Brand New Show - mid-Season Area Appreciation Tues 22nd to Sat 26th July….2 p.m. show.

All Branson (Tri-Lake) area residents are invited to see Jon England’s “Royally Entertained” music show at the Caravelle Theatre (next to Jim Stafford’s!) to receive his warm and sincere thanks for their welcome to this special city.

A gorgeously featured, jam-packed 2 hour spectacular complete with a uniquely world famous “Royal” icon set against a backdrop direct from Hollywood’s Golden Age; every melody a multi-million seller; every costume change a glitzy tribute to Liberace’s Las Vegas nights…. Jon dazzles and tickles every ivory on THREE pianos which decorate the stage-set like so many diamonds on a moonlight lake.

Charming, disarming, warm and emotionally engaging - this International Piano Entertainer direct from London, England will have you tapping your toes, humming along and leaving you keen to share the news about this great new show with everyone you meet….friends, family, out-of-towners and all fellow Bransonians!

$5 each at the Caravelle box-office along with proof of Tri-County residency. Tuesday 22nd to Saturday 26th at 2 p.m.

“Glow In The Dark,” an exciting blacklight puppet presentation is coming to Branson Monday, July 21, 2008, 7:00pm at the Hamner Barber Theater.

This amazing production features of 35 different puppets, including several large six foot tall puppets. Featured characters are: Neon Leon, the Toobie Brothers, Dooey Wordsworth, and the Incredible Stretch-a-Bellies. The performance is for all ages, and admission is $10 per person or $25 per family, plus tax. For tickets call the theater box office at 417-334-4363 or order individual tickets online at www.HamnerBarber.com/tickets.htm.

The One Way Street Puppet Ministry Performance Team from Centenial, Colorado is touring seventeen states during it’s National tour, presenting over 30 different performances in churches, schools and conferences. The team is directed by Dale VonSeggen of Lone Tree, Colorado and Philip Haught of Lutz, Florida. Team members are Trent Black of Paris, Texas; JJ Graves of Papillion, Nebraska; Cory Spittler of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Jenny Davis of Smith’s Falls, Ontario; and Emily Demerath of Montogery, Illinois.

Related Websites: OneWayStreet.com

Jon England, the International Piano Showman from Great Britain brings his phenomenal transatlantic music show “Royally Entertained”, to the Caravelle Theatre on July 15th (Tuesday) at 2 p.m.and will run from Tuesday to Saturday throughout the Summer and Fall concluding with two weeks of Christmas Shows beginning Tuesday 2nd December.

www.jonengland.com

Having transformed the Theatre’s auditorium into a lavishly appointed luxury showroom environment with moving chandeliers, heavily-swagged “Moulin-Rouge” velvet draping, three gorgeous custom-built pianos, video backdrops and a host of unexpected surprises (including an extraordinary “Royal” guest), Jon provides non-stop dazzling and heart-warming presentations of the world’s most famous music and songs along with Noel Coward-style merriment delivered with drop-dead Roger Moore-style good looks.

This truly is a must-see show for anyone who hankers for stylish, classy, emotionally-moving and memorable show experience that’s easy on the eye, ear and pocket.

With adult tickets at $23 (plus a host of discounts for locals, seniors, veterans, church groups and families) at an ‘easy-to-find’ venue right on the “strip”, next to Jim Stafford’s and across from Mickey Gilley’s - be sure to be among the very first to experience the “Velvet Piano” phenomenon’s Branson premiere week of exciting shows.

BRANSON, MO — Military reunion groups will experience a special tribute at a popular Branson attraction. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction has dedicated a “Missing Man Table & Honors Ceremony” acknowledging veterans, active duty, those lost and missing in conflict.

This remembrance is widely performed by veterans’ organizations at banquets and gatherings, honoring those who are missing from the celebration. There have been many different narratives written for the presentation, but the symbolism is quite constant. Dixie Stampede will set the “Missing Man Table” and provide the special honors ceremony by request for military reunion groups only.

As guests are seated, they will see an empty table set for one. The empty place setting signifies Americans from each branch of service, with flags representing Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine. The Honors Ceremony that follows describes each item on the table and its significance.

The “Missing Man Table”
The table is round, signifying everlasting concern for the missing. The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the call to duty. A single red rose in a vase represents the lives of the missing, their loved ones and friends. The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of continued determination to account for the missing. A slice of lemon on the plate is a reminder of the bitter fate of those captured and missing. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by their families. The Bible represents the faith to sustain those lost. An inverted glass signifies the missing who cannot share the evening’s celebration. The chair is empty because they are missing.

The ceremony concludes as guests enjoy each other’s company, a meal and the Dixie Stampede arena show, highlighted by the beautiful Patriotic Finale, reminded of the loved ones and veterans honored that day.

“Not only is this a poignant ceremony appropriate for all branches and all eras, it’s a good fit for reunion groups enjoying Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede,” stated Steve Weyher, board member of Branson Veterans Task Force.

The private ceremony takes place before the Carriage Room pre-show, and is provided by request, free of charge, for military reunion groups of 15 or more attending that evening’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show. To arrange a “Missing Man Table & Honors Ceremony” for your military reunion, please contact Pat Veach at 1-800-520-5101 x245, or email patv@dixiestampede.com.

About Dixie Stampede
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is a unique dinner and show experience set in an 85,000-square-foot facility featuring 32 magnificent horses, a stampede of Longhorn steer, dozens of cast members, ostrich races, illusions, music and more, all showcased in a friendly rivalry between the North and the South. With seating to accommodate over 1,000 guests, the show is highlighted by a four-course feast. Pre-show entertainment features the comedy and juggling of Guinness record sport juggler, Albert Lucas, in the facility’s Carriage Room.

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attractions operate in three popular destinations: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Branson, Missouri. For general information regarding show times and ticket prices, call 1-800-520-5544 or visit www.dixiestampede.com.

BRANSON, Mo. — A road in his hometown of Dyess, Ark., has been named after Gene Williams at the same time the community named a highway after the late Johnny Cash, another Dyess native. Dyess Mayor Larry F. Sims was in Branson, Mo., to present souvenir road signs to Williams at a recent taping of Williams’ television show, the Lucas Oil sponsored “Gene Williams Country Television Show” that takes Branson to more than 50 million homes nationwide and in Puerto Rico and Canada.

The show with the road signs presentation and featuring music guests, The Sweethearts of Branson: Denny Yeary and Shelia Renee, will be telecast on June 21 and 22.

The signs were accompanied by two resolutions signed by Sims and a letter signed by Mississippi County Judge Steve McGuire supporting the name changes. The section of East Second Street/West County Road 940 from Arkansas State Highway 297 to Mississippi Country Road 243 was renamed Gene Williams Road and the section of Arkansas Sate Highway 297 located from Arkansas State Highway 14 to Mississippi County Road 956 was renamed Johnny Cash Highway.

Calling Williams a “country music television icon” and “a legend in his own time” and Cash a “country music legend” and “one of the world’s greatest country music performers of all time” both resolutions noted that the two spent their childhood and teenage years in Dyess. The city “desires to permanently honor” the men “in an appropriate manner,” the resolutions said.

McGuire echoed the resolutions and wrote, “Gene Williams…has been a strong supporter of Historic Dyess. His affiliation with Johnny Cash has contributed to the continuation of much worldwide interest in the city of Dyess for which we are very grateful. Thank you for your physical and financial support to enhance the quality of life for all of our citizens.”

This is the third honor Williams’ hometown has given him. In 2007 he was presented the key to the city and two years earlier a “Hometown of…” sign was erected on the edge of town. Williams has worked on several projects to help preserve his hometown’s history. They include presenting a fund raising concert with Mickey Gilley and the Urban Cowboy Band and making a donation to save a historical building that will be used for a museum recognizing the city’s historical significance and its former residents, Johnny Cash, Tommy Cash and Williams.

Dyess is not the only Arkansas community that has recognized Williams. He recently received the key to the City of Horseshoe Bend, Ark., for his work to bring significant country entertainment to the resort community during its early development and April 11, 2009, will be celebrated as Gene Williams Day.

Williams holds a record in Arkansas of having nine days proclaimed Gene Williams Day (1964 Orval Faubus, 1968 Win Rockefeller, 1973 and 1974 Dale Bumpers - former President Bill Clinton proclaimed Gene Williams Day three times, Jim Guy Tucker once, and Mike Huckabee, once.) Williams was recognized for his community commitment to the industry and presented an honorary doctorate degree in television and broadcast communications from St. Martins College. He has also been honored by the states of Arkansas and Missouri for his work in tourism, entertainment and community.

Nominated for induction into two halls of fame, the Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame Museum and the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, Williams was named Grand Ole Opry DJ of the Year in 1961 and inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 1993. In addition to Cash, he has worked with such greats as the Carter Family, the Statler Brothers, Carl Perkins, Charlie Walker, Charlie Louvin, Del Reeves, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Minnie Pearl and Jack Greene. He made two movies: “Country Music Jamboree” filmed in Parkin, Ark., and the “Sound of Country Music” that starred more than 39 Grand Ole Opry stars.

Williams recently put his name on a Branson theater in which the “Gene Williams Country Television Show” is presented. The Gene Williams Showcase Theatre is located in the Branson Mall on the world famous Highway 76. The Yearys, who are the celebrity guests on the TV show this week, present a 2 p.m. show at the theater Monday through Thursday. “Jeff Sallee’s Classic Country Revue” with a tribute to Buck Owens is presented at 8 p.m. through Aug. 30 and 5 p.m. Sept. 2-Dec. 20. “Lookin’ for Love” Johnny Lee is making music history by presenting his own show beginning Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. at the theater.

Williams began his country music television show in Arkansas 45 years ago and for the past seven years has taped the show in Branson live before a studio audience. Television guests have included Doug Kershaw, Ed McMahon, Mickey Gilley, the Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Barbara Fairchild, Sons of the Pioneers, the Osmonds, Johnny Cash’s band The Tennessee Three, Helen Cornelius, Leona Williams, Charlie Louvin, Mary Lou Turner, Cal Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Norma Jean, Little Jimmy Dickens, Porter Wagoner, Jim Owen, Buck Trent, Johnny Lee and Wanda Jackson.

Williams’ co-host Katie Lynn has received the Branson Entertainment Awards Best Support Vocalist twice for her work in the “Mickey Gilley Show.” She has worked with Gilley for more than eight years and also worked with Jim Owen for seven years. In addition to her singing career, she is a real estate agent. She and the guest stars perform weekly on the television show with the Country Junction Band.

For more information go to the website genewilliamscountry.com or call the box office at the Gene Williams Theatre in Branson at 417-335-4400. Advance tickets are on sale at the box office for Johnny Lee’s show and for any of the shows Williams is now showcasing.

The show known as Warren Wally and The Boys has changed venues, they are now known as “Real Country Featuring Wally Barbee and Warren Farren”. They are in the 8 o’clock slot at the Gene Williams Showcase Theatre in the Branson Mall. The phone number to the box office is 417-335-4400.

This Sunday the Gene Williams Showcase television show will be featuring Warren and Wally, the taping is open to the public an the admission is free.

It’s been over 30 years since Jim Owen portrayed Hank Williams Sr. in his PBS special “Hank” and this week on the Lucas Oil sponsored “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show” Owen is honored for his work with a gold record. The awards just keep coming when Williams is also surprised with one presented to him from his fans.

The gold record awards are made by Nashville’s Ken Kittinger of Creative Award Designs who has made gold records for the likes of former Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, George Strait, Earl Thomas Conley, Willie Nelson, Epic Records, CBS, Ricky Skaggs, Ronnie McDowell, Charly McClain, Exile and the Jack Daniels distillery.

Kittinger presented Williams’ award on behalf of his fans for having the “best traditional country music show in America,” and “Jim’s award is one that just slipped through the cracks and it is well deserved. It gives me great pleasure to present it to him,” he said. Owen won an Emmy for his PBS special that was voted public television’s best show of the year in 1977. In addition to the PBS portrayal of Hank, Williams also portrayed the legend in two movies.

Charlie Daniels called Owen a country music superstar and many country superstars have recorded his hit songs. “Louisiana Women, Mississippi Man” was recorded by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. Mel Tillis recorded “Too Lonely Too Long” among others. Charlie Pride, Cal Smith, Tommy Cash, George Jones, Charlie Louvin, Melba Montgomery, Waylon Jennings and Eddy Arnold and Owen himself have recorded his original songs.

Also on this show Johnny Lee stops in to visit with Williams, Owen and Katie Lynn, Williams’ co-host. Lee is making country music history by starring in his own show that will open Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. in the Gene Williams Theatre, the former Branson Hall of Fame Theatre, at the Branson Mall. Tickets are on sale at the box office of the theater recently opened by Williams where his weekly television show is taped live before a studio audience and where he is now showcasing several live shows: Mark Aldred Variety Show at 10 a.m., The Sweethearts of Branson at 2 p.m. and through Aug. 30 Real Country with Wally Barbee and Warren Farren at 8 p.m.

The broadcast with Owen and Lee of Williams’ syndicated TV series was May 17 and 18.

Williams’ television guests have included Doug Kershaw, Ed McMahon, Mickey Gilley, the Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Barbara Fairchild, Sons of the Pioneers, the Osmonds, Johnny Cash’s band The Tennessee Three, Helen Cornelius, Leona Williams, Charlie Louvin, Mary Lou Turner, Cal Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Norma Jean, Little Jimmy Dickens, Porter Wagoner, Jim Owen, Buck Trent and Wanda Jackson.

Williams’ co-host Katie Lynn has received the Branson Entertainment Awards Best Support Vocalist twice for her work in the “Mickey Gilley Show.” She has worked with Gilley for more than eight years and also worked with Jim Owen for seven years. In addition to her singing career, she is a real estate agent. She and the guest stars perform weekly on the television show with the Country Junction Band.

For more information please call 417-334-4400.

“Lookin’ for Love” Johnny Lee will star in his own show beginning in September in the new Gene Williams Theatre in Branson and recently announced that the tickets will be only $15 a person.

“That’s an amazing price for this level of entertainment in Branson or anywhere else. Johnny Lee has had top hits on Billboard charts and numerous concert, television and Grand Ole Opry appearances,” said Gene Williams who showcases his own TV show in the Gene Williams Theatre along with several other live shows.

The Gene Williams Theatre (formerly Branson Hall of Fame Theatre) is located in the Branson Mall (2206 W. Hwy. 76) on the world famous Highway 76 in the entertainment town that Johnny Lee calls home.

Lee said, “This price for my concert which will run through Sept. 2-Dec. 15 is a recession proof price. In spite of rising prices and no matter what the price of a barrel of oil this fall, I am sticking with a $15 ticket for anyone who wants to see my Branson show.”

Lee will open on Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. in the Gene Williams Theatre and present concerts Monday through Saturday through Dec. 15. Tickets are on sale now at the Gene Williams Theatre Box Office at 417-335-4400. For more information go to the website genewilliamscountry.com.

Having his own show in Branson is a first for Johnny Lee and Branson although he has guest starred on many Branson stages. Lee, who is a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, had his own band in high school. He took time out to serve his country in the Navy and then worked with his friend Mickey Gilley, appeared in several television roles and then was asked to perform in the film, “Urban Cowboy.” His “Lookin’ For Love” from that film and soundtrack spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard country music singles charts as #1 and #2 on the pop music singles charts. He followed that with a string of Top 10 hits, numerous television appearances, appearing on the Grande Ole Opry and recorded several albums.

In addition to “Lookin’ For Love” his hits include “One In A Million,” “Bet Your Heart On Me,” “The Yellow Rose (a duet with Lane Brody),” “You Could’ve Heard a Heart Break,” “Pickin’ Up Strangers,” “Prisoner of Hope,” “Be There for Me Baby,” “Cherokee Fiddle,” “Sounds Like Love,” “Hey Bartender” and “Rollin’ Lonely.”

His TV appearances include “Fantasy Island,” “ChiPS,” “The Fall Guy” and “The A-Team.”

The Warren, Wally, and the Boys, the 2 o’clock show at the Caravelle theatre is having their area appreciation week on the following dates, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday April 22, 23, and 24. Tickets are $5.00 + tax per person. Warren, Wally and the Boys have been entertaining audiences worldwide for over 20 years. Wally Barbee, a Texas native moved to Branson in 1989. Through the years she has been the feature female vocalist in numerous shows and theatres here in Branson, she has also hosted several radio and television shows. Also appearing is Warren Farren an international singer/ songwriter has worked with the record labels ARCO, Trip Universal, And Evolution N.Y. plus many more. He has toured the U.S. for many years for Hubert Long Int. in Nashville, Tn. Warren has also worked for such greats as Hank Jr., Conway Twitty, Marty Robbins, Loretta Lynn, Pat Boone, Rex and Vern Gosdin, Bill Haley’s Comets, Elvis Presley and many more. Warren Farren also produces the Bertie Higgin’s show also at the Caravelle in their 8 o’clock slot.

He’s a blazed a trail in country music television and his weekly Branson TV show is offered to more than 45 million households nationwide. Now that trail has led him to a Branson theater home to be called The Gene Williams Theatre at the Branson Mall and home to a variety of live theater shows and the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show.”

The Gene Williams Theatre opened officially March 16 with the taping of the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show. His show will also be taped April 6, April 27, May 18, June 8, June 22, July 20, Aug. 10, Aug. 31, Sept. 21, Oct. 12 and Nov. 2. Admission for the studio audience is free and the doors open at 1 p.m. for the first taping at 2 p.m. Gene and his co-host Katie Lynn interview celebrity guest up close and personal. Katie Lynn and the weekly guests also perform with Williams’ band, the Country Junction Band.

Live theater shows will begin April 8 at 2 p.m. show with The Sweethearts of Branson Denny Yeary and Shelia Renee. Williams will be announcing a slate of celebrity guests for the 8 p.m. show with guest appearances by Johnny Lee - “Lookin’ for Love” on Sept. 2 and possibly Ed McMahon. A 10 a.m. and a 5 p.m. show are planned with celebrities to be announced.

The new box office phone number is 417-335-4400.

“I’ve taped my weekly Lucas Oil sponsored ‘Gene Williams Country Music Television Show’ in Branson for eight years at several different locations in Branson. It’s time to give it a permanent home in my own theater,” said Williams. “I’m looking forward to the entertainment we will be offering during the 2008 season and beyond.”

This is the second theater Williams has founded. In the 1970s and ‘80s, Williams started the Music Mountain Theater in Horseshoe Bend, Ark. There he featured headliners such as Roy Acuff, Mickey Gilley, Freddie Hart, Claude King, Brenda Lee, Dolly Parton, Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins, Del Reeves, Hank Thompson, Buck Trent, Porter Wagoner, Tom T. Hall and Ernest Tubb.

Williams is the star, producer and creator of his weekly television show that is seen across the nation and into Canada and Puerto Rico. It is the longest running weekly television show in Branson and was listed as the most popular TV show in national ratings on WNGS Buffalo/Rochester, N.Y., and as a favorite TV show in the national magazine “Maxim.”

Williams’ TV guests have included Doug Kershaw, Ed McMahon, Mickey Gilley, the Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Barbara Fairchild, Sons of the Pioneers, the Osmonds, Johnny Cash’s band The Tennessee Three, Helen Cornelius, Leona Williams, Fred Travalena, Charlie Louvin, Narvel Felts, Margo Smith, Mary Lou Turner, Cal Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Norma Jean, Little Jimmy Dickens, Ava Barber, Bill Anderson, Porter Wagoner, Jim Owen, Buck Trent, Johnny Lee, Gary P. Nunn, Todd Fritch, Ava Barber, Wanda Jackson and Razzy Bailey.

Williams’ career is filled with milestones. He has been presented the keys to his hometown, Dyess, Ark., and Horseshoe Bend, Ark. A historical marker in appreciation for his support to help preserve his hometown’s history was erected two years ago. A historical building there will be used for a museum recognizing the town’s significance and its former residents, Johnny Cash, Tommy Cash and Williams.

Recently he was recognized for his community commitment to the industry and presented an honorary doctorate degree in television and broadcast communications from St. Martins College. He has also been honored by the states of Arkansas and Missouri for his work in tourism, entertainment and community.

Nominated for induction into two halls of fame, the Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame Museum and the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, Williams has worked with such greats as Johnny Cash, the Carter Family, the Statler Brothers, Carl Perkins, Charlie Walker, Charlie Louvin, Del Reeves, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Minnie Pearl and Jack Greene.

Williams’ co-host Katie Lynn has received the Branson Entertainment Awards Best Support Vocalist twice for her work in the “Mickey Gilley Show.” She has worked with Gilley for more than seven years and also worked with Jim Owen for seven years. In addition to her singing career, she is a real estate agent. She and the guest stars perform with the Country Junction Band.