Japan formally surrendered to the Allied Forces on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri.

On September 2, 2008, at 11:45 am, the Branson Veterans Task Force will remember this historic end of WWII. Join us on the Branson Princess (renamed the USS Missouri for this occasion) at Branson Landing.

A short commemoration will be followed by a press conference regarding Veterans Week activities. The theme and special guests for the week will be announced. Refreshments will be served.

The formal surrender ceremonies ending WWII took place more than two weeks after the Japanese accepted the Allies’ terms. The USS Missouri was anchored with other US and British ships in Tokyo Bay.

General Douglas MacArthur, acting for the United States and the Allied Forces, formally accepted the surrender of the Japanese. Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and General Yoshijiro Umezu, Chief of the Army General Staff of the Japan Imperial Army signed the document on behalf of Japan. General MacArthur and Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, United States Navy, signed on behalf of the United States, followed by signatures of representative from the United Kingdom, China, the Soviet Union, Australia, Canada, France, The Netherlands and New Zealand.

The document defining the terms of surrender was only two pages long. The entire surrender ceremony took only twenty-five minutes, ending a six-year conflict that began in Europe in September of 1939. The Japanese entered the war on December 7, 1941, with the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Steve Weyher is the BVTF chairperson for this event. The Branson Veterans Task Force holds activities year-round to commemorate important events in our history and to honor our veterans. The BVTF office is located at 138 Pointe Royale Drive in Branson. To contact the office call 417.337.8387 (417.337.VETS) or visit www.bransonveterans.com.

Branson, Missouri will once again play host to the acclaimed professional cycling event, Tour of Missouri, slated for September 8-14, 2008. One hundred twenty of the world’s premier cyclists will compete in 7 stages of this challenging 600+ mile trek.

Following a wildly successful inaugural Tour of Missouri in 2007, this year’s race will take riders, representing 15 teams and more than 20 countries, from St. Joseph, the historic site of the Pony Express, through the Ozarks, over the Katy Trail and the Mark Twain National Forrest, along the celebrated Route 66 and the winding Missouri River, with a brilliant finish at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

The Tour of Missouri, sanctioned internationally by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and nationally by USA Cycling, is ranked only behind the Tour de Georgia and Amgen Tour of California for North American cycling events.

The Branson Stage

Daily races range from 75 miles to 125 miles, but Branson will host the 18 mile Stage 3 Time Trials which many teams believe to be all-important towards an overall win. Starting at The Branson Landing, the new commercial waterfront development on Lake Taneycomo in the downtown district of Branson, cyclists face what 2007 Tour of Missouri champion George Hincapie describes as “the hardest time trial course” he’d ever ridden.

In reverse order of their ranking, cyclists start in intervals of one minute each until the final 10 riders, who set out in two minute intervals. The course features a relentless grind through the hilly terrain around Branson, one of America’s favorite vacation hotspots.

To see an interactive map of the Branson leg of the Tour of Missouri please visit:

www.branson.com/tour-of-missouri.html

And for more information from the official Tour of Missouri website visit:

www.tourofmissouri.com

You are certainly welcome to join us in Branson as we cheer on the amazing Tour of Missouri cyclists!

Gary and Greybeard are proud to announce that on September 1, They will launch Radio Branson Dot Com. Branson Radio will be totally dedicated to the music of the area artists and entertainers.

Internet Radio?

According to Arbitron ratings, 54 million listeners tune into internet radio monthly, and 33 million on a daily basis.

We are having great success and celebrating our sixth year, with our first internet station, TMTR, (This Means Texas Radio – ), and our weekly syndicated radio show, The , Texas Music Radio Show (Which is goes out to 50+ am/fm and internet stations through-out the world each week). And to top it off, TMTR has been nominated for internet station of the year the last 3 years!

With so many great entertainers in the Branson area, we wanted to do all we could to promote the shows. So, last year we began interviewing Branson entertainers for TMTR, which listener response astounding.
Wishing we could do more to promote this fantastic area, Branson Radio was born. Our goal is to promote Branson entertainment and business, through internet radio. We will be broadcasting our stream 24 hours a day. At the helm, Gary Barton, (who has been going to shows in Branson for over 17 years!) and Greybeard, who made his first trip to branson last year and immediatly fell in love! We are also looking at several Branson oriented shows to run on the station.

Any way you look at it, it is going to be FUN!
So come join us September 1st and learn all about Branson and the Ozarks!

CONTACT: Gene Conrad
(417) 334-7813 office
(937) 902-8538 cell
[email protected]
www.flybranson.com

BRANSON AIRPORT ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING AIR SHOW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oshkosh, Wisconsin (August 1, 2008) – Branson Airport, LLC the first privately financed and operated commercial service airport in the United States, held a Press Conference Friday, August 1, 2008 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh announcing updates on the most exciting project in airports today.

Not only will the $155 million project open for commercial service May 11, 2009, but it will host one of the top 10 air shows in the nation during their Grand Opening celebration May 8, 9 and 10, 2009.

The annual air show will feature many performers from the renowned EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, including civilian performers:

• Aeroshell Aerobatic Team
• Stuart Dawson in the Sea Fury
• Kyle Franklin
• Michael Goulian
• Iron Eagles
• John Mohr in the Stearman
• Steve and Susan Oliver
• Gene Soucy and Teresa Stokes Wingwalk
• Patty Wagstaff
• Matt Younkin
• Warbird Demonstration with pyrotechnics
• Static aircraft displays including the Sea Fury, B-17, B-25, P-51 Mustangs, Ford Tri Motor, P-47s, Corsair
• Military performances to be announced

Announcers are Danny Clisham and Rob Reider and Jeanine Leslie will be featured singing our National Anthem, Event Director is Bobbi Thompson and Air Boss is Wayne Boggs.

The Experimental Aircraft Association’s Fly-In Convention, now known as EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, has been in existence nearly as long as the association itself. The first gathering was in September 1953 as a small part of the Milwaukee (Wis.) Air Pageant. That original EAA fly-in at Wright-Curtiss (now Timmerman) Field was attended by a handful of airplanes, mostly homebuilt and modified aircraft. Fewer than 100 people registered as visitors. The week-long event now features over 750,000 visitors.

As the first privately-financed and operated commercial airport in the United States, Branson Airport has the potential to redefine air travel in this country. Branson Airport, LLC is introducing an innovative business model that focuses on creating a better travel experience.

Jon England
1-888-269-0892

Following on the heels of an extraordinarily successful opening week at the Caravelle Theatre, Jon England’s “Royally Entertained” music show has been quick to capitalize on the ‘buzz’ surrounding his new-found home’s readiness to assist those in need.

Consultant Scott Ives of IPG productions (who designs sound for the productions) suggested Jon open his heart, his piano lids and Theatre seats for the benefit of Christian Action Ministry
who continue the never-ending battle to feed all the mouths in Branson’s surrounding counties.

From Tuesday the 29th July to Saturday 2nd of August at 2 pm; all comers from Taney, Stone, Green and Christian counties (in MO) and Boone and Carroll counties (in AR) are invited to bring 2 cans of fruit and $5 to watch what folk are calling “London’s Liberace” tear up the three (yes, 3!) pianos on stage in his fabulous new 2-hour entertainment offering plus effortless artistry on two guitars, song and dance!

Did we mention the gorgeously featured stage set reminiscent of Hollywood’s “Golden Era” and an Internationally-flavored English mini-travel-culture-documentary in the half hour before show time? And a ‘Royal’ guest whose mere presence will flabber-your-gast? Well – we have now.

No two shows are ever the same as Jon not only arpeggiates and dazzles through over an hour of internationally known million-selling hits, but makes the shows’ second half a custom-made, personalized experience for every audience member with a musical favorite in their heart.

Rarely stumped for a title, Jon plays Ragtime and Classical must-haves alongside Tin-Pan-Alley sing-a-longs from Al Jolson to Fats Waller, and just about everything in between on sumptuously created pianos that resemble exotic wedding cakes, as much as musical instruments! Don’t miss it – and know in your heart you’re helping your neighbors with real, solid loving assistance.

3446 W. Hwy 76 (next to Jim Stafford’s and across from Mickey Gilley’s) is the place to be; Tuesday 29th July to Saturday 2nd August at 2 p.m. $5 + 2 cans of fruit is the bargain price for an afternoon of unforgettable musical fun.

Call 1-888-269-0892 24/7 (or 334-5150 between 9 and 5 p.m.)

The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Happy Trails Theater and Attraction will celebrate the National Day of The American Cowboy this Saturday July 26. Festivities include a special appearance by the Riders of the Circle B, two shows by Roy Rogers Jr. and The High Riders with Dustin Roy Rogers, and a free coloring contest for kids. In addition, Roy Rogers Jr. and The High Riders will take to the stage at the Circle B Chuckwagon during their show that evening (seating begins at 4:15 for the 5:00 pm Dinner Show).

All participants in the kids’ coloring contest will receive a free coloring book and a ruler. Winners of the coloring contest in each age category will receive special gift baskets delivered to their homes.

The fourth Saturday in July has been designated as the National Day of the American Cowboy, with a Resolution passed by the U.S. Senate. The day celebrates America’s cowboy and Western heritage, and honors working cowboys and ranchers, musicians and artists, poets and others who contribute to cowboy and Western culture.

Said Roy Rogers Jr., “Dad exemplified the spirit of the American Cowboy, and we are proud to celebrate that proud tradition here in Branson. We continue his musical legacy with our live shows, which feature cowboy music exclusively.”

For more information call 417.339.1900 or 866.ROYROGERS (769.7643).

Get ready for the Ulster Band, a group of Canadians who trace their heritage and musical roots back to Ireland and WWI. Whether it’s Irish, Scottish, light classical, pop or patriotic music, you’ll enjoy their performance!

The benefit concert will honor veterans and emergency personnel at Tri-Lakes Center at 7:00 pm on September 11. Area emergency personnel are free with proper identification. All others tickets are $15.00; couples $25.00. All proceeds benefit the Branson Veterans Task Force and their Veterans Week activities.

A special benefit dinner catered by Golden Corral at the Tri-Lakes Center is $5.00 per person. The first $500 of dinner revenue will go directly to the Task Force. Doors open at 4:00 with dinner served from 4:30 – 6:30. Theater doors open at 6:00.

For tickets call the Tri-Lakes Center at 417-336-0219 or email [email protected]. For show information visit www.trilakescenter.com. A First Responder will be honored at the concert that evening.

The Band will join area firefighters and emergency personnel in the 8:00 am September 11 Remembrance under the mural on the back wall of the Grand Palace Theater.

They trace their roots to the 36th Ulster Division of the British Army in WWI. Children of these veterans migrated to Canada and formed the band to keep their Irish history and music alive. They are the official band of the 36th Ulster Division Old Comrades Association and Branch 11 of the Royal Canadian Legion, both in Toronto.

They have performed worldwide including celebrations at the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France; anniversary celebrations in France and Holland commemorating the Battle of the Somme; the 500th anniversary of the founding of Newfoundland; and Disney World in Florida.

Fifty members form three sections of the band: accordions, percussion and colour party. Most of the accordionists play the 23-button British Chromatic Accordion, frequently called the Irish accordion.

For more information, contact the Branson Veterans Task Force office. The Branson Veterans Task Force holds activities year-round to commemorate important events in our history and to honor our veterans. The BVTF office is located at 138 Pointe Royale Drive in Branson. To contact the office call 417.337.8387 (417.337.VETS) or visit www.bransonveterans.com.

Join the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of the Ozarks at Panera Bread, at 2407 Green Mountain Drive in Branson on July 28th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. for fantastic food, fun and outstanding artwork to raise money for JDRF. Simply mention that you are there supporting JDRF and 10% of your purchase will be donated to the foundation.

There will be artwork on display by local artist such as Christina Schanda, Sam Hull, Cheryl Hardin and Jerri Loveland who will be donating 20% of resulting sales to JDRF.

JDRF is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.
For more information, contact Jessica Hickok at (417) 840-5125 or [email protected]

(Branson, MO) – B.B. King, The King of Blues, is returning to Branson in October, 2008. Sullivan Shows and Welk Resort Branson jointly announced today that the most famous blues singer/guitarist in the world, B.B. King will perform one show only on Sunday, October 5, at 7:00 p.m. at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson.
For more than half a century, B.B. King has defined the blues for a worldwide audience. The winner of 13 Grammy Awards and 22 W.C. Handy (Blues Foundation) Awards has released over 50 albums including four Gold albums, two Platinum albums and one Multi-Platinum album. His R&B Chart-topping hits include “Three O’Clock Blues,” “You Don’t Know Me,” “Please Love Me,” “You Upset Me Baby,” “Sweet Sixteen, Part I,” and “Don’t Answer The Door, Part I.” His most popular crossover hit, “The Thrill Is Gone,” reached #15 on the Top-40 Chart in 1970.

Tickets for the B.B. King concert in October go on sale Friday, July 18 and may be purchased at the Welk Resort Theatre Box Office, by phone at (417)-337-7469. Ticket prices including all taxes range from $69.50 (Gold Seating) to $59.50 (Silver) and $39.50 (Bronze).

Opening for B.B. King will be The Rankin Brothers. New to Branson, this duo began playing their Classic Music Revue show at the Welk Resort Theatre in March of this year and will present select musical numbers from their popular new show as the opening segment of the B.B. King concert.
B.B. mixes traditional blues, jazz, swing, mainstream pop and jump into his own unique sound. Over the years, he has developed one of the world’s most identifiable guitar styles featuring delicate single string runs punctuated by loud chords, subtle vibratos and “bent” notes. The technique of rock guitar playing is – to a large degree – derived from B.B.’s playing.

B.B. has been inducted into Halls of Fame (Blues Foundation, Rock & Roll, Performance Magazine and N.A.A.C.P. Image Awards); received numerous Lifetime Achievement Awards (Grammy Awards, Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, Orville H. Gibson/Gibson Guitar, Blues Foundation, MOBO Awards {London} and Congress of Racial Equality {CORE)}; and is featured on several Walks of Fame (Rock Walk, Amsterdam {Holland} Walk of Fame and Hollywood Walk of Fame). He has many film and TV appearances to his credit along with radio and TV commercials, soundtrack albums and even an MTV Video Music Award for “Best Video From a Film” in 1988/89. With his many honors, extensive tour schedule and recently released albums, B.B. King is more popular, more cherished and more relevant than ever to the audiences he entertains night-after-night, around the world.

The Welk Resort is located 3 miles south of Highway 76 on State Highway 165. The destination resort complex opened in 1994 and includes a 160-room hotel, the Stage Door Restaurant & Lounge, a miniature golf course, swimming pool, game room and other amenities. Welk Resort Branson recently added new, luxury lodges featuring custom stone gas fireplaces, full size appliances, sofa sleeper, flat screen HD TV, DVD player, Bose sound and wireless internet. The 2,245-seat theatre near Table Rock Lake has been home to The Lawrence Welk Show since 1994 and in 2008 is presenting The Rankin Brothers Classic Music Revue, The Tillis Family Reunion starring Mel Tillis and Pam Tillis in September and October and a spectacular Christmas show starring Tony Orlando and The Lennon Sisters in November and December.

As part of a benefit concert at 7:00 pm on September 11, 2008, the Branson Veterans Task Force will honor a Stone or Taney County police officer, firefighter or paramedic who has gone beyond the call of duty to demonstrate Courage, Heroism and Bravery in Service.

Nominations for the award are due by Friday, September 5, 2008. Anyone may nominate a candidate. For the nomination form and more information contact [email protected] or 417-337-8387. Completed forms may be faxed to 417-334-7894 or mailed to:

BVTF
Attn: First Responder Nominations
PO BOX 128
Branson, MO 65616

Held at the Tri-Lakes Center, the concert proceeds will benefit the Branson Veterans Task Force in their programs for veterans, active military and emergency personnel who serve Americans in every community in the US.

All nominees and their guests are requested to attend the concert. During a special ceremony, the recipient will be announced and honored. The recipient need not be present if he or she is unable to attend.

The Branson Veterans Task Force holds activities year-round to commemorate important events in our history and to honor our veterans. The BVTF office is located at 138 Pointe Royale Drive in Branson. To contact the office call 417.337.8387 (417.337.VETS) or visit www.bransonveterans.com.