Branson’s White House Theatre Welcomes Director Jerry Hoover and 300 Piece Award Winning Band

Tuesday, August 12, 2008 – Branson, Missouri –

Branson’s White House Theatre is opening it’s doors, WIDE, to welcome 300 members of Missouri State University’ Award Winning Pride Marching Band, who will be attending The Magnificent Seven Variety Show on August 20th as part of the Band’s “2008 Boot Camp” program.

“This is so exciting for us,” said Tamra Holden, a headliner and producer for the Magnificent Seven Variety Show. “It is an honor and a privilege that our show has been chosen for such an unprecedented event, and I am sure there will be an amazing party atmosphere that evening!”

Says Band Director Jerry Hoover, “The kids are really going to enjoy the musical variety. This show is fast paced with lots of energy and really talented performers, and there is music for all ages, both young and old. Even the music that is outside of one’s own time frame still draws you in, and these kids are all about music.”

The Pride Marching Band, led by 23 year veteran Director Hoover, is rated one of the finest marching bands in the country, and was recently invited to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. Known nationwide for its sound, explosive drum line and crack-precision flag line, the band has also been featured in events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Tournament of Roses Parade, and the Orange Bowl Parade. They have also appeared in the Super Dome for the New Orleans Saints, in the TransWorld Dome for the St. Louis Rams, at Arrowhead Stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs, at Mile High Stadium for the Denver Broncos, and, in 2005, had the privilege of being the honor band in the London New Year’s Day Parade.

“Bands have to apply for the Tournament of Roses Parade two years in advance and most never make it,” said Hoover. “When they first started calling to invite us to be the Honor band, I ignored them. I didn’t think it was real. I am not sure that has ever been done before. It turns out the current President of the Tournament of Roses Parade started working to get us as the Honor band six years before he was ever even elected President!”

Joe Tinoco, also a headliner and producer for the Magnificent Seven Variety Show, noted that “our show moves pretty fast, but not as fast as their drum line! Seriously, though, we perform a lot of music that these kids are going to recognize, and we are just going to have a really great time having them here with us.”

Band Camp for this year’s Pride Marching Band runs from August 15th through August 24th, with their first half time performance set for September 4th. They are also scheduled to appear as an Exhibition Band at the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival in October, and will present a “Musical Salute to Our Veterans” this November.

The Magnificent Seven Variety Show, currently in its 7th year of production, showcases seven decades of music with 16 entertainers and musicians, 75 production numbers, and over 300 costume changes. Enjoy a delicious four course meal served prior to show time. Performances are Monday through Saturday at 7pm, and children 11 and under are FREE! Call 877-487-2386 for reservations and information.

Contact: Renee’ Johnson – Marketing Director – 417-239-3016 [email protected]

Branson’s White House Theatre, located in the heart of Branson, Missouri, offers the finest in family entertainment and dining. Open year round, the Magnificent Seven Variety Show delivers a blockbuster wave of entertainment Monday through Saturday, with 16 multitalented entertainers and musicians, 75 production numbers, over 300 costume changes, and Seven Amazing Decades of Music served up with one Incredible Dinner! The Dixieland Breakfast Show features a fabulous country breakfast followed by a generous helping of the hottest horns in Branson. Sit back and enjoy a Dixieland variety show starring award-winning pianist Tracy Heaston that will put a smile on your face and have you hand-clappin’ and toe-tappin’ to the very best in American music and comedy!

Bobby Vinton and the Glenn Miller Orchestra Return to the Stage

This season – bring in the 2008 holidays with Bobby Vinton. A multi-talented musician, singer and actor, Bobby Vinton has sold more than 75 million albums during his career. In this full-stage musical gala, the “Total Entertainer” Vinton is joined by an orchestra, and family members to sing all of his most beloved hits and many more favorites. It’s a dazzling concert event.

Treat yourself to a magical night with Bobby Vinton, “Blue Velvet”, “Roses are Red”, and “Mr. Lonely” are just a few of the songs that have Billboard Magazine calling Bobby, the all-time most successful love singer of the “rock era”.

You’ll be enjoying two shows in one – Bobby Vinton along with the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra. The most popular and sought after big band tours the world for both concert and swing dance engagements. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all times.

The Bobby Vinton Show and The Glenn Miller Orchestra perform at The Mansion in Branson, Missouri from November 2nd through December 7th, 2008. For show schedule and ticket information – call 866 707 4100.

His platinum-plus album, Seminole Wind, is the story of the country music “come-back” of the decade. John has lived the larger-than-life saga of one of the most dramatic career turn-around! Swingin’ was not only the Country Music Association’s 1983 song of the year; it was more recently cited by the AMOA as one of its all-time top-forty jukebox hits – right up there with Hey Jude and other perennial favorites by The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline, George Jones, and the Rolling Stones. As the vocal genius who won Country Music Association’s Horizon Award – John Anderson helped lay the cornerstone for the 1980’s neo-traditionalist boom. Hits which showcased Anderson’s arresting, instantly recognizable vocal style are a provocative mix of honky tonk fervor, rockabilly/outlaw gusto, and just a hint or rock and roll.

John Anderson appears on stage at The Oak Ridge Boys Theatre in Brason, MO on Monday, September 22nd, 2008 at 7 PM. For tickets and reservations, call 1 417 239 1333.

Bill Cosby
The Mansion – Saturday, October 25th, 2008 8 PM

Humorist, author, star of stage and screen – Bill Cosby is by any standards one of the most influential people in America today. Whether it be through concert appearances or recording, television (Oprah Winfrey, Meet The Press) or films, commercials or education, published works (Come On People!) – Mr. Cosby has the ability to touch people’s lives!

THE MANSION ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA CENTER
Is pleased to announce a return performance of our favorite well-known comedian and five-time Grammy winner – Bill Cosby on Saturday, October 25th, at 8 PM in Branson, MO.

For tickets and more information, call 866 707 4100, group reservations accepted.

Johnny Mathis
The Mansion – Friday & Saturday
September 26th and 27th, 2008 8 PM

His two Grammy nominations for “Chances Are” and “Misty” mark only a few of Texan John Royce Mathis’s honors. Johnny’s talent and love for music was instilled in him at an early age by his father, Clem Mathis and he proved to be most eager! He sang in the church choir, school functions, community events, amateur shows, and for visitors in their home.

Not only a star athletic in school, his discovery by George Avakian, Columbia Records, prompted the now famous telegram to the record company: “Have found phenomenal 19 year old boy who could go all the way! Send blank contracts.”

Known for “Wonderful, Wonderful” and “It’s Not For Me To Say” – Johnny’s career reached a peak on the BILLBOARD pop chart in 1957 and was followed by his first #1 hit “Chances Are”. Johnny’s “Greatest Hits” became one of the most popular albums of all time and spent an unprecedented 490 continuous weeks (almost ten years) on the BILLBOARD Top Albums Chart. This record has been noted in THE GUINESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS.

THE MANSION ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA CENTER is pleased to announce Mr. Mathis’ performances in Branson, MO on Friday and Saturday evenings, September 26th and 27th at 8 PM. Accompanying him will be the renowned Springfield Symphony.

For tickets and more information, call 866 707 4100, group reservations accepted.

Now in its third week at the Gene Williams Theater, An Evening With Elvis has been receiving rave reviews from its audiences.

The show, which stars Tim Rowland, centers around the life of Elvis Presley and incorporates narration, music and special effects to transport the audience back to the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
Throughout the two-hour performance, Elvis “sets the record straight” about his life, loves, disappointments and fears.

The pre-show (which begins at 4:30 p.m. with curtain at 5 p.m.), includes rare footage of Elvis, including the very first video ever taken of the King.

Rowland, who has been named the Memphis Elvis tribute artist of choice two years in a row, looks and sounds like the real deal. No make-up or wigs here, folks.

Audience testimonials:

“This is the very best Elvis show in Branson and I’ve seen all of them.” -Two-for-ticket customer

“What a remarkable show! When I was 17 my family went to see Elvis and I had to stay home. I felt like this made up for that disappointment. I love this show and I will be back.” – Linda, St. Louis

“This is a show that Priscilla and Lisa Marie would be proud to see. It really honors Elvis as a man.” – Jeff, Branson

For information, call the box office at (417) 335-4400

The best-known quartet in the history of gospel music, the Blackwood Brothers Quartet will be in Branson Sunday, Aug. 10, and guest star on the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show” at 2 p.m. for the live taping at the Gene Williams Theatre inside the Branson Mall.

Admission is free for the taping and doors open at 1:30 p.m. Seating is first come, first seated. For more information call the box office at 417-335-4400.

“I am delighted to have the world-famous Blackwood Brothers Quartet guest star on my show. They will perform and join my co-host Katie Lynn and me for an up close and personal interview,” said Gene Williams who is the star and creator of the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show,” the only weekly television show taking Branson to more than 50 million homes coast-to-coast, border-to-border.

The Blackwood Brothers Quartet was formed in 1934 today James Blackwood’s son, Jimmy (James Jr.) Blackwood continues the 73-year tradition with Wayne Little, Randy Byrd and Brad White.

Five-time Grammy Award winner Jimmy Blackwood joined the Blackwood Brothers in 1969 after singing with the Junior Blackwood Brothers and J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. Both the Blackwood Brothers and Stamps have been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Little has sung with the Crystal River Boys and New Millennium. A tenor, he has sung at hundreds of events including a concert at the Pentagon with Franklin Graham.
Acclaimed as the best tenor/bass combination in the industry, Byrd previously sang with the group Majesty in Des Moines, Iowa.

A two-time Grammy nominee, baritone and piano showman, White joined the James Blackwood Quartet in 1990 and has traveled extensively in solo ministry throughout United States, Canada and over 30 countries.

In addition to the guest appearance on the Gene Williams Country Music Television Show, the Blackwood Brothers Quartet will be performing Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Salvation Army Church.

Also making guest appearances on the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show” Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Gene Williams Theatre located on Highway 76 are Joe Sanders, formerly of the Baldknobbers and Shepherd of the Hills, and the Chicken House Opry of Mountain View, Ark., who will performing at the Gene Williams Theatre beginning in September.

Brand New Show – mid-Season Area Appreciation Tues 22nd to Sat 26th July….2 p.m. show.

All Branson (Tri-Lake) area residents are invited to see Jon England’s “Royally Entertained” music show at the Caravelle Theatre (next to Jim Stafford’s!) to receive his warm and sincere thanks for their welcome to this special city.

A gorgeously featured, jam-packed 2 hour spectacular complete with a uniquely world famous “Royal” icon set against a backdrop direct from Hollywood’s Golden Age; every melody a multi-million seller; every costume change a glitzy tribute to Liberace’s Las Vegas nights…. Jon dazzles and tickles every ivory on THREE pianos which decorate the stage-set like so many diamonds on a moonlight lake.

Charming, disarming, warm and emotionally engaging – this International Piano Entertainer direct from London, England will have you tapping your toes, humming along and leaving you keen to share the news about this great new show with everyone you meet….friends, family, out-of-towners and all fellow Bransonians!

$5 each at the Caravelle box-office along with proof of Tri-County residency. Tuesday 22nd to Saturday 26th at 2 p.m.

“Glow In The Dark,” an exciting blacklight puppet presentation is coming to Branson Monday, July 21, 2008, 7:00pm at the Hamner Barber Theater.

This amazing production features of 35 different puppets, including several large six foot tall puppets. Featured characters are: Neon Leon, the Toobie Brothers, Dooey Wordsworth, and the Incredible Stretch-a-Bellies. The performance is for all ages, and admission is $10 per person or $25 per family, plus tax. For tickets call the theater box office at 417-334-4363 or order individual tickets online at www.HamnerBarber.com/tickets.htm.

The One Way Street Puppet Ministry Performance Team from Centenial, Colorado is touring seventeen states during it’s National tour, presenting over 30 different performances in churches, schools and conferences. The team is directed by Dale VonSeggen of Lone Tree, Colorado and Philip Haught of Lutz, Florida. Team members are Trent Black of Paris, Texas; JJ Graves of Papillion, Nebraska; Cory Spittler of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Jenny Davis of Smith’s Falls, Ontario; and Emily Demerath of Montogery, Illinois.

Related Websites: OneWayStreet.com

Jon England, the International Piano Showman from Great Britain brings his phenomenal transatlantic music show “Royally Entertained”, to the Caravelle Theatre on July 15th (Tuesday) at 2 p.m.and will run from Tuesday to Saturday throughout the Summer and Fall concluding with two weeks of Christmas Shows beginning Tuesday 2nd December.

www.jonengland.com

Having transformed the Theatre’s auditorium into a lavishly appointed luxury showroom environment with moving chandeliers, heavily-swagged “Moulin-Rouge” velvet draping, three gorgeous custom-built pianos, video backdrops and a host of unexpected surprises (including an extraordinary “Royal” guest), Jon provides non-stop dazzling and heart-warming presentations of the world’s most famous music and songs along with Noel Coward-style merriment delivered with drop-dead Roger Moore-style good looks.

This truly is a must-see show for anyone who hankers for stylish, classy, emotionally-moving and memorable show experience that’s easy on the eye, ear and pocket.

With adult tickets at $23 (plus a host of discounts for locals, seniors, veterans, church groups and families) at an ‘easy-to-find’ venue right on the “strip”, next to Jim Stafford’s and across from Mickey Gilley’s – be sure to be among the very first to experience the “Velvet Piano” phenomenon’s Branson premiere week of exciting shows.