megan gets vocal! - Branson Savings .Com

March 6-April 7
IT’S
HUGE!
(LITERALLY!)
™
March / April 2015
MEGAN GETS VOCAL!
INSIDER DEBUTS TELL-ALL
COLUMN PENNED BY STAR
OF BALDKNOBBERS &
TV’s “BRANSON FAMOUS”!
ELLEN’S
OSMONDS
KICK OFF POWER-PACKED
SEASON AT MOON RIVER!
REVEALED:
AMERICAN IDOL THE
ADVENTURE!
NEW
EXCELLENT
featuring
VOICES of GLORY
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Tue thru Fri
5PM-7PM
Classic
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ELLEN’S EXCELLENT AMERICAN IDOL ADVENTURE!
She dazzled Hollywood, wowed America—and now she’s bringing it all home to The Little Opry Theatre!
O
ur hometown girl who became a
major contender on TV’s American
Idol this season certainly made us
proud! We are of course gushing over our
own Ellen Petersen, the twenty-two year
old banjo pickin’ songstress (and yodeler)
who stars with her fam in The Petersen
Family Bluegrass Band at the Branson
IMAX Little Opry Theatre!
First, a little about Ellen,
which may come as a
shock to some. Although
her agenda during her
American Idol journey
was to stay true to who she was as a
bluegrass musician, her life as part of a
family bluegrass band and Gospel singer
goes light years beyond all stereotypes! A
graduate of College of the Ozarks with a
degree in chemistry, Ellen now commutes
to Branson from Oklahoma City, where she
works at The University of Oklahoma
Health Sciences Center as a technician
in a pathology lab doing breast cancer
research! On Fridays she motors back to
Branson, rehearses Saturday mornings with
the family, performs at The Little Opry
Theatre Saturday nights, attends church
in the morning, then heads back to OKC
Sunday afternoon! A slight distraction to
this year’s schedule was her journey as a
major contender on TV’s American Idol!
SAY
WHAT?
When the American Idol tour bus showed
up in Branson last summer for open
auditions, friends suggested Ellen throw in
and give it a shot. Thinking it might be fun,
Ellen decided “Why not?” Upon arriving at
Branson Landing, her decision suddenly
appeared to be daunting. Hundreds,
perhaps thousands were auditioning.
Competition couldn’t be any more severe
than in a town known as America’s Live
Entertainment Capital.
Even with those odds, Ellen won a Golden
Ticket to the next round in Kansas City!
When asked where she hoped her American
Idol journey would take her,
her answer was typical
Ellen. "I have no idea,” she
said. “It’s up to God, not
me. I just get to go along
for the journey.”
And boy howdy—what
a journey! In Kansas City,
show host Ryan Seacrest
threw Ellen before celebrity
judges Keith Urban,
Jennifer Lopez and Harry
Connick Jr! Hearing Ellen
was from Branson, Urban
leaped to his feet to show off
his Branson t-shirt! (Way to
represent, Keith!)
During Ellen’s interview,
the judges were obviously
charmed by her warm
and gracious personality, then watched
bug-eyed as Ellen took up her trademark
pink banjo and sang and yodeled her way
through “I Wanna Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart.”
She had them at her first yodel, earning the
coveted “Golden Pass” to Hollywood! But as
Next it was on to Hollywood for the brutal
“Hollywood
Week”, where
hundreds are
narrowed to just
38, then 24—a
high pressure
marathon where
only the strong
survive. Ellen
claims to have
had less than 6
hours sleep
that week,
but says she
was greatly
has been that I would glorify God and honor
comforted and
Him with my music. No matter what the
Ellen prepares for her encouraged by
outcome, HE gets all the credit and glory!”
performance during
her brother and
“My American Idol journey ended at Final
Hollywood Week.
sister Matthew
Judgment. It was an amazing experience
and Katie who
and I am so thankful I had this opportunity.
flew out to
When they informed me I wasn’t advancing
Hollywood to cheer her on. Yet at the end
I was filled with peace and hope because
of Hollywood Week, Ellen was still in the
I knew God had something different and
running.
better for me. Better may not mean more
It all came down to Ellen’s “Final Judgment”, money or fame, but it does mean a life spent
where she and a rival were “too close to call”. growing closer to Him
The judges put the two to an impromptu
and glorifying Him
standoff. Ellen’s rival gained a slight
with the gifts He has
edge, which we think was due more to a
given me. Thank you to
quick song choice that didn’t really show
everyone for believing
off enough of Ellen’s vocal range. That,
in me and encouraging
and we think J-Lo was a little prejudiced
me! It meant more to
against Ellen due to Ellen already being a
me than you will ever
professional entertainer. Just sayin’.
know!”
But not a sour grape came from Ellen
That’s our girl.
herself. Note her facebook posts: “I
See Ellen live on
made it through Hollywood week! I
stage performing with
praise God for this opportunity and for
The Petersen Family
how He has used this and will use this
to bring Him Glory!”
Bluegrass Band at The
Little Opry Theatre,
“As much fun as it was singing with
inside Branson’s IMAX
a live full band, I’ll take the family
Entertainment Complex.
bluegrass band over them any day!”
Photos: courtesy of American Idol
“My prayer through this whole journey
A SONG
AND A
PRAYER
TO HOLLYWOOD AND BEYOND!
A challenge and an answered prayer: Ellen jams with
celebrity judges Harry Connick Jr. (L) and Keith Urban (R.)
4 INSIDER BUZZ
Ellen started to leave, the judges suddenly
threw her a curveball! Urban asked if she
knew The Beverley Hillbillies theme song.
For a moment, Ellen froze. She vaguely
remembered playing it once years back at
a College of the Ozarks “Character Camp”.
Says Ellen, “I just prayed, ‘God, please help
me remember these chords!’” Gamely,
she announced she could play it. In one
of the classic moments of this season’s
American Idol, Urban and Harry Connick
Jr. jumped up and joined Ellen for a wild
rendition of The Ballad of Jed Clampett!
THE BRANSON INSIDER
Reserve NOW!
Monday - Saturday
8pm Show
417-334-4528
www.baldknobbers.com
INSIDER
ns
Revelatio er
of
ard Freih
Rich
ajesty
from His M
e
g
d
le
w
o
n
k
Wisdom & Editor & Publisher
the
G
lad you made it into town. Now,
let’s have some fun.
First and foremost, if you don’t take
in some of our live shows, you’re
missing the point. This is the best live
entertainment you’re going to see
anywhere—period. If you don’t think live
entertainment floats your boat—then
our outfit would guess it’s just because
you haven’t seen live entertainment at
this level. Being as how they perform
daily, Branson entertainers have achieved
a level of professionalism that probably
hasn’t been around since the days of
vaudeville. And here’s the best part, the
stars don’t appear as distant microbes
viewed from a cavernous arena—they’re
up close, where the excitement is!
So by all means, take in a few shows,
paddle our streams, boat and fish our
scenic lakes, hike our mountain trails,
experience our world class golf courses,
have fun in our theme parks and
attractions, shop our outlet malls, gaze at
our dogwood blossoms, take a cullinry
tour of our eateries, and come back for
more. In conclusion: enjoy the show.
/TheBransonInsider
/Branson_Insider
t
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s
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Th Theo N. Cider
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e preach
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Loca
Y
Shut Up!
ou remember how the Good Book
keeps tellin’ us again and again “He
who has ears to hear, let him hear what
the Spirit is saying to the churches.” Well,
sometimes you and me gets so hard of
hearing the Good Lord has to bombard us
every which way until what He’s tryin’ to
tell us gets through our thick heads!
Now me, I’m usually too busy to listen to
music much, but I do leave some on for
the cows during milking. Even so, that
song Let it Go clobbered me from every
direction for months on end ‘til my little
Holy Ghost lightbulb finally went off . I
began to see it was the same lesson the
Good Lord has been sendin’ me back to
school with all year long! Now stop. Don’t
get ahead of me. You are thinkin’ this is
one of them little “Let go and let God”
sermons. Quit jumpin’ to conclusions ‘til I
said my piece!
Nowadays we seem to get piled on worse
than I can ever remember. It’s so bad that
I can open my eyelids on a bright, sunny
morning all cheerful and glad for a brand
new day when my brain suddenly gets
interrupted by a familiar voice. Trust me,
that voice ain’t here to greet me with a
cheery “Good Morning!” That voice has
been sent to take the air out of my tires!
Before my bare feet can hit the cold
floorboards that voice reads me a “to do”
list so long and desperate to do sooner
rather than later that I’m plumb wore out
and drained before I can even stick a leg in
my trousers! Instead of looking forward to
a new day on God’s good earth, I want to
go back to bed and curl up into a ball! We
used to sing the song “This is the day that
the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad
in it!” Well nowadays that happy little tune
just seems to get drowned out by a brain
screaming at me to get everything in the
world done right now or else!
Or else what? Not exactly sure—but
whatever “or else” is, it feels plenty scary!
I tried to pray it away. In fact, it got to
where my whole prayer times was took up
by me trying to pray away all them bony
little fingers pokin’ at me to get everything
done. Didn’t work. I’d come away from
my prayer times more wore out after
prayin’ than I was when I first started!
When I whined and
complained to the Lord about
this I got the shock of my life.
In my head I began to feel like
the Good Lord was starting
to whine and complain right
back at me! He made it be
known in no uncertain terms
that all my time with Him was
took up with prayer problems
instead of just talking and
listening and enjoying our
Father/son time together. But
when I told Him it was hard to
do that with all them heavy
burdens and woeful cares
gnawing’ at me, He told me
plain outright to turn my face
toward them and tell each
and every one of them in
plain English to just “Shut up!”
So I did.
Now, when I open my eyes in
the morning, my first words are “Shut up!”
My second words are—well, that’s private.
That’s between me and my Heavenly
Father.
I got good news for you. When you spend
time with Him, listening, talking, spending
time in His word—He loves it. When all
those other things start trying to get in
the way, try telling them all to shut up for
awhile. Here’s why. In His presence, there
is fullness of joy. There is peace like a river.
There is love. And there is faith, because
faith worketh by love. Then, when there’s
peace, joy, love and faith, you’re ready to
pray for all those other things that you
told to shut up. Afterwards, do what you
been told. “Let it Go!”
Folks, this is good preachin’. Here’s your
scriptures: Psalm 61:2 From the end of the
earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart
is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that
is higher than I. Psalm 69: 14 Deliver me
out of the mire, and let me not sink: let
me be delivered from them that hate me,
and out of the deep waters. Let not the
waterflood overflow me, neither let the
deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut
her mouth upon me. Hear me, O Lord; for
thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me
according to the multitude of thy tender
mercies. Here’s even more: Psalm 16:11,
Isaiah 48:18 Philippians 4:6-7 Amen.
/Theo N.Cider
/TheoNCider
Fine Print that Nobody Reads: The Branson Insider™ March/April 2015 Vol 6 Issue No. 2 Copyright © 2015 by Performance Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Published bimonthly by Performance Media, Inc. P.O. Box 580 Ozark, MO 65721. Phone: (417) 485-2336. Fax (417) 582-0011. e-mail: info@TheBransonInsider.com
Facebook.com/
TheBransonInsider
/Branson_Insider Boring Lawyer Stuff: Information published herein is subject to change without notice. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly
prohibited. The Branson Insider™ makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of published information, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any consequences
arising from errors or omissions. Distribution: For distribution issues, (heh-heh, did you catch that pun?), call our office. We might be at the lake but we’ll bring our cell phones.
Subscriptions: Nah, not yet. Seems like it would be a lot of work to keep up. Editor & Publisher: Richard B. Freihofer Advertising: Whoever answers the phone. Photography:
Lisa Misplais Graphic Design: Stan Griffin Business Manager: Theresa K. Freihofer; Office Manager: Karen Moree.
6 COMING ATTRACTIONS
THE BRANSON INSIDER
Stuff Happens
For tickets or for volunteer information go to
BassProLegends.com or BigCedarLegends.com or
call 1-888-347-4426
March/April
Branson Worldview Weekend Family Reunion
A vacation with a purpose! Music, comedy, and
Mar-Apr
Veterans Observances and Events For a
complete calendar of events contact the
Branson Veterans Task Force (417) 337-8387
BransonVeterans.com
Silver Dollar City Events Upcoming festivals
at Branson’s award-winning 1880s theme park.
Silverdollarcity.com
• Mar 27-29 Young Christians Weekend A
weekend of music, worship, messages and
RIDES! Featured artists: Fedel, Disciple,
The Afters, Hawk Nelson, Dan Bremnes
and Plumb.
• Apr 9-May 3 World Fest America’s
largest international festival! International
entertainers bring incredible performances
from around the world to America’s
Heartland. New: Ireland The Show (hailed as
the next generation of Riverddance) African
acrobatics, Slovenian folk band, Steel drum
bands from Trinidad & Tobago, Island Fire
and more!
Mar 30-Apr 12
3rd Annual Book Signing Fair at Titanic
Branson—World’s Largest Museum Attraction!
Authors include Tammy Knox Trapped on Titanic,
Robert Difulgo Titanic’s Ressurected Secret-HEW
and Wade Sisson Racing through the Night.
Apr 1-May 31
Ozark Mountain Shindig a Springtastic
Celebration! Exciting events throughout Branson
April and May! Events include Party with the Stars,
(see below), Shindig Shoppping Sprees, Savor
the Flavor Foodie event, Kayak Branson’s Flotilla
Adventures, Hootenanny in the Park, Jammin’ at
Area ’57 and the world’s largest Shindig Shuffle
line dance on “the strip.” For the latest information
and updates go to ozarkmountainshindig.com
Apr 4-6
Women of Joy Conference At the Branson
Convention Center. SOLD OUT. To get on wait
list call 800-374-1550. Hilton Convention Center
womenofjoy.com
Mar 6-Apr 2
Apr 9
Mar 11-17
Apr 11
IMAX™ Film Fest A festival of your favorite
IMAX™ classics on the biggest screen in the
Midwest! At Branson’s IMAX™ Entertainment
Complex. (Story on p. 12, see ad on back page)
417-335-4832 BransonIMAX.com
NAIA Division II Mens’ Basketball National
Championship The best of the best square off
on the court. At College of the Ozarks. Tickets
required. (417) 335-6242
Mar 26-30
Vietnam Veterans “Welcome Home,”
Celebration Branson’s city wide appreciation
celebration for our heroes! Registration and
veterans expo at Ballparks of America (formerly
Red Roof Mall) bransonveteransevents@
yahoo.com or call 417-230-2278.
bransonveteransevents@yahoo.com or call
417-230-2278.
NFL Hall of Famer Emmit Smith will be guest
spaker at the Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s
Christian Athlete and Coach of the Year bankquet
at Chateau on the Lake. Tickets and Information:
socentralmofca.org/fca-banquet
Party With the Stars! The stars come out at
night for this festive party at Branson’s Chateau
on the Lake, sponsored by The Branson Show
League. Silent auction, eats, live music, dancing
and a whole lot of “partying with the stars!”
ShowsinBranson.com
Apr 15-19
Kewpiesta Annual festival for fans and collectors
of Rose O’Neill’s classic “kewpie doll” art and
collectables. Irocf.org
Apr 22-23
See the World In Branson Music Fest Sample 20
different Branson shows, visit the Marketplace tent
• Mar 27 Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home
and see over 40 booths representing 30 different
Meet & Greet
countries PLUS get your picture with your favorite
• Mar 28 POW/MIA Awareness Ride
Branson entertainers! Also: “Savor the Flavors
of the World” live cooking demonstrations
■ Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home
Celebration Parade Branson Landing 2pm with Branson stars! At Welk Resort Branson.
BransonTravelPlanning.com
Mar 27-29
9th Annual Branson Elvis Festival, the Ultimate
Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™, meet and greets,
performances, Elvis Karaoke, vendor village and
more! At Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Thtr.
417-339-3003 BransonElvisFestival.com
Apr 22-26
Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf Tournament
at Big Cedar Lodge Players include legendary
players Gary Player, Hale Irwin, Jack Nicklaus,
Tom Watson and many more. Played on courses
designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio!
THE BRANSON INSIDER
Apr 24-26
s
GuesttoSwtnar
In
Not only does Branson sport of 100 live shows of our
own during the regular season—we’re the “go-to
place” for guest stars! Here are some of the guest
stars booked so far for Spring 2015! For a complete
list of guest stars appearing in Branson throughout the
year, visit our website at BransonChurchGroups.com!
Mar 27-29—Young Christians Weekend
with Fedel, Disciple, The Afters, Hawk
Nelson, Dan Bremnes and Plumb at
Silver Dollar City
April 11—Rick Springfield with Maxine
Nightingale, Andy Williams Moon River
Thtr
April 21-Nov 19—Terry Fator, Andy Williams
Moon River Thtr
April 20-May 30—(Select Dates) The Hits,
Starring The Osmonds, with Comic/
Magician Chipper Lowell, Andy Williams
Moon River Thtr
May 1-2—Bill Medley, Starlite Thtr
May 2—The Plummer Family Country Music
Reunion Show, God and Country Thtr
great Bible teaching. Speakers include John
McArthur, Brannon Howse, Jesse Johnson, Thomas
Ice, Mike Abendroth, Henry Morris, Justin Peters,
Mike Gendron, Jared Carlson and Usama Dakdok.
At Branson’s Oakridge Boys Theatre
branson.worldviewweekendcom
May 3—B.J. Thomas & John Conlee, Andy
Williams Moon River Thtr
May 5-9—Larry’s Country Diner, Starlite Thtr
May 7—The Whites, on Larry’s Country Diner
at The Starlite Thtr Thtr.
May 7-25—Bluegrass and BBQ, featuring
the top names in Bluegrass at Silver Dollar
City
May 26 & 28—Daily & Vincent, Starlite Thtr
May 23—Michael English, Clay Cooper Thtr
June-Sep—(Select Dates) The Hits, Starring
Collin Raye with Comic/Magician Chipper
Lowell, Andy Williams Moon River Thtr
June 13—Doug Stone, Branson Star Thtr
June 13—Craig Wayne Boyd, The Oak Ridge
Boys Thtr
June 20-21—Gene Watson, Starlite Thtr
June 20—Paulette Carlson with Hwy 101,
Starlite Thtr
July 11—Jo Dee Messina, Branson Star Thtr
July 25— Little River Band, Oak Ridge Boys
Thtr
Sep 21-30—The Hits Starring Mary Wilson
of The Supremes, Andy Williams Moon
River Thtr
Sep-22-27—Larry’s Country Diner, Starlite
Thtr
Sep 26—Bill Cosby, Oak Ridge Boys Thtr
Oct 2-4—Rhonda Vincent & The Rage,
Starlite Thtr
SPIRIT OF BRANSON!
You’re on vacation, so hey, why not try out a
unique Branson style Vacation Church this
Sunday? Join fellow outta-towners, Branson
locals and entertainers at the following showbiz
theaters for some down home fellowship,
preaching and of course some ridiculously
good music! But we’ve saved the best for last,
folks—it’s all FREE!
Barbara Fairchild Sunday Worship Service
(starts May 3, 2015) 10:00am at the Doug
Gabriel Theatre 3750 W Hwy 76 (417) 334-6400
BarbaraFairchild.com
Branson Gospel Sundays with Dave Hamner
10:00am at Hamner’s Variety Theater 3090
Shepherd of the Hills Expy. (417) 334-4363
BransonSunday.com
the Historic Owen Theatre downtown. (417) 4648493 HistoricOwenTheatre.com
Cowboy Church of Branson with Steve Anthony
10:30am-12:00N at Branson Central Theatre
625 S. State Hwy. 165 (417) 251-2020 www.
CowboyChurchBranson.com
God & Country’s Cowboy Church with
Ron Boldman 10:30 am at God & Country
Theatre 1840 W. Hwy 76 (417) 334-6806
GodandCountryTheatre.com
Good News Gospel Hour with Leroy New 9:00
am at the Little Opry Theatre in the IMAX™
Entertainment Complex 3562 Shepherd of the Hills
Expy (800) 419-4832 BransonImax.com
Ol’ Time Gospel Hour with Glenn & Sue Phillips
11:00 am at the Little Opry Theatre in the IMAX™
Entertainment Complex 3562 Shepherd of the Hills
Brighter Living Live! Inspirational talk show
featuring guests artists and comedians. 1:00 pm at Expy (800) 419-4832 BransonImax.com
COMING ATTRACTIONS 7
JIMMY ROLLS OUT SMOKIN’ HOT SHOWCARD FOR 2015!
When singing star (and grown-up teen heartthrob)
Jimmy Osmond took charge of the Andy Williams Moon
River Theatre last year he was a man on a mission. The challenge he
took upon himself was no small one: he was out to continue a legacy
set forth by his lifelong friend and mentor Andy Williams. The task,
to fill the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre with live entertainment
ILLUSIONIST
RICK THOMAS!
MarchOctober
J
immy sure
scored big time
by snagging us this
A-list supershow
which headlined
the Vegas strip
for an incredible
fifteen years and
earned these
kinds of glowing
reviews: “The slick
showmanship of
Rick Thomas is
a riveting visual
delight!”—Los
THE HITS
Starring
THE OSMONDS!
April 20-May 2,
May 15-30
Oct 19-31
I
worthy of the insanely high standards set by Andy himself. Now, one
year later, the results are in: Jimmy Osmond is like a kid in a candy
store—and brother—has this guy got showbiz connections! Just check
out these two pages and try to wrap your head around
Special Guest Star
all the world class entertainment Jimmy has packed
into Moon River for 2015!
Comedian
Angeles Times “Rick Thomas is a triumph of
personality and presentation!”—Las Vegas Sun
Besides his Vegas success story, Rick’s career
has included five world tours spanning over
fifty countries, countless awards
and a long list of appearances
on network TV. He brings to us a
unique combination of astounding
illusions, exciting theatrics,
brilliant dance and
his own delightfully
entertaining personality.
That aforementioned element of
dance, performed throughout
many of his illusions, comes
from Rick’s background as a
champion ballroom dancer.
Often, his dancing
partner is his enchanting
f you have never seen The Osmonds on stage
lately, then now hear this: rare in your lifetime
will you ever have an opportunity to experience a
performance by such masters of live entertainment!
Yes, their hit songs are no doubt part of the
soundtrack of your life, but make no mistake,
this is not a nostalgia show. Get ready to
witness performers operating at a level that
we think defies comparisons. Here’s
our take on what puts The Osmonds
in a category all their own: First,
they bring to the stage a lifetime
of performing on a national and
even global level. They literally
grew up on national TV and have
been performing together ever
since: (Over 50 years). Secondly,
and what we believe is their most
important distinction—due to their
character and lifestyle, their long
career of non-stop performing was
uninterrupted by the usual showbiz pitfalls. Finally,
again, due much to their character and high ethical
professionalism, their talent and their craft never
stopped growing. The end result is what you see,
what you hear, what you feel and what you get
when you are lucky enough to spend a few hours
with The Osmonds onstage—it’s nothing less than
a gift! Here’s part of the resume: 200 albums, 100
million copies sold with 59 gold and platinum. The
Osmonds continue to break box office records
and sell out venues worldwide. They’ve receive
countless awards, including a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame. Featuring some of America’s greatest
hits, THE HITS will also highlight unforgettable
Osmond hits—from One Bad Apple and Down By The
Lazy River to Love Me For A Reason and Crazy Horses!
As you might have guessed, THE HITS, starring
The Osmonds will be a “little bit country and a
whole lot of Rock ‘n Roll!” The Osmonds’ special
guest will be two-time Comedy Magician of the Year
Chipper Lowell.
themselves The Beatles and famously
sang a lyric “we all wanna change the
world.” Well, in our self-important
opinion, if you connect the dots—the
case can be made that changing
ou won’t find this on their bio, but
the music world is something The
here’s something we’ve always thought
Lettermen actually did! We should also
about The Lettermen, and we should
know, because knowing stuff is what we do. note that when The Lettermen came to
Branson last season, tickets went through
When you study your musical history you
the roof! So yes, they are indeed back by
will learn that the legendary Beach Boys
were heavily influenced by The Lettermen. popular demand! With beautiful vocal
harmonies that so uniquely blended as
Consequently, The Beach Boys heavily
influenced the next big thing in music, which one, the singing trio first hit the music
was those four singing moptops who called charts in 1961 with “The Way You Look
The LEGENDARY
LETTERMEN
March-May
OctoberDecember
Y
8 SHOWS
assistant Tara, an accomplished
ballerina from Zimbabwe
who has starred in such ballet
classics as Swan Lake and The
Nutcracker! Throughout the show
Tara gets levitated, sliced and diced,
vanishes and is the object of many
other spellbinders—but when these
two dance together—well, that too is
nothing less than—magical!
What sets this show apart, in our view, is
Rick’s phenomenal gift to entertain and
create non-stop fun with his audience, and
you can quote us on that! As Rick says, “I’m
not here to fool my audience. I’m about all of
us having a wonderful time together.” Word
from The Branson Insider: We predict that
you, yes even you WILL have a wonderful time
together with Rick. No foolin’.
Chipper
Lowell
Y
ou are not likely to
experience a comedian
quite like this. His comedy
is almost impossible to
describe, but we’re going
to take a stab at it. Here’s
the mystery: Chipper takes
to the stage—whereupon
we are quickly laughing our
heads off, busting our guts
and fighting off tears of hysteria—
but wait! He hasn’t even told a joke yet!
He hasn’t even done anything crazy
or silly! He’s just messing with the
crowd and being so stinkin’ non-stop funny we
can hardly control ourselves! What’s up with that?
How does he do it? Go figure. He just seems to be
pulling funny stuff out of the air! Sometimes he’ll
tell a joke—wrongly, or do a magic trick—that fails
hilariously, or use some comedy props—or not!
He seems to be so unscripted we can’t wait to see
what he comes up with next! And that, folks, is
our confusing review.
After learning a bit about Chipper’s background,
things start to make a little sense. He grew up
in the circus. His Dad was a clown, his Mom an
aerialist for Ringling Brothers, Barnum &
Bailey. He’s been a performer all his life, starting
his own career at the age of 17. “I can’t imagine
being on stage and doing the same thing wordfor-word every night,” says he. “I bring routines in
and out and change things up depending on who
is in the audience.”
Okay, now we’re starting to get it. He’s like a
musician who not only plays songs, but knows how
to jam! Chipper describes his funny business as
“clean comedy with an edge”, saying “You can still be
edgy, current and funny without being dirty. I take
pride in being able to perform for the entire family,
and in making every performance different.”
And that’s the word we’ve been looking for in our
attempt to describe comic Chipper Lowell, twotime “Comedy Magician of the Year”. He’s different!
Tonight”, followed by another chart
topper “When I Fall In Love”. Those hits
resulted in the group being voted “Best
Vocal Group of the Year!” Their long list
of hits include “Theme From A Summer
Place”, “Graduation Day” the medley
“Goin’ Out Of My Head / Can’t Take My
Eyes Off You”, “Up, Up And Away”, “Hurt So
Bad”, “Cherish, “World WithoutLove”, and
many more. The Lettermen continue
to release albums and travel the world,
performing hundreds of concerts each
year—proof that the music they bring
is timeless.
THE BRANSON INSIDER
SCOOPS & PIX
from our ROVING REPORTERS
& PROWLING PAPARAZZI!
!
D
E
P
O
O
SC
THE USUAL SUSPECTS
Pre p a re to b e. . .
S W E P T O F F YO U R F E E T !
TM
Caught on Camera! Predator TV cameras
expose our paparazzi in the act of scooping!
O
kay this is confusing. Our prowling
paparazzi are out doing what they
do—catching Branson stars off stage
and out in the real world wherein the rest
of us dwell. But then, worlds collide when
our guy ends up among TV crews following
our stars for Branson Famous, the reality
show on truTV! But it gets even crazier
when we show up in one of the TV show’s
episodes—stalking, snooping and looking
so creepy they might as well have added
that shark music from Jaws! We hope this
doesn’t tarnish our reputation—(assuming
of course that we had one in the first place.)
See our version of this episode on p. 15.
GOOD NEWS!
Magician Dave Hamner, (center) and entertainer (and show coach) Mike Walker (at Dave’s
left) welcome Twice Adopted to their new digs at The Hamners Variety Theatre, home of the
Hamners Unbelievable Variety Show.
B
ack by popular demand—(and with
a lot of help from their friends),
the Gospel singing family Twice
Adopted is now appearing at Branson’s
Hamners Variety Theatre throughout
2015! The show starring nine adopted
siblings was on the road last year when
the family suffered the devastating loss
10 INSIDER BUZZ
D
on’t be fooled by this innocent
looking gallery of friendly
faces. One, some or all of these
characters are guilty of crimes you are
hereby called upon to solve!
These rogues represent The Killer Flea
Players, stars of The Almost Famous
Murder Mystery at the Crystal
Theatre—that classy, Vegas style
showplace inside the Lodge of the
Ozarks! Now, thru May 24, they will be
prime suspects in a production called
Spirits, (where every killer knows your
name!) This interactive whodunit takes
place in a small pub in downtown
Boston, one frequented by a colorful
crowd of barflies that we sleuth are
suspiciously similar to those of the classic
TV show Cheers! Somewhere between
bar tabs, bar fights and killer darts, bad
things happen. It’s up to you to collect
of their Mother Linda Koenig, who died
unexpectedly after a short illness at the
age of 59. Reacting to the news, the
Branson community rallied behind the
family and staged a star-studded benefit
concert at the Hughes Brothers Theatre.
Proceeds were used to offset a mountain
of the family’s medical expenses. The
benefit included a galaxy of Branson
clues and solve who dunnit.
Before the big show of crime solving
fun, you may choose to arrive for
cocktails at 4:00pm—and/or opt to
order some add-on eats from the 5-star
La Piazza Restaurant. The show starts
at 5:00. Clues we have uncovered so
far regarding Spirits is that it’s a roller
coaster ride of excitement, laughs,
chills and thrills. The show comes
with a milquetoast warning label: “All
productions are given a PG rating for mild
language and mild sexual innuendo.”
Aliases of suspects we have thus far
identified are (Top l. to r.) Deron Wolfe,
Bobbi Lynn Finical, (Bottom l. to r.)
Layne Cooper, show playwright and
producer Helena Lee and Charles
McMasters. We also know of a Pamela
McCord whose photo is suspiciously
missing. We will work that case.
“it”- where over 50 amazing
singers, dancers, and musicians
create Branson’s Ultimate
Entertainment Experience!
R O C K- N - R O L L • CO U N T R Y • P O P • B R OA D WAY
C L A S S I C A L • G O S P E L • PAT R I O T I C
stars, plus the entire Duggar Family, stars
of TV’s 19 Kids and Counting on the TLC
Network! The Koenig children named
their show “Twice Adopted”, because, as
they put it, “We were all adopted by our
Mom and Dad and then adopted again by
our Heavenly Father when we accepted
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into our
hearts.”
THE BRANSON INSIDER
ADD a MEAL with YOUR SHOW!
(417) 334-0076 itBranson.com (800) 422-0076
Hughes Brothers Theatre, 3425 West 76 Country Blvd. Branson, MO
THE BRANSON INSIDER
SHOWS 11
MARCH 6
to
APRIL 2
2015
THEY’RE BACK!—THE MOST POPULAR GIANT SCREEN
IMAX ADVENTURES OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS!
With breathtaking, crystal clear
images and digital surround sound
on the Midwest’s biggest screen,
IMAX™ transports us to the
world’s most exotic places!
ETS
$2.00 TICK 2
THRU APRIL
OZARKS LEGACY
AND LEGEND!
Commemorating 2 decades since the première of this
exclusive Branson IMAX™ classic!
OZARKS LEGACY & LEGEND An action-packed adventure
that tells the epic story of Branson and the Ozarks. Experience
Branson’s roots, from the Civil War, the violent era of masked
vigilante horsemen known as The Baldknobbers, and a family
whose love, traditions, music and faith exemplify the values
still emanating from these hills!
THE FILM FEST
INCLUDES THESE OTHER
IMAX™ CLASSICS!
AUSTRALIA: LAND
BEYOND TIME
LEWIS & CLARK: GREA
T
JOURNEY WEST
MYSTERY OF THE NIL
E
GRAND CANYON: THE
HIDDEN SECRETS
about NEW SHOW!
REALITY TV
DROOP PUMPED
s can be seen in Exhibit A, (the picture),
Baldknobbers Jamboree comedy
star Droopy Drawers Jr.
is pretty happy about his new
show. No, not his reality TV show,
although he’s plenty pumped
about that too, as you are about
to find out in the next paragraph.
(We’re talkin’ Branson Famous
on truTV Mondays 11pm/10C) The
Exhibit A joy we are referring to here
is about the 2015 version of The
Baldknobbers Jamboree, Branson’s
first show, which is now in its insanely
successful 56th year! That’s right,
math wizards—this show has been
going strong since 1959! According
to Droop, this is the best version of
the show ever! And this guy should
know: he doubles as Tim Mabe,
show producer, son of founding
Baldknobber Droop Sr. and general
top dog of this family dynasty! Droop
was kind enough to grant us an
interview, and we were professional
enough to kindly grill him like a trout,
demanding reasons why this season’s
show is history’s best!
12 SHOWS
My Voice
IMAX ™ GREATEST HITS!
by Megan McCombs
nson Famous on truTV
Star of The Baldknobbers Jamboree and Bra
an unexpectedly new and enlightened
becomes more than their stage persona.
understanding of the entertainment world We become the real version of ourselves,
in which I live.
the version behind the curtain, and we are
Road trips. They are a grueling aspect of the suddenly one in our passion for the job.
show-biz world. Hours on a bus, sleeping
Our trip to Freeport was eventful, to put
in coffin-like bunks, gas station sandwiches it mildly. One might even say it could not
and the inability to escape the company
have gone worse. Every travel dilemma
of fellow cast mates. When we enter
veryone is familiar with the saying,
a tour bus, we enter the most unique
"There's no business like show
“We walk into a bus as
business." As an entertainer, I'm quite atmosphere I have yet to experience.
familiar with this often overused motto. It’s It's "the road," and while it can be a
co-workers and transform
harsh environment, for a pure-bred
been my own slogan of choice whenever
into a traveling family.”
I’m asked, "How do you survive in the world entertainer it is absolutely exhilarating.
We walk into a bus as co-workers and
of live entertainment?" Yet the phrase has
never become more clear to me than when transform into a traveling family. A
homecoming of sorts, it brings out far more that could have arisen greeted us with a
I recently embarked upon a road trip with
vengeance. Icy conditions settled upon
the Baldknobbers' Jamboree for a cancer than is ever revealed from eight to ten,
Monday through Saturday. Everyone shines us only an hour into our journey, and from
benefit concert in Freeport, Illinois. As I
with a different light, drops their guard and that point forward, impassable roads and
look back on the journey, I suddenly have
E
On The Road
big live shows inside the imax
Tim is just not happy unless he is absolutely
confident each season’s show tops all
previous ones by light years! And speaking
of competitive, don’t even think about going
ore on the reality TV show, (as we up against him on the basketball floor, tennis
promised in the last paragraph.) court, golf links or bowling alleys! No goofin’
Although the TV show gives lots around—this character is serious as a train
of attention to the backstage dramas and
wreck--absolutely committed to besting all
squabbles as the Mabe family puts together
rivals at all costs! The dude got game!
a show and runs the family enterprise, it has
also attracted a lot of interest in Branson and Elaborating on the new show, Tim bragged
on new lighting, new sound and multi-media
The Baldknobbers themselves. According
going digital, “which isn’t cheap!”—but was
To Droop, (Tim), the Branson Chamber of
most braggadocios about his award winning
Commerce has been getting tons of calls
asking about Branson and The Baldknobbers. cast of singers, musicians and comedians.
“They’re the best”, says Tim. Most on stage
Likewise, the Baldknobbers box office and
have a list of awards to prove Tim’s accolades.
social media sites have also been flooded
In fact, the show itself was voted Branson’s
with queries from across Americana. Many
have never been to Branson but now want to Show of the Year in 2014!
come and see The Baldknobbers Jamboree
Briefly described, The Baldknobbers Jamboree
in person! Says Tim, “Being on the national
is a fast paced variety show—a whirlwind of
stage like that, now more than ever we feel
pickin’ mean and clean, heavenly harmonies,
we need to up our game and give people the country both old and new, a touch of
best show we’ve ever done.”
bluegrass, a boatload of brilliant comedy,
an emotional patriotic tribute—and heartThat statement is classic. Anybody who is
stirring Gospel served straight from the heart.
around Droopy Drawers when he becomes
Tim Mabe will tell you this guy is competitive It’s the Ozarks, it’s the epitome of Branson—
and this is “the show that started it all.”
to the max! It’s in his Baldknobbers DNA!
M
THE BRANSON INSIDER
mechanical issues made a simple nine
hour bus trip turn into a never ending
saga. This, however, is where I was blessed
with insight.
The hours spent on the bus gave me a
new outlook into why we "entertainers" do
what we do. It is a passion. It is a drive. It
is an obligation—felt deeply by each one
of us—to serve and to use our God-given
talents as a means for happiness and good.
As I visited with my fellow cast members, I
listened to stories about spouses, children
and families who have learned to accept
"the show must go on" lifestyle. I heard of
missed school events, missed birthdays and
missed holidays.
It’s a sacrifice. It is a hard life. It can mean
hours spent in broken-down busses and
stale gas station food. Yet, it's absolutely
beautiful. We entertain. It’s what we are
called to do, and together, cramped in
the confines of a tour bus, we are brought
together by a mutual understanding—it’s
worth it, because it’s who we are. The
lives we touch on the road stay with us
long after we come home. We make a
difference. We perform a service. It is not
always glamorous. It is not easy. Yet, it is
a gift, straight from God, and we do not
take it for granted. We have been given the
gift of show business, and it is truly like no
business I know.❀
An Off-Broadway HIT MUSICAL
Meet a talented, enthusiastic family...quirky,
flawed & hilariously imperfect. Become the
congregation & enjoy 30 classic gospel tunes!
TUEsday - SATurday at 8 PM
WEDnesday, FRIday & SATurday at 5 PM
don’t miss our full line up of live shows
3562 shepherd of the hills expressway
417.335.4832 | branson imax.com
THE BRANSON INSIDER
Branson Insider Opry Inside Quarter Page.indd 1
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SHOWS
SCOOPS & PIX
Legends in Concert Reveals Spring
Lineup At Dick Clark’s
from our ROVING REPORTERS
& PROWLING PAPARAZZI!
egends in Concert is kicking off their
2015 season with stars of yesterday and
today—and they’re naming names!
Here they are folks: Kenny Chesney,
Lionel Richie, Ann-Margret, Bette Midler
and Elvis!
Todd Bradshaw as Kenny Chesney
performs crowd pleasers such as "When
the Sun Goes Down", "No Shoes, No Shirt, No
Problem" and "Had Me From Hello". Lionel
Richie (Dave Lawrence) will of course
be doing "All Night Long", "I'm Easy" and
"Brick House”. Ann-Margret is performed
by Lori Russo. From her, we’ll be hearing
"Rescue Me", "Gotta Lotta Living to Do",
"Fever" and more! Jennica McCleary pays
tribute to the early years of Bette Midler.
"In the Mood", "Mr. Sandman" and "Chapel
of Love" are some of our favorites from
The Divine Miss M.
Finally, there’s gonna be a whole lotta
shakin' going on because Elvis will be
entering the building to perform "Jail House
Rock", "If I Can Dream", the ever popular "jam
session" and other favorites from The King of
Rock and Roll.
All these legendary artists will be
performing on the Branson stage at the
iconic Dick Clark American Bandstand
Theater now thru May 19th!
About Legends in Concert Celebrating its 30th year,
“Legends in Concert” is a live musical celebration
featuring the world’s greatest celebrity tribute
artists. It’s owned and operated by Las Vegas based
On Stage Entertainment, Inc. Widely recognized in
the entertainment industry as the original celebrity
tribute show, “Legends in Concert” has not only
performed throughout the United States, but the
show has traveled to 15 countries on five continents,
entertaining more than 25 million fans!
Kenny Chesney
14 SHOWS
The divine
Miss M!
SEASON 2015: THE NEW
hen this trio of New York siblings
burst upon the national scene it
was pretty obvious—America
hadn’t seen anything quite like The Voices
of Glory. They were just kids when they
appeared on NBC TV’s America’s Got
Talent, yet even then their inspirational
story and jaw-dropping talent floored the
judges and shot them straight to the final 5!
That was the beginning of a journey that
eventually brought The Voices of Glory
to Branson where they now star in Ayo at
The Hughes Family Theatre. After some
serious globetrotting over the winter, The
V.O.G. are back in town with a new look and
a new show for Season 2015! Once three
amazingly talented kids, now seasoned pros
starring in a dazzling production, The Voices
from New York.
Describing each other,
the young stars call
Michael the “Luther
Vandross “teddy bear” of
the group. Michael brings to the table a
wide vocal range—and by the way some
pretty slick dance moves. Avery is the
group’s “Mr. Personality”, the smoothie—
oozing with charm and able to do a mean
Sinatra or Michael Bublé. Finally, there is
Nadia, who Michael calls “that jewel”, and
who Avery calls “a powerhouse.” Whether
it’s a song from Whitney, Aretha, Ella
Fitzgerald, Diana Ross, Billie Holiday
or even from Lady Antebellum, Nadia
makes each rendition her very own. Hers
is a rare gift indeed, one able to project
!
E
F
I
L
L
A
E
R
N
I
S
R
STA
cting on a tip, (texting rocks!), our paparazzi
spotted Baldknobbers stars Brandon
Mabe & Megan McCombs shopping
together! What items were they shopping for?
Sensing a big scoop in the works, we followed…
Megan goes into friendly mode. Bra
ndon—not exactly.
Ann-Margret
“So when’s the wedding?” we blurt.
Brandon answers with this. Just
kidding, of course. We think.
Dave
Lawrence
of Glory have definitely arrived!
We speak of course of the two brothers Cole
and their little sister. First, there is Michael,
22, then Avery, 19 then Nadia, 15. Backing
up this trio of heavenly voices and lively
dance is a awesome band peopled by some
of Branson’s top players. Results: an offthe-charts showcase of Jazz, R&B, Swing,
Motown, Pop, Gospel and everything inbetween—all performed with some mighty
electrifying moves and grooves!
The Coles tell us Ayo 2015 has lots of new
songs, new dancing and some “fun stuff”
with the band, (thanks to the wonderful
world of wireless!) To ratchet up their
performances, they’ve been coached by
legendary band leader Les Brown Jr, “it”
star Jason Hughes, vocal expert Jana King
Evans and special choreographers flown in
feeling and emotion in nearly every word
of her every song.
Then there’s Gospel. The Voices of Glory
began singing in church, then for months
sang to their Mother as she lay comatose
in a hospital following a tragic automobile
accident. Moved by the music, other
patients asked the children to sing for them
as well. Thereafter, singing in hospitals
became something of a ministry. It was
the beginning of a journey that would
take them from hospitals to churches, to
entertainment venues, to TV, to Branson,
and on to the world. This year it was to
Germany, with plans developing for trips
to South Africa and England later this year.
They say they’re on a mission to bring hope,
joy and inspiration to the world by means of
music and entertainment. To that quest, we
say, “So far so good!”
THE BRANSON INSIDER
Uh-oh.
Spotted by
Brandon!
Awkward!
lks
Megan small ta
—
n
o
us, but Brand
yikes!
The Voices of Glory, (L. to R.) Nadia, Avery
and Michael Cole.
Busted!
We thought
asking to pose for
pictures would
warm Brandon up
a bit. And…this is
what we get. But
hey, we are The
Branson Insider!
Poor Megan, first she gets
upstaged by a rack of ribs.
Then she’s at risk to get
whacked with it—all for
the sake of comedy!
THE BRANSON INSIDER
Direct quote from Brandon—
“Trust me, you wouldn’t want to
shop with this woman!”
All kidding aside…everybody say Awwwwwww!
SHOWS 15
The Music & Fun Never Stops at The Award-Winning
Inside is a 50’s time capsule—complete with old time soda
fountain, jukebox, and non-stop music! Live music from a slate
of popular Branson entertainers are performed throughout
the day. By night, the café hosts the award-winning George
Strait Tribute Dinner Show starring Gordy & Debbie, (Tue
thru Fri.) The dinner show offers such tasty dining choices as
prime rib, shrimp, Hawaiian chicken and country fried steak!
Beer and cocktails are also on the menu, but a smoke-free policy
keeps the air fresh and the aromas mouthwatering! Tripadvisor has awarded Jackie
B. Goode’s its Certificate of Excellence for
T
its chart-topping online rating, as did Talk of the
Town Missouri, awarding Jackie B. Goode’s an
Excellence in Customer Satisfaction plaque for
the restaurant’s 4 ½ star rating!
This season Susan Hudson Carmen returns
to join Uptown Café’s award-winning group
of entertainers! These all-stars include Mario
Rosales, who brings us everything from Sinatra
and easy listening to country crooninh and the
comedy of Rodney Dangerfield! Also on the
bill, country favorites brought to us by Tribute
Artist of the Year Melissa Jean, musical variety from Broadway veteran and Female
Vocalist of the Year Georgina, and timeless classics from Branson’s popular John
Sager, (Male Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year)!
Susan Hudson Carman
he veteran rockabilly/country star appears at the café Tuesdays thru Fridays from 5pm to 7pm.
Born & raised in Memphis, Susan got her first standing “o” at age 3 and has been performing
ever since, inspired especially by her idol and fellow Memphis homie Elvis, (who she saw four
times and even got to meet!)
Susan sang in her family’s show until she broke into the big time—first touring with Jerry Lee
Lewis, then getting signed with CBS Records, appearing on The Grand Ol’ Opry, Hee-Haw, in
a Charlie Rich movie, then touring the world with the USO, Conway Twitty, Ferlin Husky, The
Wilburn Brothers, and even with her own band.
MENU SAMPLER
Throughout her career, she has sung with just
about everybody. “It would be easier to list who I
haven’t sung with,” she laughs.
Susan and her husband Wayne discovered
Branson when Wayne came here as manager of
The Blackwoods back in ’91. They fell in love with
the place. Susan has been entertaining in Branson
A Tribute to George Strait Dinner Show
shows ever since. The couple recently opened
Starring Gordy & Debbie
a karate Studio here, (TCB Karate,). Just so you
know, Wayne was one of Elvis’s karate partners
Critic’s Choice Best Branson Dinner Show 2013
Duet Musical Group of the Year--Valley Star Awards
and Susan herself is a black belt, so be careful!
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
A real hit with the café crowd is when Susan
Dinner: 7:00 PM Show: 8PM
takes song requests. Crowds mostly want Susan’s country,
DINNER SHOW CHOICES
classic rock and Gospel, but the girl can and will sing just
Prime Rib with baked potato, dinner salad, chocolate
about anything! About her show she says, “We’re here to have
sundae, choice of drinks
fun, so let the fun begin!”
A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE STRAIT DINNER
SHOW — STARRING GORDY & DEBBIE
(Better move quick, this show is a typical sell-out!) Great
storytelling, great fun, and of course the great music of the
great George Strait! Whether you’re a fan of George or not,
this show gets any party started! Among this show’s many
accolades: Best Dinner Show in Branson 2011, 2012, 13. Duet
Musical Group of the Year, 2012,2013,2014, Favorite Duo of the
Year 2012, 2013, (Valley Star Awards/Winter Texan Times,)
Best Branson Horizon Tribute Show 2012, Critics’s Choice Best
Branson Horizon Dinner Show 2011, Best Small Cast Show 2012,
Best Small Cast Duet Act 2012 (BransonShowAwards.com)
The Ralph Foster Museum is home to
multiple permanent exhibits and features special
limited-time exhibits throughout the year.
There is something for everyone. The Ralph
Foster Museum reflects the varied cultures of
those who came to call the Ozarks home.
01022 VMMB Dinosaur Ad Eighth_Layout 1 2/24/15
MENU SAMPLER
MENU SAMPLER
Branson's Cleanest Most Entertaining
Restaurant
CHEF CREATED RECIPES AND
BRICK OVEN PIZZAS!
Share a meal with your family and friends by ordering one of Florentina’s family platters—or build
your own brick oven pizza or favorite pasta dish!
FRIDGE STICKERS
FAITH FOOD
FOR THE FRIDGE!
Enjoy FREE entertainment while you dine!
BREAKFAST BUFFET
Fresh fruit and Belgian Waffle Bar, Biscuits and Gravy,
Fresh-baked Cinnamon Rolls, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon,
Ham, Sausage, Hashbrowns, Ozarks Grits & more!
APPETIZERS
Buffalo Wings
Portobello Mushrooms
Chili Cheese Fries
Chips & Salsa
SANDWICHES & ENTREES
When my heart is
overwhelmed: lead me to the
rock that is higher than I. For
you have been a shelter for
me, and a strong tower from
the enemy.
Psalm 61: 2-3
Uptown Steakburger Ham & Cheese
Chicken or Tuna Salad
Fried Shrimp
Country Fried Steak
THE BRANSON INSIDER
Fried or Grilled Chicken
Pork Tenderloin
Fried Cod Fish
Chef or Fried Chicken Salad
Hawaiian Chicken
Kid’s Menu Available
OLD FASHIONED SODA FOUNTAIN
Fried Shrimp with baked potato, dinner salad,
chocolate sundae, choice of drinks
Hawaiian Chicken with rice, green beans, dinner
salad, chocolate sundae, choice of drinks
Country Fried Steak with mashed potatoes & cream
gravy, green beans, dinner
salad, chocolate sundae,
choice of drinks
Drink choices water,
coffee, iced-tea,
lemonade,soft drinks
*Extra for beer, wine,
or cocktails.
Crossroads of W. Hwy 76 @ Route 165
417.336.3535
Ad: 3 Map: E5
Fried Green Beans
Vidalia Onion Rings
Sampler Platter
Beer, wine, cocktails available.
APPETIZERS, SALADS & SOUPS
Bruschetta
Florentina’s Mussels
Ravioli Florentina
Classic Caesar
Apple & Gorgonzola Salad Warm Spinach Salad
Minestrone
Zuppa Toscana
PASTA & BAKED PASTA
Linguini Pesto
Manicotti Verdi
Parmigiana
Lasagna Della Casa
Penne Alla Vodka
HOUSE SPECIALTIES
Pollo Piccata
Rigatoni Florentina
Steak Pizziaola FAMILY PLATTERS
Parmigiana Spaghetti Bolognese Marsala
Salmon Trattoria
Steak Florentina
Marsala
Rigatoni Florentina
BRICK OVEN PIZZA
Crossroads of W. Hwy 76 @ Route 165
417.336.3535
Ad: 3 Map: E5
the most
W
16 ATTRACTIONS
www.rfostermuseum.com
417-690-3407
Two miles south of Branson off Highway 65
UPTOWN CAFÉ!
elcome to Branson’s lively fifties style eatery
dedicated to good food, good live entertainment
and non-stop good times!
HT –
G
I
N
BY - FRI)
(TUE
OPEN Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 4:30pm
2690 Green Mtn Dr
417.337.9882
Ad: 17 Map: F7
amazing
italian
in branson
2690 Green Mountain Drive • florentinas branson.com • 417-337-9882
THE
BRANSON
INSIDER
Branson Insider
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2/25/15
DINING 17 1:41 PM
Deep Fried Catfish
Tilapia Fillet
Chick & Rib Platter
TRIMMINGS Rib eye Steak
Luke’s Special Ribs
Pioneer Pot Roast
Honey Corn Bread
3562 Shep of the Hill Expy
417.336.4680
Ad: 18 Map: C4
SEAFOOD, PASTA & FAVORITES
Glacier Glazed Salmon
Mountain Topper
Kabob’s Pasta Alfredo
Fried Catfish Strips
Smokin’ Baby Back Ribs
Chopped Sirloin
Italiano Chicken Pasta
3215 W Hwy 76
417.334.2766
Ad: 18 Map: E5
G
Indian Point
Marina
best
steakhouse
THE BRANSON INSIDER
2/25/15
1:41 PM
THE BRANSON INSIDER
Scenic
Overlook
Table Rock
State Park
Table Rock
Lakeshore Trail
ek Rd.
Fall Cre
ycomo
e
n
a
eT
College of the
Ozarks
Ralph Foster
Museum
165
65
165
Branson
Creek
To Eureka Springs
86
Murder Rock
o
Lake Taneycom
Parakeet Pete’s
Waterfront Balloon
Hot Hits
Scenic
Raliway
Branson Landing
Cruises
Branson
Centennial
Museum
65
Branson Landing
Branson Auto
Museum
a
Gone with
Wind Museum
BUS
65
Roar
kV
BRANSON
MAP
265
Oak Ridge Boys
Fall Cre
ek
Grand Country
Grand Country
Mini Golf
Legacy Theatre
Tracks #3
Kings Castle
Acrobats of China
& Yakov
Rd.
d.
aR
Branson Bell
State Park Marina
Spirit of America
Table Rock
Dam
Music
City Central Thtr
Kirby VanBurch
Dixie Stampede
ep
etn
Table RockDewey Short
Visitor Center
Lake Showboat
To Cosmic Caverns
3225 W Hwy 76, Next to the Titanic • bransonimax.com • 417-334-2766
Circle B
Lak
Pointe
Royal
Welk Resort
Fish Hatchery
J
Baldknobbers
New Americana
Titanic
165
MoonShine
Beach
I
her
do
f th
eH
ill
Promised Land Zoo
Hamner Theatre
Shoji Tabuchi
Branson IMAX
Welk Indoor
Waterpark
branson’s
18
DINING
Branson
Restaurant Quarter Pages.indd 3
Insider
Fall Creek Rd.
265
H
Thousand Hills
ay
76
God & Country
Harbor
Marina
To Springfield/Branson
Airport
Historic
Owen Thtr
Steak & Catfish
Payne Stewart
Veteran’s Memorial
Museum
Steak & Shrimp
Green Mountain Dr.
No Motorcoaches
Allowed
14
arkw
Celebrity Car Museum
Dick Clark’s American
Bandstand Thtr.
LOG CABIN CREATIONS
COMBINATIONS
F
r.
UpTown Café
Stone Hill Winery
Branson Central Theatre
New Shanghai
d. Theatre
iR
Branson
ar
f
Craft Mall
Sa
ills P
Shoppes at
Branson Meadows
Wild World
Haunted House
Ma’ Hewlett’s Meatloaf
Chicken Pot Pie
Applewood Bacon Sirloin Center Cut Top Sirloin
Mike’s Big Montana Steak Cracked Peppercorn Sirloin
son H
Greatest Adventures
Mini-Golf
Branson Mall
Pioneer Pot Roast
Chicken Breast Dinner
STEAK CLASSICS
ain
D
Ride the Ducks
LEGENDARY MEALS
Chicken Tostada Salad
nt
Andy Williams
Luke’s BBQ Sandwich
Turkey Bacon Cheddar
Chicken Salad Sandwich The Ozark Melt
Chicken Tender Salad
Grilled Shrimp Salad
Rock
Lane
Marina
.
Wildwood Dr
PROSPECTOR’S PLATTER
ENTREE SALADS
Grand
Villiage
Shops
Grand Palace
Dinosaur Canyon
Mini-Golf
Chicken Salad
Country Spinach Salad
Florentina’s
Vigilante Taco
Chef Salad
E
ou
CHRISTINE’S SIDEBOARD
Marvelous Onion Rings Boneless Buffalo Wings
Smothered Chili Nachos Classic Onion Soup
Fried Mushrooms
Fried Zucchini
lle
ve
r
Ca
M
McFarlain’s Double Feature
Fried Sweet Potatoes
Dining
Almost Famous Murder
Mysteries Crystal
Thtr (At Lodge of the
Ozarks) E4
Florentina’s Ristorante
Italiano F7
Jackie B. Goode’s Uptown
Café E5
McFarlain’s Family
Restaurant C4
Montana Mike’s E5
Bran
d.
STARTERS
Fried Green Tomatoes
Granny’s Nachos
D
65
248
Sight &
Sound
13
Branson Zipline
yR
lle
APPETIZERS
Shows
Acrobats of China - the
New Shanghai Circus
B12
Almost Famous Murder
Mystery Crystal Thtr (At
Lodge of the Ozarks) E4
The Andy Williams Moon
River Thtr E8
•The Hits, starring The
Osmonds and celebrity
hosts
•Illusionist Rick Thomas
•The Lettermen
AYO Starring Voices of
Glory Hughes American
Family Thtr E4
Baldknobbers Jamboree
E7
Crystal Thtr (Inside Lodge of
the Ozarks) E4
•Almost Famous Murder
Mystery
•The World Famous
Platters
•John Tweed: Up Close
& Personal
•Icons: The Concert
•3 Redneck Tenors
George Strait Tribute with
Gordy & Debbie Jackie
B Goode’s Uptown
Café E4
George Strait Country
Little Opry Thtr IMAX®
Complex C4
George Jones & Friends
Remembered Little
Opry Thtr IMAX®
Complex C4
Good News Gospel Little
Opry Thtr IMAX®
Complex C4
IMAX® Theater IMAX®
Complex C4
“it” starring The Hughes
Brothers Hughes
American Family Thtr E4
A Tribute to John Denver
Little Opry Thtr IMAX®
Complex C4
12
465
The
Mansion
Sh
r.
IN A RUSTIC MOUNTAIN LODGE
atmosphere, Mike’s steaks are naturally-aged
for 21 days, the peak of flavor and tenderness—
then we grill them to perfection!
een
Gr
OZARK SPECIALTIES
At McFarlain’s we bring you the culinary history
of the Ozarks with traditional Ozark cooking
and recipes that have been handed down from
generation to generation.
Montana
Mike’s
Starlite
KEY: Listings are followed by their location on the map
grid. On the map listings are in red, blue or purple.
Clay
Cooper
Castle Rock
Waterpark
Hollywood Wax
Pirates Cove
Mini-Golf
Presleys’
See Map on Page 19!
Attractions
Branson Zipline & Canopy
Tours A12
Branson Dinosaur Museum
C4
Elite Cinema III C4
IMAX® Complex C4
Ralph Foster Museum G12
Dockers
LOCATOR
C
ay
ssw
pre Shrine of
x
s E Holy Spirit
Golden She
pherd
Corral
of the
Hills Expressway
Bookside
Showroom
Branson
265
Mini-Golf
Branson Dinosaur
Star
r
G
Pierce Arrow Adventure
Museum
m
Zipline
The White
165
seu
76
House Theatre
Mu 5
Factory
y
o
#
Tanger Outlet
T
Merchants Outlets
ks
ifts
Center
Ro
rac
sG .
T
n
e
a
R
y
e
r k Vall d.
ite
Dick & Natl
h
W ater
W
ry um
ild
ilita Muse acing s W
wo
M
.
od
Br Gun e R tton
D
BB Xtrem Du
Adventure
Helicopter
The Icon
MAP
Twice Adopted Hamners
Variety Thtr. C6
Tribute
2/25/15 1:41 PM
Legends in Concert Dick
Clark’s American
Bandstand Thtr E10
A Tribute to Marty Robbins
Little Opry Thtr IMAX®
Complex C4
Ol’ Time Gospel Hour
Little Opry Thtr IMAX®
Complex C4
The Petersen Family
Bluegrass Band
Little Opry Thtr IMAX®
Complex C4
3 Redneck Tenors Andy
William’s Moon River
Thtr F8
Rick Thomas Illusions!
Andy Williams Moon
River Thtr E8
Sons of Britches Little Opry
Thtr IMAX® Complex C4
Sons of the Pioneers
Baldknobbers Thtr E7
Smoke on the Mountain
Little Opry Thtr IMAX®
Complex C4
Lost Treasure
Mini-Golf
Riply’s
MENU SAMPLER
Green Mountain Dr.
MENU SAMPLER
Branson Insider Restaurant Quarter Pages.indd 2
Indian P
oint Rd.
3562 Shepherd of the Hills • bransonimax.com • 417-336-4680
11
10
Branson’s Masters of Magic
IMAX Little Opr’y
Silver Dollar
B City
9
8
7
Tri-Lakes Center
RFD-TV Theatre
recipes and
hospitality
6
Ledgestone 465
M
Cr ick
ys ey
H
tal G
Broughes
Th ille
the
ea y
rs
Tracks #4 tre
A
5
4
J
St im
aff
ord
ozarks
3
2
Vi
In gila
Pa spirante Z
v
S illio tio iprid
e
of heph n Thn Tow
the er ea e r
tre r
Butterfly Hill d
s
Palace
1
legendary
To
Holiday
Hills
MAP KEY
Red Time Saver Route
Blue Time Saver Route
Yellow Time Saver Route
Insider Theaters
Insider Attractions
Other Theaters
Other Attractions
Shopping
Traffic Lights
Golf Course
Restaurants/Dinner
Theatre
Branson
Airport
86
SHOWS 19