Tony Orlando moving show out of Branson.

[marolinesdad]

Tony Orlando, whose 1973 song "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" is one of the 50 biggest hits of all time, will move his "Great American Christmas" show from Branson, where it has been a sell-out hit for 20 years, to Sands Bethlehem Event Center, Orlando and event center officials say.


http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CC8QqQIwAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fentertainment%2Fmusic%2Fmc-homepage-0116-8-20140120%2C0%2C4393057.story&ei=HNfeUqCtD-Oc2AXcl4DYDg&usg=AFQjCNGqHM1Gk8PoTouV7Bgep2bSTGXiNQ&sig2=znKGmkpCetShZFnV07xDJw

[Preachin_Bill]

Saw a lot of "Last season in Branson" bill boards when down for OTC this year.  Sad to hear a popular show leaving town.

[Gilligan]

Saw a lot of "Last season in Branson" bill boards when down for OTC this year.  Sad to hear a popular show leaving town.

Isn't the "Spiders and Snakes" guy also leaving?  I can't think of his name!  Jim Stafford!  (thanks hubs)

[sanddunerider]

No, Jim Stafford is staying................... UNLESS he and the wife (divorced last year, she got the theatre) cant reconcile..    Theatre has a full schedule for 2104...........Althought there were rumors about snow damage from a overload on the roof???

guess we will see..

Although I did just check his website, there are 3 or 4 shows at his theatre and NOONE has a 2014 schedule posted.,....  that is odd??   

HMMM?  inquiring minds want to know..

[qwed94]

I think as a whole. Branson tourism has been down.  I know SDC had some stellar days in 13. I also know they had some awful days. (OK I know the weather in 13 has had a devastating effect in Branson area). But according to Randy. He says his shows has been less and less full over the last few years. Not saying that some shows wasnt completely full, but most has been less and less full. --- Even 76 traffic is not what it was "say" 10 years ago. (Im talking about on average)

Even some of these travel/camping forums that Im on is mentioning how Branson seems to be getting less busy. And most of the first time Branson visitors (according to their posts on these sites), seem to not be real happy with (Other than a million shows, theres really nothing to do in Branson).  I have read that line so many times on these camping sites.

Of Course. I still love Branson, I love the attitudes of Branson. I love the atmosphere of Branson.

However, - back to subject - I reckon some of these theatres are not posting numbers like they did years ago, and that may be why some are leaving.

[Preachin_Bill]

No, Jim Stafford is staying................... UNLESS he and the wife (divorced last year, she got the theatre) cant reconcile..    Theatre has a full schedule for 2104...........Althought there were rumors about snow damage from a overload on the roof???

guess we will see..

Although I did just check his website, there are 3 or 4 shows at his theatre and NOONE has a 2014 schedule posted.,....  that is odd??  

HMMM?  inquiring minds want to know..

Oh this is terrible news...I thought Jim Stafford was one of the best shows in Branson.  And throughout the USA, you can't really find someone that has a great music and comedy show centered around good guitar playing.

[sanddunerider]

Verified this weekend...  Jim Stafford is NOT going to be back this year 2014............ UNLESS there is a HUGE change in "management" there....  the other shows, tony roi, jim owen, Neil Diamond.,....  NO word on where or if they have someplace to go.....

[Swoosh]

I have to be honest.  Even though I went to SDC several times last year, I never once went into Branson.

[runner1960]

I have to be honest.  Even though I went to SDC several times last year, I never once went into Branson.

We did but were bored senseless. Part of the reason for no season passes this year. I have said it before. Branson will have to change or it will die in it's current state.

[Preachin_Bill]

I have to be honest.  Even though I went to SDC several times last year, I never once went into Branson.

I'm sure you are like a lot of people.  Many times have happened when we stay on Indian Point we just go in to drive the strip for one night and maybe eat somewhere at the Landing.  But when we do go to shows we always enjoy ourselves.  Have also done the WW, go carts/putt putt thing as well.  But I'd say every other trip we only make it into Branson once to eat.

And it's also true that a lot go to Branson but don't visit SDC    Man!  Now they're missin out!

As far as Branson goes, I dunno if anyone has said this on this forum here or not.  I also hope I'm not burnt at the stake for saying it, and I"m NOT saying I will like it....but it will reach the point where the only thing that can save Branson is gambling.  I dunno how far off that is, but it's going to have to happen some day.  Sad reality, I know.

[Swoosh]

The issue with Branson is that it is a bunch of acts that no one has heard of OR acts that were big a long time ago that today's youth has/have no interest in.  The target group is quickly passing on and thus the "well" of tourists that are interested in the acts there is drying up.  Branson MUST adapt to today's demands or it will become a thing of the past.  Really, the younger generations are only coming to Branson FOR SDC. 

[Preachin_Bill]

Should go after the duck dynasty family when they are done with their tv show.

I'm trying to think of current country acts that would start a recurring show in Branson.     It'd be nice.

[chittlins]

The issue with Branson is that it is a bunch of acts that no one has heard of OR acts that were big a long time ago that today's youth has/have no interest in.  The target group is quickly passing on and thus the "well" of tourists that are interested in the acts there is drying up.  Branson MUST adapt to today's demands or it will become a thing of the past.  Really, the younger generations are only coming to Branson FOR SDC. 

Preach on, last day of duck season, and I will not be back to east Arkansas/Memphis till April 30th. Clapton is playing Mud Island.

Branson needs a place that designed as less than theater and more music hall. Hate the part of town it's in but I loved catching Dave Matthews/Big Head Todd at Memorial Hall back in the day.

Let's put it this way, on Jan 31st Cherokee Casino is having Joe Nichols in concert and it's free.  That's a younger act that appeals to young folk not blue hairs and he lives in nearby Rogers Arkansas.

[runner1960]

Music festivals draw huge crowds of young people. Myself I am in my 50's but would love to see Branson get a festival that includes some of today's top draws like Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and  The Gaslight Anthem. Problem is the old school runs the town and getting approval for things like these are 0 % chance.

As for the younger crowd. I think some are correct above. The entertainment is just outdated. Lots of old acts that they have never heard of or people who were never famous outside Branson in the first place. I also think the hillbilly acts have grown stale. My daughters actually make fun of Branson and the acts that are there. They have no desire to visit.

[qwed94]

Joe Nichols just played at the STL Auto Show this weekend. I had to miss it, but would have loved to see it.

I think the previous few posts sort of explains most of it. The older Branson tourists base is dying off. The younger crowd is just different. Most are not thrilled about travel at all. I think there are many reasons for this.

With todays technology, "everybody" (especially the kids) demand instant gratification. That means that they have no patience to wait in lines--and will not tolerate spending money to hear some songs they never heard of when they can hit the PANDORA button.

With YOU TUBE, they can ride any coaster on the planet.
With the age of "health foods" they wont blow much on funnel cakes.
Not to mention - alot of kids dont have cars today. This generation of kids have a bigger "LACK" of interest for cars, than did any generation prior. (Hey I didnt make that up), The automakers said that back in the big recession.  --- without a car, kids cant travel much.

OK I know, it is not to "that" level yet. SDC (and Branson) still has tourists (young & old). My point is, THIS is the direction that the kids "appear" to be going. If it continues, tourism will fade drastically everywhere.  I dont think it will ever "disappear" but I bet if reduces by large numbers as we older folks die off and today kids become middle aged.