March 2008
The Titanic Museum Attraction will celebrate the Titanic/Irish connection March 1 to 17 in a special tribute to the many Irish passengers and crew who sailed on the ship's maiden voyage. Owner John Joslyn says the 17-day event will feature Celtic dancers, the popular Dirty Old Towne band, Titanic Branson"s own versatile crew of Irish storytellers and much more.
Titanic was said to be "born in Ireland” because, in large part, thousands of Irish workmen at the Harland and Wolff Shipyard in Belfast created her. In addition, the ship carried more Irish passengers than any other nationality aboard and employed more Irish crew members than other passenger liners of its day. “These are the brave people we celebrate and the legacy we honor during Irish-American Heritage Month at Titanic,” says Joslyn.
During the event, Irish-costumed crew members will greet Museum Attraction visitors and regale them with the true stories of Irish passengers—those who survived and those who perished. Visitors will also meet Titanic’s own Father Browne, the young Irishman who took the only photographs of Titanic at sea with passengers aboard. “This stunning, world-exclusive exhibit literally stops visitors in their tracks,” says Joslyn. “Father Browne’s photos capture the Titanic story in ways that words alone just can’t.”
The World’s Largest TITANIC Museum Attraction is the new landmark family destination in Branson, Missouri. In nearly two years of operation, it has already welcomed more than 855,000 guests aboard. The 17,000 square-foot, ship-shaped structure - built half-scale to Titanic’s original size – towers more than 100 feet above its anchored position on Highway 76. A 90-minute self-guided or optional audio tour covers 20 galleries on two decks where more than 400 priceless artifacts are on display that once belonged to Titanic’s passengers or crew.
Silver Dollar City's Family Spring Break Days run Thursdays through Sundays, March 20 -30. Hours are 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. each day, except Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30 when the park opens at 9:00 a.m. For tickets, show schedules and general park information, call 1-800-831-4 FUN or log on to www.silverdollarcity.com. The park offers rides, attractions, crafts and a line-up of entertainment for kids and families wanting to make the most of spring break. The park will host singing groups from The Branson Brothers to the Sons of the Silver Dollar along with an interactive science show.
Silver Dollar City kicks off its biggest festival year ever on April 3 with World-Fest presenting an Irish Celebration with an all-new Irish production show, Feet of Fire, featuring a full cast of singers, dancers and musicians plus authentic fire dancing. Hundreds of performances from around the world celebrate the cultures and heritage of exotic lands.
Showboat Branson Belle Sets Sail March 14
The Showboat Branson Belle launches its season March 14, with cruises on select days in March. Headlined by ventriloquist Todd Oliver and his trio of talking dogs, Branson"s Premier Lake Experience includes a 3-course dinner, a cruise on Table Rock Lake and a world-class production show, in the 700-seat theater aboard the paddlewheeler.
The Showboat Branson Belle cruises begin March 14 and run Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through March, with cruises at noon and 4 p.m., except March 24.
For complete schedules, call 1-800-775-BOAT or log on to www.showboatbransonbelle.com.
He's been featured in publicity shots wearing sunglasses. He has his own video on You Tube. He's the co-star in a Branson theater production. He has his own chair to meet the fans after the show. He has his own stunt double. And he works for chicken feed - make that duck feed.
Juan the Duck is living the celebrity life alongside his lifelong friend Justin Flom, Branson's youngest headliner and illusionist. Juan, a Peking duck, performs once a day five days a week on stage in Justin Flom’s Magic Parlor and Imaginary Theatre on the top floor of the Majestic building. Raised from the time they were hatched, Juan and Amaul are Justin’s "man’s best friend” and have been seen with him around town making personal appearances and on stage with Justin giving Juan a friendly kiss on the neck.
“First there was Donald Duck. Then there was the Aflac duck. And now there is Juan the Duck,” said the 20-year-old Justin, who has made raising ducks as pets and training them for his magic acts his passion right alongside the art of illusion. “Peking duck is the most popular commercial duck breed in the United States and was bred from the Mallard in China. It is used primarily for egg and meat production and Juan and I believe it is better to be a duck on stage in Branson, Mo., than to be in someone’s soup.” Justin and Scott Flom, Justin’s dad, have become knowledgeable through extensive research and experience of raising ducks for the past 10 years in Minnesota. The ducks are also examined regularly by a qualified veterinarian.
Experts say care of ducks is easy given the right environment. Duck experts such as Valerie Haecky agree that ducks make great pets and can be trained to follow a routine and learn to understand commands. Because Justin has been with Juan and Amaul since they were hatched and is their primary caretaker, he is their substitute parent.
Like many parents, Justin is eager to give the spotlight to Juan. Juan may not be able to sign the autographs, but he is often the most photographed by young and old alike as Justin greets the fans after the show. Because of Juan’s celebrity status fans are often inspired to ask questions about raising ducks, Justin said. Justin addresses some of the questions during the show with his witty “Juan has a bigger dressing room than I do and he gets more chicks.”
“I feel blessed to share the spotlight with Juan who has become famous on You Tube with his infamous break dancing duck routine,” said Justin who from the age of two showed an enthusiastic interest for the art of magic. The road to opening his own theater came through a series of internships, tough decisions and hard work that resulted with the Magic Parlor and Imaginary Theatre opening July 1, 2006.
"I love that I can transport my audience to another place and let them escape their daily life. They may laugh, cry or experience wonder but they’re not worrying about their regular stressful life. That’s magic. And I love sharing the stage with Juan," he said.
Juan loves it, too, evidenced by the way he seeks Justin out on stage following his introduction. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by popular demand in June, July and August showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. For more information call the box office at 417-332-1911 or go online at bransonmagicparlor.com. The Magic Parlor is located at 2849 Gretna Rd.
You've more than likely heard it said that everything old is new again. The Rankin Brothers Classic Music Revue is a fresh approach to timeless musical classics. "This is a culmination of a dream come true”, stated Matt Rankin. Brought up in Texas, where they honed their musical skills, performing in Branson has long been their goal. “Several offers came through, but we felt that Joe Sullivan and the Welk Resorts Organization were the perfect match for us and our families”, agreed Mark Rankin. And, after a recent performance at a local community luncheon, the Manager at the Welk Resort Branson explains, “After the Rankins appeared, our phones started ringing off the wall! The people absolutely love them!”
The multi-media show speaks to all groups and all generations. Based on a belief that classic music is timeless, the Rankin Brothers project a love and respect for the music they play. Along with their considerable vocal and musical talents, the Rankin Brothers have a stage presence that audiences adore. Maria Elena Holly, widow of the late, great Buddy Holly commented, “Our Visitors from England, as well as our local friends were absolutely wowed in grand style by the music and showmanship of the Rankins. They did a tremendous job with Buddy’s music.”
The show consists of musical numbers from the 50’s to the 90’s and for a few hours, time will stand still as they take the audience on a memorable journey with hits from THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS, SIMON & GARFUNKEL, BUDDY HOLLY, THE EVERYLY BROTHERS, NEIL DIAMOND, CONWAY TWITTY, GEORGE STRAIT, ELVIS PRESLEY, and many others. Rounding out the cast will be the Rankin Brothers Brand, female singers and dancers and a comedian.
The show will take stage in March 17, 2008 and run through December 31, 2008. For more information about The Rankin Brothers and the many other great entertainers and shows at the Welk Resort, call 800-505-9355 or check our website: www.WelkResortBranson.com.
Legends in Concert is so excited to announce this 2008 Spring star line up;, George Strait portrayed by Larry Turner along with Marilyn Monroe (Stacey Whitton), Buddy Holly (George Trullinger), The Blues Brothers (Justin Clark and Art Vargas) and Elvis (Dean Z). He does Elvis from the 50's. They are here through May 20.
We have also done a facelift to our stage and transformed it into an awesome set accommodating 2 new male dancers. We have always had 6 girl dancer/singers and now we have Gabriel Quintero, Charles Redding, joining Cindy Dardas, Tori Dey Palumbo singer/dancer, Tiffany Powers singer/dancer and line captain-Stephanie Drey. You can call the theatre for February's schedule. Beginning March 1, we do 3 & 8 PM shows daily except Wednesdays.
The American Bus Association (ABA) announced the election of Ross Summers, President/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, to their Board of Directors at their annual convention in Virginia Beach, Va. He will serve on the Board of Directors for a term of three years. The board is instrumental in providing leadership and direction for the members of ABA and for the motorcoach, tour, and travel industry.
"I am honored to represent Branson. It is truly reflective of the great relationship that the Branson business community has with the motorcoach industry in my being asked to serve on the ABA board of directors,” said Summers.
Each board member is an active participant in ABA's legislative and regulatory efforts, in particular, monitoring and attending local and state legislative sessions of concern to motorcoach and transportation issues. Board members regularly correspond with local, state and national lawmakers on transportation, travel and tourism policy issues.
Area School Art Show
February 24, 2008 - March 19, 2008
Location: College of the Ozarks, Boger Gallery
Phone: (417) 334-6411
Exhibit includes works of art by area elementary, middle school, and high school students.
Art/Music/Theatre Convocation: Spring Musical, "Beauty and the Beast"
March 1, 2008
Times: 7:30 p.m.
Location: College of the Ozarks, Jones Auditorium
Phone: (417) 334-6411
February 29 - March 3
Rockaway Beach Live Talent Contest & Pasta Dinner
March 1, 2008
http://rockawaybeachchamber.com
Phone: 800-798-0178
TITANIC Salutes the Irish
March 1, 2008 - March 17, 2008
http://www.titanicbranson.com
Location: The Titanic Museum
Phone: 800-381-7670
A celebration of Gaelic traditions and music
Art/Music/Theatre Convocation: Spring Musical, "Beauty and the Beast"
March 2, 2008
Times: 2 p.m.
Location: College of the Ozarks, Jones Auditorium
Phone: (417) 334-6411
February 29 - March 3
Art/Music/Theatre Convocation: Spring Musical, "Beauty and the Beast"
March 3, 2008
Times: 7:30 p.m.
Location: College of the Ozarks, Jones Auditorium
Phone: (417) 334-6411
February 29 - March 3
C-SPAN American Presidents Museum Exhibit
March 3, 2008 - April 30, 2008
http://www.americanpresidentialmuseum.com
Location: The American Presidents Museum at 2849 Gretna Rd.
Created by the C-SPAN Cable News Network and the White House Historical Society, this a one-of-it's kind exhibit on the history of the American Presidency. Only in Missouri twice before, at the 2000 and 2004 Presidential Debates in St. Louis.
2008 Branson Victory Campaign
March 6, 2008 - March 8, 2008
Times: Thurs. 7:00 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m., 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Sat. 9:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.
http://www.events.kcm.org
Location: Faith Life Church: 3701 West Highway 76; Branson, MO 65616
Phone: 800-600-7395
Jump into faith. hope. love. health. wealth. Fullness of Blessing at the 2008 Branson Victory Campaign. Join us for total immersion in the Word of God with speakers Kenneth & Gloria Copeland.
12th Annual Branson Tri-Lakes Building & Home Show
March 7, 2008 - March 9, 2008
http://www.tvcevents.com
Location: Branson Convention Center
Phone: 417-334-1200
For 12 years, this first class consumer show has been hosting the areas leading companies in one location to bring you everything from home improvement, remodeling, landscaping, home security, kitchen and bath and so much more! For the first time in 12 years the Branson Tri-Lakes Building and Home Show will be held at the beautiful Branson Convention Center at the Branson Landing. This year could be one of the largest in number of vendors and attendees! Our three day event will include vendor booths, prizes, seminars and special guests.
Parents Night Out
March 7, 2008
http://www.discoverycenter.org
Location: The Discovery Center
Phone: 417-862-9910 ext. 706
Admission: Registration required by March 4th.
Chaperoned play for age 4-6th grade, while you enjoy an evening out.
Home School Day: Rock Science
March 12, 2008
http://www.discoverycenter.org
Location: The Discovery Center
Phone: 417-862-9910 ext. 706
Admission: Registration required
Full day or half day classes availabile for ages 5-7 or 8-12.
NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament
March 12, 2008 - March 18, 2008
http://www.cofo.edu
Location: Keeter Gymnasium at College of the Ozarks
Phone: 417-334-6411 ext. 4393
The Division II championship is a 32 team, single-elimination tournament featuring the champions of the Division II conferences, regional tournaments and at-large berths.
Pi Day
March 14, 2008
Times: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
http://www.discoverycenter.org
Location: The Discovery Center
Phone: 417-862-9910 ext. 701
3.14=March 14th. A celebration of circles. Edible pi(e)s served at 1:59 p.m.(3.14159)!
Silver Dollar City's Family Spring Break Days
March 20, 2008 - March 22, 2008
Times: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
http://www.silverdollarcity.com
Location: Silver Dollar City
Phone: 800-475-9370
Admission: Call for more information
Tri-Lakes Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
March 22, 2008
Times: 7:30 - 10 a.m.
Location: Applebee's Neighborhood Bar & Grill
Family Spring Break Days
March 27, 2008 - March 28, 2008
Times: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
http://silverdollarcity.com
Location: Silver Dollar City
Phone: 800-475-9370
Admission: Call for more information
Home School Day: Rock Science
March 27, 2008
http://www.discoverycenter.org
Location: The Discovery Center
Phone: 417-862-9910 ext. 706
Admission: Registration required
Full day or half day classes availabile for ages 5-7 or 8-12.
Scout Night
March 28, 2008
Times: 5 - 8 p.m.
http://www.discoverycenter.org
Location: The Discovery Center
Phone: 417-862-9910 ext. 701
Admission: $7 per scout and $4 per adult.
A variety of interactive activities designed to help scouts work toward badges. For one admission price you can enjoy the exhibits plus all designed activities. Both Boy and Girl Scouts can use specially developed scout night guides. No pre-registration required.
15th Billboard World Song Contest Awards Presentation Show & Performance
March 29, 2008
http://www.billboardsongcontest.com
Location: Mansion America Theatre
Phone: 918-624-2100 or 918-827-6529
The top three winners in each of the eleven categories will have their song featured on a CD that is distributed exclusively to music industry decision makers - record company heads, producers, A&R executives, music publishers, important artists and celebrities, agents, managers and others in the music industry. They listen! This contest offers unparalleled exposure for up-and-coming songwriters. It's the songwriter"s springboard to success. Song categories are: Rock/Alt Rock, Pop, Country, Latin, Folk/Americana, Jazz, Contemporary Christian/Gospel, R&B/Blues, Dance, Rap/HipHop and World. New category Electronica/Soundtrack seeks entries to this growing niche.
Butterfly Brunch and Art Exhibit
March 29, 2008
http://www.ButterfliesAtBranson.com
Location: The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure
Phone: (417) 334-1157
Admission: There will be a limited number of tickets which will be available by mid-February.
This event features the unveiling of the 65 butterfly sculptures that have been decorated by area artists, including celebrity artists Yakov and mel Tillis, for the benefit of Christian Action Ministries.
Family Spring Break Days
March 30, 2008
Times: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
http://silverdollarcity.com
Location: Silver Dollar City
Phone: 800-475-9370
Admission: Call for more information
Major Convocation: Josh McDowell, Christian Apologist
April 1, 2008
Times: 7 p.m.
Location: College of the Ozarks, Jones Auditorium
Phone: (417) 334-6411
"Resin Sculpture & Installation" by artist Neil Ward
April 2, 2008 - April 23, 2008
Location: College of the Ozarks, Boger Gallery
Phone: (417) 334-6411
Ward's work incorporates molded forms made from resin and materials suspended in resin.
WORLD-FEST
April 3, 2008 - May 4, 2008
Times: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
http://www.silverdollarcity.com
Location: Silver Dollar City
Phone: 800-475-9370
Admission: Call for more information
Join us as we celebrate the spirit of Ireland with Ireland's Feet of Fire! This elaborate All-NEW Stage Show features live Irish music, champion step dancers and symbolic fire dancing. See this talented ensemble of Celtic Isles performers as they share their country's traditions and folklore on the world's stage.
BransonFest
April 8, 2008 - April 12, 2008
http://www.BransonFest.com
Location: Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater
Phone: 417-334-4084
New location for 2008 at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater
At the daily “Big Shows” inside, you can sample some of Branson’s best shows each day. If you attend all the Big Shows, you’ll sample at least 50, yes, 50 shows! No wonder this festival has been named a “Top 100” Event in North America by the American Bus Association since 2004! The five-day event kicks off on Tuesday, April 8th. Activities begin at Noon on the grounds and the first “Big Show” is in the American Bandstand Theatre at 7 pm. Wednesday through Friday, the outdoor activities begin at 9 a.m. and the daily “Big Shows” are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. On Saturday, the final Big Show is at 2 p.m. Individual show tickets and packages are available.
Titanic Kick-Off/Third Season
April 10, 2008
http://www.titanicbranson.com/
Location: The World's Largest Titanic Museum Attraction, 3235 Highway 76
Phone: 417-334-9500
Major celebration -- in honor of ther 1912 April 10 maiden voyage.
2nd annual Ham Radio Operators to broadcast from Titanic all over the world including Belfast, Newfoundland and Southampton England. Honorary guests to visit from Belfast, Ireland.
Titanic honors James Cameron's Titanic movie, 10th anniversary of its release -- See for the first time Kate Winslow "Rose" dresses from the movie and the "Heart of the Ocean" necklace.
Home School Day: Mystery Solved!
April 11, 2008
http://www.discoverycenter.org
Location: The Discovery Center
Phone: 417-862-9910 ext. 706
Admission: Registration required
Come to the Discovery Center for a full day of intrigue and detective work! In the morning, students will use their observation skills to make note of the clues & evidence left behind at crime scenes. After lunch, students will enter the forensics laboratory for evidence testing and data analysis to help them solve these mysteries!
*Due to the sequence of activities, it is strongly recommended that students attend both the morning and afternoon workshops.*
Persian Gulf War Cease Fire
April 11, 2008
http://www.bransonveterans.com
Phone: (417) 337-8387
Admission: Show tickets will be half price only on April 11, 2007 for soldiers who served during that time.
This day commemorates the Official Cease Fire in 1991 of the Persian Gulf War and will be dedicated to the soldiers who served in Iraq during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Ceremonies and recognition of soldiers will be held at Branson Fest and the Welk Theater. All soldiers from Desert Shield and Desert Storm need to go by the Branson Veterans Task Force Booth at Branson Fest to get information and leave their name. For more information contact Steve Weyher.
3rd Annual Titanic Princess Tea Party with a Surprise Guest
April 12, 2008
Times: Noon to 5p.m.
Location: The World's Largest Titanic Museum Attraction
Phone: 417-334-9500
Admission: $13.50 per child, 17.00 per adult
This event sells out at least two months ahead. We have room for 500 young ladies.
AREA '57 CRUISE IN & Drive-In Movie Night
April 18, 2008 - April 20, 2008
http://www.Area57Events.com
Phone: (417) 332-1960, (877) 588-1957
Branson Collector Car Auction
April 18, 2008 - April 19, 2008
http://www.bransonauction.com
Location: Branson Convention Center
Phone: 800-335-3063
Springtastic Show Spree
April 21, 2008 - April 27, 2008
http://www.ShowsInBranson.com
Admission: Available on-line only.
Fans can see ten of their favorite shows in Branson during the Springtastic Show Spree week. Shows include productions such as Jim Stafford, Yakov, Mickey Gilley, Twelve Irish Tenors, Legends in Concert, Baldknobbers Jamboree, New Shanghai Circus, The Hughes Brothers, Broadway!, The Haygoods, Country Tonite, Magnificent 7 Variety Show, The Dutton’s and many more.
Home School Day: Mystery Solved!
April 22, 2008
http://www.discoverycenter.org
Location: The Discovery Center
Phone: 417-862-9910 ext. 706
Admission: Registration required
Come to the Discovery Center for a full day of intrigue and detective work! In the morning, students will use their observation skills to make note of the clues & evidence left behind at crime scenes. After lunch, students will enter the forensics laboratory for evidence testing and data analysis to help them solve these mysteries!
* Due to the sequence of activities, it is strongly recommended that students attend both the morning and afternoon workshops.*
Character Summit: Dr. Rita Pierson, "Hidden Rules of Poverty at Work"
April 23, 2008
Times: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: The Keeter Center
Phone: (417) 334-6411 ext. 4242
Admission: Reservation Required
April 23-25
Kewpiesta
April 23, 2008 - April 27, 2008
Location: Bonniebrook Park
Phone: 417-561-1509
Kewpiesta is a celebration of Rose O'Neill's famous Kewpie dolls. While enjoying the Kewpie's take a tour of Rose's home Bonniebrook.
Character Summit: Dr. Rita Pierson, "A Framework for Understanding Poverty"
April 24, 2008
Times: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: The Keeter Center
Phone: (417) 334-6411 ext. 4242
Admission: Reservations Required
Character Summit: Dr. Rita Pierson, "Learning Models for Teachers"
April 25, 2008
Times: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: The Keeter Center
Phone: (417) 334-6411 ext. 4242
Admission: Reservations Required
Crappie USA tournament weigh-in & Angler’s Party
April 25, 2008 - April 26, 2008
http://www.Area57Events.com
Phone: (417) 332-1960, (877) 588-1957
DNA Day
April 25, 2008
Times: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
http://www.discoverycenter.org
Location: The Discovery Center
Phone: 417-862-9910
Special activities planned.
AREA '57 CRUISE IN & Drive-In Movie Night
April 26, 2008
http://www.dickclarksabbranson.com/area57/
Location: Dick Clark's
Phone: 800-985-3144
General Interest Convocation: Cirque De Variete
April 28, 2008 - April 29, 2008
Times: 7 p.m.
Location: College of the Ozarks, Jones Auditorium
Phone: (417) 334-6411