October 23 by Joshua Clark, Entertainment writer for Branson Tri-Lakes Newspaper
Despite the wet, overcast day Thursday, the sun seemed to be shining brightly over the New Shanghai Theatre as the New Shanghai Circus received several local dignitaries, as well as some from China, as it was presented with a rare honor.
“The reason I came here today is to honor the New Shanghai Circus as an International Foundation of Chinese Cultural Entertainment,” Jin Lin, president of the Acrobats Association, said through an interpreter. “To the Chinese people, this is a very amazing honor.”
This honor is so special, just the fact it was presented on American soil says something about the relationship between China and the United States.
“This team has made a great contribution to our Chinese culture,” Lin said. “They have brought our heritage to many American people, which helps not only show our culture, but build our relationships. Our continued success relies on the people of Taney County, the Chamber of Commerce and members of the media.”
Lin also spoke of the importance of having a good relationship between two important countries.
“After several years of heightened relationships, now the Chinese and American people have a very decent friendship,” Lin said. “You can buy all products made in China in the United States, and in China, we see McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and Kentucky Fried Chicken everywhere.”
The Chinese people believe that sharing their culture and heritage with the rest of the world will bring people closer together.
“It is really unusual for a Chinese businessman to come to America, start a corporation and be able to compete in a market such as Branson,” Cindy Merry said. “This event is being featured on newspapers and television shows all over China. This is really a big deal.”
In addition to Lin, Western Taney County Commissioner Jim Strafuss also presented the theater with a resolution from the county that he presented with the help of his daughter, Liberty, who he adopted from China in 2004.
“The Chinese culture is very near and dear to my heart,” Strafuss said. “The theater and this association has a lot of community involvement, including the Adopted Chinese Children Association, and we are very honored they chose Taney County for their home base to showcase these acrobats.”
Jerry Adams, Branson public information director, was also on hand to honor the guests.
“It is an honor to have all these dignitaries from China here in Branson,” Adams said. “Having this show here really expands what Branson has to offer to the millions of tourists that visit our community. Plus, it gives the area such a great international flare.”
The New Shanghai Circus will also be an integral part of a 2010 promotion called “See the World in Branson.” More details on the promotion as they become available.
“I think that this is all just great,” Merry said. “They add something really different to Branson.”
The New Shanghai Circus performs shows at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 p.m. shows on Sundays. For additional information, visit acrobatsofchina.com, or call 417-336-8888.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Is Branson's Buck Trent show "It?" - "Oh Yeah!"
October 22nd, 2009 by Gary J. Groman
“Oh yeah,” the Buck Trent show is one entertaining, lively and exciting way to start a day in Branson. From start to finish, this show is quality non-stop comedy, singing and music presented by some of the most talented singers and musicians in Branson.
Obviously, this show has a star, Buck Trent, who lives up to his billing as a “premier international five string banjo picker, master musician, hilarious humorist, and entertainer extraordinaire,” but from an audience entertainment perspective it’s the way those talents are blended in with the rest of the cast that helps make the show so special. The singing provided by Kenny Parrott and Melody Hart along with their instrumental playing, Parrott on the guitar, Hart on the fiddle and mandolin; Rob Blackwood, drums; Dave Clark, bass guitar; Bruce Hoffman, steel guitar and fiddle and Jonathan Black on the piano and saxophone combine with Buck to provide two of the fastest and most entertaining hours in Branson morning, noon or night!
Click here to read the rest of the story: http://news.bucktrent.com/2009/10/is-bransons-buck-trent-show-it-oh-yeah.html
“Oh yeah,” the Buck Trent show is one entertaining, lively and exciting way to start a day in Branson. From start to finish, this show is quality non-stop comedy, singing and music presented by some of the most talented singers and musicians in Branson.
Obviously, this show has a star, Buck Trent, who lives up to his billing as a “premier international five string banjo picker, master musician, hilarious humorist, and entertainer extraordinaire,” but from an audience entertainment perspective it’s the way those talents are blended in with the rest of the cast that helps make the show so special. The singing provided by Kenny Parrott and Melody Hart along with their instrumental playing, Parrott on the guitar, Hart on the fiddle and mandolin; Rob Blackwood, drums; Dave Clark, bass guitar; Bruce Hoffman, steel guitar and fiddle and Jonathan Black on the piano and saxophone combine with Buck to provide two of the fastest and most entertaining hours in Branson morning, noon or night!
Click here to read the rest of the story: http://news.bucktrent.com/2009/10/is-bransons-buck-trent-show-it-oh-yeah.html
What do the New Shanghai Circus and the Baldknobbers have in common?
October 23rd, 2009 by Gary J. Groman
On October 22, the “New Shanghai Circus,” founded in Shanghai, China by Mr. Lizhi Zhao in 1991, received a plaque of recognition from Mr. Jian Lin, President of the Chinese Acrobats Association (CAA), honoring the “New Shanghai Circus” for sharing Chinese talent, entertainment and culture with the United States and other nations. What’s remarkable is that the award was presented to Mr. Zhao, not in Shanghai, China, but over 7,254 miles away in Branson, Missouri.
Even more remarkable is the fact that the award was presented to Mr. Zhao, and other representatives of the “New Shanghai Circus,” in the “New Shanghai Circus Theatre” built in Branson specifically to accommodate the performances of one of Branson’ s most unique and beautiful shows, “The Acrobats of China.” Some might ask, “What’s a Chinese acrobatic show doing in Branson, Missouri where the Baldknobbers country music and comedy show started it all 50 years ago?” The answer is, “Doing the same thing the Baldknobbers did, and are still doing 50 years later, providing Branson visitors with a quality entertainment experience.”
What an evolution has taken place since the first Baldknobbers show. The Branson show scene has grown and expanded to the point where, from comedy to outdoor drama and music from country to opera, the Branson entertainment experience has a high quality show available for just about every taste. Thanks the visionary and persistent efforts of Mr. Zhao and his business associates, since 1998 that experience has included the excitement, strength, grace, and beauty of Chinese acrobatics entertaining Branson audiences as the “The Acrobats of China” shares the incredible talents of its cast and their culture with Branson and the world.
Pictured below at the CAA recognition ceremony October 22, 2009, left to right are: Ms. Xu Ying, shareholder and Artistic Director; Mr. Lizhi Zhao, President and shareholder, Jerry Adams, Public Information Director City of Branson; Jim Strafus, Western District Taney County Commissioner; Mr. Jian Lin, President of the Chinese Acrobats Association; Mr. Ziqian Tan, shareholder and Mr. Jianhua Gu, shareholder.
In an effort to enhance the Branson experience through a “bit” of information about the area we love and service, BTC Branson Bits is sponsored by the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). BTC is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-875-1550 or by visiting their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
On October 22, the “New Shanghai Circus,” founded in Shanghai, China by Mr. Lizhi Zhao in 1991, received a plaque of recognition from Mr. Jian Lin, President of the Chinese Acrobats Association (CAA), honoring the “New Shanghai Circus” for sharing Chinese talent, entertainment and culture with the United States and other nations. What’s remarkable is that the award was presented to Mr. Zhao, not in Shanghai, China, but over 7,254 miles away in Branson, Missouri.
Even more remarkable is the fact that the award was presented to Mr. Zhao, and other representatives of the “New Shanghai Circus,” in the “New Shanghai Circus Theatre” built in Branson specifically to accommodate the performances of one of Branson’ s most unique and beautiful shows, “The Acrobats of China.” Some might ask, “What’s a Chinese acrobatic show doing in Branson, Missouri where the Baldknobbers country music and comedy show started it all 50 years ago?” The answer is, “Doing the same thing the Baldknobbers did, and are still doing 50 years later, providing Branson visitors with a quality entertainment experience.”
What an evolution has taken place since the first Baldknobbers show. The Branson show scene has grown and expanded to the point where, from comedy to outdoor drama and music from country to opera, the Branson entertainment experience has a high quality show available for just about every taste. Thanks the visionary and persistent efforts of Mr. Zhao and his business associates, since 1998 that experience has included the excitement, strength, grace, and beauty of Chinese acrobatics entertaining Branson audiences as the “The Acrobats of China” shares the incredible talents of its cast and their culture with Branson and the world.
Pictured below at the CAA recognition ceremony October 22, 2009, left to right are: Ms. Xu Ying, shareholder and Artistic Director; Mr. Lizhi Zhao, President and shareholder, Jerry Adams, Public Information Director City of Branson; Jim Strafus, Western District Taney County Commissioner; Mr. Jian Lin, President of the Chinese Acrobats Association; Mr. Ziqian Tan, shareholder and Mr. Jianhua Gu, shareholder.
In an effort to enhance the Branson experience through a “bit” of information about the area we love and service, BTC Branson Bits is sponsored by the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). BTC is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-875-1550 or by visiting their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Dino's Christmas Show in Branson at Yakov's Theatre
Dino's Christmas Show will appear at Yakov's Theatre in Branson from November 2 through December 12. Shows are at 2 and 8pm with 3 special 9:30am appearances.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Stars Shine at Chateau on the Lake
Guests danced and feasted at the Party With The Stars event held at Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa last weekend.
By Joshua Clark — Branson Tri-Lakes News Posted: Saturday, October 10, 2009
Last week, the League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers, along with sponsors the Branson Tourism Center, Branson.com, and Best Buy hosted their first ever “Party With The Stars” event. Held at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, this event allowed Branson entertainers, theater owners, musicians and anyone who works in the business to mingle with area residents.
“Yakov Sm-irnoff asked me if we could do one every month,” Cindy Merry, marketing team chair of the Branson theatre league, said.
“Everyone just seemed to have a great time. I loved it. I had a blast.”
As guests arrived, they walked a red carpet, complete with photographers, a television camera from the Vacation Channel and Branson’s very own Joan Rivers, portrayed by Terry Sanders.
“He makes me so mad because he has the best set of legs,” Merry said. “But he donated his own time and worked the red carpet, making everyone feel like a star.”
Unbeknownst to the interviewees, the entire red carpet entries were broadcast on a large television inside the event. That way, everyone inside could see the parade of stars.
“That was really neat, and the Vacation Channel donated their time and equipment, as well.” Merry said.
Once inside, guests were treated to dining and dancing, a silent auction and the chance to play the new “Rock Band: The Beatles” game on a big screen television, which was donated by Best Buy in Branson.
As the evening grew later, the stars began to arrive after finishing off their evening shows. Jim Stafford, Yakov Smirnoff, Paul Revere, Bill and McKenna Medley, Doug Gabriel and his family, members of the Platters, the Liverpool Legends, Legends in Concert, Mike Walker, The Haygoods, Six and the Hughes Brothers were just a few of the many stars who showed up to party.
Mayor Reanne Presley presented a key to the city to the Mabe family in honor of 50 years entertaining Ozark Mountain Country residents. After the presentation, singing impressionist Mike Walker did his rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” while everyone hit the dance floor.
“I was out there doing the electric slide while my son was doing a moonwalk,” Merry said. “Those are the types of things that we usually don’t get to share with members of the community.”
One major factor to the evening was the fact that area entertainers came out and supported the event.
“They really came out in force,” Merry said. “It was great to see them signing autographs and talking to the fans in attendance. We really needed a night like this.”
I could not agree more.
For the past several years it seems like the fact that this is such a small community has been lost in the everyday shuffle of life. Many theater owners and show producers who have done “hit and run” shows to make a quick buck before getting out of town are becoming a thing of the past. With the current economic climate and the state of things being unsure, it is nice to see a group of people who have been in town such a long time giving the people who make Branson go ‘round, the workers and residents, an opportunity to take part in an event like this.
“I grew up here, and this reminded me of the old days where everyone was family,” Merry said. “You know, that community feeling that everyone is working together to make this town the special place that it is.”
By Joshua Clark — Branson Tri-Lakes News Posted: Saturday, October 10, 2009
Last week, the League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers, along with sponsors the Branson Tourism Center, Branson.com, and Best Buy hosted their first ever “Party With The Stars” event. Held at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, this event allowed Branson entertainers, theater owners, musicians and anyone who works in the business to mingle with area residents.
“Yakov Sm-irnoff asked me if we could do one every month,” Cindy Merry, marketing team chair of the Branson theatre league, said.
“Everyone just seemed to have a great time. I loved it. I had a blast.”
As guests arrived, they walked a red carpet, complete with photographers, a television camera from the Vacation Channel and Branson’s very own Joan Rivers, portrayed by Terry Sanders.
“He makes me so mad because he has the best set of legs,” Merry said. “But he donated his own time and worked the red carpet, making everyone feel like a star.”
Unbeknownst to the interviewees, the entire red carpet entries were broadcast on a large television inside the event. That way, everyone inside could see the parade of stars.
“That was really neat, and the Vacation Channel donated their time and equipment, as well.” Merry said.
Once inside, guests were treated to dining and dancing, a silent auction and the chance to play the new “Rock Band: The Beatles” game on a big screen television, which was donated by Best Buy in Branson.
As the evening grew later, the stars began to arrive after finishing off their evening shows. Jim Stafford, Yakov Smirnoff, Paul Revere, Bill and McKenna Medley, Doug Gabriel and his family, members of the Platters, the Liverpool Legends, Legends in Concert, Mike Walker, The Haygoods, Six and the Hughes Brothers were just a few of the many stars who showed up to party.
Mayor Reanne Presley presented a key to the city to the Mabe family in honor of 50 years entertaining Ozark Mountain Country residents. After the presentation, singing impressionist Mike Walker did his rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” while everyone hit the dance floor.
“I was out there doing the electric slide while my son was doing a moonwalk,” Merry said. “Those are the types of things that we usually don’t get to share with members of the community.”
One major factor to the evening was the fact that area entertainers came out and supported the event.
“They really came out in force,” Merry said. “It was great to see them signing autographs and talking to the fans in attendance. We really needed a night like this.”
I could not agree more.
For the past several years it seems like the fact that this is such a small community has been lost in the everyday shuffle of life. Many theater owners and show producers who have done “hit and run” shows to make a quick buck before getting out of town are becoming a thing of the past. With the current economic climate and the state of things being unsure, it is nice to see a group of people who have been in town such a long time giving the people who make Branson go ‘round, the workers and residents, an opportunity to take part in an event like this.
“I grew up here, and this reminded me of the old days where everyone was family,” Merry said. “You know, that community feeling that everyone is working together to make this town the special place that it is.”
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