al Roker will be at 4 p.m. There also will be celebrity judges and live entertainment. Admission to the Great American Pie Show and the Marketplace is $5 available for purchase at the door. A portion of funds raised from this event support Ozarks Food Harvest, an organization supplying numerous local food pantries.
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.
Branson’s first show — the Baldknobbers — invites first fans to attend anniversary party!
Branson's first show -- the Baldknobbers -- reaches out with an opportunity to welcome its first fans to see the show again!
"We invite anyone who saw the Baldknobbers in 1959 to come to the show on either May 15 or 16, 2009 and celebrate our golden anniversary with us for a great price at our Come Back Party! We want to hear the stories from folks who saw my dad and uncles perform early on in their careers," said Tim Mabe, second generation Baldknobber, producer, and comedian Droopy Drawers Jr.
"To be 50 years in any business is remarkable and to do it in show business is completely incredible. All of us in the Mabe family wanted to find a way to say thank you to those first fans that helped the Baldknobbers get started," said Mabe.
In 1959 the four Mabe brothers began entertaining visitors Branson in downtown on the Taneycomo lakefront. Today, second and third generations of the Mabe family along with a talented cast of singers, musicians, comedians and entertainers continue to wow audiences with a variety of great country music and lots of side-splitting comedy.
Second generation Baldknobber and band leader Brent Mabe said, "Our show today is still country music and comedy. This year's all new show salutes the best of 50 years of Baldknobbers entertainment with a great variety of country music. Plus, the comedy of Stub Meadows, Hargus Marcel and Droopy Drawers is still unmatched in Branson."
If you saw the Baldknobbers in 1959, call the Baldknobbers Box Office at 800-998-8908 for special half-price show tickets, $15 for adults and $8 for kids. These tickets are only good for May 15-16, 2009 and ticket price does not include applicable taxes. These tickets are only available by calling the box office.
The Baldknobbers is known as the "Show That Started It All" in Branson, where celebrating American entertainment is a family tradition. Show times are 8 P.M. Monday - Saturday. The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show is located on the famed 76 Country Music Boulevard. For tickets call 800-998-8908 or Baldknobbers.com. Join the Baldknobbers in 2009 as they celebrate their golden anniversary and be part of the legend!
Kids of all ages are invited to Kids Rock, an outdoor festival of live music, food, sports competitions, video games and much more from 2:00 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, April 18, 2009, at Area 57, next to Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater in Branson. Presented by the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks to benefit the club’s after-school and summer programs, Kids Rock will include musical performances by American Kids, Rock U Mentally, Retro, Mile Zero and the Thundering Red Rockets.
The festival also will feature Guitar Hero® showdowns, 3-on-3 streetball tournaments and ping pong championships for both youths and adults. Children will enjoy inflatable fun, the rock climbing wall and the Pit-Stop Challenge. Works of art by Boys & Girls Club members will be judged and on display. The first, second and third place winners in each category will have an opportunity to advance to the National Boys & Girls Clubs of America Fine Arts contest.
Tickets to Kids Rock are available for $10 per person at any Boys & Girls Club or Country Mart location or at the gate on the day of the event. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, contact Natalie Snyder at 417-335-2089 ext. 230 or visit the club’s website at www.bgcozarks.org.
Great American Pie Show
April 24, 2009 - April 25, 2009
http://www.greatamericanpieshow.com
Location: Hilton Convention Center
Phone: 417-334-4084
Taste of Home Magazine and the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB present Branson’s Great American Pie Show (a contest) Friday, April 24 – Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Branson Convention Center. America’s favorite weatherman, Al Roker from the Today Show, will be a celebrity judge on Saturday, April 25th. Twelve finalists from across the country selected by the culinary experts at Taste of Home will compete for the Grand Prize of $2500 cash, plus a 4-day/3-night fun filled trip for two. Celebrity cooking demonstrations and a Marketplace with culinary related exhibitors are planned for both days. Pie Show/Marketplace general admission is $5 per day with tickets available for purchase on-site the day of the event. A complete schedule of events is available at www.GreatAmericanPieShow.com
Taste of Home Cooking School
April 24, 2009 - April 25, 2009
Times: Fri. April 24: 3-5 p.m. (doors open 12 p.m .) Sat. April 25: 2-4 p.m. (doors open at 11 a.m.)
http://www.TasteofHome.com/CookingSchools
Location: Branson Convention Center
Phone: 417-334-4084
Admission: $15 (plus service charge & tax)
The Taste of Home Cooking School—Made Easy is an onstage program of 7-8 recipes (about 1 1/2 hours) that offers quick and easy dishes along with craft and decorating ideas. Enjoy the great live cooking demos with top culinary specialist, Martha Schwend. Take home fabulous recipes, creative cooking tips and a free gift bag! All ticket holders will be entered to win fantastic door prizes! Visit the Marketplace with culinary related exhibitors! Cooking School: Friday, April 24th starts at 3 p.m. and Saturday, April 25th starts at 2 p.m. Doors open to the Cooking School 3 hours prior to the start time each day. First 100 ticket holders in attendance on Saturday will participate in Great American Pie Show People’s Choice pie judging at 1 p.m. Marketplace exhibits are open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission to Pie Show and Marketplace is included in Cooking School ticket price. Tickets are $15 (plus service charge and tax) at the Branson Convention Center office or at www.ticketmaster.com/outlets or (800) 745-3000.
World Fest
April 4, 2009 - May 3, 2009
Times: Wed.-Sun. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
http://www.silverdollarcity.com
Location: Silver Dollar City
Phone: 800-831-4FUN
Each spring international performers from around the world gather right here in the Heartland to share their stories and trade traditions with our guests visiting Ozark Mountain Country.
2009 Branson Car Collector Auction
April 17, 2009 - April 18, 2009
http://www.bransonauction.com/
Phone: 800-335-3063
This will be our 28th year as one of the region’s leading collector car auctions offering some of the finest classic, sports and exotic automobiles. The event is open to the public as well. If you would like further information on consignments, bidding or just general admission please contact us.
3rd Annual Branson Elvis Festival and Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest
April 17, 2009 - April 19, 2009
http://www.legendsbranson.com
Location: Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater
Phone: For information call 417-339-3003 or 417-336-4888
The contest is presented by Legends in Concert and Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. The Festival includes the following activities: April 17-5 pm: Elvis Meet & Greet Dinner at Dick Clark’s Grill. 8 pm: Legends in Concert Show (tickets on sale at the box office). 10:30pm: Elvis Karaoke at 57 Heaven. April 18-9 am to 5 pm: Elvis Vendor Village (free to the public). 10 am: “Speedway” starring Elvis Presley and Nancy Sinatra on the Legends in Concert stage (free to public). 7pm: Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. 10:30 pm: Elvis Karaoke at 57 Heaven. April 19-10 am: Grand Old Gospel Hour with Elvis.
Area '57 Cruise In & Drive-In Movie Night
April 18, 2009
http://www.area57events.com/
Location: Dick Clark's Area 57
Phone: (877) 588-1957
AREA '57 is host to the "AREA '57 Cruise-In & Drive-In presented by American National Insurance" event, a cruise-in like no other in the Midwest. Our Cruise-In and Drive-In concept takes the ordinary, boring cruise-in to the next level! AREA '57 Cruise-In's & Drive-In's will feature all the activities the car enthusiasts have come to enjoy: games, music and great food, but with the bonus of a FREE Drive-In Movie for them to enjoy before heading home. The best part is this FREE event is open to both the owners of classic and custom cars AND those who enjoy them. AREA '57 will feature the "B” movie classics of the 60's and 70's as well as all your favorite car movies both past and present.
Kids Rock
April 18, 2009
Times: 2 p.m. - midnight
www.bgcozarks.org
Location: Dick Clark's Area 57
Phone: 417-335-2089
Springfield Earth Day
April 18, 2009
Times: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. /12 - 4 p.m. Recycle life and give blood.
http://www.discoverycenter.org
Location: Discovery Center of Springfield
Phone: 417-862-9910
Admission: Admission is free for the day. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Springfield Earth Day focuses on sharing and educating the variety of environmental resources in the community. Celebrate Earth Day by enjoying educational displays and hands on activities and demonstrations from a variety of community organizations. Plus enjoy the Discovery Center of Springfield's hands-on exhibits and walk through the first LEED Gold Certified building in Southwest Missouri. Give Blood and you can get a free Recycle Life t-shirt. Community Blood Center of Ozarks Blood Mobile will be in Discovery Center parking lot.
Kewpiesta
April 22, 2009 - April 25, 2009
Location: Ramada Inn and Convention Center on Hwy 76
Phone: 417-561-1509
The International Rose O'Neill Club Foundation will be hosting its 41st Annual Kewpiesta April 22-25, 2009, at the Ramada Inn. The theme is "100 years of Kewpies" celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first publication of the Kewpie. Activities include a doll show, auction, banquet, window displays, trade korner and educational programs including presentations from German and Japanese delegates. IROCF's purpose is to preserve the memory of Rose O'Neill and inform the public about her works and to promote the cultural arts. For more info, contact Susan Wilson at 314-832-6463.
Spring Green Recycling Fling
May 3, 2009
Location: Branson Star Theatre
Phone: 417-334-7131
Admission: Free to the public!
Outdoor event with entertainment, vendors, prizes, and educational seminars. For vendor information contact Angela at 417-336-2442
Hand in Hand
April 24, 2009 - April 25, 2009
http://www.branson.com
Phone: 417-334-2360
The two-day event features guest speakers Dr. Hemant Thakur, Col., MD, a world renowned Post Traumatic Stress Disorder expert, and a speaker from the National Military Order of Purple Hearts. Twenty-five professional fishermen will provide their time, boats, fuel, tackle, and bait as they take 25 Purple Heart recipients fishing. The State of Missouri waived the license for these men because of the “emotional healing” that comes from being on the water. The Missouri Wine Festival has invited all Purple Heart Recipients and a guest to their exciting event. Branson entertainers will be there to give an outstanding show full of laughter and music. The event will close with a Purple Mountain Majesty Twilight Ceremony at the Branson Landing, with guest speaker Sergeant Major Tony Rose (ret.), a Pentagon Survivor of 9/11. All events are free and open to the public. Branson honors Purple Heart recipients. Public invited.
Area '57 Cruise In & Drive-In Movie Night
April 25, 2009
http://www.area57events.com/
Location: Dick Clark's Area 57
Phone: (877) 588-1957
Autism Awareness: A Day for Shay & Pals
April 25, 2009
Times: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Area 57
Phone: 417-230-4637 or 417-230-3118
Admission: It is a free event for the whole family with donations gladly accepted.
With the help of Generation Rescue to benefit Taney County families who live with autism and need financial help. Inflatable jump houses, local entainers set to perform, Buzz Lightyear and Woody from "Toy Story" and much more. If businesses are interested in sponsorship please contact Michelle O'Day or Crystal Hedrick.
Missouri Wine Festival
April 25, 2009 - April 26, 2009
http://www.mowinefest.com
Location: Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa
Phone: 417-699-6199
Featuring Missouri wines and artisan cheeses; the Missouri Wine Festival is a two day celebration of the National and International recognition of wines produced in the state of Missouri. The exhibit hall will open for tastings of Missouri wines from many of the nearly 80 wineries located in the Show-Me-State. Exhibitors also include artisan cheese makers, chocolatiers, gourmet foods, and fine cigars for the aficionado. Live music will be performed all day, both days. Medals will be awarded by our panel of wine experts to the outstanding label in multiple varietals and there will be a juried, targeted art show sponsored by The Branson Arts Council. The days are filled with samples, seminars and demonstrations. Plus, each night at 7 p.m., there will be a gourmet dinner paired with a special wine selection for each course, prepared by Chateau's own Head Chef, Doug Knopp, winner of Wine Spectator Magazine's "Award of Excellence." The first 1,500 admitted will receive a tasting journal to record your favorite labels and a collector tasting glass.
Titanic Princess Tea Parties
April 25, 2009 - April 26, 2009
http://titanicbranson.com
Location: The Titanic Museum
Phone: 800-381-7670
Admission: Seating is limited and reservations are required.
Much to the delight of mothers and daughters throughout the Midwest, the most popular and successful of all Titanic special events returns for its third year — the Titanic Princess Tea Party. This celebration of proper etiquette, manners and style is modeled after the formal tea rituals of the Titanic era. Each young lady will receive a two-hour "crash-course” on the do's and dont's of classic, social behavior. Call for details.
Annual Missouri GWRRA District Rally
April 30, 2009 - May 3, 2009
http://www.area57events.com/
Location: Dick Clark's Area 57
Phone: (877) 588-1957
GWRRA is the world's largest single-marquee social organization for owners and riders of Honda Gold Wing motorcycles, and some would say, the world's largest family.
Founder's Day
May 1, 2009 - May 31, 2009
Times: Beginning at 10 a.m.
http://hollisterchamber.net
Location: Hollister Town Hall Square
Phone: 417-334-3050
History, children’s games, food and music will set the scene at the Hollister Founders Day Celebration for a day of festivities with family and friends. Beginning at 10:00 am the Hollister Town Hall Square will be transformed into a historical street-scape, featuring vintage automobiles, a campfire with a black kettle full of beans, silver dollar pancakes, beef on the grill, period music and lots of old time games for the kids. Come and join the fun!
OZARKCON Amateur Radio Conference
May 1, 2009 - May 2, 2009
http://www.ozarkcon.com/
Location: The Stone Castle Inn
Admission: Registration fee $10
The Four States QRP Group is happy to announce their annual ham radio QRP conference. The registration desk opens Friday, May 1, at 4 p.m. You do not have to be a licensed ham radio operator to register and attend. Everyone with any interest in ham radio is welcome.
Cinco de Mayo
May 2, 2009
http://www.outbackbranson.com
Location: Outback Pub
Phone: 417-334-7003
MOPARS In May
May 8, 2009 - May 9, 2009
http://www.area57events.com/
Location: Dick Clark's Area 57
Phone: (877) 588-1957
Branson Air Show
May 9, 2009 - May 10, 2009
Times: Gates open at 8 a.m. Show begins at 10:30 a.m.
http://www.bransonairshow.com
Location: Branson Airport
Admission: Adults $16 in advance/$18 at gate; Military $10 with military I.D.; Children 6-12: $5 in advance/$6 at gate; children under 6 free
The Branson Air Show celebrates the grand opening of the new Branson Airport. Highlights include: United States Air Force "Thunderbirds"; U.S. Army Parachute Team "Golden Knights"; world-class aviation performers such as AeroShell Aerobatic Team, John Mohr, Michael Goulian, Gene Soucy and Teresa Stokes Wing Walking, Iron Eagles, Patty Wagstaff and more; Warbird demonstrations with pyrotechnics; static aircraft displays including the Sea Fury, B-17, B-25, P-47, P-51, Ford Tri-Motor and Corsair and military demonstrations.
Big Smith in Concert
May 10, 2009
Times: 8 p.m.
http://www.bransonlanding.com
Location: Branson Landing
Admission: FREE
Mark your calendars because you don't want to miss this Concert! Straight out of Springfield, MO, this band composed of five cousins is bound together by blood and harmony, both of which make up this great American band. Big Smith has earned a devoted following playing raucous acoustic music that has captured the spirit of their native Ozarks. Equipped only with an acoustic guitar, mandolin, bass fiddle and washboard they continue to demonstrate to unsuspecting audiences that joy and liberation can be found in an unlikely combination including the energy of bluegrass, the sound of gospel harmonies and the raw mojo of indigenous, authentic Ozarks culture.
Blue Springs High School Wildcat Jazz Ensemble
May 10, 2009
Times: 12:15 p.m.
http://www.bransonlanding.com
Location: Branson Landing’s Town Square
From Blue Springs Missouri, the Blue Springs High School “Wildcat Jazz Ensemble” plays an active role in community functions and area competitions, where they have received numerous awards. In 2002 this ensemble performed at the Missouri Music Educators Association and were Grand Champions at the Northwest State University Jazz Festival and have achieved distinction as a premiere high school jazz ensemble here in America.They have performed here in the Branson area annually for the past eight years, and have been the opening act for numerous Branson Shows. Don’t miss this talented group!
Branson Airport Grand Opening
May 11, 2009
http://www.flybranson.com
Location: Branson Airport
Bluegrass & BBQ
May 13, 2009 - May 31, 2009
Times: Open Daily 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; May 23-24 9 a.m.- 8 p.m.; July 27-Aug. 9, 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
http://www.silverdollarcity.com
Location: Silver Dollar City
Phone: 800-831-4FUN
See electrifying performances by some of the very best names in Bluegrass music today, from award-winning favorites to red-hot rising stars! Plus, special events hosted during the festival include the Annual Single Mic Championship and KSMU Youth in Bluegrass Band Contest.
