VeggieTales Live! “God Made You Special” at The Mansion Theatre

AREA APPRECIATION: $15.00 plus tax ticket for residents of Stone & Taney Counties with a donation of a “New” Baby Item.
Donation Examples: Diapers, Baby Wipes, Bottles, Clothes, Burp Rags, Blankets, Toys, etc. Standard Proof of Residency applies. Advance reservations are available, ticket pick-up is 30 minutes prior to showtime. Call our Box Office for additional questions (417) 239-1333.

Kids of all ages will love this show filled with silly song favorites like “Love My Lips,” “The Hairbrush Song,” “His Cheeseburger,” and many, many more! Join the God Made You Special LIVE tour for an unforgettable time of fun and silliness from the VeggieTales crew!

Schedule Subject to Change
June: 20, 23, 27, 30 (3 pm & 8 pm)
July: 4 & 7 (3 pm and 8 pm)

June: 21, 22, 28, 28 (8 pm)
July: 5 & 6 (8 pm)

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 June 1, 2 & 3 for both the 3 & 8 p.m. shows. Come see Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Michael Jackson, The Blues Brothers and Elvis in one incredible theatrical production including the Legends in Concert band and fabulous singers and dancers. Enjoy the award-winning country hits of power couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw; experience the excitement as “The King of Pop”, Michael Jackson, takes the stage; clap along with the crazy antics of The Blues Brothers; and “Shake, Rattle & Roll” with Elvis Presley!

Don’t miss this sizzling summer line-up during our area appreciation on June 1, 2 & 3! 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.

Herschend Family Entertainment CEO To Speak at Branson Area Business EXPO Breakfast – Booths Still Available

BRANSON, Mo. – Joel Manby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Herschend Family Entertainment, will provide the keynote address at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, at the Branson Business Expo Breakfast at the Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center. Doors open at 8 a.m.
This is a new event to open the Branson Area Business Expo presented by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The Expo is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., also at the Chateau. The breakfast is sponsored by the Taney County Business Development Partnership. General Expo sponsors include Springfield Blue Print, Mercy and North Pole Productions.
“We are so honored to have Mr. Manby as our keynote speaker for the first ever Branson Business Expo Breakfast,” said Ladona Weathers, Director of Tourism & Membership Events. “We sincerely hope this will be the first of what will become an annual event to open the Expo. Mr. Manby’s presentation is an exciting way to begin this new event for the Branson area.”
Manby has been with Herschend Family Entertainment since 1998, and has served as CEO since 2003. During his tenure, two of HFE’s properties have earned the industry’s highest honor, the Applause Award.
An expert on leadership and customer relations, Manby spent 20 years in the auto industry and was a member of the start-up team for Saturn Corporation where he was instrumental in launching Saturn’s innovative marketing and distribution strategy. After a two-year term with GM’s International Division, he was promoted to CEO of Saab Automobile USA.
In 2010, Manby was featured on CBS’s “Undercover Boss” and has recently written the book “Love Works” published by Zondervan. As President and CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment, Manby leads a successful enterprise with love. He views love as a mode of thinking—one that has helped him deliver tangible results and position HFE as the ninth-largest themed attractions company in the world including Dollywood, Silver Dollar City and Stone Mountain Park.
A large crowd is expected to hear Manby, so don’t miss the chance to be a vendor at this event, Weathers said.
The Chamber-member Early Bird Price for breakfast is $15, due by June 1. Regular Price $20. Non-members $30. To purchase tickets, call 417-334-4084, ext. 338. Find more information about these events at www.bransonbusinessexpo.com. The deadline to reserve booth space is June 1. Each vendor will receive one ticket to the breakfast featuring Manby.

Gospel Sing-Off Call for Entries

Branson, Mo…Christian Action Ministries (CAM) of Branson, Missouri is seeking contemporary, traditional and southern gospel singing groups that are interested in competing for 10 finalist positions at CAM’s 4th Annual Gospel Sing-Off to be held on September 2, 2012 at the phenomenal Sight & Sound Theatres. Bob Hubbard of the Foggy River Boys and The Jordanaires will emcee the event.

Entries must be received by July 20th in order to be considered for one of the ten finalist positions that will perform in the competition before a panel of celebrity judges. Entry forms are available at www.christianactionministries.org and there is no entry fee for the contestants.

Contestants will compete for $3,000 in cash prizes and trophies. First place winner receives $1,500, second place $1,000, and third place $500. Plus the winner will also receive three performance slots at Silver Dollar City on the following day. Past winners have included Southern Raised, The Petersen Family, and Sons of the Silver Dollar.

Key sponsors for this year’s event include Branson Tourism Center, SIX, and Sight & Sound Theatres, and additional sponsorships are currently being sought for support. Sponsor information and forms are available at the CAM website at www.christianactionministries.org.

Tickets for the event will be available in mid-July through Branson Tourism Center and Sight & Sound Theatres. For more information, contact the CAM offices at 417-334-1157.

CAM operates food pantries in Branson and Forsyth, as well as a monthly mobile outreach to eastern Taney County. The Sing-Off is CAM’s only operational fundraiser to support its efforts in fighting hunger in Taney County.

Contact: Jack Burke, [email protected], 1-800-451-8273

Legends in Concert announces their sizzling summer line-up of stars! Starting May 24th, see Michael Jackson, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, The Blues Brothers and Elvis Presley rock the house at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. Enjoy the award-winning country hits of power couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw; experience the excitement as “The King of Pop”, Michael Jackson, takes the stage; clap along with the crazy antics of The Blues Brothers; and “Shake, Rattle & Roll” with Elvis Presley! Take a step back in time as you walk through the lobby of Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. Priceless items from Dick Clark’s personal collection are on display for you to enjoy – at no additional charge!

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

Taste of Home Cooking School Coming to Branson, MO!

Culinary Specialist Jamie Dunn

Drop your whisks, grab your friends, and join us for a night of fun at the Taste of Home Cooking School show, presented live at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson on May 22, 2012 at 7:00pm.

During this interactive event, you’ll watch top culinary expert, Jamie Dunn, demonstrate ten new recipes you can easily recreate in your home. Armed with new culinary tips and techniques, you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends with these sophisticated yet surprisingly easy-to-make dishes.

Not only will you leave the event with new recipe ideas, you’ll also go home with a valuable gift bag. Our ever-popular gift bags include an assortment of products and coupons, including two Taste of Home magazines. And while you’re there, remember to enter for a chance to win one of many exciting door prizes.

Start your evening out right by visiting the expo from 4:00pm-7:00pm. You will have the opportunity to visit with many great businesses and learn more about their products and services.

For more information about the event and how to purchase tickets, visit TasteofHome.com. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

The Taste of Home Cooking School is an event you won’t want to miss. Let’s get
cooking!

Tickets are NOW on sale by calling 1-800-505-9355 or 1-417-337-SHOW (7469) or by logging on to www.welkresortbranson.com.

For information contact:
Cinda Bauer
Event Coordinator
The Caring People
164 Corporate Place
Branson, MO 65616
417-334-0131
[email protected]

Please join Mount Pleasant Winery for their “Friday Wine Down” this Friday, May 11th from 5 – 7pm. This week The New Acoustic Jazz Trio consisting of Dan McMasters, Steve Black and John Raczka will perform a mixture of music from the 1930’s and 40’s to more current music of today. Drawing heavily on the influence of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France and the music they were playing around Europe in the 30’s and 40’s known as Gypsy Jazz. Bring your friends and Wine Down with great wine and music!

May 3rd
Heartland Music Festival: Sulphur HS Select Choir

May 4th
Muldrow High School

May 5th
Hazelwood Central Orchestra: Music Travel Consultants Choice Music Events Seckman MS

May 11th
Willard MS Tiger Tones

May 12th
Special Youth Show for Scouts

May 18th
Edgewood High School Band

About Dixie Stampede
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is a unique dinner and show experience set in a giant 35,000-square-foot arena featuring 32 magnificent horses, a stampede of buffalo, thrilling horsemanship, romance, and audience participation, all showcased in a friendly rivalry between North and South and complemented by a fabulous four-course feast.

Dixie Stampede Dinner Attractions operate in two popular vacation destinations: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Branson, Missouri. They also operate Pirates Voyage; Fun, Feast & Adventure in Myrtle Beach, SC. For more information regarding show times and ticket prices, call 1-800-520-5544 or visit online at www.dixiestampede.com or www.piratesvoyage.com.

American Idol® Finalists will soon be arriving at the Branson Airport. Andy Williams Moon River Theatre will host a total of fifteen entertainers this summer from the popular television show, American Idol®, to perform in “The Finalists Live”. On Monday, May 7th, the first group of five former Idols will step off the plane at Branson Airport to begin the fifteen week tour in Branson, Missouri. The first group includes: Lee DeWyze, Season 9 Winner; Blake Lewis, Season 6 Runner-up; Elliott Yamin,3rd in Season 5; plus Thia Megia, from last year’s show; and Kimberly Caldwell from Season 2, and host on Oxygen and TV Guide network. For additional show information visit www.andywilliams.com.

Branson Airport is holding a Meet the Idols Contest, where customers can enter to win 2 premium VIP seats and full backstage access passes with the Idols. Contest will begin May 7th. Participants can register on Facebook by visiting the Branson Airport Fan Page “FlyBranson” and clicking the contest tab or by visiting www.FlyBranson.com.

In addition to the contest, Branson Airport will also host a “Finalists Live Watch Party” where guests are invited to come out to the airport and meet and greet with their favorite Idols. The Watch Party will begin at 1:30pm. Guests are invited to create posters welcoming each of the artists. A poster contest will be held the same day where the lucky winner will receive a free ticket to The Finalists Live show. All local media is encouraged to attend.

The Branson airport has non-stop service to 9 markets, Chicago, Milwaukee, Houston, Atlanta, Denver, Orlando, Baltimore, Austin, Nashville, and over 100 one stop destinations. To make reservations or for more information regarding Branson Airport call toll free 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541) or 417-334-8857 or visit FlyBranson.com.

Dick Clark has been on many minds and in many hearts since his recent passing. But for Legends in Concert in Branson, Missouri, preserving his memory and amazing impact in music took on a whole different meaning weeks before his sudden death.
On the morning of February 29th, 2012, the storm sirens sounded across the rolling hills of Branson, Missouri. Sleeping soundly in their beds, the Branson residents were rudely awakened by the fury of the Leap Day Tornado. As the sun rose, the devastating images of destruction were shockingly apparent. Branson had a very long, challenging road ahead.
Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, home of Legends in Concert, suffered severe damage. The roof was peeled away like the top of a tuna can and the lobby was left in shambles. Seeing their home in such devastation left the Legends in Concert team heartbroken. But all was not lost.
As the team assessed the theater damage, they were immediately concerned about the priceless memorabilia that filled the lobby. Water and debris covered nearly every inch of the lobby. The tornado had sucked away items from floor to ceiling. Surely the tornado had swept away the glass cases that contained the memorabilia as well. But to their surprise, each and every piece of the memorabilia remained untouched. The priceless pieces include “Jailhouse Rock” sheet music autographed by Leiber & Stoller, stage-worn wardrobe pieces from Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson and Smokey Robinson, contracts signed by Dick Clark for stars such as The Jackson 5 to appear on American Bandstand, and many, many more. There is even a framed yellow sticky note from Michael Jackson to Dick Clark that reads: “To My Other Father Dick”…. “the nicest man in showbiz.” The legacy of Dick Clark could live on at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater and the memorabilia would still be available for all to enjoy. That is…if the theater could be repaired.
Six weeks of grueling work followed. Construction crews worked through the night. The Legends in Concert management team worked relentlessly to get the theater back open. The community outreach was absolutely amazing. This tornado was sure to bring the tightly knit community of Branson, Missouri even closer.
After what seemed a never ending round of meetings, difficult hours of hard manual labor, and insurance paperwork that stacked to the sky, Legends in Concert announced its reopening date of April 14th. But shortly following this joyous and much anticipated day, yet another tragedy would strike not only the hearts of the Branson community, but of the world.
On April 18th, the world lost a true legend, Dick Clark. The loss was felt most deeply at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, the only venue in the world that bears his name. A candlelight memorial was planned outside the theater. Fans left candles, flowers and signs as the world said goodbye to “America’s Oldest Teenager.” Legends in Concert performer Bucky Heard sang a beautiful accapella version of “Amazing Grace” and a special tribute to Dick Clark was included in the Legends in Concert show that night. American Bandstand was the show that launched the music careers of many of the iconic performers portrayed in Legends in Concert’s show in Branson and in its locations in Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Atlantic City, Foxwoods, Waikiki and Norwegian EPIC. For over 29 years, Legends in Concert has provided music lovers the opportunity to reconnect with the memories of music superstars past and present. And the man who gave us many of those memories was Dick Clark. Branson was truly saddened by the loss of such a legendary television and music pioneer.
Being faced with two heart wrenching tragedies in just a few months may have been challenging, but Legends in Concert is back and better than ever. The recovery from the tornado has brought the Branson community as well as the Legends Branson family even closer. With the death of Dick Clark, the world was reminded of the brevity of life and the importance of appreciating and honoring those who have contributed so much to this world. But they will not be forgotten, as their legacy will live on at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. Both Branson and Legends in Concert has learned through all this that no matter how difficult the challenge, hard work and community will overcome all. And always remember….“The show must go on”.