Branson Country USA with Special Guest Kathy Eckhert – October 12, 2012

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

Branson, MO ~ Award-winning actor Muse Watson, also known as “Mike Franks” to his thousands of fans, will take the stage at the Starlite Theatre on November 5th to perform an all-inspiring rendition of The Battle Hymn of the Republic, accompanied by the Jerry Ford Big Band Orchestra. As part of the citywide Veterans Day celebrations, the Starlite Theatre will host the USO-canteen-style show, produced by Brenda Meadows, an Army veteran who toured Vietnam in 1968 as an USO performer, and sponsored by Branson Veterans Task Force. Watson will join an all-star lineup in Vets for Vets that will feature many of Branson’s top performers, including Jeanna Kilbane, Army veteran Eddie Stovall and The Platters, award-winning pianist Dino , special guest Eddie Beesley, who lost his legs in 1965 while serving in Chu Lai, Vietnam and many more. Watson’s two brothers served in the Air Force.

This is Watson’s second-year to be in Branson during Veterans week. Last year, Watson spoke at the unveiling ceremony for The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at The Welk Theatre and dedicated an American flag to the Branson Veteran’s Task Force. Watson will again be riding alongside Branson Veteran’s Task Force Chairman Ernie Bradley in the 79th annual Veterans Day Parade.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Veterans’ week than with the men and women whose sacrifices make it possible for the rest of us to have the freedom to live our lives….. states Watson ——- ”

Vets for Vets producer Brenda Meadows remembers how important these shows were to men and women during active duty.

“Muse has two brothers who served in Vietnam, so he knows how important entertainment from “home” was to them”, states Meadows. “We are so excited about Muse joining us. He’s so talented vocally as well as has a great deal of heart and gratitude for those who served in the U.S. military. We have adopted him as an honorary vet!”

Vets for Vets is free to veterans and immediate family members.
@ The Starlite Theatre on November 5th, 5-7:15pm. For more information call 866-991-1982

Watson will open his second-year engagement at the Starlite Theatre, starring in A Christmas Snow LIVE November 1st through December 8th.

About Muse Watson: Equally comfortable on the theater stage as he is in front of the camera, Muse Watson first gained notice with several strong performances on stage that helped pave the way for a feature film and television career. His diverse roles in Sommersby, Something to Talk About, Assassins, & Rosewood brought him mainstream recognition but it was the villainous “Ben Willis” in the trendy thriller I Know What You Did Last Summer films and From Dusk Till Dawn 2 that propelled him in the limelight as a chameleonic actor. He made equally impressionable appearances in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Sundance Film-Festival award-winner Songcatcher, challenging himself by playing unique characters. He co-starred with Samuel L. Jackson in the recently released Meeting Evil and in the soon to be released horror film, Compound Fracture, that stars three of that genre’s most iconic characters, Watson (Ben Willis in I Know What You Did Last Summer), Tyler Mane (Michael Myers in Rob Zombie’s Halloween), Derek Mears (Jason Vorhees in Friday the 13th).

Transitioning to the small screen, Watson delivered stellar performances in several made-for-television movies including Blind Vengeance and Justice in a Small Town; and the television series, American Gothic, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, Matlock, The Lazarus Man, JAG, Walker Texas Ranger, Ghost Whisperer, CSI, and The Mentalist. Going on to land his most notorious TV roles as “Mike Franks” in the award winning drama NCIS and Charles Westmoreland in the Emmy & Golden Globes nominated & People’s Choice Awards – winner Prison Break. www.MuseWatson.com

About the Starlite Theatre: The 880-seat Starlite Theatre is conveniently located on Highway 76 near the Titanic and features Branson’s only five-story glass atrium with 19,560 feet of glass. Inside, Starlite’s state-of-the-art stage is the perfect venue for some of Branson’s most popular and interactive shows. For ticket information call the Starlite Theater at 866-991-1982 or visit www.StarliteTheatre.com

Branson, MO – October 9, 2012 – Thirty student leaders from across Stone and Taney Counties convened last week at Silver Dollar City for the second session of the new Legacy Youth Institute (LYI), a leadership and mentoring program designed to equip young leaders to pass on the area’s “Ozark Mountain Spirit” to future generations.

Each of the Legacy Youth Institute’s six sessions explores a different core value of Ozark Mountain Country—Faith, Family, Friends, Flag, and ensuring a preferred Future. In last week’s session, the focus was on Family. Jim Brawner, President of Team Barnabas, equipped students with tools to build their own healthy family relationships. Sue Head, Dean of Character Education at College of the Ozarks, challenged students to consider their current and future roles in shaping a culture of character in Ozark Mountain Country.

“I never realized until now that you could create your own culture,” said Galena High School student Parris Mayhood. “I always thought you just had to deal with what you had.” Encouraging students to believe in the power of their own influence in the community is one of the primary goals of the Legacy Youth Institute.

Students also heard from Silver Dollar City’s co-founder, Peter Herschend, whose story is characterized by a passion for and commitment to promoting a family-friendly culture of entertainment in Ozark Mountain Country. Over the years, Herschend has preserved the family-friendly culture of the area even as his company’s entertainment offerings have expanded. He has also actively encouraged others to commit to do the same. Today, hundreds of area businesses and organizations consistently provide a family-friendly experience for both local residents and the millions of tourists who visit the area each year.

“The legacy of the Herschend family, and other passionate community leaders, reflects an Ozark Mountain Country that works together to intentionally preserve the family-friendly values of our area,” said Jory Rolf, Executive Director of Ozark Mountain Legacy. “We hope that LYI students will realize that as future leaders of the community, they can choose to continue to preserve and influence our family-friendly culture.”

Legacy Youth Institute students were greatly encouraged by what they heard. “It’s cool how regular people can do really great things,” said Hurley High School student Jacob Ray. Fellow student Alie Lawrence said, “I’ve liked hearing about how people are so interested in the community. It makes me want to be the same way.” And, like so many students’ impressions of their experiences with LYI so far, Lawrence concludes, “Being a part of the Legacy Youth Institute has made me feel honored to be a part of this community.”

The next session of the Legacy Youth Institute, which will focus on the area’s commitment to “Champion Friends,” will be held on Wednesday, November 7. For more information about the Legacy Youth Institute, please contact Ozark Mountain Legacy at (417) 598-1314, or visit www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org.

The Bretts Show – SUPER Area Appreciation: October 15th – 19th, 2012 The Bretts, Branson’s Best Morning Show (BransonCritic.com & BransonShowAwards.com), is holding an area appreciation week. From October 15th to the 19th, 2012 admission is only $5 plus tax per person for the following 22 counties:
Taney, Ozark, Stone, Christian, Barry, Douglas, Greene, Webster, Wright, Lawrence, Jasper, Newton, McDonald (MO). Boone, Newton, Searcy, Marion, Benton, Carroll, Madison, Baxter, Washington (AR). Reserve tickets by calling 417-336-3100. Showtime: 10 a.m. at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. 1600 W. Hwy 76, Branson, MO 65616.

Nashville, TN (October 8, 2012) – Larry Black, host and creator of TV’s programs “Larry’s Country Diner” and “Country’s Family Reunion” is pleased to announce he will extend his stay in Branson, MO with a series of Christmas shows to be held December 12-16 and December 18-23 at The Starlite Theatre (located at 3115 W. Hwy 76). The Christmas series, to be emceed by lovable host Larry Black, will feature Joey + Rory and The Bellamy Brothers. Tickets can be purchased by calling The Starlite Theatre at 417-337-9333 or visiting starlitetheatre.com.

Black’s highly popular shows, which air weekly on RFD-TV, pull an estimated 1.4 million viewers each and every month and continue to grow in popularity, giving rise to a successful line of “Larry’s Country Diner” merchandise and an annual cruise that has sold out for the second consecutive year. For more information on “Larry’s Country Diner,” or “Country’s Family Reunion,” please visit larryscountrydiner.com or www.cfrvideos.com.

Joey+Rory took third place in CMT’s “Duets” competition and were immediately signed to Sugar Hill/Vanguard records. Their 2008 debut “The Life of the Song” featured the hit single “Cheater Cheater.” They followed up in 2010 with “Album Number Two” and “His and Hers” was released in July of this year. The duo hosts a weekly variety show on RFD_TV, “The Joey+Rory Show” filmed entirely on their Pottsville, Tennessee farm and community including their family-owned café Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse. “Joey and Rory’s A Farmhouse Christmas” was filmed on a set built in their barn and was a featured holiday show on RFD_TV last year. The show was so popular a DVD was released and a Christmas tour followed. Joey and Rory will re-create “A Farmhouse Christmas” for Starlite Theatre audiences this December.
 

With a career that spans well over 30 years, The Bellamy Brothers have charted twenty Number-One country hits and more than fifty hit singles, starting with their first big hit, “Let Your Love Flow,” which topped the charts in 1975. Other notable hits include “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me,” “You Ain’t Just Whistlin’ Dixie,” “Sugar Daddy,” “Dancin’ Cowboy,” “Do You Love as Good as You Look, “They Could Put Me in Jail,” “For All the Wrong Reasons,” “Get into Reggae Cowboy,” “Old Hippie, “Kids of the Baby Boom,” and “Cowboy Beat.” Raised in Florida, The Bellamy Brothers incorporated the sounds of their environment into their music, adding strong elements of rock, reggae and even rap. While the brothers both graduated from the University of Florida (David with a degree in psychology and Howard with a degree in veterinary medicine), they played their first paying gigs for fraternity parties and decided to pursue music as a career. David enjoyed early songwriting success when he met Jim Stafford, who recorded David’s “Spiders and Snakes,” which sold over three million copies providing enough money for the duo to move to Los Angeles and concentrate on their careers. The rest is history…and today, the successful duo is still going strong, with over 200 tour dates a year and millions of fans across the globe.

Starlite Theatre Managing partner John Ghirardelli said, “The Starlite Theatre is pleased to continue its successful partnership with Larry Black of Larry’s Country Diner/Country’s Family Reunion fame. Fans are packing the theatre for these shows and we are delighted to extend this series for the holiday season.”

ABOUT GABRIEL COMMUNICATIONS:
Larry’s Country Diner and Country’s Family Reunion are both products of Gabriel Communications started in 1996. Owned and operated by long-time disc jockey, Larry Black, the company specializes in reunion videos, including the popular Country’s Family Reunion. The success of this series spurred the creation of more than a dozen more projects featuring hundreds of songs and stories as well as Country’s Family Reunion News, a monthly newspaper which highlights the music of yesteryear. For more information, please visit www.cfrvideos.com.

Since its initial airing on August 3, 2009, Larry’s Country Diner has produced over 100 episodes and has become one of the most popular shows on RFD-TV, garnering 1.4 million viewers monthly. Larry’s Country Diner is a unique down-home variety show which integrates entertainment, interviews and music in a weekly format. The show is taped LIVE in front of a studio audience in a country diner setting. The show features regular characters including Black, Keith Bilbrey, Sheriff Jimmy Capps, waitress Renae and avid church lady Nadine, along with special guest appearances by country music artists of yesterday and today. For more information, please visit www.larryscountrydiner.com.

BARRY WILLIAMS, AKA THE REAL GREG BRADY MOVES TO RFD-TV WITH AN ALL NEW SHOW FOR 2013

Branson, MO. – Barry B. Williams Enterprises, Inc. and Haygoods Entertainment, Inc. unveiled plans today for the 2013 season. Barry Williams, aka the real Greg Brady, will be moving to RFD-TV and developing a brand new show in conjunction with the Haygoods.

Totally 70’s Music Explosion will star Barry Williams as he takes audiences on a nostalgic trip back in time with talented singers and dancers, a live band and a state-of-the-art multimedia presentation. The new show starts on March 16, 2013 and runs Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2 pm.

“Barry is not only a TV sensation, he’s worked with many of the top musicians of the era and his experiences will tie this whole show together,” said Timothy Haygood, Director of Marketing for Haygoods Entertainment Inc. “I’m very excited as I believe this is what Branson needs right now to attract a new generation of people!”

The show will combine comedy along with the best songs of the ‘70’s, including folk, disco, singer-songwriter tunes, rock and even country music!

“We believe the timing is perfect to bring a 70’s show to Branson, and there isn’t a better person in the entire world to star in this show and to host it!” said Patrick Haygood, Producer. “We are going all out on this and to work with a superstar and icon of the 70’s is truly a thrilling experience!!”

“I am thrilled to be moving to RFD-TV and co-producing the show with the Haygoods,” said Barry Williams. “They know the Branson audience and together we will produce an exciting and high quality show. I am grateful to Yakov for bringing me to Branson and supporting my endeavors, but am looking forward to what the future holds.”

Barry will continue his current show, Lunch with the Brady Bunch, at 11 am, Wednesday through Saturday at the Yakov Theatre. Hosted by Barry Williams, the real Greg Brady, the show features the new Brady Bunch kids. Your last chance to see this show will be December 8, 2012.

Haygood Entertainment Inc. operates two theatres, fifteen shows and employs over 120 individuals in Branson. The Haygoods have performed for over twenty years and own and operate some of Branson’s premiere productions. The Haygoods consist of five brothers and one sister and are known throughout the Midwest for their unique brand of high energy entertainment.

By: Turner Brock

Naomi Zacharias, author of The Scent of Water: Grace for Every Kind of Broken, will speak at College of the Ozarks, at 7 p.m. on October 22, 2012, in the Jones Auditorium. She will share how individuals can impact the lives of others in need around the world.

Zacharias graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business/economics. She joined her father, Ravi Zacharias, to launch Wellspring International, an initiative devoted to efforts of helping at-risk women and children. She has ministered to women in the red-light districts of The Netherlands, children affected by HIV/AIDS and living in foster care in Asia and women in prison in South Africa.

Students will be allowed priority seating for the event, but remaining seats will be available to the public free of charge. For more information, please contact Christian Ministries at 690-3446.

By: Morgan Sowell

On Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, College of the Ozarks Christian Ministries will sponsor a blood drive for the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. The drive will be held from noon to 6 p.m., in the Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex in the Keeter Gymnasium at College of the Ozarks.

Each donor will receive a free t-shirt for his/her contribution. Every donation has the potential to make a difference in someone’s life.

For more information please contact the College of the Ozarks Director of the Community Service Program Nancy Finn in Christian Ministries at (417) 690-3454.

(BRANSON, MISSOURI – 4 Oct, 2012) – TIME Magazine’s “Person of the Year” 2001 and the 107th Mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani, is designated as guest speaker for the first annual Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ozarks “Thanks4Giving” Gala, scheduled at 7:00pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Hilton Branson Convention Center, Branson, Missouri. Giuliani will speak on Principled Leadership in the Face of Change and Crisis.
“ The opportunity for both the youth and the supporters of the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks to interact and learn from a leader with global recognition is perhaps, a once in a lifetime experience.” said Billy Rader, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks.
CoxHealth has sponsored Giuliani’s appearance. “We are very grateful to CoxHealth for their belief in our mission, and their substantive assistance in making Mr. Giuliani’s visit a reality,” said Rader.
“CoxHealth has a rich tradition of supporting like-minded organizations throughout the area, and we are proud to help the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks bring Rudy Giuliani to Branson. He is an inspiring leader who led our nation’s largest city through its darkest days, and his message of courage and leadership will resonate with residents of the Springfield and Tri-Lakes regions,” said Steve Edwards, CoxHealth president and CEO.
In addition to Giuliani’s speech, the “Thanks4Giving” Gala will include extraordinary cuisine, beverages, entertainment and more. Those interested in securing space for this important experience and supporting the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks should contact Rusty Meyer at 417.335.2089 or visit the Club’s website at www.bgcozarks.org
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About Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks
The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Club provides its services and programs at three locations in Taney and Stone Counties: Branson, Forsyth, and Reeds Spring, and offers a summer program at all three units to boys and girls ages six to eighteen. In 2011, the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks served more than 1000 school-age youth through afterschool, summer and outreach programs at its three locations. In addition to quality programs and activities, Boys & Girls Club members receive nutritious meals, academic assistance, character and leadership programs, recreation and age-appropriate personal growth opportunities for $30 per school year.
About CoxHealth
CoxHealth is a locally owned, not-for-profit health system. It is accredited by The Joint Commission, distinguished as one of the nation’s Top 100 Integrated Healthcare Systems (2006-2012), and recognized as a U.S. News and World Report Best Regional Hospital. Established in 1906, CoxHealth serves more than 900,000 people in a 25-county service area in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Our comprehensive array of primary and specialty care includes three hospitals and more than 55 physician clinics in 20 communities. Our health system includes Oxford HealthCare (a home health agency), Home Parenteral Services (home infusion therapy), CoxHealth Foundation, Cox College, Cox Family Medicine Residency Program and more.

Gift of Hope, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, will host the first annual “Run for Hope” 5k fun run/walk on October 13 at the Branson Landing.
The event is a fundraiser in support of the Gift of Hope programs.
“We want this event to be a good time for everyone,” said Meghan Connell, director of Gift of Hope. “If you want to take it more seriously, we will have a timing company present, or if you want to take a leisurely walk with your friends and family, go for it. We will be giving away prizes for the silliest dressed group and individual because it’s all about having fun and coming out in support of a good cause.”
The event will start and end at the Branson Landing fountain. The post-race awards party will be held at Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar and Grill on the Branson Landing at 9am. The $5,000 “split the pot” with Gift of Hope number will be drawn and announced. Only 200 tickets will sold for $50.00 each, call 417-546-8062 to purchase prior to the event.
Top three male and female runners will receive $100 for 1st place, $75 for 2nd place and $50 for 3rd place. There will be awards for first in each age group and door prizes.
The first 200 pre-registered participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and “goodie bag”.
Registration will begin at 6:45am the day of the event with the 5k fun run/walk and 1 mile walk starting at 8am.
For more information call 417-546-8062 or register online at www.actnowracing.com or visit www.giftofhopeinc.org.
Two Gift of Hope programs will benefit from this fundraiser; the “Backpack Club” which provides supplemental food to 750 children each weekend during the school year because they have shown signs of hunger, especially on Monday mornings. And the “Christmas Share” program which provides assistance to families in need of propane, electric, warm clothes and food through the winter months.

See link below with additional details and registration form. (pdf file)

Gift of Hope 5K Registration Form and Details