CenturyLink Food Drive – Feed the Children -FOOD DRIVE – June 25-29, 2012

Each summer Jesus Was Homeless sees a spike in need due to the fact that kids are out of school and not receiving school lunches. This summer you’re invited to help support Jesus Was Homeless by participating in the CenturyLink Backpack Buddies Feed the Children Food Drive. This is a community service project to help fight childhood hunger in CenturyLink markets. Join us and be a CenturyLink Backpack Buddy!

The CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation will match all donations given through this drive at $1 per pound up to 1 million pounds total. If you choose to make a monetary donation, every dollar donated will be calculated as 6 pounds and will be matched with a $6 donation to Jesus Was Homeless up to 1 million dollars company wide.

Your donations will help Jesus Was Homeless meet the growing need right here in the Branson community.

How You Can Contribute
Donate at the CenturyLink Retail Store: Bring non-perishable food items to the CenturyLink Retail Store located in the Gretna Plaza on Hwy 248, next to Arvest Bank, Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Donate directly to Jesus Was Homeless: Write a check to Jesus Was Homeless or donate on-line at www.jesuswashomeless.org the week of June 25th-29th.

What to Bring
Food:
Individual boxed or pouch drinks (Capri Sun, Kool-Aid, etc.)
Granola Bars
Individually packaged fruit cups (Applesauce, Peaches, etc.)
Individually bagged Chips
Cookies
Individually boxed cereal
Snack size items
Individual Mustard Packs
Individual Mayo Packs

Household Items:
Ziploc Sandwich Bags
Napkins
Plastic Spoons
Deodorant
Shaving Cream
Toothbrushes
Razors

For donation information contact:

Bryan Stallings
Customer Care Manager – Southern Missouri
2001 Hwy. 248, Suite 4
Branson, MO 65616
Tel: 417.334.9244
Cell: 417.335.1083
Fax: 417.334.2979
[email protected]

Duttons Receive Commendation from TripAdvisor

Branson, MO…TripAdvisor (www.tripadvisor.com), the world’s largest travel site, has honored The Dutton Family Theater for earning exceptional traveler ratings over the past year. TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence recognizes business that consistently receive top ratings from travelers.

According to Christine Petersen, TripAdvisor for Business president, “Having achieved a rating of 5.0, the Dutton Family Theater is placed among the very best. This award, which is given only to the most exceptional performers in the TripAdvisor community, is a significant achievement by the Dutton Family. All of us here at TripAdvisor congratulate them.”

Judith Dutton, marketing manager for the theater, commented, “We were extremely excited to receive this commendation. It’s like “The Peoples Awards” in that it is totally based on proactive commentary from tourists that have visited our theater. We try very hard to provide every guest with a remarkable experience and this award indicates that our efforts are paying off.”

The all new 2012 Dutton Family show offers a high energy mix of rock ‘n roll, country, bluegrass, gospel, and lots of dancing and comedy. The theater also features renowned tenor George Dyer, whose show has something for everyone from well-known Disney songs to current favorites and opera.

Over the past 20 years, the Dutton fame has spread across the world and the family has built an entertainment complex in Branson with their Dutton Family Theater, the Dutton Inn, and Abby’s Tourist Trap. Additionally, the Dutton Family Theater #2 has been opened in Mesa, Arizona for winter performances

For reservations and additional information, contact the Dutton Family Theater at (417) 332-2772 or (888) 388-8661, or visit www.TheDuttons.com.

The countdown has begun for the 23rd annual Honor America Celebration at College of the Ozarks on Sunday, June 24, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend this old-fashioned patriotic celebration. Music, children’s activities and a picnic begin at 4:30 p.m.; the patriotic program and concert takes place at 8 p.m. Attendees may purchase barbecue items on site.

“Honor America has become a tradition that people of all ages can enjoy,” said Elizabeth Hughes, College of the Ozarks public relations director. “Kids can play with tinker toys, make bubbles and much more, while parents and grandparents can enjoy great music, barbecue and relax. Folks who attend will experience an atmosphere reminiscent a patriotic celebration of yesteryear.”

This year’s event will feature several musical favorites, including bluegrass by Copper Fox, the Mark McCauley and the Downing Street Boys who will entertain with traditional southern gospel music and the cast from Red, Hot… and Blue!, who will perform American classics from the 40s, 50s and 60s.

West Point Bugle and Drum Corps Hellcats

Before the sky lights up with fireworks, attendees will hear a patriotic concert and witness more than 200 years of tradition with the West Point drum and bugle corps, The Hellcats, as they perform a fantastic display of bugling and drumming.

After dark, an elaborate fireworks display will conclude the event. Honor America is free and is open to the public, but don’t forget your lawn chairs. Alcohol, tobacco products, fireworks and pets are strictly prohibited. For more information, please call the Public Relations office at (417) 690-2212.

2012 Honor America Program (PDF File)

July 7, 2012
8:30 AM-1:30 PM

Join award-winning Chef, Robert Stricklin, in The Keeter Center kitchen to see how local farming inspires his cooking style. Only 8 spaces available for this memorable experience! Reserve today!

$75 includes Cooking School, Nature’s Harvest Lunch, & Admission to the Smithsonian of the Ozarks: Ralph Foster Museum

Our new Rock and Roll Up Your Sleeves summer campaign allows the opportunity to combine the need for blood with our donor’s love for music in a campaign based around the popular rock and roll music genre.

•Every donor will receive a Rock n Roll Up Your Sleeves T-shirt (example below).

•Blood donors will be eligible to win a Gibson guitar, courtesy of the Gibson Foundation, and we will be awarding 6 guitars.

•As a special incentive for youth donors ages 16-21, they may also enter to win a $5000 college scholarship for future education costs.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE at:
Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex
3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expwy
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
10:00a – 2:00p

For more info, or to make a blood donation appointment, please contact the Red Cross at 1.800.GIVE.LIFE.

Thank you for helping to save lives.

Branson, Mo…Entertainers from around the world strive to earn the right to perform at Silver Dollar City. This year’s winner of CAM’s 4th Annual Gospel Sing Off on Sunday September 2nd will be honored with three performance slots at Silver Dollar City on Monday September 3rd for the finale of SDC’s County Gospel Picnic festival. Additionally, the first place winner will also receive a $1,500 cash award through the generousity of key event sponsors SIX and Branson Tourism Center. Second place will win $1,000 and third place will win $500.

Christian Action Ministries (CAM) of Branson, Missouri is currently seeking contemporary, traditional and southern gospel singing groups and individuals that are interested in competing for 10 finalist positions at CAM’s 4th Annual Gospel Sing-Off to be held on September 2, 2012 at the phenomenal Sight & Sound Theatres. Bob Hubbard of the Foggy River Boys and The Jordanaires will emcee the event.

Entries must be received by July 20th in order to be considered for one of the ten finalist positions that will perform in the competition before a panel of celebrity judges. Entry forms are available at www.christianactionministries.org and there is no entry fee for the contestants.

Tickets for the event ($12 adults, $6 children under 12) will be available in mid-July through Branson Tourism Center and Sight & Sound Theatres. For more information, contact the CAM offices at 417-334-1157.

CAM operates food pantries in Branson and Forsyth, as well as a monthly mobile outreach to eastern Taney County. The Sing-Off is CAM’s only operational fundraiser to support its efforts in fighting hunger in Taney County.

Contact: Jack Burke, [email protected], 1-800-451-8273

Taneycomo Festival Orchestra – Branson and Hollister, MO, June 17-30, 2012

The Taneycomo Festival Orchestra is a new nonprofit organization that provides a free two-week concert series of classical music in Branson and Hollister, Missouri. We seek to break the 19th century tradition that attending a symphony concert is a formal and elitist event by providing an accessible and casual concert series while continuing to preserve these great works of art in our destination city. Come as you are and enjoy the beautiful music!

Besides providing a unique concert experience for Branson and Hollister locals and tourists, the TFO hopes to provide a unique experience for musicians to spend a couple of weeks in the beautiful Ozark Mountains to play in an orchestra with other students and local professionals. Students will be hosted by generous local families and may receive grants for travel and expenses.

The Taneycomo Festival Orchestra is set to debut June 17-30, 2012 and plan to give two symphonic concerts and three chamber recitals. At these concerts we will feature many talented musicians from the Branson are and around the country including soloists Tyler Vahldick (trombone), Cale Hoeflicker (guitar), Larkin Sanders (clarinet), and Steven Snowden (composer).

2012 Schedule

Chamber Concert – Meet the Musicians
Thursday – June 21,2012 at 8:00pm
Location: Vintage Paris 260 Birdcage Walk Hollister, MO

Symphonic Concert – Featuring Tyler Vahldick, Trombone
Friday – June 22,2012 at 8:00pm
Location:College of the Ozarks Newman Recital Hall
1 Industrial Place, Point Lookout, MO

Chamber Concert – Charming Chamber Music
Saturday – June 23, 2012 at 8:00pm
Location:Plum Bazaar Garden – 123 Main Street Branson, MO

Chamber Concert – Featuring Steve Snowden, Composer
Sunday – June 24, 2012 at 2:00pm
Location:Presbyterian Old Stone Church – Corner of 4th and Pacific Branson, MO

Quartet Concert – Featuring Echelon String Quartet
Tuesday – June 26, 2012 at 8:00pm
Location: Vintage Paris 260 Birdcage Walk Hollister, MO

Irish Music – Featuring Echelon String Quartet (Tenative)
Wednesday – June 27, 2012 at 8:00pm
Location:Waxy O’Shea’s – 235 Branson Landing Boulevard Branson, MO

Chamber Concert – Featuring Cale Hoeflicker, Guitar
Thursday – June 28, 2012 at 8:00pm
Location: Vintage Paris 260 Birdcage Walk Hollister, MO

Storytime Concert – Featuring Steve Snowden, Composer
Friday – June 29, 2012 at 4:00pm
Location:College of the Ozarks Newman Recital Hall
1 Industrial Place, Point Lookout, MO

Symphonic Concert – Featuring Larkin Sanders, Clarinet
Saturday – June 30, 2012 at 8:00pm
Location:College of the Ozarks Newman Recital Hall
1 Industrial Place, Point Lookout, MO

Contact: Larkin Sanders
Taneycomo Festival Orchestra
205 Woodson Bend Road
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 294-0500
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.taneycomofestivalorchestra.com

Branson Airport Contact
Beth Outz, Media Specialist
Ph: 417-334-8403
[email protected]

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, June 6th, 2012

AMERICAN IDOLS® NOW ARRIVING AT BRANSON AIRPORT

BRANSON, MISSOURI – American Idol® Finalists will soon be arriving at the Branson Airport. Andy Williams Moon River Theatre will host a total of fifteen entertainers this summer from the popular television show, American Idol®, to perform in “The Finalists Live”. On Wednesday June 13th, the second group of five former Idols will step off the plane around 2:00 pm at Branson Airport to continue the fifteen week tour in Branson, Missouri. The second group includes: Ace Young, Season 5, Diana Degarmo, Season 3, Scott Savol, Season 4, Siobhan Magnus, Season 9, and Alexis Grace, Season 8. Diana Degarmo has been a regular on the TV Soap, “The Young and the Restless” and recently agreed to marry Ace Young who proposed to her on live television during this year’s finale of “American Idol”. For additional show information, visit www.andywilliams.com

Branson Airport will also host a “Finalists Live Watch Party” where guests are invited to come out to the airport and meet and greet with their favorite Idols. The Watch Party will begin at 1:30pm. Guests are invited to create posters welcoming each of the artists. All local media is encouraged to attend.

Additionally, Branson Airport is holding a Meet the Idols Contest, where customers can enter to win 2 premium VIP seats and full backstage access passes with the Idols. Participants can register on Facebook by visiting the Branson Airport Fan Page “FlyBranson” and clicking the contest tab or by visiting www.FlyBranson.com.

Guests have the ability to purchase Finalists Live tickets at FlyBranson Travel located inside the Airport or by visiting www.flybransontravel.com. For questions on how to purchase tickets, please call 1.888.FLY.BKG1 or locally at (417) 334-8857.

The Branson airport has non-stop service to 8 markets, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Denver, Orlando, Baltimore, Austin, Nashville, and over 100 one stop destinations. To make reservations or for more information regarding Branson Airport call toll free 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541) or 417-334-8857 or visit www.FlyBranson.com.

About Branson Airport:
Opening its doors May of 2009, Branson Airport LLC is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States. The airport is served by AirTran Airways (a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines), Frontier Airlines and Branson AirExpress. Located in the heart of the Ozarks and centrally located in the Midwest, the airport also boasts a state of the art FBO, Branson JetCenter and a full service travel agency and public charter operator, FlyBranson Travel LLC d/b/a Branson AirExpress. For more information on Branson Airport LLC and any of its subsidiaries please visit FlyBranson.com.

Mount Pleasant Winery – “WINE DOWN WEEKEND”. Join us today, Friday, June 8th.. Mary Ann Daversa will be playing piano keyboard, the styling’s of the American piano master, including Andre Previn, Roger Williams, Oscar Peterson, Fats Waller, and more! Saturday, June 9th come and enjoy Jay Daversa, trumpet/piano/conductor & jazz artist, as he plays improvisational jazz tunes from the great American songbook on piano keyboard. Both events are from 5 – 7 pm! Going to be a FUN time with GREAT music and WONDERFUL wine!

3125 Green Mtn. Drive – 417-336-9463.

VeggieTales Live! “God Made You Special” at The Mansion Theatre

AREA APPRECIATION: $15.00 plus tax ticket for residents of Stone & Taney Counties with a donation of a “New” Baby Item.
Donation Examples: Diapers, Baby Wipes, Bottles, Clothes, Burp Rags, Blankets, Toys, etc. Standard Proof of Residency applies. Advance reservations are available, ticket pick-up is 30 minutes prior to showtime. Call our Box Office for additional questions (417) 239-1333.

Kids of all ages will love this show filled with silly song favorites like “Love My Lips,” “The Hairbrush Song,” “His Cheeseburger,” and many, many more! Join the God Made You Special LIVE tour for an unforgettable time of fun and silliness from the VeggieTales crew!

Schedule Subject to Change
June: 20, 23, 27, 30 (3 pm & 8 pm)
July: 4 & 7 (3 pm and 8 pm)

June: 21, 22, 28, 28 (8 pm)
July: 5 & 6 (8 pm)