The Duttons would like to announce the re-opening of the Dutton Family Theater for the 2013 Branson Season TONIGHT!

At 8pm tonight the curtains will open and we will start sharing all the surprises and songs that we have been rehearsing for the last few months and hope that you will all be there.

New Julio spots (his return ticket to Spain expired so it looks like we are stuck with him for awhile), new sets, costumes, songs, bits with the kids and all kinds of things going on!

This week, The Duttons will perform Monday – Friday at 8pm, then they will head off for the wilds of Wisconsin to help open a brand new performing arts center.  Next week, The Duttons will be in full swing as they perform Monday – Saturday at 8pm.

Also, don’t miss George Dyer!  Also opening this week at the Dutton Family Theater is world renowned vocalist, George Dyer!  George will open his award winning morning show on Tuesday April 9.  George’s schedule this week will be Tues, Wed, and Thurs at 10am.  Don’t miss it.

Now for the TRUE test: Name one other organization, not in Branson, that is also having their opening day today April 8,  and win a $10 gift certificate to Abby’s Tourist Trap.    Email your entries to [email protected]  The winner will be drawn randomly from all the correct answers that we receive.

Thanks everyone!  We are looking forward to working with you for a GREAT 2013 BRANSON SEASON!

Picture above painted by student Cheyenne Winkles from Bradleyville, MO

By: Ashley Bench

The College of the Ozarks Ralph Foster Museum will present a Children’s Art Show April 15 through May 10 in the Edwards Art Gallery.

Area schools submitted art that will showcase local student talent.

Family members of the students whose art work is displayed will be admitted free of charge to exclusively to view the art show. All others will be charged the regular admission price: $6 (Adults), $5 (Seniors), $4 (Veterans/Currently Enlisted), and Free (18 and under).

The Ralph Foster Museum is open Mon.-Sat. from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Ralph Foster Museum at 417 690-3407.

College of the Ozarks will host the 2013 Work Ethic Forum: Developing a Strong Character for Your Vocation featuring FOX News Anchor Harris Faulkner on Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m. in Jones Auditorium. Three hundred free tickets to this event are available on a first-come, first-serve basis on Monday. Individuals interested in attending, may pick up their tickets at The Keeter Center front desk on Monday, April 8, between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
“Even though seating at this event is limited because of space, the College wants to ensure that interested community members have a chance to hear this accomplished individual speak,” said Dean of Character Education Dr. Sue Head.

As a news anchor and popular radio talk show host, Mrs. Faulkner has earned six Emmy Awards for journalism, a lifetime achievement award from the state of Kansas, and degrees in mass communications and media. Raised on Army bases in the U.S. and Germany and after many years as a journalist, she has learned a key to accomplishment is accepting that change is inevitable and necessary.

Mrs. Faulkner considers her latest victory joining the #1 cable news network, FOX News Channel, as an Anchor.
She recently authored Breaking News: God has a Plan, in which she writes of her journey as a public figure with a deadly secret that a dangerous man was stalking her and wanted her dead. In Breaking News, Mrs. Faulkner demonstrates for readers how to turn their worst circumstances into opportunities. “Sometimes life forces us to choose excellence,” she says.

After reporting and anchoring for the nationally syndicated newsmagazine “A Current Affair,” Mrs. Faulkner could be seen on CNN “Headline News” and as a fill-in host on the “Nancy Grace Show.” She also made some 50 guest appearances as a correspondent on MSNBC, COURT TV, CNBC and CNN in 2005.
Seating to this ticketed event is limited; tickets will go fast and may only be acquired in person at The Keeter Center on Monday. For more information on the Work Ethic Forum featuring FOX News Anchor Harris Faulkner, please contact (417) 690-2242.

Branson Country USA with Special Guest CJ Newsom of Patsy Cline Remembered Show – April 5th, 2013

Branson Country USA is co-hosted by Grand Country nuts, Jamie Haage, as Jim Dandy, and Mike Patrick! With a rotating roster of talent, the show features special guest stars from the rich Branson entertainment industry. From celebrities such as Mickey Gilley and Roy Clark to the up-and-coming stars of tomorrow, the weekly line-up is always a hit!

Audiences also enjoy the incredible voices of Jackie Brown, Melody Hart and the power harmonies of New South, both weekly regulars on the show. The entire show is backed by the dynamic Grand Band.

Recorded LIVE on Friday night at 10:30 PM
This show is broadcast on radio stations around the country.
Airing Saturday nights at 7:00 PM on KRZK – 106.3 in Branson, MO.
And Sunday nights at 9:00 PM. on KHOZ – 102.9 in Harrison, AR.

You can also listen via the internet. www.bransoncountryusa.net
Show airs at 7:00 PM (cst.) – Every Saturday Night

Grand Country Music Hall
1945 W. 76 Country Blvd.
Branson, MO 65616
417-335-2484 – Reservations
417-336-5829 – Fax

By: Tyler Lopez

Former classmates and choristers of Associate Professor of Music Lynda Jesse are invited to join the 2013 Chorale for an Alumni Reunion Concert Retreat and Performance. “Come join us as we raise our voices in song by singing our favorite repertoire from the early days of Doc John (Mizell) to the recent songs of the last Italian tour and beyond,” said Jesse.

Rehearsals will take place on Friday, April 12, at 7 p.m., and on Saturday, April 13, at 10 a.m., in the Gittinger Music Center. A pre-rehearsal mixer is scheduled to take place in the recital hall lobby at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night.

The concert is free and open to the public and will take place on Sunday, April 14, at 3 p.m., in the Williams Memorial Chapel.

Alumni interested in participating should contact Ms. Jesse at [email protected].

(From L) C of O Rotaract President Paige Wilson, Branson Daybreakers member Gabe Miller, RYLA Scholarship recipient/S of O student McKenna Bliss, Daybreakers President Inez Gibbs, and Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 6080 Shawn Pingleton.

The Branson Daybreakers Rotary Club awarded School of the Ozarks freshman McKenna Bliss with a scholarship to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) at William Woods College. The scholarship will cover expenses associated with attending the summer RYLA academy, Rotary’s leadership training program for young people.

A Daybreakers selection committee chose McKenna based on her demonstrated service to the community.
“Daybreakers wants to recognize Miss Bliss for her commitment to service and honor her publicly in front of her peers,” said Gabe Miller, Daybreakers member who is active in the New Generations Program.

Branson Daybreakers President Inez Gibbs, Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 6080 Shawn Pingleton and Mr. Miller presented the scholarship to McKenna during an S of O morning assembly on Wednesday, April 3. For more information on RYLA, go to www.moryla.org.

As many of you may know, Joey Riley has been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, surgery was inoperable and he is facing chemo treatments in the very near future. Joey does not have medical insurance and we at the Clay Cooper Theatre are having a benefit show and silent auction for him, to help him and his family with his overwhelming medical expenses. We would be grateful for any items that can be auctioned both large and small. Thank you in advance for your support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pat Veach @ (417) 337-7123 or (417) 332-2529.

When: April 20th @ 2pm
Where: The Clay Cooper Theatre
Donation: $25.00 at the door
Details of the show will be announced soon!
Silent Auction: donated items will be auctioned

(All proceeds will go to the “Benefit of Joey Riley”)

Donations may also be made in the name of “Benefit of Joey Riley” at Bank of Missouri, 800 Highway 248, Ste. C, Branson, MO 65616

(Branson, MO) – Joey Riley, a 43-year-old, Wylie native and nationally-known comedian, has been diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer and will soon begin chemotherapy. This devastating news, which has put his career on hold, comes just ten months after his mother lost her long and difficult battle with cancer.
Riley was born and raised in Wylie and got his start in his parents’ music venue, the Wylie Opry, which they built so he and his brother, Scott, could have a family-friendly environment in which to perform.
Riley started high school at Wylie High School and then moved to Nashville where he went to school his junior and senior years.
“I was working in Nashville and going to school at the same time,” he said.
However, he wanted to graduate with his class at Wylie, so his school in Tennessee sent his records to Wylie, and he graduated with the WHS class of 1989.
Riley was successful from a young age. Before he was 17, he toured with Capitol Records artist Gene Stroman and Suzy Bogguss playing the steel guitar and fiddle. He then toured with the Warren Stokes Country Revue out of Eureka Springs, Ark. and added “comedian” to his talents.
After a couple years, he found his way to Branson, Missouri where he joined the Texas Goldminors. Country music legend Mickey Gilley happened to be in the audience one day and asked him to join his show. Riley stayed by Gilley’s side for over 20 years and loved every minute of it.
In 2012, Joey ended his tenure with Gilley and joined up with longtime friend and fellow Wylie native Clay Cooper. He performed nightly as part of “Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express” and in his own show at Music City Centre on Branson’s famed Highway 76 strip. Joey’s tumor was unable to be surgically removed. The new plan is after his recovery from the surgery he will undergo Chemo and Radiation treatments to shrink the tumor. Riley plans to return to Clay Cooper’s show and will open his show in the fall.
Joey, a steel guitarist, fiddle player and comedic sidekick has been sharing laughs and entertaining audiences of all ages with comedy, singing and musical talents for more than 20 years.
Joey does not have health insurance to cover these costs so a benefit show will be held Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m. at Clay Cooper Theatre to help Riley and his wife, Kelli with overwhelming medical expenses. Tickets are $25.
Donations can be made in the name “Benefit of Joey Riley” at Bank of Missouri, 800 Highway 248, Suite C, Branson MO, 65616. Prayers, donations and well wishes are greatly appreciated by the Riley family.
“The music industry has been real good to me throughout the years,” Riley said. “I’ve been blessed. But I’m not ready to give up yet.”
Letters, cards and well wishes for Joey Riley can be sent to Joey Riley, c/o Chuck Landry, 904 Hawthorn, Branson MO 65616.
For ticket information on the Joey Riley Benefit Show, call 417-332-CLAY.

April 2, 2013 (BRANSON, MO)—Think iconic Hollywood actor Steve McQueen, The King of Cool, The Magnificent Seven and car collector enthusiasts immediately think of McQueen?s 1946 Indian Chief motorcycle.
Next Friday and Saturday, they will also think of Branson, MO.
Long known as the live music capital of the world with more shows than Broadway or Nashville, Branson is also widely known as home of one of the top ten car auctions in America.
Friday and Saturday, April 12-13, at the Branson Convention Center, The Branson Auction will feature more than 250 sports, muscle, vintage, classic, custom and antique automobiles.
Jim and Kathy Cox have been presenting this bi-annual event for more than
23 years. Last year 5,000-6,000 collectors, consigners, bidders and car enthusiasts gathered for the live auction.
The Branson Auction will also feature story cars like the 1923 Rolls Royce
20 Roadster and The Gotham Cruiser. In fact, the consignment list is updated daily. Car owners can consign cars up to the day of the sale or can consign in advance by visiting www.bransonauction.com and clicking on the consign tab.
Bidders are encouraged to pre-register by calling in advance on visiting Branson auction?s website.
Starting on Friday at 10 a.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. tickets for preview and the auction may be purchased in the upper level or in atrium of the Convention center for $10 daily or $15 for a two day pass.
Friday evening, bidders and consigners who have registered in advanced along with other special guests are hosted by Jim and Kathy Cox in the Taneycomo Ballroom for a private reception and charity auction to benefit the Autism Society of America.

College of the Ozarks has been named to the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.

The Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers the annual Honor Roll award, recognized more than 700 colleges and universities for their impact on issues from poverty and homelessness to environmental justice. On campuses across the country, thousands of students joined their faculty to develop innovative programs and projects to meet local needs using the skills gained in their classrooms. Business students served as consultants to budget-strapped nonprofits and businesses, law students volunteered at legal clinics, and dozens of others organized anti-hunger campaigns.

The Honor Roll includes six colleges and universities that are recognized as Presidential Awardees, with an additional 690 schools named as Honor Roll members. Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors including the scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses.

“The Christian and Patriotic aims of the College combine to create students of Christ-like character who are community minded,” said Elizabeth Hughes, C of O public relations director. “Many on campus take a leadership role in coordinating service efforts such Operation Christmas Child and Camp Lookout, a free summer camp for disadvantaged area children.”

“Communities are strengthened when we all come together, and we are encouraged that these institutions and their students have made service a priority,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “Civic engagement should be a key component of every student’s education experience. Through reaching out to meet the needs of their neighbors, these students are deepening their impact, strengthening our democracy and ultimately preparing themselves to be successful citizens.”

College students make a significant contribution to their communities through volunteering and service, according to the most recent Volunteering and Civic Life in America report. In 2012, 3.1 million college students dedicated more than 118 million hours of service across the country — a contribution valued at $2.5 billion.

The Corporation oversees the Honor Roll in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Campus Compact and the American Council on Education.