The Branson Shuffle starts early

[HumphreyHawk]

Not only has everyone left.....who is out there to replace them?  The 'big' artist who benefited from the cassette/CD sales and record deals don't need a Branson show to survive.  They still have money from the peak period and/or still get digital sales.  I mean.....Garth, Tim McGraw/Faith, Toby,  Reba level of artist could probably run shows the draws but who from that level would want to do it (or do it in Branson).  I'm sure there are some 'B level' artist could do it but they also are probably doing fine by doing the Casino circuit tour a few months a year.

It's easier than ever for new artist to release music but it's harder than ever for new artist to be heard and become 'successful' or popular enough to fill a building by themselves (let alone 3-4 shows a night at the same place).  Bransons best bet might be for some type of 'homegrown' talent making it big.

[Swoosh]

All the big name entertainers seem to have left Branson in the past several years.  Nobody really big time left anymore

Actually most have retired (or died).  Shoji and the Haygoods are still there. 

[runner1960]

All the big name entertainers seem to have left Branson in the past several years.  Nobody really big time left anymore

Actually most have retired (or died).  Shoji and the Haygoods are still there.

Yes, But I think he was talking about national acts and not the locals. Haygoods and Shoji aren't known outside Branson.

[Okiebenz]

Yes, you used to have Andy Williams who died for example. Yakov is gone etc etc etc.  I have never seen Shogi but the last time I was over there a few weeks ago it appears Shogi is now gone also.

[sanddunerider]

All the big name entertainers seem to have left Branson in the past several years.  Nobody really big time left anymore

Actually most have retired (or died).  Shoji and the Haygoods are still there.

Yes, But I think he was talking about national acts and not the locals. Haygoods and Shoji aren't known outside Branson.

I think you may be selling the Haygoods short...  In recent years they have sang national anthem at the National PBR finals in Vegas,,  they have a had 2 TV shows (series), more recently have done some recordings in nashville,  and of course they have several recording on I-tunes and Your tube...

[runner1960]

All the big name entertainers seem to have left Branson in the past several years.  Nobody really big time left anymore

Actually most have retired (or died).  Shoji and the Haygoods are still there.

Yes, But I think he was talking about national acts and not the locals. Haygoods and Shoji aren't known outside Branson.

I think you may be selling the Haygoods short...  In recent years they have sang national anthem at the National PBR finals in Vegas,,  they have a had 2 TV shows (series), more recently have done some recordings in nashville,  and of course they have several recording on I-tunes and Your tube...

Sorry, They are still a regional act. No national exposure. Just a good Karaoke group. Now if they top the charts thats a different story. Heck , I could put a recording on You Tube. And the TV show about Barry was not even renewed for a second season on a second tier network. Sorry, I just think they are a good local act that sings other peoples songs. Reminds me of a 1980's Mr Roboto Styx video.

[sanddunerider]

[/quote]

Sorry, They are still a regional act. No national exposure. Just a good Karaoke group. Now if they top the charts thats a different story. Heck , I could put a recording on You Tube.
[/quote]


Karaoke group?  No National exposure?   Really?  LMAO!!  ok runner..  whatever  you think.. Not going to butt heads with you on this topic..  LOL.

[runner1960]

Fanboys will be fanboys. Sorry they ain't all that.

[Swoosh]

Is it seriously worth arguing about and now name calling?   Ridiculous. 

[biscuitcreek]

There are recognizable acts who are now performing in Branson on a 1 or 2 night basis -- Jay Leno, David Cassidy, Loretta Lynn, Larry the Cable Guy, Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, the Oak Ridge Boys, Pam Tillis, Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits, Charley Pride, BJ Thomas, Rhonda Vincent, Dailey and Vincent, T. Graham Brown, Ronnie Milsap, and more.

In the 90s some of the names I mentioned had regular Branson shows but these days more performers have decided the way to make a living is to be on tour. When Shoji's theater is dark, he is usually out on the road.

[sirwillow]

I think you may be selling the Haygoods short...  In recent years they have sang national anthem at the National PBR finals in Vegas,,  they have a had 2 TV shows (series), more recently have done some recordings in nashville,  and of course they have several recording on I-tunes and Your tube...

Up til we moved here 5 years ago we'd never heard of the Haygoods.  Or the Presleys.  Or the Baldknobbers.  Barely remembered the Duttons from AGT.  Honsetly, America's Got Talent may be the best advertising for the Branson shows in general at this point.

But....  I know in talking with some of my friends who work in the shows, they said that in many ways this was a better year for them.  The shows that have been doing well had more sell outs and big crowds this year.  And you can see several things in Branson changing/ being added with younger people in mind.  The alpine coaster.  The giant wheel.  The adventure park.  The baseball complexes.  The remodeling of the strip.  So there are positives happening.

I'm just waiting for some of the big youtube stars to start moving in, as I wouldn't be surprised if that happens at some point.  Lindsey Sterling, the Piano Guys, Peter Hollens, etc.  If some of them started coming in, that would be a quick, big revitalization of the shows as that's where a lot of the music entertainment is coming from now.

[Jemmicat]

I have been coming to Branson since I was a kid in the mid-70's. My family vacationed there for about 2-3 weeks total each year. I have seen a lot of things come and go and many changes - some for the better and some not so much. We have seen most of the "major" shows many times over the years and many shows that are no longer there.

When I was a kid, the Presley's shows was my favorite. I hadn't been to any concerts or anything so that was impressive. TV wasn't what it is now. There was no youtube. So it really impressed a young me.

As I've gotten older, my expectations have changed. My daughter and I had been going to Branson since she was 2 (she is now 18) and we tried some of the shows but they just weren't the same. We took my girlfriend's daughters to Presley's earlier in the year and they didn't care for it...

I have now moved to Springfield, MO, this summer and have been down to Branson a lot of weekends and some nights. There are area appreciation days where you can see shows very reasonably. I saw the Haygoods for the first time this way. It was $5 a ticket and the gas to drive to and from Branson. It was just something to do... But I absolutely loved that show. It was more like a concert than a performance. it didn't pander to patriotism or religion but was just them playing, singing and having fun.

My problem with most of shows and Branson in general is the pandering to religion and patriotism. I know in general that they are playing to the audience... but they have not caught on that their audience is changing. While I respect people who have served in the military (I never could... I have what is called a "problem with authority"), it goes too far IMHO when they are being thanked for all our freedoms when I think WW2 was the last fighting that really was for our freedoms.And people my age (44) and younger don't have as strong of ties to religion and I generally shun most things overtly religious...

I they want to survive, they need to understand their target demographics have changed. And adapt

[Joy]

You've got EXCELLENT points, Jemmi, and I totally agree.

And sirwillow, I would LOVE it if someone like Lindsey Stirling came to Branson! Someone I could see doing well in Branson would be Thomas Sanders; he's always tried his hardest to keep all his vines/vids/posts/etc family-friendly. He's like a real-life Disney prince. Love him!

[runner1960]

I have been coming to Branson since I was a kid in the mid-70's. My family vacationed there for about 2-3 weeks total each year. I have seen a lot of things come and go and many changes - some for the better and some not so much. We have seen most of the "major" shows many times over the years and many shows that are no longer there.

When I was a kid, the Presley's shows was my favorite. I hadn't been to any concerts or anything so that was impressive. TV wasn't what it is now. There was no youtube. So it really impressed a young me.

As I've gotten older, my expectations have changed. My daughter and I had been going to Branson since she was 2 (she is now 18) and we tried some of the shows but they just weren't the same. We took my girlfriend's daughters to Presley's earlier in the year and they didn't care for it...

I have now moved to Springfield, MO, this summer and have been down to Branson a lot of weekends and some nights. There are area appreciation days where you can see shows very reasonably. I saw the Haygoods for the first time this way. It was $5 a ticket and the gas to drive to and from Branson. It was just something to do... But I absolutely loved that show. It was more like a concert than a performance. it didn't pander to patriotism or religion but was just them playing, singing and having fun.

My problem with most of shows and Branson in general is the pandering to religion and patriotism. I know in general that they are playing to the audience... but they have not caught on that their audience is changing. While I respect people who have served in the military (I never could... I have what is called a "problem with authority"), it goes too far IMHO when they are being thanked for all our freedoms when I think WW2 was the last fighting that really was for our freedoms.And people my age (44) and younger don't have as strong of ties to religion and I generally shun most things overtly religious...

I they want to survive, they need to understand their target demographics have changed. And adapt

Jemmi, I dislike all the pandering also. I have quit all the Branson shows too. But I am excited about some of the new more modern attractions popping up.

[marolinesdad]

I guess I am the only one that comes to Branson because of the patriotic and more importantly for the Christian atmosphere.  I am 42 and have 2 children.  I appreciate that I can take my children to these shows and not have to worry what they see any hear.  And before you think I only take my girls to religious things we also go to New York and have taken them to see broadway shows like Rent and Book of Mormon.   I go to Branson because it is Branson and we go to New York to see New York.   By the way my girls are 11 and 13.