Thursday, February 7, 2013

Kirby VanBurch completes tour of Branson Theaters

Signs for permanent residency in theater on Branson strip

(Branson MO ~ Tuesday, February 5, 2013) Kirby VanBurch, internationally renowned entertainer and illusionist, announced today that he has signed for permanent residency at a theater on Branson’s world famous West 76 Highway, fondly known as “the strip”. Kirby VanBurch has played at multiple different theaters throughout his 20 plus year career in Branson. Kirby says, “I’ve long joked about being one of the only entertainers in Branson actually touring Branson; so to be able to say that I’ve found my permanent home is really exciting; especially as me and the cats are ready to settle down.” Kirby’s new home at 1835 W 76 Country Boulevard will be renamed the Kirby VanBurch Theatre.

“This theater is perfect for my show. I like to have an intimate setting with my audiences so I can interact with them.” VanBurch adds, “This Theater has the space to allow me to do up close and personal magic and at the same time pull off some big illusions.” The new Kirby VanBurch Theatre (formerly known as Music City Centre) will also be home to Kirby’s famous Big Cats as well as his other furry (and not so furry) friends. “We’re in the process of doing some remodeling on the stage and should be able to open for shows on March 15 at 8:00pm,” says Kirby. “Along with the remodel we’re adapting the illusions to the new stage. Luckily, we’re quite familiar with the theater as Bambi was signed to do her own show there for three months in 2009 and we created special illusions for her for that run. Of course she’ll be featured in my show again this year.”

Tickets are on sale now for the 2013 season and may be purchased by calling the theater at 417-544-9075. For more information about Kirby VanBurch, his show, and the theater go to KirbyVanBurch.com

About Kirby VanBurch: Kirby VanBurch, called the “Prince of Magic” by the Princess of Thailand, voted World’s Best Illusionist by the World Magic Awards, named Entertainer of the Year and Magician of the Year (multiple times) by the International Magicians Society has been called one of “America’s Best Magic Shows” by the Travel Channel. His show in Branson has been a top selling show for over 20 years and features exotic animals including Royal white tigers, mind-reading, assistants cut in half, up close and personal sleight of hand, and much more. Also starring in the Kirby VanBurch Show is Bambi VanBurch, the Princess of Magic and the most awarded female magician of the decade. To learn more about Kirby’s show go to KirbyVanBurch.com.

Media Contact: Cindy Merry, 417-739-4925 tomerrys@interlinc.net

New show, Ayo starring Voices of Glory, debuts March 18

New production, famous stars to appear at Hughes Brothers Theatre

Ayo starring Voices of Glory kicks off its first season in Branson at the Hughes Brothers Theatre on Monday, March 18, 2013, at 3:00pm. The new show stars some very famous siblings, Michael, Avery, and Nadia Cole, who together are known as Voices of Glory. Ayo (Yoruba for Joy) is being co-produced by the Hughes Brothers who are known for their creative productions including the show it and the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show. Jason Hughes says, “In Ayo we’re taking the audience on a journey of joy using song, dance, lights, and the personalities of Michael, Avery, and Nadia, backed up by a live band.” Michael Cole adds, “We love the music and we love what music can do for people. In Ayo we want the audience to feel what we feel when we sing – a pure call to joy!” Shows are from March through December, check schedule for exact dates and specific show times.

Nadia Cole says, “Ayo adds another level to the Branson show mix. While Ayo features our original music, and of course our gospel favorites, it also reaches out to visitors of all ages with current and familiar songs that speak to the musical soul.” Avery Cole adds, “Ayo is also a slang term for ‘Hey you’…and we’re hoping that just like that term reaches out and grabs your attention…that Ayo will reach out and grab your heart!”

Long time fans of the Voices of Glory are familiar with their amazing story. They first started singing together in a hospital room for their mother who was in a coma brought on by a head-on collision with a drunk driver. The kids serenaded their mother for months and then she came out of her coma. They continued to visit hospitals singing for others who were in need. Then they appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2009 – where their audition in front of the live audience was awe-inspiring. Their eventual rank in the top 5 catapulted them into major appearances and touring internationally. They most recently appeared in Branson as a featured act in Andy Williams Christmas Show. Their most recent international appearance took them to Germany for Weihnachtszauber. Of their many charitable and recording projects, their most current project - a new album called “Send-A-Miracle” - will be available on March 1 and includes some of their own original music.

Jeff Topper, Director of Sales for the Hughes Brothers Theatre says, “All of the shows at our theater are really designed for today’s audiences. At the Hughes Brothers Theatre we’re already open with our hit show it and we’re excited about adding another upbeat show like Ayo starring Voices of Glory to our theatre line-up.” Voices of Glory’s management team – their parents Michael and Felicia Cole, and Uncle Gerard – add that “we believe the Hughes Brothers Theatre in Branson, MO is the perfect fit for the Voices of Glory.”

For schedules, tickets, and other information call 417-334-0076 or visit HughesBrothersTheatre.com.

About Voices of Glory The Voices of Glory are a group of siblings (Michael, Avery, and Nadia Cole) whose unique style of singing harmonies, pitch perfect sound, and shining personalities have led to some amazing success at a young age. From landing in the top 5 of America’s Got Talent in 2009 to touring internationally, performing at the Annual GMA’s Dove Awards, the 2010 and 2011 ICM Awards, at Madison Square, to being a featured act in Andy Williams 2012 Christmas Show and now to their own show, Ayo, in Branson, Missouri, the Voices of Glory have inspired millions with their personal story. They started to sing together in 2007 when their mother was in a coma brought on by a head-on collision with a drunk driver. For months they serenaded their mother and she eventually came out of a coma. TheVoicesOfGlory.com

About the Hughes Brothers Theatre
Hughes Brothers Theatre located on Hwy 76 in Branson, Missouri features three unique and cutting-edge shows – Ayo starring Voices of Glory, it, and the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show. Shows are performed January through December, 10:00am, 3:00pm, and 8:00pm. The 1,100 seat theatre also features balcony dining in the theatre. The historical theatre (originally the first nationally owned star theatre in Branson) has recently been renovated and sits in the heart of Branson’s theatre district. it features over 50 award-winning singers, dancers, and musicians, including the Hughes Brothers and their families, who combined their astonishing scope of talents to create Branson’s Ultimate Entertainment Experience. Ayo starring Voices of Glory is a joy-filled show packed full of break-through entertainment from Voices of Glory (Top 5 Finalists on American’s Got Talent) performing everything from Pop to Jazz to Soul to Gospel and more. Hughes Brothers Christmas Show features the season’s best harmonies, exciting dance, festive surprises and family traditions in a show that is a triumph of everything you want to feel at Christmas time. HughesBrothersTheatre.com

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Hughes Brothers Christmas Show

A Triumph of Everything You Want To Feel At Christmas Time!

USA Today says, “The Show Owns the Title of World’s Largest Performing Family!” While the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show boasts the largest family cast in Branson… the size of the on-stage family isn’t what makes this such a memorable Christmas show. It’s the astonishing scope of entertainment and talent presented for your enjoyment!


During November and December, step back in time as the Hughes Brothers, and their families, magically transform the present to a Christmas wonderland.



The Hughes Brothers Christmas Show brings you the season's best vocal harmonies, exciting dances, inspiring instrumentals, and of course, the charm & light-hearted humor that everyone loves about these five multi-talented brothers.
                                                                                                                                                              See Santa in a new light when he explains the symbols of Christmas in the most moving Christmas presentation you’ve ever witnessed.



But that’s not all . . . the show is filled with lots of festive surprises!


Your heart will melt as dozens of Hughes children decorate the stage with extraordinary talent.
The brothers share hysterical Christmas wishes and even Mama Hughes’s traditional Swedish cookies with the audience.









From their spine tingling harmonies to the amazing production that fills the stage the Hughes Brothers – Marty, Jason, Adam, Ryan, and Andy – move your feet, your hands, and your heart.





It’s an all-new special production for the Christmas season that features two hours of joyful celebration.



With music, love, laughter, and treasured family traditions – and all the sights and sounds of Christmas including a live nativity scene – this unique holiday special will make you glow!



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Add dinner with your show! Enjoy a full-course meal with table top dining inside the theater!
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For tickets call 417-334-0076 or 800-422-0076 or visit HughesBrothersTheatre.com.
Hughes Brothers Theatre is located at 3425 W 76 Country Blvd in Branson, MO.

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Come back from January through October to experience it-little word…Big SHOW!
it – where over 50 amazing singers, dancers, and musicians combine
their astonishing scope of talents to create
Branson’s Ultimate Entertainment Experience.
See it…Hear it…Feelit…Love it!

Jim Stafford's Christmas Show gives everyone a reason to Ho! Ho! Ho!

Jim Stafford's Christmas Show - “…a perfect blend of merriment, mirth, and more…”
-- Branson Update

Jim Stafford hosts a magical holiday celebration that warms your heart and tickles your funny bone. Packing the first half of his show with favorites from throughout the year, Jim delivers his holiday cheer after intermission. Jim opens his show with some awesome guitar pickin’ and from there; Jim takes his audience on a roller coaster ride of comedy and laughter.

As Jim starts the second half of the show with a totally empty stage, you’ll watch as Christmas comes alive before your eyes. Sing-along with “Oh Boy, It’s Christmas Time”, gasp at the sensational surprises, and revel in the Holidayspirit. Famous for his in-house real 3-D Virtual Thrill Ride, Jim creates a totally new 3-D experience for Christmas. Daughter G.G. is the perfect angel as she plays her harp and looks like a gift from heaven. Ann Stafford joins in for some holiday banter and to give thanks for the true meaning of Christmas. Son, Sheaffer shows how Christmas rocks and Jim performs an absolutely amazing Classical Christmas on his guitar. Jim’s show is full of gifts-- beautiful music, heartwarming moments and as always, the sounds of laughter.

You’ll be laughing all the way when you see Jim’s very special Christmas Show. It’s a perfect blend of merriment, mirth, and more. Jim presents the gift of laughter wrapped up in a marvelous world of wonderful entertainment and every enchanting moment is Jim Stafford’s special gift to you.

Jim Stafford's Christmas Shows begin November 1 and are at 8pm and some selected 3pm dates. The exact schedule is available on Jim's website at JimStafford.com. Jim Stafford's Rockin' Comedy Show dates are December 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30. There's a special New Years Eve show on December 31 at 9:30 PM. Call 417-335-8080 or visit www.jimstafford.com






Tim Zimmerman & the King's Brass to perform at Hughes Brothers Theatre

Branson, MO (Thursday, October 25, 2012)Tim Zimmerman & the King’s Brass Christmas Concerts will perform at the Hughes Brothers Theatre in Branson, MO. Presenting the “best in Christmas and sacred brass music” during Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas celebration, Tim Zimmerman & the King’s Brass perform November 6 through the 16. Show times are 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and at 10am on Wednesdays and Fridays.
     
For more than twenty years, The King's Brass have performed over one hundred concerts each season with three trumpets, three trombones, a tuba, keyboards, and percussion. Playing a wide variety of music from Gabrieli to hymn classics, from Handel to jazz spirituals, from Christmas carols to patriotic marches, The King's Brass uses all corners of the concert hall to lift hearts and spirits in praise. These Christian professionals from across the US have teamed together to perform their original arrangements and provide innovative worship for young and old alike. During their show, they present best loved classic hymns with a contemporary flair. As author Chuck Swindoll says, "Their performance is a delightful blend of tasteful variety, light-hearted fun, and musical excellence."
Secular and sacred music critics alike applaud their concerts. Concert Director from Boca Raton Bibletown, Donald Hescott adds, "Truly, an unforgettable experience!" Tim Ostrander of the Moody Bible Institute says, "The King's Brass always presents an exciting and innovative program that is technically superb. They are always on my 'return' list!" Tim Zimmerman says, “We’re thrilled to be returning to Branson during Ozark Mountain Christmas. Being on the world famous Hwy 76 at the Hughes Brothers Theatre is an added benefit, especially as the Hughes Brothers Theatre has a reputation for bringing in quality acts and award-winning shows. We think our fans will enjoy the theatre setting and we feel right at home.” Lena Hughes, theatre co-owner and general manager, adds, “This is the type of show we really love to present to Branson visitors. Tim Zimmerman & the King’s Brass are unique and totally different from anything else currently being presented in Branson. We’re also pleased that our Hughes Brothers Christmas Show has added dates this year and will be running through December 30 and that we’ll also have a special New Year’s Eve Show on December 31.
 
To purchase tickets to see Tim Zimmerman & the King's Brass Christmas Concerts, the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, and it – Celebrates New Year’s Eve Show, call 417-334-0076 or 1-800-422-0076. For more information about all three shows go to HughesBrothersTheatre.com

Friday, June 1, 2012

Live Music Shows are Branson's Entertainment Heart

Live music shows are Branson's entertainment heart
by Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull


Who could have known back in 1959 that when the Mabe family started performing their country music variety show called the “Baldknobbers,” in a small 50 seat basement room in the Branson Community Center, the show would still be going 50 years later? Who would have thought that not only would the Baldknobbers be around 50 years later, but that that there would be another 99 or so shows of every type and description also entertaining millions of Branson guests?

If, in 1959, someone had said, “50 years from now people will be coming from all over the world to see live music shows in Branson” they would have been laughed at. Well, no one’s laughing now.

Oh sure, the millions of visitors coming to Branson come to see more than shows. They come to see the natural wonder of the Ozark Mountains, play or fish in one of our three lakes, go to Silver Dollar City to one of Branson’s many other attractions, shop or participate in the myriad of activities and things there is to see and do in and around Branson. But, let there be no doubt about it, the very heart beat of Branson’s entertainment heart started with the first beat of music from the Baldknobbers show 50 years ago.

To an Ole Seagull, Branson’s entertainment heart is its music shows, particularly its family music shows and the values they represent. It is that heart that pumped the entertainment blood that enabled Branson to grow from one show entertaining a few fishermen a couple of nights a week in downtown Branson into the varied entertainment Mecca, entertaining about 7.5 million guests per year, it has become.

Oh sure a lot of things happened in conjunction with that first show, the completion of Table Rock Dam, the expending of Marvel Cave into what would become eventually become the international theme park award winner, Silver Dollar City, the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama and improvements to Highway 65. In 1967 the Presleys’ Country Jubilee opened its theatre on the now famous Branson Strip followed by the Baldknobbers as they moved out from their downtown location, the Foggy River Boys, and the Plummer Family. From there history speaks for itself.

Branson’s original country show style provided the foundation upon which the Branson show industry has grown. But today, as the live music show capital of the world celebrates 50 years of music shows those shows provide a breadth of entertainment that transcends any one genre or type of music.

The term “music show” covers just about every show in Branson where music is used either as a primary or peripheral element. Branson is celebrating 50 years of music shows because its shows have provided the type of entertainment and perceived value system that its audiences embrace and have become a unique part of the Branson entertainment brand that brings millions of people to Branson each year.

As those visitor come the see Branson they are offered a choice of shows offering everything from music, magic, comedy acrobatic, outdoor drama, pets, and variety shows most of which are still true to the initial family values and the heritage that started it all. Indeed, on just about a nightly basis throughout the season, one can still see, the “Baldknobbers,” “the show that started it all” and the “Presley’s Country Jubilee,” ‘the first show on the Branson Strip’” perform while having the choice of seeing one of the 98 other live shows available.

Some say Branson needs new entertainers, demographics, etc. An Ole Seagull believes that Branson needs to follow its “heart,” keep it healthy, promote and market it and the same thing that has happened over the last 50 years will continue to happen. It is an Ole Seagull’s prayer that Branson will always stay true to its shows and values because, he believes, that is the heart beat of Branson’s entertainment uniqueness and success.
http://www.bransoncourier.com/issue-58/-1125..html

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Branson Zipline part of Carl Junction CARES challenge

Carl Junction, MO raising big money for breast cancer research
Post office, mini-skirts, Branson Zipline, and poodle skirts play part

(Branson, MO – Thursday, October 13, 2011) — Want to know how to raise big bucks for breast cancer research? Just ask Carl Junction’s Chamber of Commerce President, Gary Stubblefield. This month, Stubblefield plans to take part in a flash mob, illuminate Carl Junction with pink lighting, wear a pink mini-skirt at city council meetings and among other things – if Carl Junction can raise over $40,000 – wear a pink poodle skirt while zipping at Wolfe Creek Preserve home of Branson Zipline Canopy Tours. And not just any zip, he’ll take flight on the Blue Streak Fast Line (at one point soaring over 150’ in the air) and then take the plunge on the Freefall Xpress, North America’s only 100’ freefall dismount controlled by a power fan.

Carl Junction is a small Missouri community (pop. 7,500) however in 2010 they took second place nationally in raising funds to purchase breast cancer awareness postage stamps. Those funds go towards breast cancer research. Stubblefield says, “In addition Carl Junction CARES, the group supporting stamp sales, has fundraising and awareness activities to raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO), the Hope4You breast cancer foundation and for the association Early Detection Works.” For October, National Breast Cancer Awareness month, Carl Junction CARES, led by Stubblefield, plans for dozens of activities to help them take first place in raising funds for 2011. “Last year, the post office that placed first in the nation sold $42,000 worth of stamps, our goal is to beat that amount. If we can raise over $40,000 by October 31, you’ll see me and my pretty pink poodle skirt at Branson Zipline Canopy Tours on November 5. I hope to be joined by our City Council, the mayor, city administrators and Carl Junction Post Master,” says Stubblefield. “Now that will be worth the price of the stamps alone.”

There are additional activities and ways that you can help Carl Junction meet its goal. “With Carl Junction Cares the bottom line is anything can be done, if you believe enough in what you are doing. We have had two detections in our first 3 years of doing this. That is what I am most proud of,” says Stubblefield. “We will be busy just about every day to bring attention to the cause.” The observance kicked off the first of October with Carl Junction going pink at dusk and sales of the official United States Postal Service’s breast cancer awareness postage stamp at the Carl Junction post office, 111 S. Main St. The lighting, along with pink ribbons on utility poles and pink awareness ribbons on Main Street, will be in place throughout the month. To participate in supporting the cause by purchasing postage stamps from any location contact the Carl Junction Post Office at 417-649-7831.

To get exact information, dates, and times for other fundraising activities go to facebook on the internet and like Carl Junction CARES at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carl-Junction-CARES/314567013845

Currently the list of activities includes:
• Oct. 15, “Zumba to Show You Care” from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Primary K-2 North School gymnasium.
• Oct. 16, “CJHS/FBLA Breast Cancer Walk to Show You Care” from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Carl Junction High School Bulldog Stadium, under the direction of the Carl Junction High School Future Business Leaders of America. Prizes will be awarded to the largest team, most creatively costumed team and more.
• If, by Oct. 18, the post office hits the $20,000 mark in stamp sales, Carl Junction City Administrator Steve Lawyer will wear a pink mini-skirt to the City Council meeting.
• Oct. 20, a flash mob, “Twist to Show You Care”. Location to be announced on facebook “Have your pink shirt on and be ready to do the twist in the area’s largest flash mob ever,” said Stubblefield.
• Oct. 25, Mercy Hospital’s mobile mammography unit will be in the Carl Junction Community Center parking lot from 8a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30p.m.
• Oct. 27, Carl Junction CARES (CJ CARES) will have an information booth set up at “Bridging the Generations” senior expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Bridge, 3405 S. Hammons Blvd.
• Oct. 28, the fourth annual CJ CARES “Community Snapshot to Show You Care” will be taken in ribbon formation at 6:30 p.m. at the Carl Junction High School stadium. Public participation is sought for the event.
• Other events that have taken place include: The “Skate to Show You Care” held at Spinning Wheels SK8 Center. At that time the post office hit $10,000 in breast cancer awareness postage stamp sales, the entire City Council wore pink poodle skirts to that night’s council meeting. Saturday, Oct. 8, “Breast Cancer Awareness Biker Style,” a breast cancer awareness expo, was held from 10 a.m. to noon at Cycle Connection of Joplin.

“Keep checking our facebook page for new activities and I sure hope to see all of you out at the Branson Zipline watching me and my poodle skirt fly across the sky,” says Stubblefield. “That’ll be one freefall dismount where the shouting is all about the joy of achieving our goal and helping keep breast cancer awareness top of mind.”

Media Members for more information contact:
Gary Stubblefield, President Carl Junction Chamber, 417-208-9082