Record rainfalls in Branson, Missouri in the past 10 days have contributed to a state of flooding that has driven many from their homes. Many others have lost everything that they have. There are an estimated 300 families in the Branson area and its environs that have been adversely affected.

Although a small community, with only approximately 6,000 year-round residents, Branson citizens want to help their neighbors. Branson’s only Irish pub, Waxy O’Shea’s, is spearheading a benefit show, silent auction, and clothing drive to try to help.

“Heads Above Water, Jam Below the Dam” is a benefit show sponsored by The Skillet Licker Songwriter Review, Stolen Windows, Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub, and the God and Country Theatre. The Jam is scheduled to begin at Noon on Wednesday May 11, 2011, and will last until 1AM on May 12 at Waxy O’Shea’s on Branson Landing. Matthew Stoll, Waxy O’Shea’s manager, says, “We are a community, let’s show the survivors what a community does for its members.”

Many local entertainers have already committed to performing at the event, including headliners from the God and Country Theatre, homespun bluegrassers The Skillet Lickers, local jam-band favorites Stolen Windows, and Celtic rockers Eire & Brimstone. All are donating their time, and hope that the entire community will join them for a time of encouragement, good music and hope. Sarah Tweed, star of the Tweed Show at the God and Country Theatre says, “This jam has easily brought together both people of faith and freethinkers for a truly worthy charitable event.”

The performances and entertainment are only one facet of the event. Donations are being accepted by Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub on an ongoing basis for a silent auction to be held throughout the day on May 11. Monetary donations will also be collected at all area Ozark Mountain Bank branches and at Waxy’s; donees should simply make checks payable to “Heads Above Water”. Donations of clean clothing, in good condition, and non-perishable food items may also be delivered to Waxy O’Shea’s for later distribution. Proceeds of the events will be allocated to Salvation Army, K-Life and Christian Action Ministries, as well as handed out directly by the organizers, to stay in the community and be given to families affected by the flood.

The entire Branson community is invited to enjoy “Heads Above Water, Jam Below the Dam” at Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub. For further information, contact Zach and Dee McGrath at 417-230-1595 Or Matthew Stoll at 417-335-1799 or by email at [email protected] .

Long time Seattle musician Dave Raynor has been awarded the guitar chair
for music legend Andy Williams. Dave traveled to Branson in May 2010 to
play guitar and sing for Bill (The Righteous Brothers) Medley. After the season
Dave was called by Andy Williams music director and asked if he could
audition for the Andy Williams band in Branson MO. On April 20th, 2011
Dave was informed that he had been given the gig. Dave will be at the Moon
River Theater and play Andy Williams world renown Christmas Show until
the end of 2011. The Andy Williams Christmas show will also perform at the
Royal Albert Hall in London in December 2011. Dave says…’It’s a great
honor to have the chance to play with such a legend as Andy Williams.”