SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City

General Category => Branson Talk => Topic started by: Copper on August 24, 2008, 03:16:53 PM

Title: The Grand Palace
Post by: Copper on August 24, 2008, 03:16:53 PM: I am a big fan of all things Herschend Family, maybe you too?

The Grand Palace theatre once a SDC property is being auctioned off in September. I was young, but I remember when they were building the theatre and its massive beams and wondering what the heck they were building. I also remember going with my family every year to see the Christmas Spectacular starring the Rocketts. There are some that say a church might purchase the theatre and it will be a loss of tax revenue, such as the Remington and Mel Tillis Theatres. Who knows who will actually get the thing? A lot of money would have to be invested to restore it to its 1992 beauty. Hopefully something good will come of it. Watch the KY3 news clip it’s interesting to see the Herschend family and Kenny Rogers. Rogers was once a partner in the Palace, Village and Showboat. A sex scandal helped him find his partnership over. A lot of people on this board have great imaginations what would you do with it.

I personally think it was built wrong. The auditorium is curved drastically and can make the sides a very bad choice to sit in. Also, the Grand Village should have been built surrounding the Palace on the sides, not across the street. Anyone else?

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/27295564.html (http://www.ky3.com/news/local/27295564.html)
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: KBCraig on August 24, 2008, 04:42:06 PM: I have never seen the inside, but I always thought it was a gaudy monstrosity totally out of character for the Ozarks.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: sdcforever on August 24, 2008, 06:51:27 PM: It was gorgeous when it first opened. I have been there many times and seen many shows--from the Rockettes, Pam Tillis and the Oak Ridge Boys, to Lorrie Morgan. I was awed by it at first, but now it has been allowed to fall into a little bit of decay. I think it needs to be bought by someone who wants to keep it as a theatre and will really put some money and love into it. I don't think 76 is a good location for a church. They still have events scheduled, including Mannheim Steamroller concerts running the entire month of November. It's too bad Hall Entertainment L.L.C. has defaulted on their loan. I really hope it remains a theater.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Swoosh on August 24, 2008, 07:32:18 PM: I would LOVE for this to become a Cirque du Soleil theatre... not going to happen, but I would LOVE for that to happen. ;D
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: sdcforever on September 09, 2008, 10:53:29 PM: The sale of the Grand Palace has been stopped. Looks like it won't be a public auction anymore, but it will now be sold as a private venture. There has been interest in the property, with one rumor floating around that the Titanic Museum wants to buy the property and then raze the building. They have no comment.

Read more here: http://www.bransondailynews.com/story.php?storyID=8566 (http://www.bransondailynews.com/story.php?storyID=8566)
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Joy on September 10, 2008, 11:00:44 AM: Quote from: Swoosh on August 24, 2008, 07:32:18 PM
I would LOVE for this to become a Cirque du Soleil theatre... not going to happen, but I would LOVE for that to happen. ;D

OMG, that would be AWESOME!!! What a great idea! I'm a HUGE CdS fan. When I had cable, I'd watch it every time it was on Bravo. I've always envied my dad, who got to see the "O" Show in Vegas as part of a business trip.

~ "Becky" Joy ~
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Copper on September 10, 2008, 12:46:41 PM: I agree it would be a great show in Branson. The show could be about air and use the eight stories above the audience.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Swoosh on September 10, 2008, 05:34:39 PM: ^^Becky I am jealous of your dad too.

I really want to see <<O>> but I cannot complain too much as I have several (Kooza, Saltimbanco, Quidam, DELIRIUM, Corteo, La Nouba, Varekai, Dralion) already. Just need to take the time and go to Vegas to see the shows there as I have seen all but one of the touring shows already.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Joy on September 13, 2008, 11:04:20 AM: You know, I had a thought the other day while watching America's Got Talent. There's this really great operatic singer Donald Braswell who this week sang Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera. I think it'd be cool if they turned the Grand Palace into a venue for a Branson-based PotO show, and Donald could be their Phantom.

Yeah, a very far-out thought, but a thought nonetheless. ;)

~ "Becky" Joy ~
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: sdcforever on September 13, 2008, 04:25:00 PM: ^They could do country versions of the songs! ;)
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Swoosh on September 13, 2008, 06:56:43 PM: It would be neat to have Broadway shows come and do a stay there and have them rotate out after a couple of months. That would actually probably be the best use for the threatre.

HAIRSPRAY - RENT - WICKED - LIONKING - LEGALLY BLONDE - PHANTOM - OKLAHOMA! - the PRODUCERS - SOUND of MUSIC - CATS
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: History Buff on September 14, 2008, 12:24:48 AM: Is the stage large enough for Broadway shows? For example, Lion King has a limited number of theaters that can even hold their set with all its movement. I would love to have another venue in which to attend Broadway on the road.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Zephon on September 15, 2008, 11:07:21 PM: The Grand Palace stage probably would be large enough to do most Bway shows. The problem would be more of a financial one as the royalties for any such shows in a 4000 seat venue would be enormous, on top of all the other operating costs.

Back in '94, give or take a year, I was in a production of "Oklahoma!" which was produced in what was then called the Thunderbird Theater (across 76 from Walmart and a little west) and starred Rudy Gatlin as Curly. The venue was very small for that production but we made do. It didn't draw very large crowds (I'll bet it wouldn't seat 600), and almost lasted a full season but not quite. I think that had more to do with the venue than the show itself because nothing has ever succeeded there.

But, with a big enough backer to do them right, I think top Broadway shows could be successful here. Springfield Little Theatre and Juanita K in Springfield do well enough with them.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: SteamFreak on December 08, 2008, 10:47:42 AM: Wish I had read this post before I bought Meinhiem Steamroller tickets in august. The GP didn't even notify their ticket holders that the performance wouldn't happen. So bascily I was screwed out of $150 in tickets, so now we have to contact the AG of MO to get our money back.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: sdcforever on December 08, 2008, 11:20:57 AM: ^Sounds like unfair business practices to me. Good luck!
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: SteamFreak on December 09, 2008, 09:57:32 PM: Thanks I'll need it.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Barefoot Eddie on December 11, 2008, 12:08:59 PM: SteamFreak - We've been told that everyone who bought MS tickets at the Grand Palace should have received a refund through their credit card. If you ordered through Ticket Master your refund would have come autumatically and if you ordered directly from the GP with a CC they were refunding everyone. If you haven't checked your CC statement yet you might want to and if it hasn't shown up call Lynn Hall (former GP owner) at
417-336-6310. This is his business #. Good luck.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: History Buff on December 24, 2008, 11:34:57 AM: Grand Palace Lobby Receives Extensive Water Damage

See the article from the Branson Courier:

http://www.bransoncourier.com/branson-news/water-damage-Grand-Palace-1081.html (http://www.bransoncourier.com/branson-news/water-damage-Grand-Palace-1081.html)
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: sdcforever on December 24, 2008, 02:34:06 PM: ^Sad news and very poor management.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Copper on February 15, 2009, 02:47:15 AM: (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3459/3280332352_98e40c23cc_o.jpg)
I am sad that this has come to this!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3258621041_085e3ccbf8_o.jpg)
I wish this would could have the Radio City Christmas Spectacular here!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3258620975_0f1b680f59_o.jpg)
I wish this could be....
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/3280332190_8f3140a431_o.jpg)
Rockettes... should have taken over with HFE. If it was the only thing. They should have join DINO!!!! I will take it if anything. I could do it justice! It makes me sad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: sdcforever on February 15, 2009, 08:23:08 PM: Any word on the private sale of the property? I haven't been able to find any news at all. It'll be sad if it just sits vacant for a year or two. :-[
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: rubedugans on February 25, 2009, 05:09:14 PM: Lets rent it out for our inaugural SDCFans party!
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Firstvisit1967 on July 16, 2009, 08:12:23 PM: Has anyone heard anything on the palace. We were in Branson yesterday and the place is looking ruff. I would think the city would step in and lend a hand in finding a buyer. This place has gone from being a GRAND PALACE to being a eye sore. This is right in the middle of the stripe and needs to be fixed. With the new airport I would think they could get some big stars to fill it if they worked it right.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Copper on June 14, 2010, 12:26:38 AM: http://www.kspr.com/news/local/94529354.html (http://www.kspr.com/news/local/94529354.html)

The Grand Palace is looking much better. I would have taken pictures, but my batteries were dead. Next time. They are painting the outside of the auditorium, no longer gray it is a sky blue. The inside is receiving a lot of attention too. I hope they are successful, I guess I would like to be a part of this.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Junior on July 05, 2010, 08:12:35 AM: Anything new on the plans to reopen Grand Palace? It's been awhile since we've heard anything.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Joy on July 05, 2010, 08:29:23 AM: One of the Branson Facebook pages posted news that Nelly is gonna be performing at the GP. Not sure if that'll be the premiere event or not. It'd make sense, though, as he's a Missouri native (St Louis).
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: biscuitcreek on July 05, 2010, 07:59:15 PM: It was announced on July 4th on one of the Springfield TV stations that Nelly would be the opening concert for the GP in August (21st, I think) in the back parking lot. Renovations continue on the inside of the GP.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Coaster on July 06, 2010, 06:45:04 PM: Just heard on the news that the Nelly concert will be the first hip hop concert in Branson's history.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Copper on July 06, 2010, 08:32:07 PM: My friends and I are just completely blown away, this is crazy. We will probably be going; I know a lot of people that are interested in this. I am excited that they are taking such a chance. I am ready for them to announce Lady Gaga!
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Tony from Tulsa on July 06, 2010, 09:45:11 PM: We just got back home from Branson last week. We stayed at the Radison and our window faced the back of the Grand Palace. In four days, no one seemed to be at the Grand Palace working on it at all. Things still looked a bit overgrown and the mural painting on the back of the theater looked to be unfinished. Maybe we missed something while we were living it up at Silver Dollar City. :)
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Copper on July 06, 2010, 10:22:07 PM: The outside of the auditorium has been repainted, its blue now and not gray. Carpets have been ripped out inside, work has been going on.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: rubedugans on July 06, 2010, 11:42:59 PM: Granted, living about 15 minutes from Nelly it is a bit normal to hear about him. He performs a lot, and it never makes the news. Hearing he is performing isn't a big deal...but where he is performing has started a huge buzz with every news station in St Louis. The news stories were full of country music stereotypes, and bad versions of "Hot in Herre" done by aging, uninformed newscasters. In fact it seemed like they chose the most uptight, oldies listening newsmen to do the stories to make the situation seem even more awkward. Good for Branson, good for Nelly, I always say to my wife that Branson will have to change to reach people our age eventually. Will there be a demand many years from now for Elvis impersonators in years to come when no one remembers, or was alive for Elvis? Hits and musicians of the 60's will make way for hits of the 70's, 80's, and 90's. Will Huey Lewis and the News or members of Styx move onto the strip?

Branson will change (don't worry it will be a while) but this is a sign that They are understanding the younger than 40 crowd for once when thinking about shows in Branson. It is a sign for good things to come!
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: betamike on July 07, 2010, 06:43:24 PM: You are right Rubes. And just to illustrate the fact: When I worked at the city and got a wee bit tired of the usual Branson music scene (it's one thing to visit...another to live in Branson....bluegrass is the exception), I would roll down the strip and blast a lot of my favorite tunes just to change it up a bit. This was the 90's so it was the likes of 311, No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc...I always wondered about the day that some of MY favorites would come to the Branson area to hold a show.

I guess Nelly gets one of the first kudos for breaking into a new business model.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: rubedugans on July 07, 2010, 08:35:22 PM: I just saw 311 and Offspring last week! Go 90's music, I cannot wait until I am that old that Branson is the mecca of grunge music. If we are going by Branson standards here is the real thoughts I have...
The sons of the pioneers were formed in 1933...so from those odds we will have some incarnation of 311 that was fromed in 1988 in Branson around the year...2035 huh?
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Copper on July 08, 2010, 07:26:22 AM: The Grand Palace has their site up (it's a little awful looking, but hey)...
http://www.grandpalacebranson.com/index2.php

They also have a facebook page where I suggested Lady Gaga, you should too lol...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Grand-Palace/136187049739903?v=wall#
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Junior on July 08, 2010, 08:15:22 AM: Thanks for posting. I have been sad each time I've passed the place...it used to be a showplace, alright. Most recently, an eyesore.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: mhguy77 on July 08, 2010, 08:16:37 AM: I checked out the webpage.
They were smart to add that it would be a friendly clean show with the radio versions you are used to hearing.
I am not familiar with him but late 80's early 90's was when they seemed to add the nasty parts to the extended mixes of the songs, sometimes just a 4 letter word but back then we thought Hell - Bitch were " Gasper's"
Interestingly the choices on there poll of artists included Madonna..............Madonna?
Lord you couldn't clean that up with a tanker truck full of Peroxide or bleach... :o
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: StaceySue on July 08, 2010, 09:37:57 AM: Quote from: Copper on July 08, 2010, 07:26:22 AM
They also have a facebook page where I suggested Lady Gaga, you should too lol...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Grand-Palace/136187049739903?v=wall#

My whole family would go see Lady Gaga. Heck, I'd go just to see what she's wearing! But I admit, her songs are catchy.

I wrote in Weird Al Yankovic on the Grand Palace website. I'm not sure if anyone else would go--lol

I'd go see Madonna, if I could afford it. She is part of the soundtrack of my childhood/ teen years.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: rubedugans on July 08, 2010, 09:57:23 AM: Wierd Al would be great. I saw him 10 years ago @ SixFlags StL-what a great act, performer, show. He would be an amazing addition for an extended stay- 2-3 mths on the Branson Strip. He comes through here in StL to a suburb about once a year.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: saladdays on July 08, 2010, 04:24:26 PM: Quote from: rubedugans on July 08, 2010, 09:57:23 AM
Wierd Al would be great. I saw him 10 years ago @ SixFlags StL-what a great act, performer, show. He would be an amazing addition for an extended stay- 2-3 mths on the Branson Strip. He comes through here in StL to a suburb about once a year.

I saw Weird Al at the Ozark Empire Fair in Springfield a couple of summers ago, and I agree that he would be great.

As far as Nelly goes, is it common for performers like him to do "family friendly" shows?
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Junior on July 08, 2010, 04:39:27 PM: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Copper on July 08, 2010, 06:53:24 PM: I would go see Madonna! I saw her Sticky & Sweet Tour and it was amazing. Unfortunately she is used to playing arenas and I don't think the Palace is large enough, tickets would be $5,000 each lol. But I am all for newer and younger artists! I suggest everyone go to the Grand Palace Facebook site and express your thoughts and opinions!!!
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: saladdays on July 09, 2010, 02:40:59 PM: Article in the Springfield News-Leader today about how the Nelly concert will now be INSIDE the Grand Palace:

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20107090339
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: betamike on July 09, 2010, 03:37:59 PM: I think Branson needs to do what it takes to stay ahead of the economy and that includes branching out to the a-typical music acts. I think it shows great diversity for them to break the mold. The slogan for Branson used to be the "live music capital of the world"....not the "Country or Christian or Oldies Capital of the world" (just an observation).

Disney is family friendly also, but the first show that appeared at the House of Blues on Disney Property was Insane Clown Posse (or Gwar...can't remember exactly) and since then the Orlando HOB has become the #1.....I repeat number ONE live music venue in the country. It has boosted the economy there greatly and it has certainly allowed me to see a huge number of great artists. Not just ones that fit the family friendly mold.

For arguments sake, you could make a lot about a Beatles tribute show in Branson because of their recreational drug use and drug references in the past, but because they are so accepted now, they just fit in with the Baby Boomers. Not saying that Nelly is anywhere near a model example, but I hope this bodes well for the struggling music industry in town.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: KBCraig on July 09, 2010, 03:48:22 PM: Nelly has some crossover appeal. Remember the duet with Tim McGraw?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3htOCjafTc
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: westofeight on July 10, 2010, 05:42:52 PM: It is great to see more music being brought in and I'm hope the Grand Palace can what it once was and more, first time I ever went there was in 96', my wife at the time wanted to see Vince Gill, I went for her, it was a great show, I left a fan and I'm not much for country. That seemed like a good year for music in Branson for me because that same year we saw Def Leppard at Lampe, MO A few years ago I went with friends to see Boston in concert at the Grand Palace, good show, I saw them in St Louis a couple weeks before that, the Grand Palace just wasn't big enough to hold the stage set up they were using, you could tell a lot of stuff was left off from the St Louis show for a lack of room on stage. Anyway, something I also miss there is a club thats had a few names, at one time it was called Planet Branson, before that I think it was called Guitars and Cadillacs. Saw a few good shows there, Sebastian Bach of Skid Row (the place was packed and even security seemed shell shocked from the crowd that turned out), saw Cinderella (remember them from the 80's hair metal days?) which was another good turn out. Vixen also played a show there but a terrible turn out. Branson needs something like this to fill in more tastes in music. Lot of great music from the 80's, 90's and today that could bring in people if done right.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: History Buff on July 10, 2010, 06:32:52 PM: Lest we forget, Styx did play the Palace once or twice, didn't they?
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: marolinesdad on July 10, 2010, 08:34:13 PM: I wish they would bring in Broadway Shows. I would for sure go to all of those.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: betamike on July 10, 2010, 08:45:58 PM: We used to go to Pump Boys and Dinettes all the time which had a run off-Broadway for a while. Loved that show! The song "The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine" was hilarious, (it's on iTunes FYI)
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: StaceySue on July 10, 2010, 11:17:14 PM: Quote from: oklaSDCfan on July 10, 2010, 08:34:13 PM
I wish they would bring in Broadway Shows. I would for sure go to all of those.

I agree! I've taken students to KC to see Broadway touring shows. I'd much rather go to Branson!
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Copper on July 12, 2010, 04:58:21 PM: I took some photos of the Grand Palace yesterday here they are...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/53826242@N00/
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: marolinesdad on July 13, 2010, 04:57:23 AM: Thanks for the Photos... It is good to see the place looking better.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: History Buff on July 13, 2010, 04:21:07 PM: Traveling Broadway musicals would be amazing, but I don't think the stage is large enough.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Copper on July 13, 2010, 11:03:40 PM: The stage is large enough, but there isn't an orchestra pit. Are there touring musicals that have canned music?
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: marolinesdad on July 13, 2010, 11:14:16 PM: How tall is the stage? The reason I ask is because I have been to some places that take out the first few rows in the center and just put the orchestra there...
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Copper on July 13, 2010, 11:43:35 PM: 65' tall and 75' wide with a 10 foot thrust.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: rubedugans on August 08, 2010, 09:38:06 PM: CHANGE OF PLANS...

The Nelly show has been moved to the Mansion Theatre on the same date, August 21st.

"The Mansion Theatre has stepped up and agreed to allow us to bring the event to their beautiful state-of-the-art theater which is also located in the heart of Branson." according to promoters
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: mhguy77 on August 08, 2010, 09:49:45 PM: Isn't the Mansion where Peter Pan was? I wonder how many seats they will lose at the Mansion.
I was in town the other day and it seems like they did paint the building but they haven't fixed up the grounds at all. ( landscaping )
What other announcements have they made for acts?
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: rubedugans on August 08, 2010, 09:55:38 PM: The Mansion holds 3,000 but it does have one of the best sound and lighting in the area. The stage is backed with a full multi media 60 ft. by 20 ft. projection screen.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN RUBE?

Well this means they will lose about 1,000 seats from the Grand Palace which holds around 4,000 max.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Junior on August 09, 2010, 08:28:53 AM: Why did they make the switch in venues? Will the Grand Palace not be ready in time?
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: rubedugans on August 09, 2010, 02:14:11 PM: ONe website stated that "the St. Louis rapper will finally realize his dream of playing in the "Hillbilly Heartland."

I don't know why he wasn't playing in the Theater other than it probably just wasn't ready yet. Hopefully this doesn't set back the rehab of the GP
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Joy on August 09, 2010, 02:17:52 PM: The reason they had to move venues is because despite receiving the proper permits to have the concert outdoors, the Branson board screwed them over and made it impossible for them to perform outdoors. The inside of the Palace is not finished, so they had to find another venue and thankfully the Mansion stepped up and offered their services.

If you check out the Grand Palace's Facebook, you can read all about the drama.

In short, there are a lot of powerful people who are not keen on having a rapper in Branson...
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: rubedugans on August 09, 2010, 03:00:45 PM: I wonder if he'll take a trip to SDC before the concert? I could see the entourage making their way through the queue lines on rides!

"The times they are a' changin'"
Bob Dylan
Once Branson realizes that, they will move on and embrace the $$ that these acts will provide. I understand the moral dillema that many are having becuase for many rap=drugs/sex/violence. Lookat it this was, Nelly lives in a huge house in the suburbs, and gives back so much to his community. He has been a boost for StL and an inspiration for many youth despite some of his questionable behaviors. There could be much worse acts to bring to Branson, and let's face it, This is Nelly, and not Paul Anka, I understand the top businessman in Branson don't know/ like/ understand rap (I don't like it either honestly) but I am still open to change.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Joy on August 09, 2010, 03:33:50 PM: I think it's great that a Missouri son will be the first rapper to perform in Branson.

Of course, I'm still waiting for Garth Brooks to realize that Branson would be a great place to set down roots and get his own theater.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Junior on August 09, 2010, 04:57:10 PM: Garth would be a better fit for Branson than Nelly...but I think Garth owns Yukon, Oklahoma, and seldom leaves the ranch...Most of his money has been shipped there in a fleet of armored cars,too, I think. He can probably afford to have a Branson theater relocated to the front of his property at Yukon so he can sleep in his own bed each night! ;)
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: DeweyBald on August 09, 2010, 06:48:58 PM: Actually, Garth lives in Owasso and can be regularly seen his kids games. I met him one night Christmas shopping at Bed, Bath & Beyond. He and Trisha were there doing some shopping. I took my kids up to him and just asked him if I could shake his hand and we ended up having a great visit. Introduced me to his wife Trisha...(like I wouldn't know who she was!) Spoke to the kids and cut up with them a little. He's REALLY a down home....good 'ol boy.

Garth hooked it up with the Yukon Hospital and there is a little bad blood there. Rumor has it that they were even taking down "Home of Garth Brooks" on their water tower! Their loss!
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Joy on August 09, 2010, 06:54:37 PM: I took my sister to the Garth Brooks concert when he came into Kansas City a couple years ago. We went to one of the movie theaters live-streaming the concert, and honestly, it was the best way to go! Only $11 a ticket and it was like we were in front row seats! (actually, we DID get stuck in front row... our necks didn't thank us for that! lol)

I'd always liked a couple of Garth's songs, but it wasn't until that concert that I really began to like him. I would love to see him come to Branson, even if only for a week of shows or something.

And that was nice, too, that he extended his stay in Kansas City because of all the shows selling out so fast!
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: saladdays on August 10, 2010, 05:09:57 PM: Quote from: tinaalsgirl on August 09, 2010, 02:17:52 PM
The reason they had to move venues is because despite receiving the proper permits to have the concert outdoors, the Branson board screwed them over and made it impossible for them to perform outdoors. The inside of the Palace is not finished, so they had to find another venue and thankfully the Mansion stepped up and offered their services.

If you check out the Grand Palace's Facebook, you can read all about the drama.

In short, there are a lot of powerful people who are not keen on having a rapper in Branson...

And the Grand Palace owners apparently are suing Branson as well (or at least had planned on doing so).
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: mhguy77 on August 10, 2010, 06:32:47 PM: That theater is not big enough to put on an outdoor show and park everyone.
Pretty simple.
I have seen a few shows there and when its sold out there are not enough parking spots let alone taking up half the lot with the show.
The hotels and businesses around the palace would suffer through volume issues and prohibited parking as well.
I do understand the logistics are not easy and it would become a huge mess of people parking where they don't belong and although they say it would be pg I think they would " slip" some stuff in there that wasn't wanted.
But to be honest I would love to see what happens when those people come pouring out of the theater, I bet it will be a real show, and not a PG one.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: jmc75 on August 10, 2010, 07:05:06 PM: I was listening to the city administrator on the radio and I believe that it had nothing to do with Nelly himself or the music. The key is safety. Think about how many people and cars would be on that lot not to mention how close that they would be to Hwy 76 I could easy see someone getting hit. Especially if they would allow possible drinking it would be a nightmare not to mention traffic goes at a crawl as it is. Why everyone thinks that it has to do with anything else needs to broaden their horizons.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Zephon on August 13, 2010, 09:17:25 PM: Which is an absolutely ridiculous cop-out on the part of Branson's administrators, and I don't believe it for a second.

If they were actually concerned about safety, they would not allow the "Branson Summer Cruise," or whatever it's called, that is happening this weekend. Hundreds of classic cars and hotrods...cruising 76 and SoH Expressway...complete with loud engines, burnouts, explosive tailpipes...and thousands of people lining the streets for miles, kids included...running back and forth across the street when and wherever they please in front of said cruisers...and parking in yards, private business lots or wherever they please. Talk about dangerous...this event is the epitome of it. I've seen cars lose control of their burnouts and bump up on the sidewalk at least a half dozen times in the past. And I'll see it again this year because the wife's company, a sponsor, has asked us to help with security...we have to because the Branson PD is usually nowhere to be found during this event...at least, I've never seen them the couple of times I've gone.

And yet, Branson administrators don't want to allow a concert on a parking lot where there are no nearby residences to be disturbed, in a controlled environment that can be easily patrolled by safety/security officers, and has plenty of safe parking on site and in the surrounding areas. I wouldn't go see the concert myself, but I think it reeks foul play that Branson put the squeeze on them like that.

I'm done now.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: oldsdcer on August 15, 2010, 01:57:01 PM: Garth Brooks has a special contract with the Wynn Hotel in Vegas where they will fly him in from his kids games, do a show, and then fly him home about once a week.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: marolinesdad on January 14, 2011, 09:11:37 PM: I am thinking that maybe they have decided not to open. There is nothing new on their web site since Nelly
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: chittlins on January 15, 2011, 07:23:06 PM: Regarding broadway shows

Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville AR brings in a quite a few and they'll be building a bigger auditorium in Bentonville for even the largest shows that can't play the Fayetteville location.

Also told that the UofA will start allowing use of BWA for events other than basketball.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Junior on January 15, 2011, 08:20:20 PM: I hope UA allows concerts at their facilities...Barnhill, maybe Bud Walton, both seat thousands, and would be a great place for bigger name acts.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: chittlins on January 16, 2011, 10:18:16 AM: Junior, Barnhill hosts a few concerts a year. Jason Aldeen is up next. The layout of Barnhill for these types of things is horrible.
It was an indoor football practice field originally.

They plan on allowing the WAC folks to use the football stadium (Jimmy Buffett has played Walmart shareholders meeting there) and Bud Walton to hold events. The BWA thing will depend on when the AD dept gets a separate facilaty to practice in. People don't realize that BWA was designed to be a basketball only facility. When the lower level is retracted It has three whole courts to hold practice on. It's the practice schedules of the men and women team that disrupts other uses. But the UofA realizes the lost revenue and wants some of that.

Long term plans call for a new 5 to 6 thousand seat multiuse arena to replace Barnhill

There's an ampitheater coming online between Springdale and Siloam Springs this summer, It'll have 5,000 fixed seats, corporate boxes and 10,000 in lawn seating.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: KBCraig on January 19, 2011, 01:36:53 AM: My senior trip was to see the Charlie Daniels Band in Barnhill. (Full Moon tour, fall of 1980.)

Horrible acoustics, and not nearly big enough for the basketball crowds, but I miss the "40 Minutes of Barnhell" back in the day.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: rubedugans on January 19, 2011, 02:31:11 PM: I heard from the Grand Palace contact on the website today and this was said in an answer to my question of "if the Grand Palace will be reopening":
Quote
We are working on getting investors to help us aquire the building.

and
Quote
If the words the real estate market mean anything Location, Location, Location this is it and done right it can be a great showplace.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: sanddunerider on January 19, 2011, 02:47:35 PM: oh goody... another "wait and see" situation... :-\ :-\
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: marolinesdad on January 19, 2011, 08:49:50 PM: So all of the hype that it was going to open was just to get the Nelly concert to Branson...
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Junior on January 20, 2011, 06:47:51 AM: Branson has always attracted big dreamers who hype projects that have little or no chance of seeing the light of day. Some are sincere, others just hucksters. Hard to call it on this one. I think I read reports that a lot of improvements were made at the grand palace, and maybe they just ran out of money. Maybe the Nelly thing drained the bank accounts. I'm sure Nelly costs a lot to book, and expenses can cause the profit margin to go way down, plus controversy about the venue site.
Title: Palace on market for $10 million
Post by: marolinesdad on February 06, 2011, 09:51:43 PM: In its heyday, the Grand Palace attracted stars like Jeff Foxworthy, George Jones, Ray Charles and Reba McEntire, but most recently it has attracted vandals.

The 90,000-square-foot theater located on 76 Country Boulevard was built in 1993. Hall Corp. purchased the property from Herschend Family Entertainment in 1997, according to Lynn Hall, of Hall Corp. For years, the theater attracted stars from across the nation and at one point in time, was estimated to draw as many as 500,000 people to the area in one season. Today, though, it sits empty.

“Our family doesn’t have any interest in the entertainment industry anymore,” Lynn Hall said earlier this week.

He hopes someone will take an interest in the property, though.

“It is the biggest stage in the area,” Hall said.

Realtor Dick Hall, of Branson Realty Inc., added, “The original acts Silver Dollar City had in there, like Kenny Rogers, headlines like that, were real revenue generators for the city.”

Lynn Hall and Dick Hall are not related.

The property is currently leased by Paul Dunn, but Lynn Hall said Dunn violated the lease.

Dunn worked on the property in the summer of 2010, but in July, the city issued a stop work order on the property after an engineer removed himself from the job. Dunn had wanted to hold a Nelly concert in the parking lot while work was done on the inside of the building.

According to Dick Hall, the property is currently listed for $10 million, but the condition of the building is nothing like it was when it was originally built.

“I sold that to Hall entertainment in 1995 and comparing it in ‘95 to today, it is in horrible condition,” said Dick Hall.

The theater has been stripped of its light and sound system and copper wiring.

“It has been vandalized,” Dick Hall said.

The building also sustained water damage in the winter of 2008.

Dick Hall said, in his opinion, it would take $3.5-$4 million to bring the Palace up to code and open it again. It needs work inside and out.

“I would hope someone would buy it, tear it down and put up another tourist attraction,” he said. “It is too big for smaller acts and too small for bigger acts.

“It was built by Silver Dollar City (which is owned by Herschend Family Entertainment) to be an icon of the city. Unfortunately, it should have been bigger.”

He has a quote from a Springfield firm that could tear down the building for $900,000.

The property consists of 13.2 acres. Dick Hall said that is enough for a couple of smaller theaters and even a hotel.

“It is going to need to be something different. I don’t know what that something different would be.”

He described the location on 76 as “dynamite.”

“It is the best location of that amount of acreage on the strip,” Dick Hall said. “It could be just about anything, except the Grand Palace.”

He said he does get calls about the building, but wouldn’t say there are any prospective buyers or people looking to lease it.

“Most people are just curious about it,” Hall said.

Dunn’s lease, according to Dick Hall, is up Jan. 1, 2012.

“We can sell it, subject to his lease or someone could buy his lease out,” he said.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: shavethewhales on February 06, 2011, 10:41:20 PM: ^Where is that article from?

I find it hard to believe they can't find acts to fit the venue though. If they got big names to come through before, they could get them again with the right strategies. I'll bet if HFEC took it over again they could make it profitable in a snap.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Copper on February 08, 2011, 02:07:33 AM: I agree Shavethewhales; the theatre could be made profitable again. The theatre is too small for people who are playing arenas, but there are plenty of entertainers that are playing smaller venues 2,000-3,000 seats, so the Palace could fit that niche extremely well. It would take someone who knows how market and promote the theatre and that is hard to come by in this area.

Oh, the Grand Palace opened in 1992.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Junior on February 08, 2011, 04:59:25 PM: "Glory days, they'll pass you by...glory days, in the wink of a young girl's eye...glory days, glory days, glory days" -Springsteen
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: marolinesdad on February 09, 2011, 10:47:26 AM: ^^ Tri-Lakes News... http://bransontrilakesnews.com/news_story/article_a1928764-30a0-11e0-a9f5-001cc4c002e0.html (http://bransontrilakesnews.com/news_story/article_a1928764-30a0-11e0-a9f5-001cc4c002e0.html)
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: oldsdcer on February 09, 2011, 05:07:34 PM: did the mountain oak outdoor theater in Lampe go over this year. I heard all the advertisements for it early in the season but have not heard anything since. I know the acts were being booked by one of the NItty Gritty Dirt Band Memebers.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Cosmic Cowboy on February 09, 2011, 06:03:27 PM: I'm glad the Branson board stood up and tried to keep the rap act out of OUR Branson. Rap/hip-hop music thrives on gang culture and the drugs and violence and all other sorts of debauchery that comes with it. So far Branson has managed to stay a haven for family entertainment, this is what make Branson so special to so many people. It will lose it's whole image that it has touted for years if the town sells it's soul and welcomes this kind of lowest common denominator "entertainment".

-Grumply Old Man who loves Branson.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: sanddunerider on February 10, 2011, 10:40:42 AM: We had that discussion last summer, cowboy.

That would be a great challenge for HFEC to take over and try to revive tha palce.

I dont see it happening, but would be interesting to see.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Junior on February 14, 2011, 08:46:31 AM: Herschend Family Entertainment may have built Grand Palace and Grand Village, just as they did Whitewater Parks in OK City, Dallas, Atlanta, and so on...and Celebration City, but for what ever reasons, they sold off or closed those properties. They learn lessons they apply to other parks in their chain, so as to not repeat mistakes. They seem to be doing something right. I don't think you can ever look to the company to buy back Grand Palace. I would be very surprised if they did. I say if someone cannot come in and restore it or renovate it, then tear it down and use the property for something else.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: biscuitcreek on June 29, 2011, 06:04:24 PM: Grand Palace was sold this morning at auction for 5.4 million dollars. Bought by a group out of Nashville (and other locations) called Kingdom Wealth Builders LLC. More details from Hometown Radio:

http://www.hometowndailynews.com/6175/breaking_news_grand_palace_sells_at_auction.html
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Junior on June 29, 2011, 07:01:22 PM: Interesting...we will see how things turn out. Maybe they can have some shows by the late fall or for the Christmas season.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: sanddunerider on June 29, 2011, 07:10:52 PM: well good, hopefully they do have big plans, and soon..
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Ozark Outlaw on June 30, 2011, 11:38:14 AM: The article mentioned renovations. I wonder if they are talking about a spruce up, or a total facelift. Either way, this is very interesting news for the building, and future shows there!
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: sanddunerider on June 30, 2011, 12:39:46 PM: with deep pockets, the options a limitless for that building.....
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: eagle1 on June 30, 2011, 06:49:14 PM: We are anxious to see what happens as well. That was a huge part of Branson for a long time, I as a local hope they do it justice!
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: U Smell Smoke on August 10, 2011, 05:38:42 PM: Any update on when renovations might start? Didn't see any activity the times we passed by last week.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Junior on August 10, 2011, 05:43:57 PM: My guess is the group that last proposed and started improvements has faltered and failed. There have been many people like them that have come and gone in Branson. Probably, someone else will pick up the pieces and turn the place back into the showplace it once was.
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: biscuitcreek on August 12, 2011, 06:08:25 PM: Yes, the group that had the winning bid at the auction could not come up with the cash. The Grand Palace is back on the market again. A national firm that specializes in commercial properties is trying to sell it this time.

From Hometown Daily News:
http://www.hometowndailynews.com/6612/breaking_news_update_grand_palace_for_sale_again.html

From Branson Tri-Lakes News:
http://bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_69c82678-ba15-11e0-a727-001cc4c03286.html
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: thelarsonsix on August 12, 2011, 07:26:46 PM: Heard that on the duck tour today
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: sanddunerider on August 13, 2011, 08:11:22 AM: WOW!! high bidder! NOPE just the people with biggest ideas and hopes!
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: Ozark Outlaw on August 14, 2011, 03:11:48 PM: Perhaps they should auction it like NASA did with the space shuttle program, and give the job to the lowest bidder. ;)
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: eagle1 on August 18, 2011, 07:50:37 PM: If someone would just come in and commit! That is the biggest seating theater in town, used to have big names come in; I think it could happen again BUT need to have the cash to put up front and then get the reward. The music industry gets the rep with always having big money behind "them".....depends on who "they" are. I remember when the Oak Ridge Boys" played there before their theater so, it can be done. We had oh can't remember at Mansion and over 3,000 people last year. IF the theater can be put back into place, then need to get the promotions to get maybe the "newer" names here? If I win the lottery I would seriously look into it myself!
Title: Re: The Grand Palace
Post by: thelarsonsix on August 18, 2011, 07:55:02 PM: I saw Kenny Rogers there a few years ago. So yes, it can draw big names. It's just a BIG investment in a not so good economy.