American Idol Taylor Hicks Coming To Branson’s Welk Resort Theatre On July 30

The 2006 American Idol, Taylor Hicks, is coming to Branson's Welk Resort Theatre for one concert on Monday, July 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Welk Resort Theatre Box Office, by phone at 417-337-7469, on-line at sullivanshows.com and at select Branson-area ticket agencies.

Hicks charmed America with his soulful voice and rousing delivery of songs such as “Takin It to the Streets," to win the title of the fifth-season American Idol. The 29-year-old with salt-and-pepper hair and a legion of fans dubbed the "Soul Patrol" captured the hearts of more than 63.4 million people who voted him the 2006 American Idol.

Hicks' debut single, "Do I Make You Proud," debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Single Sales and Pop 100 charts last summer. His self-titled debut album was released on December 12, 2006. Taylor Hicks debuted at the number two spot on the Billboard 200 charts and was certified as an RIAA platinum album on January 17, 2007. Hicks was named "Hottest Bachelor" in 2006 by "People" magazine. His memoir, "Heart Full of Soul, an Inspirational Memoir about Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way," is scheduled for release in July.

"Taylor Hicks is one of the hottest concert tickets across America," said Joe Sullivan, Executive Producer and General Manager of Welk-Sullivan Productions. "I encourage Taylor Hicks fans to get their tickets early for best seating."

The Welk Resort Theatre is located three miles south of Highway 76 at 1984 State Highway 165. The 2,245-seat theatre near Table Rock Lake was home to The Lawrence Welk Show from 1994 through 2004. Since 2004 Welk-Sullivan Productions has presented extended engagement shows in the theatre including Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Pam Tillis, The Lennon Sisters, Darren Romeo, Crystal Gayle & Lee Greenwood plus Welk Stars Reunions. Special engagement concerts have featured B.B. King, The Moody Blues, The Beach Boys, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Chuck Berry, Three Dog Night, Ray Price, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, B.J. Thomas & Billy Joe Royal, and Delbert McClinton. The destination resort complex includes a 160-room hotel, the Stage Door Restaurant & Lounge, a gift shop, miniature golf course, swimming pool, game room and other family-friendly amenities.

The Welk Resort Theatre's 2007 entertainment lineup includes:
-through September 3: Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo, The Voice of Magic featuring Jeff Gordan's famous #24 "Fire and Flames" Dupont Chevrolet
-July 30: Taylor Hicks
-September 10 — December 7: The Lowe Family
-September 5 – 9: Welk Stars Reunion 2007 starring Jo Ann Castle, Anacani, Ava Barber, Dick Dale, Jack Imel, Mary Lou Metzger and Roger & David Otwell.
-September 12 – October 20: Tillis Family Reunion starring Mel Tillis & Pam Tillis
-October 29 – December 7: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers & The Lennon Sisters — Celebrating Christmas!
-November 1 – December 8: Mel Tillis & Connie Smith
-November 11: Tony Orlando's Yellow Ribbon Salute to Veterans
-November 12: Tony Orlando Show