OFFICIAL ULTIMATE ELVIS® TRIBUTE ARTIST™ CONTEST RETURNS TO LEGENDS IN CONCERT, BRANSON FOR THE 4TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Branson, MO. (March 19, 2010) –The 4th annual BRANSON ELVIS FESTIVAL will take place at DICK CLARK’S AMERICAN BANDSTAND THEATER COMPLEX, April 16-18, 2010.  The highlight of the festival, the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist™ Contest, will take place at 7:00PM on April 17th and is one of only a select few tribute competitions sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. around the world.

“Legends has featured remarkably talented Elvis tribute artists in our shows worldwide for 27 years and we are thrilled to once again host a preliminary round in Branson for this exciting contest,” said Jeannie Horton, General Manager of Legends in Concert, Branson.  “The contest last year at our theater was a smashing success and this year’s promises to be even bigger and better, as we crown the tribute artist that best represents the legacy of Elvis Presley and proudly send them to Memphis to represent this venue.”

The winner of the Branson contest will receive $1,000 and a spot in The 2010 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist™ Contest finals presented by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. The finals are held in Memphis during Elvis Week, August 10-16, 2010. Judges will look for the “best representation of the Elvis legacy” in talent, appearance, performance, stage presence, and overall tribute to Elvis in naming the “2010 Elvis Tribute Artist of the Year.” The winner of the Branson contest will also be offered the opportunity to perform live at the 8PM Legends in Concert show, April 18.

Festival activities also include an Elvis Vendor Village, a showing of the movie “Blue Hawaii” starring Elvis,  an Elvis Contestant Karaoke Night at Club 57, and a “Meet and Greet” Dinner at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill.

Contest tickets for adult preferred seating is $25.00 plus tax, and adult regular seating is $20.00 plus tax.
Children (4-12) preferred seating $15.00 plus tax and children regular seating is $10.00 plus tax. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 800-374-SHOW.

Contestant Information: Bev Turner, Legends in Concert (417) 339-3003 ext.3015
Media Contact Info    Media Contact: Melody Byrd, Legends in Concert (417) 332-1305

“© 2010 Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
ELVIS, ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST CONTEST and LOGO are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.  All rights reserved.”
About Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) is based in Memphis, with additional offices in Los Angeles. In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and Internet projects. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.elvis.com  EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc. (www.ckx.com), a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market® under the ticker symbol CKXE.

The Osmond Brothers will open at Branson’s Music City Centre Theatre beginning on April 26 of 2010 and have announced an expanded show schedule for the new season.

“We are very excited about our new home in the newly remodeled Music City Centre Theatre.  It’s a great venue and gives us prominent presence on the 76 Strip.  The continued support we have received from our audiences here in Branson is phenomenal since we first opened our theatre here in 1992,” said Jimmy Osmond.

“In addition to our new location, we are expanding The Osmonds Brothers 2010 show schedule to include dates in April, May and June as well as Fall and the Holiday Season.  Music City Centre is a beautiful complex and offers our individual guests and the groups who travel here by motor coach a complete vacation package in the heart of Branson,” continued Osmond.

“We are thrilled the Osmonds are staying in Branson and honored to have America’s favorite family of entertainment performing in our Music City Centre Theatre.  The famed Osmond world-class performance history spans more than 50 years and allows us to present an unmatched family show choice,” commented Music City Centre Theatre co-owner Bryon Stevens.

“In addition to the Osmond Brothers Shows, Music City Centre guests enjoy relaxing in the rooms and suites, the large indoor pool, custom spa, fitness center, sauna.  City Styles Salon and Starbucks Coffee are also popular stops at Music City Centre,” Stevens continued.

“I feel blessed to have world renowned stars joining us in this new venture.  Our meetings with the Osmonds have been very exciting and it’s inspiring to have their creativity and fresh ideas fueling our plans for the theatre.  The Osmonds are real people just like us and they are a perfect fit in the vision we have for Branson,” said Debbie Caffery, co-owner.

Music City Centre is located at 1835 West Highway 76 in Branson.  For specific show dates, reservations and additional information regarding the Osmond Brothers Shows, call 417-336-6100 or visit www.osmondtheatre.com.

NEWS RELEASE

FOR  IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:     Marlyce Stockinger

(417) 239-4524

[email protected]

Press Conference Set to Announce Lineup for Branson, Mo’s Landmark 2010 Purple Heart Event

Branson, MO (March 23, 2010) Organizers of Branson, Missouri’s highly successful   Hand in Hand – Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients, have scheduled a press conference for 2 pm, April 1, 2010, at the Hamner Barber Theatre, 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson, MO to outline highlights of the 2^nd Annual Purple Heart Recipient gathering.

On April 22-24, 2010, Purple Heart Recipients from across the nation will come to Branson, the city widely recognized as America’s favorite destination for Veterans.

“Last year’s Purple Heart event was such an overwhelming success that we’ve added an additional day and some exciting new events for 2010.” stated  Marlyce Stockinger, the Event’s Coordinator. “Our goal is to present new opportunities for the Purple Heart Recipients and their families to have fun, be entertained, receive relevant Veteran’s information and to feel, first-hand, the deep gratitude that this nation has for the service of these courageous men and women.”

The Opening Ceremony will feature experts from the National Military Order of the Purple Heart speaking about Veteran’s benefits.  There will be a panel discussion, a question and answer segment, and an opportunity for those seeking some ‘one-on-one’ time for more personal, in-depth questions.   This special event is open to all veterans and their spouses, not just combat wounded.

In 2009, some of the Purple Heart Recipients participated in a drawing to win an opportunity to spend the morning alone with a professional fisherman on one of the area’s pristine lakes. The fishing pros graciously provided the boats, tackle, fuel, time and bait for the unique experience.  This event, back by overwhelmingly popular demand, has been moved to a new location, the State Park Marina in Branson, in order to accommodate more fishermen and more boats in 2010. The State of Missouri waived the license fees for the Purple Heart Recipients citing the “emotional healing” that comes from fishing and being on Missouri’s waters.

‘This year, thanks to Jim Thompson, owner of the Central Pro-Am Association bass fishing tournament circuit, and at the urging of our Recipients, we are adding a big Fish Fry to the 2010 lineup.’ Stockinger shared.  ‘We’re also producing a special entertainment event at one of Branson’s theatres, filled with great music, lots of laughs and some surprises and

The Missouri Wine & Food Festival will once again invite Purple Heart Recipients to be honored guests at their wonderful event. And new in 2010 will be the Motorcycle Run from Ozark, MO to Branson.’

The three day event will conclude on Saturday evening with the Purple Mountain Majesty Ceremony.  A complete schedule of Hand in Hand – Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients can be found at www.VeteransGalleria.com or www.Branson.com

‘Words cannot express the healing that took place at the event in 2009.’ one of the attendees said, “I have never been treated like this in my life. Never has anyone honored me the way Branson has these past two days.”  Hearing those simple, heartfelt  sentiments, Larry Milton, owner of  Branson.com and a Marine, decided to give something back to the veteran community. And in presenting Hand in Hand – Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients, the healing process has begun.

For more information contact:

Marlyce Stockinger, Special Veteran Events Coordinator

Branson.com

(417) 239-4524

[email protected]

220 Branson Hills Parkway

Branson, MO  65616

www.branson.com

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Visit www.Branson.com, the official website for EVERYTHING that’s happening in Branson, Missouri!

Two time entertainer of the year, Neal McCoy is no stranger to the country music industry. His career has landed him 3 Platinum albums, 1 Gold album, and 5 number 1 hit singles including “No Doubt About It”, “The Shake”, and “Wink”.

Neal is a true performer, spending 220 dates on the road as well as performing overseas for our military in the past 14 USO Tours. Now in 2010, we are happy to announce that Neal will be spending some time in Branson, Missouri at the Clay Cooper Theatre! Oh, and don’t forget your group can have a mouth-watering lunch or dinner with us and you never know, Neal himself may just join you!

Neal’s first show at the new Clay Cooper Theatre will be Tuesday, March 30^th @ 8:00pm!

The Baldknobbers began the family entertainment phenomenon in 1959, when the four Mabe brothers began entertaining fisherman on the downtown Branson lakefront. Today, over fifty years later, the second and third generations of the Mabe family continue that family tradition of combining your favorite country classics, with hot-new country hits and hilarious country comedy into a fast paced show. It’s the songs you know and comedy that makes everyone (even the kids) laugh out loud.

The Mabe brothers adopted the name of an old Ozarks vigilante group that held their meetings on a treeless hilltop or “bald knob”. So when the Mabe brothers started Branson’s first show, it was just natural to take a regional name.

Second generation and producer, Tim Mabe, known to many as Droopy Drawers, Jr., says, “My dad and uncles founded the hillbilly humor of the Baldknobbers on the adage of the city slicker who comes to town to take advantage of the old hillbilly. And the hillbilly always gets the last laugh. The jokes are different but over 50 years later, it still holds true.”

Tim goes on to say, “We are one of the few shows that do an all new show each year. That means all new comedy, new music and even new costumes. And our show is completely live with some of the best singers and musicians in the country.”

“The Baldknobbers show is entirely a group effort. Every cast member gets to put their stamp on our new show each year. The Baldknobbers don’t have a star, the show is our star,” Tim said.

Second generation Baldknobber and bandleader Brent Mabe says, “All of us play at least a couple of instruments and almost all of us sing—yep even the comedians. It is a pleasure to work with such a great group of professionals, but more than that we have lots of fun. We all love what we do and even if you’re not related to us, you’re still family!”

Longtime Baldknobbers’ fans and new fans alike appreciate the Baldknobbers’ family traditions. It’s the great music and side-splitting comedy that have made this show popular from generation to generation. Come celebrate over 50 years of family fun with The Baldknobbers Jamboree!

The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show-“The Show That Started It All”-is located on the famed 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson, Missouri, with performances Monday through Saturday at 8 PM beginning in March and running through mid-December. For tickets and to confirm show times and dates go to www.Baldknobbers.com or call toll free 800-998-8908.

For Immediate Release

On March 26th, 2010 at  7 p.m. at the Lodge of the Ozarks in Branson, MO a decorated Iraq War veteran Jerrod Fields, who lost his leg in a heroic battle and became a champion athlete training for 2010 Paralympic Games will share his remarkable story.

Fields, 27, grew up in a Chicago neighborhood “flooded with gangs and drugs”.  His mother died of lung cancer when he was 5.  His father was shot and killed when he was 11.

Jerrod joined the Gansta Disciples but dreamed of education and sports and attended Tennessee State University for two years.  He then enlisted in the Army and was deployed to Iraq in January 2005.  A month later on reconnaissance mission in Baghdad, his ankle and foot were mutilated by a roadside bomb.  After managing to drive his four fellow soldiers back to base (this act of valor earned him a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart), Fields faced a life-changing choice in a hospital in Germany; have surgery and be discharged, or amputate and stay a soldier.

He chose amputation, and after receiving a C-shaped prosthesis, worked himself quickly into combat shape and prepared for redeployment into Iraq in 2007.  Two days before redeployment Jerrod found out he was accepted into World Class Athlete Program.  Having never run track before, Jerrod started training for Paralympics and with a year, was running 100 meters in 12 seconds flat.

“We don’t know what’s in us until we get the opportunity that pulls it out of us,” says Jerrod Fields.  He credits his unwavering faith in God for pulling him through and making him victorious over challenges.

His appearance in Branson is sponsored by World Missions Alliance of Branson West, MO and is part of an inspirational event VICTORIOUS: WMA Conference taking place March 24th – 27th, 2010 at the Lodge of the Ozarks in Branson, MO.  Other speakers include bestselling auther Mark  Batterson, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Tamrat Layne and American Idol 2010 contestant Dave Pittman from Mountain Home, AR.

The event is open to the public.  For more information call:  417-231-4131

Evelyn Fullerton and family will present a musical program about her father, Earl “Chick” Allen, a pioneer of Branson’s entertainment and tourism industry, March 14 at the White River Valley Historical Society’s quarterly meeting.

The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Historical Society Museum, 297 Main Street, Forsyth.

Chick Allen was an original member of the Baldknobbers Jamboree, one of the first public relations representatives for Silver Dollar City, and owner of his own attraction, the former Wash Gibbs Museum, on Hwy. 76 at the Taney-Stone County line. Allen played the jawbone of a mule among other instruments. He was also an expert on home remedies and lectured on Ozark medicinal roots and herbs at Washington University in St. Louis and William Jewel College near Kansas City.

Evelyn Fullerton, Allen’s eldest daughter, will lead a group of family members and guests in a musical tribute. Family members include granddaughters Judy Fullerton Rice and Jewelene Mabe, grandsons Jim Fullerton and Barry Mabe, and great grandson John Fullerton. Guest musicians are Jim Glaspy, Katey Glaspy and Louis Darby.
Jig dancing is also part of the tribute.

Additional information about the White River Valley Historical Society is available by contacting the Museum at 417-546-2210 or emailing to [email protected]. The Museum’s regular hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
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After many years of planning, research and development, The Vacation Channel is now broadcasting in high-definition. Your favorite programming from “Branson’s Televised Tour Guide for over 20 years,” The Vacation Channel, can now be received over the air with this high-definition upgrade on digital channel 36-1. The Vacation Channel will also continue to broadcast our analog channel 38 for a time, to allow our viewers to make the transition smoothly. That analog signal on channel 38 will be going away soon, so to continue receiving The Vacation Channel, you will need to retune your digital television or digital converter box, to our new digital channel 36-1.

If you have questions about picking up either of our broadcast signals during our upgrade, please don’t’ hesitate to contact us at The Vacation Channel and be sure to log on to our website, www.viewbranson.com for more exciting news and updates along the way.

The Vacation Channel, Inc. is Branson’s television station. Locally owned and operated, The Vacation Channel has provided quality vacation and weather information along with award-winning locally produced programs since 1989. Broadcast over the air on analog channel 38 and now digital channel 36-1, and carried on many area cable systems, the television station serves Taney and Stone counties in the tri-lakes region, as well as our recent expansion into the communities of Nixa, Ozark, and Highlandville on the SuddenLink cable system in Christian County.

For more information, call Gary Leach, Operations Manager, (417) 334-1200, ext. 231 or write him at [email protected]