The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, will be celebrating her 69th birthday on March 25! Anyone who was born on the same day as Aretha Franklin can see Legends In Concert for FREE on Friday, March 25! Simply show a valid ID at the Legends box office. Tickets available day of show only for this special promotion. Don’t miss the electrifying stage presence and powerhouse vocals of Nedgra Culp as she portrays Aretha Franklin at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater now through May 17!
Show times are 3 & 8 p.m. For more information, call 417-335-STAR or visit www.legendsinconcert.com.

The 5th annual Branson Elvis Festival will be held at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater on April 15-17, 2011. The highlight of the festival, the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist™ Contest, will take place on Saturday, April 16 at 7 p.m. This contest is one of a select few tribute competitions sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
The winner of the Branson contest will receive $1,000 and the opportunity to compete in The 2011 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist™ Contest finals presented by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. The finals will be held in Memphis, Tennessee during Elvis Week. The winner of the Branson contest will also be offered the opportunity to perform in the Legends In Concert show at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater on Sunday, April 17 at 8 p.m.
Branson Elvis Festival activities include an Elvis Vendor Village, a free Elvis movie showing, an Elvis Meet & Greet Dinner and Elvis Karaoke Nights.
Tickets for the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ start at $25 plus tax. Special pricing for children and locals is available. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Legends In Concert box office at 1-800-374-SHOW. For festival information and updates, visit www.bransonelvisfestival.com.

International sensation JEERK comes back to Branson, MO!
Rhythm Artist Group’s 2nd year at Hughes Brothers Theatre!

JEERK, international sensation and Sweden’s top Rhythm Artists, once again kick off their action-packed show in Branson on March 16, 2011, at the Hughes Brothers Theatre. Last year they were awarded “Best New Show” by BransonCritic.com. This year they are taking entertainment to a whole new level with their innovative and thrilling one-of-a-kind stage show!
Jeff Topper, General Manager for the Hughes Brothers Theatre says, “JEERK is absolute cutting edge – it is versatile, unexpected, innovative and very hip.” The ingredients of the JEERK show include tap dance, percussion, singing and humour mixed together by five brilliant performers – Nikke, Reggie, Joey, Bobo, and Tymac. BransonCritic.com has this to say: “They do it all! They sing, they dance and they tap. They turn anything and everything into an instrument.”
The JEERK show is a world of rhythms where anything is transformed into a musical instrument; a plastic barrel, a hockey stick, a walking chair… mixed together with playful humour. Topper adds, “JEERK’s personal touch is endearing to the audience. Their clever combinations of dance are fresh and versatile while reminiscent of the fun antics we’ve always enjoyed from the dance greats.” BransonShows.com says, “This is exactly what this town needs; something new and refreshing. This is by far the best and most original show I’ve seen in Branson.”
JEERK has stomped across the stages of Sweden as well as Europe. Their international success brought them to the United States for their first appearance last year. At Silver Dollar City in 2009 JEERK discovered Branson and American fans discovered JEERK. For the second year in a row, fans will be able to see JEERK on the world-famous 76 Highway, fondly known as “the strip”. As Bobo says, “The crazy Swedes are back in Branson!”
For schedules, tickets, and other information call The Hughes Brothers Theatre at 800-422-0076 or 417-334-0076.
Learn more about JEERK at www.jeerk.com

Some people are just born to sing. She was. Some people have a natural ability to turn a song into a life-changing event. She has. Some people light up the stage when they enter. She does. Her name is Nedgra Culp and she is currently portraying Aretha Franklin at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Missouri.
Nedgra was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri and has done a plethora of performing in the Ozarks. In Branson, she has appeared in “The VanBurch and Wellford Show”, “50’s At The Hop”, and her personal favorite, “Breakfast With The Classics”. In 1997, 1998 and 1999, Nedgra was awarded Female Vocalist of the Year and in 2000 she was awarded Duo of the Year along with Bill Brooks. That same year she was inducted into the Branson Musician and Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Prior to her Branson debut but following her graduation from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, Nedgra received a call from “Mr. Las Vegas” himself, Wayne Newton! For several years following, she appeared as a background vocalist and featured soloist on the Wayne Newton Show. She has worked with legendary performers such as Tony Orlando, Mel Tillis, Lola Falana, John Davidson, Andy Williams, Dorothy Moore and the Tokens. Nedgra has also had the pleasure of appearing in the US tour of “I Can’t Stop Loving You – The Music of Ray Charles.” Born to sing and destined to impact lives, she brings joy to everyone who hears her. Don’t miss experiencing the powerful stage presence and electrifying vocals of Nedgra Culp as she portrays Aretha Franklin in the Legends in Concert show at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater now through May 17!
Show times are 3 & 8 p.m. For more information, call 417-335-STAR or visit www.legendsinconcert.com.

Clay Cooper celebrates his 25th year performing in Branson, Missouri, the Entertainment Capital of the World! He and his cast of Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express have put together an all new variety show for 2011 filled with singin’, dancin’, gun-slingin’, rope-twirlin’, and good, clean comedy like you’ve never seen before! 22 veteran cast members join Clay in this high energy performance, guaranteeing fun for all ages! It’s more than COUNTRY!
Clay came to Branson in 1986 with a kid’s band known as the Texas Goldminors. Once he came to Branson, he never turned back, knowing that he had a love for playing bass and singing great country music. He performed with many Branson shows in the area, but most people remember him for his outstanding performance as bass player and host for Country Tonite where he performed for 9 years, 1994-2003.
Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express was developed in 2005 as a morning show at the Caravelle Theatre. Clay’s show consisted of twelve cast members, all being entertainers he or his wife had worked with in previous shows. He moved to his own theater, Clay Cooper Theatre, in 2007 and then again moved in 2010 to a much larger venue, right on famous Highway 76. This was an exciting move for the show, giving their guests more seating, dining opportunities, and a bigger and better production.
This year, Clay shares the stage with an even larger cast! His show consists of nine diverse dancers, who perform all styles of dance; a six piece live band known as the best band in town; New Yorker, trick-ropin’, gun-slingin’, Johnny Lonestar; the incredible percussive, comedic duo, Buckets ‘n’ Boards; Branson’s number one comedian, Matt Gumm; special guest appearances by sixteen year old, Cassidy and two year old, Caden Cooper; the up and coming comedian, seven year old Colt Cooper; and of course, CLAY!
Many people love to see Clay perform and often ask why he didn’t try for Nashville as a famous country artist. Clay has been very blessed, working in the entertainment business while still spending quality time with his wife and kids. No record deal is more special than that! As Clay celebrates his 25th anniversary, he continues to perform with a personable style, meeting and greeting his guests and laughing with them throughout his performance. Come see for yourself! Enjoy Clay and his cast anytime! Check him out on Facebook or on his website www.claycoopertheatre.com.

On April 12, 2011 Entertainer Bill Chrastil will open his second year in Branson, performing his show “The Bill Chrastil Show” at The Hall of Fame Theatre at the Branson Mall Entertainment Complex in Branson Missouri.

The Hall of Fame Theatre is located at the Branson Mall Entertainment Complex, 2206 W Hwy 76, next to Wal-Mart.

Bill will perform at 1 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Chrastil’s energetic tributes include Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Alabama and Elvis, Country, Gospel, Classic Rock, 50/60’s and his own music.

An accomplished instrumentalist Bill plays guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano and the harmonica.

During 2010, Bill received awards for :
Best 2010 Gospel CD
Best 2010 Impressionist
First Number 1 Song on the Top 20 List on Radio Station KBRS for his original song: “Lady Turn The Light Out.”
Bill was also the third most requested artist on BransonRadio.com.

Bill’s website is www.billchrastil.com

For questions or reservations please call the Branson Mall Entertainment Complex’s Box Office at (417)334-5412.

Legends in Concert, 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 Feb. 25, 26 & 27 for both the 3 & 8 p.m. shows. Don’t miss our sensational spring line-up! Come see Buddy Holly, Toby Keith, Aretha Franklin, The Blues Brothers and Elvis in one incredible theatrical production including the Legends in Concert band and fabulous singers and dancers.
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. For more information, call 417-339-3003 or visit www.legendsinconcert.com.

Legends In Concert is opening their 2011 season with a BANG! Starting Feb. 10, see Buddy Holly, Toby Keith, Aretha Franklin, The Blues Brothers and Elvis rock the house at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater! Beat those winter blues with the heart-warming comedy and rock and roll classics of Buddy Holly, experience the electrifying stage presence and powerhouse vocals of Aretha Franklin and join Toby Keith as his country hits salute the glory of the American spirit. With a rotating line-up, there is something for everyone at Legends In Concert at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater! You can see a variety of your favorite stars from yesterday and today in a show that brings new costumes, lighting, music, choreography and excitement four times a year!
Opening night is Thursday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. Seating is limited, so make your reservations today by calling 417-339-3003 or visit www.legendsinconcert.com.

Winter is in full swing and with it comes the possibility of weather that could prevent the safe transportation of students to school.  The Branson School District would like to issue this notice regarding school cancellation.

In the event of inclement weather, parents and students will be notified of school cancellations through radio station KRZK (106.3 FM); the weather information phone (336-5000); PIRATEcast; and the Springfield media. You can sign up for PIRATEcast through the district web site.

Every effort will be made to provide cancellation notices as early as possible.