Branson is Ready to Welcome You and Your Groups

We've all been touched by the many calls and e-mails over the past week, and our thoughts and prayers go out to our neighbors affected by the storms that struck much of the Midwest and Southern parts of the United States. 

The Branson recovery and rebuilding efforts are progressing rapidly, with many of the affected businesses reopening or scheduled to reopen in the coming days. The Strip and other area roads are entirely open to traffic, and visitors are traveling to and from attractions, shows and restaurants with only infrequent periods of restricted access due to utility work crews.

Branson is open for business and the majority of retailers and restaurants at Branson are ready and eager to welcome customers.  Major attractions such as Silver Dollar City, TITANIC Museum Attraction, Hughes Brothers Theatre, RFD-TV The Theatre, IMAX Entertainment Complex, Sight & Sound Theatres, Showboat Branson Belle, Tanger Outlet Mall and numerous other theatres, attractions, lodging properties, restaurants and retail stores are also undamaged and remain open and welcoming visitors to Branson. As our community recovers from this storm, we appreciate more than ever those groups who come to stay and play in the Live Music Show Capital of the World!

Come Celebrate Branson’s Heritage Harmony & Hospitality During Ozark Mountain Spring 

March, April & May 2012

From March through May, the Ozarks flourish with vibrant colors and sounds. While dogwoods, redbuds and wildflowers bloom, Branson’s world-famous shows, family attractions and unique theme parks introduce new acts, features and exhibits. For spring break, groups and individuals take advantage of Branson’s multigenerational appeal while enjoying the shows, museums, lakes and fun-filled attractions. A wide variety of special events and festivals enhances your springtime visit this season with Branson’s Centennial Celebration: For more information visit www.Branson100.org

Sunday, Apr. 1 Centennial History Museum Opening
Location: Historic Downtown Branson
Phone: 417-334-4084
Web: www.branson100.org

Sunday, Apr. 15 Branson Centennial Celebration Show
Location: RFD-TV The Theatre
Phone: 417-334-4084
Web: www.branson100.org

Southwest Airlines has committed to service Branson, MO.

Southwest Airlines has committed to serve Branson, Missouri (BKG) according to a Southwest Airlines press release issued in January. Southwest Airlines has made the decision to serve Branson, Missouri and to convert AirTran Airways at Branson to Southwest Airlines operations over time.

Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded and has recently acquired AirTran Airways, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. Southwest serves 72 cities in 37 states and is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. For more information and updates regarding the Branson airport visit www.flybranson.com

America's Largest International Festival! 

Each spring international entertainers bring incredible performances from around the world to America's Heartland. It's a celebration of global proportions where laughter and music are universal languages!

See the best acts from across the globe and discover a world of adventure at America's Largest International Festival - only at Silver Dollar City!

See spectacular new groups, and your traditional favorites in 2012.

• NEW La Bella Musica in Red Gold Heritage Hall showcases classically trained operatic tenor, Aaron Caruso, who recently performed at Carnegie Hall. The show also features soprano Melanie Goerlitz and World Accordian Champion, Cory Pesaturo.
• NEW Viva Italia - Red Gold's Courtyard comes to life with Italian flag throwers, living vines and statues, stilt walkers and a colorful costume parade.
• NEW The Mariachi Divas, a Grammy Award-winning all-female music ensemble with members from Mexico, Cuba, Samoa, Argentina, Colombia, Honduras and more.
• NEW Traditional Hawaiian Country Music Show starring four-time Grammy winner George Kahumoku
• NEW Peruvian Yawar Chicchi Scissor Dancers
• NEW Kenyan Sarakasi Acrobats, world-renowned acrobats from Nairobi, Kenya 
• Russian Academic Band
• Ireland's premier harpist, Dearbhail Finnegan
• Ecuador Manta
• Slovenian Polka Party returns to World-Fest May 4-6  

For more information, visit www.silverdollarcity.com

A Night to Remember at Titanic - Saturday April 14, 2012 

As the centennial anniversary of the night the world lost Titanic, April 14, 2012, is sure to be the museum attraction's most historic night. Come make history! Re-live Titanic's maiden voyage via story telling, re-enactments and interactive ceremonial events.

In memory of the ship's 2,208 passengers and crew, the museum attraction will host a special commemorative candlelight ceremony featuring choral groups and the lighting of the Titanic Eternam Flame. Distress fire rockets will be launched, bringing a solemn end to a once-in-a-lifetime event, not to return for 100 years. For more information visit www.titanicbranson.com

Dino & Cheryl In Concert at the Tri-Lakes Center

Dino Kartsonakis is a grand pianist a stellar entertainer and international television host and a visionary businessman to name just a few accolades betowed on Branson’s most beloved piano player. For the last 12 years, Dino has entertained Branson, Missouri, audiences with his exceptional showmanship and amazing talent. With emotional and spontaneous piano styling and his ability to astound audiences with his showmanship, Dino loves entertaining his audiences. Limited engagements April – May. For more information visit www.trilakescenter.com

Ray Price & B.J. Thomas Perform in Branson in May

Two of the most incredible voices in both Pop and Country music will take the stage on May 5, 2012 at Tri-Lakes Center in Branson. Ray Price is a member of The Country Music Hall of Fame and recognized around the world as having an amazing voice that can communicate powerful lyrics in the most beautiful tones possible. 

B.J. Thomas has topped both the Pop and Country charts throughout his career. 

Both stars are planning to sign autographs after the show, so you get to hear these legends on stage and then meet them in person. It is going to be a very special night. For more information visit www.trilakescenter.com

Andy Williams 75th Year in Show Biz

Come celebrate Andy’s 75 years of entertaining the world in 2012! Guest stars coming in the Fall include Dick Van Dyke, Jack Jones, Pat and Debby Boone and many more. For more information visit www.andywilliams.com 

The Moon River Theater will host 2 new shows in 2012

Oh What A Night! A musical tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons performing this season at Moon River Theatre and The Finalists Featuring five top 10 American Idol finalists on the Moon River stage. You will see and hear your favorite AI singers live and up-close. For more information visit www.andywilliams.com

Merle Haggard to Perform in Branson in June

Iconic country music legend, Country Hall of Famer and most recently a Kennedy Center Honoree, Merle Haggard recently announced he will perform in Branson on June 23rd at 7:00 pm at the Tri-Lakes Center.

The word “legend” usually makes an appearance at some point when discussing Merle Haggard. It’s an acknowledgment of his artistry and his standing as “the poet of the common man.” It’s a tribute to his incredible commercial success and to the lasting mark he has made, not just on country music, but on American music as a whole. It’s apt in every way but one. For more information visit www.trilakescenter.com

EPIC EASTER PERFORMANCE ON TOUR at The Tri-Lakes Center

The Thorn is a live, dramatic portrayal of the passion of the Christ like you have never seen it before, featuring live music, dance, special affects, aerial gymnastics and a cast of hundreds. Beginning as a small regional play 13 years ago, The Thorn has grown to become the largest perennial, volunteer-based Easter production in the United States. Over the past 13 seasons, nearly one million people have witnessed this dramatic live event and more than 100,000 people are expected to see the 2012 version. For more information visit www.trilakescenter.com

Three Dog Night at The Mansion – July 14th 8pm at The Mansion

Three Dog Night scored a succession of 21 hit singles, including eleven Top Tens, and twelve consecutive gold albums from 1969 to 1975, thanks to the slick, sometimes soulful vocal harmonies of singers Danny Hutton, Chuck Negron, and Cory Wells and an excellent ear for quality material. In 1967, Hutton conceived the idea of a three-vocalist group, and he and Wells enlisted mutual friend Negron. They took their name from an Australian expression describing low nocturnal temperatures in the outback (the colder the night, the more dogs needed to keep warm while sleeping).  You can see them for one night only at The Mansion Theatre, Saturday, July 14th at 8:00 pm. For more information visit www.themansiontheatre.com

Veggie Tales June 20th – June 20th – July 7th at Mansion Theatre

The enormously popular VeggieTales series of shows and movies about computer-animated garden vegetables that learn about Bible stories and Sunday-school lessons also spawned a series of albums, ranging from VeggieTales: Veggie Tunes to VeggieTales: On the Road with Bob & Larry. Part of a family media company called Big Idea, VeggieTales was the brain child of Phil Vischer, who wanted to create family entertainment with a set of strong moral values. He began Big Idea and VeggieTales in 1993, working with friends and art-school grads until the first VeggieTales episode, Where's God When I'm S-Scared?, was completed just before Christmas that year. By 1995, 130,000 VeggieTales videos were sold; a year later, over 750,000 had been purchased. By 2001, more than 20 million copies of VeggieTales videos had been sold. For more information visit www.themansiontheatre.com

Don Williams Returns to Branson

There are few American classics these days, but Don Williams is certainly one of them. Country music is built on real emotions, real songs, real moments in people’s lives. That is the definition of Don Williams.  Willliams’ career is highlighted by 17 - #1 and 42 – Top 10 songs, and a 2010 induction to The Country Music Hall of Fame. Don Williams will perform at Tri-Lakes Center in Branson Saturday October 6, 2012, 7:00pm.

Bill Cosby To Perform in Branson Oct. 13th at 8pm

For over 30 years, Bill Cosby has been one of the world's most respected and well-known entertainers and comedians of our time. Bill Cosby began his career as a stand-up comic and ended up as one of America's most beloved television stars. Bill Cosby began doing stand-up in the early 1960s while attending Temple University, and his comedy career was kick-started by a 1963 appearance on  Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. His first comedy album was Bill Cosby Is a Very Funny Fellow... Right! in 1964, and Cosby won multiple Grammy Awards for comedy recordings throughout the 1960s. Cosby dominated primetime television with The Cosby Show, a family comedy. The show was a huge hit and, along with the 1986 book Fatherhood, re-established Bill Cosby as a leading comedian. From 1996-2000 he starred in a similar sitcom, Cosby,  He is the author of many books, including the 1986 bestseller Fatherhood. He was given Kennedy Center Honors in 1998 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002. For more information visit www.themansiontheatre.com

LONESTAR at Tri-Lakes Center

Multi-platinum country music group LONESTAR has reunited with original lead singer Richie McDonald and will tour and record a new album in 2012 to mark their 20th anniversary. Up Close Concerts is excited to be hosting Lonestar’s only area appearance Friday October 19, 2012, 8:00pm at Tri-Lakes Center. The band’s four original members - keyboardist Dean Sams, drummer Keech Rainwater, lead guitarist Michael Britt and lead singer Richie McDonald - have 10 - #1 hits.

For more information visit www.trilakescenter.com

More of your favorite Branson shows have a new home in 2012:

• The 3 Redneck Tenors moves tol the New Americana Theatre home www.3rednecktenors.com
• A Neil Diamond Tribute moves to the Branson Star Theatre www.aneildiamondtribute.com
• Allen Edwards Show moves to Ledge Stone Country Club at StoneBridge www.allenedwardsbranson.com
• Cat’s Pajamas Show moves to the Andy William’s Theater www.andywilliams.com
• Circle B Supper Show moves to Branson Central Dinner Theatre www.circlebshow.com
• Doug Gabriel Show moves to Music City Centre www.douggabriel.com
• Joey Riley Show moves to Music City Centre www.joeyriley.net
• Ozark Murder Mysteries moves to Branson Central Dinner Theatre www.killerflea.com
• Todd Oliver & Friends moves to the Americana Theatre www.funnydog.com

For a complete list of shows and attractions and special events during your visit to Branson in 2012 go to ExploreBranson.com, the official website of Branson, Missouri.