i thought i would start this thread. may help others looking for something to do in town. if you go to an attraction/show this year. Feel free to leave a review or comment..
I went to see the new "70's Explosion" at the RFD this weekend, with Barry Williams (greg brady) and his crew... this show is all about 70's music and has nothng it di with the "brady Bunch" as last years show did.. very good show. His show is being produced by Pat Haygood and his wife Stephanie... they all have done a great job.. Apparantly michael haygood is overseeing lighting and special effects... 2:00 sat afternoon and other days, check RFD thatre website..
Also went to see "new Jersya nights" at the kings castle theatre(the old branson variety theatre). this is a tribute show to frankie Vallie and the four seasons.. MAN!! these guys did a great job.. It is a great show for sunday evening filler and any oither time.. check them out.
Of course went to see The Haygoods, those guys and their sister do a heck of a show,.. They moved to the RFD last year,. great show,
Sandune: How was Barry Williams himself? What role did he play in the show? Did he do his songs from Brady Bunch? Or did he simply MC, and provide some comedy? I've wondered about his appearance on the Branson scene. I did want to see the Brady Bunch show, but I guess that's over for now.
Junior, Barry was MC, and lead male vocalist.. He does a pretty good job.. the songs were from the 70's era, mainly soft rock and roll mixed in with some "pop" songs.
there is some comedy involved, worked in through the show, but nothing specific. just need to listen.
This show refered to the brady bunch a couple of times of course, But is not Based on brady bunch.
He does a good overall job, and with his back up singers/dancer, the show is a good one.
He does play his quitar on a few of the songs, but that is not his strongsuit.. lol.
Last weekend when we was in Branson. I guess we stuck to the old favorite. Presleys. Even though we watch them on RFD TV every week. We havent seen them live in a couple years. If you do not watch them on RFD TV. Then they were fantastic as usual. If you do watch them on RFD TV. Well they were still good, but the comedy was the same sketch as you see on TV.
We also did see the Ozark Mountain Jubilee on Sunday nite (At Grand Country Theatre). It is the same show that they have had for years. The Bacons are very talented. Mom & Dad are getting pretty old now. They do mostly the same songs and jokes. The kids are basically running the show now (primarily Doug). They are singing a few different songs. Brad (the bass singer) also does comedy. Greg just kinda stands in. The grandkids are getting big now, and they can sing about anything. Realize these people (relax Max & Jeanine) all have day jobs, or go to school/college (grandkids). So all-in-all, they do a wonderful job.
--We see this show every year at least once, but primarily because we are close/personal friends with Randy Plummer (bass guitar Bacon family shows Sunday at Grand Country & bass guitar at John Denver/Johnny Cash shows at Little Opry). We like to sneak up on him at Grand Country. Of course after the show we have dinner and chit-chat till early AM overnight hours.
QWED: Randy Plummer is a nice guy. I remember when I was in high school he dated my history teacher. Over the years when in Branson I have run in to him at the Disney store where he sometimes has worked. I visit with him about the "old days" and he is always very nice. I was glad to see he's been working at some of the shows doing this and that. He's one of those links to the Branson I remember as a kid.
Junior, as far as i know. Randy is (as Qwed already said). Active in the sunday shows at grand country.. And i know he was active playing at "Little Opry" , playing back up @ The Imax facility with john garrett. I would assume he is still doing that this.
I guess it depend on who you talked to in Branson about attendance during Spring Break. Some of the business thought the town was dead, though I saw lots of people and traffic. Went to Golden Corral for breakfast and their was really nobody there. But went back for supper and the place was packed, must of been the Prime Rib.
I alos thought there was a pretty good crowd in branson over spring break... after all 15,000 @ SDC on wed that week... streets were busy.! LOL.
also were going to check out golden corral about 6 pm, but could not get in driveway....so turned south and ate at Little Hacienda! ( we love that place anyway)
If you were at Tanger over Spring Break, you would have thought it was busy. Traffic was so crazy it reminded me of Black Friday (and I often just closed my eyes rather than watch my husband trying to find a parking space). The Landing was almost always busy, too. The only time it wasn't busy was March 21, when snow was forecast.... and even then there were people walking around. We saw four shows that were very full: Buckets N Boards, Clay Cooper, The Haygoods and Country Jamboree. We also saw it and they had a very small crowd, which was sad because it was a good show. We never had a wait to be seated at any restaurant but we did tend to eat early (before 6). When we would leave, there would be lots of people waiting for a seat: Olive Garden, Cantina Laredo, iHOP. And yes, SDC was busy on Wednesday the 20th. The Tracks always seemed busy as well. I think those who say it wasn't busy weren't looking in the right places: people were shopping and playing.
Yes guys you are right. Randy does perform in certain shows at Little Opry theatre, and Grand Country shows on Sundays. He also works regularly at The Disney store. Im guessing that nobody has ever been in his house. However, he is a huge Disney freak. His house is filled stem-to-stern with Disney characters and the like. BTW the "Plummer Family Reunion Show" is May 4, 2013 at the Hamner-Barber Theatre" (2 PM). Mom& Dad (Darrell & Rosie) will be there along with Randys Sister (Melody) She generally runs the Plummer Family Show "on the road" now. Randy of course will perform. They have a good show. I usually try to make it to Steelville when they perform there.
I dont know if I will make it on May 4 or not. We have tentatively planned to, but made no actual plans yet.
My uncle recommended 3 redneck tenors. We went last Thursday. Sorry to say I wasn't too impressed. The humor was a little too adult for a Branson Show
not impressed with redneck tenors either.. ::)
We also went to the Grand Jubilee and we really really enjoyed that one. New South was very good and Jim Dandy was hilarious as always. Their sound guy was having a bad night though. Seemed to be a little off, but otherwise a fun show with a lot of gospel, tight harmonies and good clean comedy
Okie, Grand Jubilee @ Grand country is a great show! Mike Patrick is a great piano player AND Emcee,
And yes Jim Dandy (Jamie Hagee) is always a good performer whether it is comedy, playing instruments or singing!. New south is an excellent quartet!
With Larry Allred on Bass, Wayne on Fiddle and the rest of the band. It is a well balanced show.
Okie, was Trey Wilson back in the lineup ofr New South..?? 5 or 6 weeks ago he was out because of a strained voice box.?
I believe that Trey was back
thats good, although they had a good "fill in" person while he was healing up.. Trey is a great artist and cant be replaced..
We love The Grand Jubilee and see it every trip to Branson. Sometimes on our summer trip Mike Patrick isn't there as he's taking time off to be with family. It's good even without him, but I really like it much better when he's there too.
I know how much you like the Haygoods, but what other shows do you think are can't miss shows?
Here are a few of my favorites.. in no particular order...
Haygoods of course- season tickets
Murder Mystery Show- include meal & and a comedy - season ticket
Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, Down Home Country (all 3 @ grand country, I have season passes)
Pierce Arrow,
Hughes Brothers (IT)... ( For sure @ Christmas time)
70's explosion with Barry Williams @ RFD
Six
Hits of the 60's
Casandre
Cats Pajamas
Jersey nights------- just to name the ones I can think of.
I am not a 'New Country western" fan, I can tolerate OLD country, as the saying goes at Grand jubilee, we play country the way it was played before they messed it up! ;D
Show i didnt like for 1 reason or another-
Kirby-
Baldknobbers- too country I think (for me)
redneck tenores
Amazing pets- Great show for kids, sux for adults
Johnny cash tribute - does not play his top songs, i had only heard 1 or 2 before
john denver tribute-
Todd Oliver-
jim stafford
The Gospels shows @ Grand country on Sunday.. If you like "real" Gospel and alot of it, you may like them
Shoji
red hot, and blue
Hamner- barber
Neil Diamond
Gotta show some love for Shoji. He's the reason I learned the fiddle in the first place
Okie.. Shoji play a mean fiddle NO DOUBT... i would probaly like his show IF he hired and MC that i could understand and tell jokes...
I started watching Shoji at the old Starlite when Chisai Childs was running the place, when Johnny Long, and John and Paul Cody were there. It's been a while
okiebluegrass: Wow, yeah that was the late '80's. I heard they had a great show.
I think I saw my first show there in 1984. I forgot that Clint Wagner was there too (R.I.P) and of course Shoji. Can't believe that was almost 30 years ago. :'(
Cliff Wagner was brother of Tony Wagner, who worked with me at the diving bell. I knew Cliff, and he was a wonderful, talented guy. Good head on his shoulders, and a heck of a performer. RIP Cliff.
LOL!!! I would think that after 30 years, Shoji would be able to speak fluent English....
I know his wife speaks "the color of money" she takes care of business affairs...he entertains and then he plays golf or fishes.
junior, i have heard that also from many sources!!! ;D.
Actually sounds like Shoji has the right idea! :o :o :o :o
Anyone remember where Shoji started? I know we saw him at at least two or three different theaters before he went out on his own.
Plummer Family? Foggy River Boys?
Chisai Childs brought him from the Grapevine Opry in 1984 when she opened the Starlite Theater
Didn't Shoji work at Country Music World from 1985-1990 (former Hee Haw Theater)?
Research tells me he might have been there before 1984, I was a little kids back then, so I'm probably wrong on the years. I read somewhere that Chisai bought the Starlite in 1982 and I think he was there from the beginning. I had the 8-track that said "live from the Grapevine Opry in Grapevine, TX..." So I know that's where he played before that. I remember he was at Country Music World for a while, but I thought it was later. My grandma was always telling me of the gossip around that show. Seems like Chisai might have had an ego problem...
Quote from: sanddunerider on June 22, 2013, 05:55:55 AM
Here are a few of my favorites.. in no particular order...
Haygoods of course- season tickets
Murder Mystery Show- include meal & and a comedy - season ticket
Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, Down Home Country (all 3 @ grand country, I have season passes)
Pierce Arrow,
Hughes Brothers (IT)... ( For sure @ Christmas time)
70's explosion with Barry Williams @ RFD
Six
Hits of the 60's
Casandre
Cats Pajamas
Jersey nights------- just to name the ones I can think of.
I am not a 'New Country western" fan, I can tolerate OLD country, as the saying goes at Grand jubilee, we play country the way it was played before they messed it up! ;D
Show i didnt like for 1 reason or another-
Kirby-
Baldknobbers- too country I think (for me)
redneck tenores
Amazing pets- Great show for kids, sux for adults
Johnny cash tribute - does not play his top songs, i had only heard 1 or 2 before
john denver tribute-
Todd Oliver-
jim stafford
The Gospels shows @ Grand country on Sunday.. If you like "real" Gospel and alot of it, you may like them
Shoji
red hot, and blue
Hamner- barber
Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond? Was that, like, a one-time concert some years ago or something? Or is he there right now? Because OMG, if he's there in Branson or has been any time in the past couple years, I'm gonna die. Neil Diamond is my man. I have home video of me at age 2 dancing to his music. I've been a fan from the womb, basically.
Joy,
Neil Diamond tribute, I believe it is at Jim Stafford's theatre.. If you like Neil, check this guy out!
LOL.. Somebody has to support him!!!
Quote from: okiebluegrass on June 27, 2013, 04:08:01 PM
Research tells me he might have been there before 1984, I was a little kids back then, so I'm probably wrong on the years.
Wikipedia says 1980, but doesn't give a source. That seems right, though. I'm sure I saw him before college ('81).
Quote from: sanddunerider on June 28, 2013, 12:28:03 PM
Joy,
Neil Diamond tribute, I believe it is at Jim Stafford's theatre.. If you like Neil, check this guy out!
LOL.. Somebody has to support him!!!
Meh. I've never been one for tributes. If I'm gonna see someone, I wanna see the real deal. :D
Just announced- Hamner Barber last season in branson:
http://www.hamnerbarber.com/2013/07/03/hamner-barber-announce-final-season/
We are watching the entertainment in Branson continue to shrink. Something needs to happen to help out the city.
Quote from: mhguy77 on July 04, 2013, 09:14:34 AM
We are watching the entertainment in Branson continue to shrink. Something needs to happen to help out the city.
The continued rise of resort casinos offering shows are helping this slide. Branson and Taney County chose where they stood on casinos some time ago. Hard Rock in Tulsa and Downstream outside of Joplin offer some fairly large named acts continually. Branson hitched it's wagon on variety shows that catered to older folks and these are the folks that are hanging out at slots. There's not much that appeals to me in Branson, I'm heading to Memphis to catch Robert Plant next weekend, it was tough, cause I liked to have caught Slash in Tulsa with Myles Kennedy. What Branson is selling in musical acts isn't very appealing to us Gen X'ers with families. We catch the shows at Light and Sound when they change and really Dixie Stampede isn't something you do very often.
I'd like to see a venue that offered extended, weekly runs of the various Ringling Bros shows that tour every year, the Disney Shows, and other shows. Maybe a venue that offered touring Broadway shows.
I am a gen-x er, but I am looking for wholesome family Christian entertainment, Yes, I do go to the casinos here in Oklahoma, but I am glad that Branson does not have them.
Yeah, honestly, Springfield gets the better choice of entertainment. Since I've lived here, I've gone to see the Little House on the Prairie musical, Shrek the Musical, and the Beauty and the Beast Broadway tour at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall, and we've had awesome people like Elton John, Bob Dylan, and Adam Lambert at the JQH Arena.
Quote from: okiebluegrass on July 04, 2013, 03:45:10 PM
I am a gen-x er, but I am looking for wholesome family Christian entertainment, Yes, I do go to the casinos here in Oklahoma, but I am glad that Branson does not have them.
That's just it, you are a small percentage of the overall market. There's nothing wrong with that but that's just serving a small slice of the people pie. I don't think Celine Dion out in Vegas isn't wearing g strings. It's called variety, choices and options. Branson is much the same while nearly eveyrone else has increased the choices.
Here's an example. New Choctah casino in Pocolo outside Fort Smith has Branson regulars Mickey Gilly and Neal McCoy this weekend. $25 per show. Offers hotel and 1.50beers and 3.50 Jack and Cokes. Gilley's Restuarant and dance hall on site. That's Branson's competition right there when it comes to the shows.
Well, if Branson brings in Casinos and they start serving alcohol at every show, I will not go anymore. Period. I'm done. I go to Branson to get away from all that junk. If I wanted to be around a bunch of drunks I can do that here.
As you all know I do shows when in town, and I think the admittance price is part of the problem.. 34-38.00 per person per show is ridiculous.. I don't see how families with kids can afford it 2 adults & 2 or 3 kids? 115.00 - 135.00 for 1 show? REALLY..
I know their is overhead AND a lot of it.. But I question just how much is reallyh need to be charged.
I would l;ove to see 25.00 shows!!!
We quit shows not because of price but because of lack of interest. My kids had no interest in variety or hillbilly humor shows. Likewise with the tribute shows or 60's, 70's 80's greatest hits stuff all with a fake Elvis. I agree with the poster above. Branson needs more adult entertainment and entertainment geared toward the next generation. If they don't they will die. The last time I was at one of the so called original shows on the strip it was hard to find anyone under 70 in the audience and a lot of the ones who were under 70 left at intermission. Young people love music festivals. Several of these with up and coming bands and stars like Grace Potter , The Gaslight Anthem , and so on would pull in a totally new audience for Branson. Branson needs to reinvent itself. I really have a hard time justifying a 5 hour drive each way for a theme park visit. The city and the town need each other to survive. It's time for Branson to move to the next phase of its life span or I am afraid it will die.
Quote from: Runner1960 on July 05, 2013, 05:49:36 PM
We quit shows not because of price but because of lack of interest. My kids had no interest in variety or hillbilly humor shows. Likewise with the tribute shows or 60's, 70's 80's greatest hits stuff all with a fake Elvis. I agree with the poster above. Branson needs more adult entertainment and entertainment geared toward the next generation. If they don't they will die. The last time I was at one of the so called original shows on the strip it was hard to find anyone under 70 in the audience and a lot of the ones who were under 70 left at intermission. Young people love music festivals. Several of these with up and coming bands and stars like Grace Potter , The Gaslight Anthem , and so on would pull in a totally new audience for Branson. Branson needs to reinvent itself. I really have a hard time justifying a 5 hour drive each way for a theme park visit. The city and the town need each other to survive. It's time for Branson to move to the next phase of its life span or I am afraid it will die.
I live in NWA, I have a 10 and 9 year old. Here are some of the shows coming to the WAC in the next year, Jersey Boys, Chicago, Wizard of Oz, I Love Luck, the stage show, White Christmas, Beauty and the Breast, the Wonder Bread Years, Moscow Ballet Nutcracker, Broadway on Ice. Something for Adults and Family. There's a whole list of other stuff besides stage productions like Ron White, Doobie Bros and so on.
We have seen Dixie Stampede and Dixie Stampede Christmas. Kids don't like Cornish game hens so we are done for quite some time there. We saw Noah and Joseph at Light and Sound and we catch a new one there but not till. Like you, kids aren't much interested in the other stuff.
It doesn't have to involve booze, but it's not like Branson is Dry, heck Harrison isn't dry anymore.
I left out the Nick stage shows, there's some other examples void from the Branson scene. Like I've mentioned in the past, where's the bowling alley, stadium seating theater like AMC's dine in movie complexs, heck even a retro styled drive in. Seen the new one Coyote Drive In in Fort Worth
Imagine a redeveloped Celebration City that had free admission, National eateries like Five Guys, Cinnabon, Cold Stone, Starbucks with patios and sidewalk tables and sit downs like Fridays, Mellow Moon, maybe a microbrewery. A retro styled Bowling alley with adult geared lanes and a kids lane area. Instead of the light show/fountain area, replace it with a drive in. Have rides, sell individual rides or wristbands for unlimited rides. Do your flats like Hymalaya, tilt-a-whirl, a spinning wild mouse and so on around a refurbished Oz Cat and Roaring Falls. A movie complex, During winter, have ice skating rinks and other things that attract folks. Hours till midnight in the summer on the rides.
Just fanciful thinking like my reboot of Dogpatch.
Chittlins: "Beauty and the Breast?" Really? I didn't see that one advertised! Maybe that one appeared at one of the gentleman's clubs? ;)
Quote from: Junior on July 05, 2013, 10:51:27 PM
Chittlins: "Beauty and the Breast?" Really? I didn't see that one advertised! Maybe that one appeared at one of the gentleman's clubs? ;)
It is on Dickson St. 8)
Chittlins, I like your idea for Celebration City.
I still say we should have a Dave & Busters in Branson.
A redeveloped Grand palace area with a smaller venue that caters to traveling broadway shows. Wicked, Jersey Boys and all the newer shows along with classics like Les Mis and others. It would attract a entire new audience to the town and provide a upscale environment for those who might want a nice elegant night out. Maybe a couple of upscale restaurants. We enjoy a dress up night out when we vacation and a lot of people we know do also. I would not be against the theaters serving wine and beer during their shows. Been to several of these in St. Louis and Chicago and I have never seen anyone drunk our out of control.
I also like the idea of the celebration city redevelopment. Another idea for that area would be a year round destination that includes a redeveloped Whitewater, aquarium and ice skating rink to complete a year round entertainment venue. I love the bowling idea, sounds sort of like the one at Downtown Disney.
Dave and Buster's would be sweet. Those guys are from Little Rock and it doesn't have one, that's kinda like Memphis not having a House of Blues even though one of the founders is from there. Considering Aykroid's closeness to Booker T and MGs members and backing band for the Blues Brothers that was a Memphis staple at Stax, I still don't get it.
On the Microbrewery, Maybe not on site brewery, but how about one that focuses on Boulevard's brews from KC. Kinda warehouse like theme with brick and exposed wooden beams
The Aquarium idea, I'd have to wait and see just what the Wonders of Wildlife place in Springfield turns out. I know they will have manatee's and the latest foto update from mid June shows elements of a lobster tank. May not be the most feasible considering this development. Now, an Aquarium Restaurant, that's Landrys Corps, the folks that have opened up Kemah Boardwalk and Galveston Pleasure Pier. Those are some of the places that my ideas come from. They also have the T Rex Café that you can find up in KC, Rainforest Café, Bubba Gump, and Branson's Landry's Seafood.
Too Close to KC to ever dream of a Lego Discovery Center or Sea Life.
I could see a Nick themed resort complete with an indoor theme park like MOA and a Indoor/outdoor waterpark to make it a great winter blues weekend get away, that's where the touring Nick stage shows could play
Everyone wants something new and fresh to attract a younger crowd -- but remember the uproar in 2010 when Nelly had a concert in Branson?
That's because the older generation was being icky about the whole thing. Branson will die without new blood.
Anybody know the attendance at the Nelly show? I heard it was a flop.
I think the Mayor was trying to fight this and with all the bad press and the probability that it may be cancelled kept the crowds down. Truthfully would you travel to something that might not happen ? By the way what is the mayor's last name ? I believe she is co-owner of a theater on the strip if I recall.
Quote from: Runner1960 on July 07, 2013, 10:01:39 PM
I think the Mayor was trying to fight this and with all the bad press and the probability that it may be cancelled kept the crowds down. Truthfully would you travel to something that might not happen ? By the way what is the mayor's last name ? I believe she is co-owner of a theater on the strip if I recall.
Her last name is Presley, isn't it? Something like that.
See, I seriously thought that the concert didn't even get to happen. It still happened? I woulda gone if I'd known; I like Nelly, and I'd like to have supported a Missouri native (as well as help the people who wanted to get the Palace back up off the ground).
From what I understand, the concert happened, Nelly did a good job, the house was full, and after the show, Nelly and company got on the bus and went home to St. Louis with no incidents. Everything smooth and no issues. In regards to what belongs in Branson and what does not...anyone can play a theater if you have someone willing to book them and promote it. If they don't sell enough tickets, they won't be back. The type of music, in my opinion, does not matter, country, broadway, rock, rap, classical...who cares? What sells, sells, and what doesn't, won't be back. Remember, I worked at a country venue (Hee Haw Theater) from '81-83. First Branson theater to have nationally known country and comedy acts at each show. Guess what helped kill the place? Hee Haw charged $6 per adult ticket instead of the standard $5. Most nights the 1,000 seat theater had an average of 350 guests. Can't run a theater long like that. But you could not have nationally known acts at the standard Branson price level. My guess is the TV show acts that appeared there just made $500 to $1000 bucks per show...but for that day and time, they were making pretty good money. Hee Haw TV Stars got paid $50,000 for a season of shows (26 TV Shows) and made a pretty good living playing small venues like the one in Branson, fairs, clubs, and so on...probably making somewhere around $200,000 to $250,000 per year. That is about three to four times more than my good middle class parents made combined back then.
A couple friends of mine went to Las Vegas recently and were making me jealous by describing how awesome the Phantom of the Opera was there. Apparently the theatre was built specifically for the show and everything.
I think it'd be cool if maybe a show like that could come and build on the Palace lot. Like, maybe Wicked, since that's Oz themed and we're close to Kansas. Or if they wanted something a tidbit more family-oriented (Wicked is not everyone's cup of tea), maybe a theatre for Dreamworks Theatricals, like Shrek the Musical and How to Train Your Dragon Live.
I agree that the main problem is pricing. In the twenty years I've lived in MO, I've never once gone to see Shoji, because it was always too expensive. When we came to Branson, it was usually just for SDC; if we ever saw a show, it was The Hughes Brothers, who had pretty good family pricing. But for the most part, SDC was our main reason for being in Branson.
The reason SDC Attractions purchased the Branson USA site and turned it into CC is because they wanted to keep inferior and other competition out of town. Branson USA was seriously underfunded and failed within a year or two. If the family who owned the property when it was Mutton Hollow did not get in financially over their heads, it would still be there today. If Nick or Disney or some other operator put down roots and made a major theater or theme park presence in town, you would see a "war" situation . Believe it or not, most theme park people, since it is a small community, are friendly with one another and tend to respect other peoples territories.
The only exemption to that is Disney vs Universal and Merlin anywhere else.
Cedar Fair can be nasty at times too. Just depends on where we are talking about.
Quote from: Junior on July 08, 2013, 03:24:38 PM
The reason SDC Attractions purchased the Branson USA site and turned it into CC is because they wanted to keep inferior and other competition out of town. Branson USA was seriously underfunded and failed within a year or two. If the family who owned the property when it was Mutton Hollow did not get in financially over their heads, it would still be there today. If Nick or Disney or some other operator put down roots and made a major theater or theme park presence in town, you would see a "war" situation . Believe it or not, most theme park people, since it is a small community, are friendly with one another and tend to respect other peoples territories.
I've got no issue with HFE owning CC, I just think the model was wrong.
I didn't want to start a new thread for this, but I found this pic on FB today....
Did you know, that there was a bridge that ran across taneycomo right where the fountains @ the landing is now..
I didn't know that, I always have wondered why "main" street runs down hill into dead end? and always has. (during my visits anyway).
Yep the 1 lane bridge was washed out in a flood in 1948.
From that photo, Taneycomo was a happening place in '48.
Never knew about the bridge, thanks for sharing that History with us!
Had not seen that picture in years. The White River, pre Table Rock Dam, was a mean ole mother during flood times. I have some photos in a book showing flood waters halfway up the hill past the train depot to the old stage depot (which is now some tourist shop) and I can only imagine the damage throughout the area back then. :P
Junior, if the high waters washed out the bridge, it had to be DEEP.. that bridge appears to be pretty high.. Would like to see pics of the water level at that time.
Keep in mind the taneycomo dam was built in 1924? or was it 1914? hmm?? regardless. the dam stopping the water and allowing it to back up is probably what led to the bridges demise..
IF you could scan and post some of those old photos Junior, I would love to see them..
Ditto!
Check my Flickr site. 8 photos of old downtown Branson taken between 1917 and 1957. The first three photos are taken from the book "Vintage Views A Pictorial History of Stone and Taney Counties, Missouri" which was published in 1992 by Tri Lakes Publishing, the other five photos are from "Twice Told Tales and an Ozark Photo Album with Emphasis on Taney County, Missouri," which was published in 1983 by Cliff and Vi Edom. What you will see will blow you away! The buildings have changed, but notice how the "lay of the land" has not changed one bit! These are very recognizable shots of the downtown area. Pick out the buildings that are still there today, a century later, that have been remodeled and used for new purposes. You will love the shot of the old train depot and how the land around it was about totally empty back in 1920. One photo is even labeled "Branson Landing," which makes me chuckle. So click on the photos to enlarge them and read the captions below for more details and info. ENJOY! http://www.flickr.com/photos/juniordugan
Thanks, junior!
If you'd like to see pictures of the old days of Branson, stop in the FREE White River Historical Museum in downtown Branson sometime. We went last year and saw several pictures of the flooding back in the earlier years. While admission is free, they do ask for donations.
Biscuit? where is museum at? ???
Museum is at the Hwy 76/Business Hwy 65 intersection, downtown, catty corner from the Fudge Shop and the ice cream place. I've stopped in there before, and it's worth the time. I also sent the museum reprints of some articles I'd published on the diving bell and Hee Haw Theater history. If you stop in, please let me know if you saw any of the reprint articles, and if you were able to pick up one and take it home with you. Thanks.
To those of you that do show in branson, if u go to grand country, you kow the group New South.. Well it was announced today on FB thatg the lead singer, Trey will be leaving the group/area in late august.. he got a job down in texas where he is from.. Trey is an excellent singer and will be missed...!!!!!!!
That's a bummer. Wondering if they could use a new lead ;D
That may be your chance, contact Mike Patrick.. They will be auditioning
OMG, my friends and I went to see Liverpool Legends Tuesday night, and it was AMAZING!!! If you're a Beatles fan, you'll LOVE it. If you're not, you'll still enjoy it! One of my friends isn't that into the Beatles, but she really, really enjoyed the show.
I have heard repeatedly that the Legends are great! I have yet to see them yet, they are for sure on my list...
I did go see the Cats Pajamas again sunday nite, 2 nd time this year.. the 1st time I just did not enjoy the show, so I gave them a 2nd chance... NOPE still don't get it, didn't enjoy it, wont be back..
Cat Pajamas? Haha, why does that instantly give me an image of an unhappy cat being forced to wear pajamas? :D
I googled the show on YouTube, and apparently it is an all male A Capella group which ironically they sound just like cats meowing! :)
Lets see..."cats meowing"???? LOL.....hmmmm...not really...............
LMAO>.... "cats yowling" maybe,.,,,,,, ;D
We saw Legends 2 years ago and the show was great!
Here is update about the "Hamner-Barber" show.. as we mentione earlier they will not have shows in 2014....
BUT:...........
.http://www.bransonworld.com/news/hold-on-to-your-doves-hamners-announce-2014-plans.html
I went to Shepherd of the Hills on Saturday, and they had a nice sized crowd. I was happy to see that. I often worry about Shepherd of the Hills. I would hate to see anything happen to it! It's the reason Branson exists as we know it today.
That's nice to hear Pudgy Jones!
Shepard of the Hills is definitely a Branson cornerstone that could easily be overlooked by today's flashy, and digital entertainment.
We like SotH....took my sister and hubs there last year and they intend to see it again.
Quote from: sanddunerider on June 22, 2013, 05:55:55 AM
Here are a few of my favorites.. in no particular order...
Haygoods of course- season tickets
Murder Mystery Show- include meal & and a comedy - season ticket
Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, Down Home Country (all 3 @ grand country, I have season passes)
Pierce Arrow,
Hughes Brothers (IT)... ( For sure @ Christmas time)
70's explosion with Barry Williams @ RFD
Six
Hits of the 60's
Casandre
Cats Pajamas
Jersey nights------- just to name the ones I can think of.
I am not a 'New Country western" fan, I can tolerate OLD country, as the saying goes at Grand jubilee, we play country the way it was played before they messed it up! ;D
Show i didnt like for 1 reason or another-
Kirby-
Baldknobbers- too country I think (for me)
redneck tenores
Amazing pets- Great show for kids, sux for adults
Johnny cash tribute - does not play his top songs, i had only heard 1 or 2 before
john denver tribute-
Todd Oliver-
jim stafford
The Gospels shows @ Grand country on Sunday.. If you like "real" Gospel and alot of it, you may like them
Shoji
red hot, and blue
Hamner- barber
Neil Diamond
I somewhat agree with you on Amazing pets, although I wasn't completely bored.
We saw Kirby before he and Bambi split and enjoyed it.
Baldknobbers was just another country music show, like Ozark Opry or the other 10 or 15 we had at Lake of the Ozarks in the early to mid 80's, nothing special
Liked Jim Stafford, especially thought the 3D portion was great. This has been about 10 years ago or so however.
Enjoyed Hamner Barber also I was kind of surprised they were on your B list. Too cheesy?
Haven't seen any of others.
On the A list, the only one we've seen is Comedy Jamboree and I thought it was a riot.
The Hughes Brothers (IT) is clearly the best I've attended. Many venues offered free admission to teachers, last year, and I was privileged to attend a showing of IT as a part of that deal. I took my family back, a few weeks later ($25 for all four of us, still part of the teacher offer/discount), and I recommended the show to other relatives.
I also got to see the Kung Fu show, which was interesting, but it was like the most intense part of a movie, which never came down from its intensity. It was definitely culturally intriguing, but the music seemed to just keep escalating. I wished it had been better in the storytelling aspect, but I certainly respected the skills.
More that my friend and I did in the one day we were there as teachers: Ripley's, Hollywood Wax, Hannah's Hall of Mirrors, the Castle of Chaos, and Titanic (of which Titanic was the only one worth our time - let's just say I would have been upset to drop full prices for any of these). Still, for free, our day was really worth the trip, and we greatly appreciated the businesses for their offers. Had we returned, there were still other shows and attractions we could have visited.
Quote from: cheesehead57 on August 02, 2013, 10:51:14 AM
We like SotH....took my sister and hubs there last year and they intend to see it again.
My favorite show by far.
I like the hughes brothers. (IT)....
But if you want to see an excellent Christmas show... go see Hughes Brothers.. It is a full 2 hours of Christmas, ujsing the brithers the wives and kids from diaper to 19 years old... over 50 family members.. quite a show..
just got to town, wife wanted to hit Tangers for a few minutes... (had some coupons)..
I am here to tell you that (today anyway). Tangers is alive and well.... cars and cars and cars and people and people.. my oh my!
traffic on 248 BUSY!!!,
SOTH expressway? BUSY
SDC tomorrow :)
Looks like a great weekend for branson!!
Yep, waiting for those pics, Sand! ;D
Deep breaths Gilligan.... walk up and down the hall!! exercise....
SDC tomorrow... LOL... stand by...
Here's a review for Branson for our trip:
First of all, McFarlain's Restaurant is the place to go if you like Catfish! Went there Friday night after SDC and had to go back tonight because it was so good! Go Hungry and leave miserably satisfied.
The drive-through light show on shepherd of the hills expressway is not worth the 15 bucks. If you want a good light so, go to the SOTH light show. 12 bucks a person, but you won't feel ripped off. It was a good tour and took over a half hour.
preachin bill, I agree with you on the lights.. SOTH expressway display is WAAAyyy overated for the price.. maybe 10 or 12 bucks a carload.. LOL..
The SOTH on the other hand is a great display.. but gets a little pricey by the carload... but it is nice..
Catfish.? try it at the fish house on taneycome.. a little more money than mcfalands,, BUT good stuff
FYI -- Branson 2 for 1 tickets in the purple building across from the fire station on the strip has 2 for 1 tickets for the SOTH lights on the trail plus you get to go up in the tower.
Danna's BBQ has the best catfish in Branson, IMO! Where is the Fish House on Taneycomo?
I have yet to eat at Danna's... its on my list...
fish house is docked on the water on the south end of the landing by bass pro shop. It is actually owned by the bass pro corp.
We did go to the fish house, and have been there once before as well. ALL of the fish there is outstanding, and you really can't go wrong, including the catfish. But believe it or not, I actually thought the Catfish meal is better at McFarlains. But yes it is excellent at fish house.
Have also eaten at Danna's BBQ multiple times...just didn't make it this time. It is probably a top three restaurant overall in Branson. Go there next trip for sure!