By: Austin Plummer

Senior music major Jenna Dunnam will present her senior recital in the Newman Recital Hall of the Gittinger Music Building on Sunday, March 11, at 3 p.m.

Her recital will feature a mixture of vocal talent and piano repertoire. She will perform a variety of styles and genres, including works by Schumann, Mozart, Webber and Mark Hayes.

“I’ve learned more at C of O than I ever bargained for; most of which is not what I learned in the classroom. I couldn’t ask for better, godly professors in my degree,” said Dunnam.

Dunnam will graduate in May with a degree in general music. The senior recital is a prerequisite for the completion of the music major.

Students will be allowed priority seating for the event, but any seats left open will be available to the public free of charge. For more information, please call the Music Department at (417) 690-2244.

Tony Orlando Receives Prestigious Seven Seals Award

The Department of Defense issued the Seven Seals Award to Branson resident and legendary entertainer Tony Orlando for the work he does in the United States, as well as overseas, in supporting National Guard and Reserve members.
The Seven Seals Award is the highest award given to civilians, and was created to publically recognize Americans who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to those that have been called to serve in the armed forces.

The Seven Seals Award represents the seven military reserve components: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and Coast Guard reserves, along with the Army and Air National Guard.

Orlando frequently visits and entertains troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and performs countless shows for military personnel and their families in the United States. For 18 years he has hosted “Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute To the Veterans” in Branson MO on Veteran’s Day: a free show to all veterans who attend the Branson Veterans Homecoming, America’s largest veteran’s day celebration.

New Jersey Air National Guard Chief of Joint Staff, Brigadier General James J. Grant, and Department of Defense State Vice Chair Don Tretola presented Orlando with the award at The Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Tony Orlando will return to Branson November 1, 2012 to star in “Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas” at The Welk Resort Theatre.

Three Dog Night has been rocking the charts for more than 40 years. On Saturday, July 14, 2012 they will bring their legendary rock style to The Mansion Theatre for one night only.

From 1969-1974, nobody had more Top 10 hits, moved more records, or sold more concert tickets. In 2011 THREE DOG NIGHT continued to top the list of artists with the best Billboard Top 100 Chart average!

THREE DOG NIGHT’s hits wind through the fabric of pop culture today, whether on the radio where they are heard day in and day out, in TV commercials or in major motion pictures — songs like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come)”, “Joy to the World”, “Black and White”, “Shambala” and “One” serve to heighten our emotions and crystallize THREE DOG NIGHT’s continuing popularity.

This Grammy-nominated band is not content resting on their legacy alone. Always working to expand their audience, THREE DOG NIGHT have embraced and been embraced by 21st century music technology. New fans buy THREE DOG NIGHT’s
music on iTunes as well as at record stores. In fact, their releases from this decade alone have sold over a million copies. On websites such as Facebook, Myspace, Last.fm, iLike, and ReverbNation, THREE DOG NIGHT have garnered millions of music plays.

Recently, Three Dog Night began adding new songs to their arsenal by releasing their first double-A sided single in nearly 25 years. The blistering performance of “Heart Of Blues” and the timely, beautiful a-cappella ballad “Prayer of the Children” are available exclusively online through the official band website (www.threedognight.com) as well as Facebook and MySpace sites.

THREE DOG NIGHT also pushed boundaries by recording with the London Symphony Orchestra, giving fans new and old a chance to experience their dynamic performances of the hits as well as several new songs. The project, recorded at the famous Abbey Road studios in London and released to coincide with the band’s 35th Anniversary, added exciting new orchestral arrangements to THREE DOG NIGHT’s signature sound.

THREE DOG NIGHT maintain an aggressive, year-round touring schedule of over 80 dates a year. Their well-loved hits plus some amazing new songs are performed for audiences spanning generations, by founding members Cory Wells and Danny Hutton on lead vocals, as well as original keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon and guitarist Michael Allsup. Paul Kingery (bass and vocals) and Pat Bautz (drums) complete the lineup.

Originally formed in 1968, the group was enormously successful from the start. Danny Hutton, who was a writer/producer at Hanna Barbera Records as well as a solo artist, met Cory Wells, lead singer of The Enemys which was the house band at the Whisky A Go-Go, while they were both touring with Sonny and Cher. The now-famous name came from a magazine article about Australian hunters in the outback who curled up with their dogs for warmth on cold nights; the coldest being “three dog nights”.

Boasting chart and sales records that are virtually unmatched in popular music, THREE DOG NIGHT had 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, including 3 #1 singles, 11 Top 10’s, 18 straight Top 20’s, 7 million-selling singles and 12 straight RIAA Certified Gold LPs. Their hits appeared on best selling charts in all genres (pop, rock and country).

THREE DOG NIGHT recorded the music of the best (and mostly undiscovered) new songwriters of their time including Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, Elton John, Laura Nyro, Paul Williams and Hoyt Axton among many others. The group’s eclectic taste, combined with their ability to recognize and record hits in a unique, distinctive and appealing style, resulted in THREE DOG NIGHT dominating the charts for years.

Now, as they mark 40 years on the road, THREE DOG NIGHT continues to grow their fan base and develop new ways of doing business.

THREE DOG NIGHT’s 21 Top 40 Hits:
Mama Told Me (Not To Come) #1
Joy to The World #1
Black And White #1
Shambala #3
Easy To Be Hard #4
An Old Fashioned Love Song #4
The Show Must Go On #4
One #5
Never Been To Spain #5
Liar #7
Eli’s Coming #10
The Family Of Man #12
Celebrate #15
Out In The Country #15
Sure As I’m Sittin’ Here #16
Let Me Serenade You #17
One Man Band #19
Pieces Of April #19
Try A Little Tenderness #29
Til The World Ends #32
Play Something Sweet (Brickyard Blues) #33

Ozark Murder Mysteries will present “Marriage Is Murder” for the 2012 Spring season!

Branson’s most unique dinner show, Ozark Murder Mysteries, will be opening a brand new show entitled “Marriage Is Murder” for the Spring of 2012 in their new home at the Branson Central Theatre at 625 Hwy 165 in Branson, MO.

Since the day they made the honeymoon reservation, everyone at the Lakeside Bed & Breakfast has been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Hollywood newlyweds, Stanley and Jolene Pitt. When the day finally dawns, the lovable innkeeper, Pat Daniels, does everything in her power to make sure the blockbuster stars have a fun, relaxing evening. Things don’t go as planned, however, when chaos breaks out and someone mysteriously dies! Frightened of the bad publicity, Pat calls in her old friend and novelist, Angela Fletcher, to help figure out ‘whodunnit’ before the tabloids get a hold of the story. There is an array of suspects as Angela nitpicks her way to a solution, but not without a little help from the audience.

“Marriage Is Murder” was written, directed, and produced by the criminally clever Fred Athay and features the top notch talents of several local actors including Liarra Bartlett, Robert Montgomery, Helena Lee, Pamela McCord, Tim Adkins, Jessica Nordberg, Joe Martin, Ray Jones, Jim and Colleen Ellis, and Kerry and Karen Richardson

Long time cast member, Joe Martin, boasts, “I am proud to be a part of this new show. To miss it would be a crime!” Colleen Ellis, the newest addition to Ozark Murder Mysteries exclaims, “I am excited about being a part of Ozark Murder Mysteries this year and about making my debut in Marriage Is Murder. I truly believe that this is the best thing Ozark Murder Mysteries has presented yet.”

“Marriage Is Murder” is now playing and will continue to run through May 27. Ozark Murder Mysteries will debut another brand new show in the Summer entitled, “Murder at the Hop!,” a fifties inspired murder mystery musical.

Tickets and more information can be obtained by calling the box office at 1.800.678.6179 or at the official Ozark Murder Mysteries website at www.killerflea.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ozarkmysteries.

Mel Tillis Press Release

Clay Cooper is thrilled to announce MEL TILLIS will be performing at the Clay Cooper Theatre September 6-December 6 for the 2012 season. Mel and his cast can be seen primarily Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons at 2 pm. Clay said, “Mel Tillis is a country music legend…an incredible songwriter, singer, and entertainer. I have always enjoyed listening to his music and I admire his talent as a songwriter. I am honored to have him perform at my theatre this year!”

Mel Tillis has been in the music business for over 60 years. He began singing in the early 50’s with a group called “The Westerners” while serving as a baker in the United States Air Force, stationed in Okinawa. Since that time, Mel has recorded over 60 albums with over thirty-six Top Ten Singles, and nine of these songs made it to Number One! Mel and his band, The Statesiders, have had the opportunity to perform in all 50 states, Canada, England, and several other countries during his career.

Mel has received many awards for singing and songwriting including the Nashville Songwriter’s International Hall of Fame Award and CMA Entertainer of the Year Award (both awards received in 1976). He was inducted in the Grand Old Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, and received Comedian of the Year for six years in a row in the 1970’s.

Mel wrote over 1,000 different songs and 600 of these songs were recorded by major artists. His first song, “I’m Tired”, was recorded by Webb Pierce in 1956 and that recording actually launched his musical career! His most famous song, Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town, sung by Kenny Rogers, received over 3 Million broadcast performances.

Along with his musical career, Mel also found a love for acting! He appeared in numerous featured films including Any Which Way but Loose with Clint Eastwood, Cannon Ball Run I and II, and Smokey and the Bandit I and II with Burt Reynolds. He starred in several television shows and acted as the spokesman in many commercials for several companies including Babcock Furniture, Fina Oil Co., and Whataburger.

Tillis first arrived in Branson on a permanent basis in 1990, leased what is now the Yakov Theater for two years, built the Will Rogers Theater in 1992 with partner Melvin Hall, and then eventually built the Mel Tillis Theater, in 1994. He sold his theater to Hobby Lobby, Inc. in 2002, who transformed it into what is now Tri-Lakes Church, where he continued performing until December 2010. Mel has performed over 4,000 shows in Branson for millions of visitors and will continue to be one of Branson’s most successful entertainers!

College of the Ozarks Music Department Presents Fall Concert
By: Austin Plummer

College of the Ozarks Music Department will present a fall concert on Tuesday, October 25, at 7 p.m., in the Jones auditorium. This free concert is open to the public and will feature the Chorale, Jazz Band and the Jazz Combo.

Each ensemble will perform its own repertoire, which will include great jazz arrangements and well-known big band tunes like “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing,” “Route 66” and more.

The Chorale will include some gospel jazz arrangements like “Swingin’ with the Saints,” “Joy is on the Way” and a jazz rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

The Jazz Band will perform Chuck Mangione’s hit “Feels So Good” and will feature student, Ruben Delarosa on trumpet. The Jazz Band also will perform Cole Porter’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” by the Gershwin brothers.

The groups will combine at the end for the “Big Band Bash” medley. For more information, call the Music department at 417-690-2244.

College of the Ozarks Presents “The Count of Monte Cristo”
By: Chelsea Kliethermes

The College of the Ozarks Theatre Department will present “The Count of Monte Cristo” on October 14, 15 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and October 16 at 2:30 p.m., in the Jones Auditorium on the College campus.

Betrayal, obsession and redemption provide the backdrop for this compelling drama adapted by Charles Morey from the classic novel of Alexandre Dumas. While unjustly imprisoned, Edmond Dantes befriends a neighboring inmate who bequeaths him an enormous treasure.

Dantes eventually escapes and returns to society disguised as the Count of Monte Cristo with plans to enact his revenge on those who betrayed him. But as Dantes becomes increasingly consumed with his quest for vengeance, he finds himself losing his humanity and any hope of reconciling with the love of his life.

Tickets are required to attend this production. Adult tickets are $10, senior citizens and
non-C of O students are $8 and children are $6.

To make reservations, please call the Jones Theatre Department at (417) 690-2626.

Legends in Concert Announces Area Appreciation – September 16-18, 2011

BRANSON – Legends In Concert, The World’s Greatest Live Tribute Show, at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, announces area appreciation to our friends and families who live or work in Stone or Taney County. Tickets will be $5.00 plus tax on September 16, 17 & 18 for both the 3 & 8 p.m. shows. Come see Bette Midler, Alan Jackson, Johnny Mathis, The Blues Brothers and Elvis in one incredible theatrical production including the Legends In Concert band and fabulous singers and dancers.
The charisma of two locally known talents, Bucky Heard and Justin Clark, combine for a high-energy, highly entertaining Blues Brothers performance. They are mainstays at the Legends In Concert show along with Elvis Presley. Portrayed by Dean Z, this act is sure to bring you a rock-a-billy good time! Experience the energy of sensational showgirl Bette Midler, have a “Good Time” listening to the country classics of Alan Jackson, and relax with the romantic songs of Johnny Mathis.
Don’t miss this fabulous fall line-up during our area appreciation on September 16, 17 & 18! Proof of residency or employment required at time of purchase. Tickets available day of show only and can be purchased at the Legends Box Office.

Show times are 3 & 8 p.m. For more information, call 417-335-STAR or visit www.legendsinconcert.com.

Carl is a longtime entertainer/musician who has worked with many shows, including Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, Tony Roi, Cassandre, Leona Williams, Red Hot & Blue, 14 Karat Country, among others. He also worked as a Stone County Deputy Sheriff, as well as an officer for the Branson West Police Department. Carl is suffering from late stage Lymes Disease which has attacked many areas of his body and resulted in a heart attack, brain tumor, and osteoarthritis in his joints, just to name a few. He has been unable to work for the last year and is facing many more months of rehabilitation and surgeries, leaving him and his family in financial dire straits. In true Branson spirit, Carl’s friends, neighbors, and fellow performers are coming to the rescue!

Sponsored by Clay Cooper Theatre, Branson West Police Department, Bill Merritt and Merritt Family Auctions

For Tickets Call
Local: 417-332-2529
Toll Free: 877-317-2604

$15.00 minimum donation

www.claycoopertheatre.com
Clay Cooper Theatre
3216 West Hwy 76
Branson, MO 65616

The Branson Arts Council and First Presbyterian Church under the auspices of the Missouri Arts Council invite you to a special concert at First Presbyterian Church’s Old Stone Church located at Fourth and Pacific Streets at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2011.

Nicholas Susi, age 24, has studied piano since the age of 9. He is a graduate of the Community Music School of Webster University in St.Louis, the University of Kansas and the University of Michigan. Nicholas has won several awards and scholarships including a grant from the Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation, which funded his travel, study and performance of French music at the Cite Universitaire de Paris in 2009. He has performed with the Omaha Symphony, St. Louis Chamber Orchestra, the Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City and the Wiener Residenz Orchester in Austria.

He will be performing Douze Etudes d’Execution Transcendante, S. 139 by Franz Liszt. This is a once in a lifetime performance here in Branson. After a lovely dinner out, come hear this young artist perform this timeless piece.