Branson News Guide

Ozark Mountain Helicopters is proud to announce that visitors to Branson can once again experience the thrill and excitement of flying in a helicopter.

Jim Evertsen, a contractor from West Plains, Mo, is taking his love of flying helicopters to new heights. With the absence of this exciting and anticipated attraction in Branson over the past two years, many rumors, online message boards and hopeful tourists kept the dream alive that someday, helicopter tours would return to Branson. Well, Ozark Mountain Helicopters has seen the need and is answering the call.

“We get calls every day from individuals who took a ride as a child, and can still remember the feeling and excitement of being up in a helicopter, and want to share that feeling with their children.” “That’s why I love what I do.” Says Evertsen.

This business is unique in the fact that it involves two father/son teams. Jim, who has been flying Helicopters religiously for the past six years will function as Owner and Chief Pilot, while his son Casey assumes the responsibilities of the Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

The second father/son team consists of Lee and Shanon Christensen. With over 60 years of flight experience between the two, there is little these two have not seen or done in a helicopter.

To maximize the safety of their passengers, the Taney County Airport has been chosen as their base of operations. With its close proximity to Hwy 65 and Branson Landing, it is lacking the tall hotels, overhead wires, traffic lights and nearby obstructions that are not conducive to safe take offs and landings. The tours will take passengers over Branson Landing, Hwy 76, Table Rock Dam, Lake Taneycomo, Inspiration Tower and Silver Dollar City.

Over five days, 206 acts, 119 kids from 11 states, 72 volunteers and 22 judges will have participated in the 2007 American Kids National Finals during which $6,000 in cash prizes, $5,000 recording session, 28 trophies, over 500 medals and two college scholarships will be awarded.

The event will culminate in the AllStar Show at 2 p.m. Friday, July 20, at the Baldknobbers Theatre where 25 of the top acts from the week-long competition will be showcased. One winner will be selected as Performer of the Year and win a $1,000 cash prize and a $5,000 recording session from Voice Recording Studio of Branson. Tickets to the show are $10 and available at the door.

“Before American Idol, Star Search and America’s Got Talent, American Kids Inc. has been showcasing the nation’s talented young performers for 25 years,” said Dr. Dale Smith, founder of the non-profit group dubbed America’s only “little league” of entertainers.

“It all comes down to this Friday afternoon competition, but it started with local, regional and state competitions,” said Brenda Hoffstatter, the non-profit group’s national director of competitions. “We appreciate our judges who will be selecting the Performer of the Year as well as those who have judged throughout the week. Judges are a vital part of this competition and without their expertise, our kids would not be able to learn and grow in their talents.”

AllStar judges are Ben Brooks of Ben Brooks Marketing who has helped break hits songs for numerous Norah Jones, Creed, Ray Charles, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Cheryl Broz, an executive marketing professional, markets and promotes Christian artists to the mainstream. She has worked with Arista Records, EMI Christian Music Group, CMG Global Marketing and Columbia Records among others. Chris Korblein from Los Angeles, guitarist, writer and producer has performed across the country and around the world. The first single on his third CD shot to the top of national radio’s most added list and remained there for several weeks. David Sandy is an entertainer and an award-winning show producer responsible for five popular shows in Branson, The Haygoods, Red Skelton, A Tribute by Tom Mullica, Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience, Red, Hot & Blue! and Siegfried and Roy present Darren Romeo, The Voice of Magic.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, American Kids is different from other competitions in the performance opportunities given the group’s membership outside of the competition. The organization is open to all youth from ages 3 through high school seniors, alumni, their parents and supporters.
“Our members, with guidance from our certified adult volunteers, present a vast number of shows on the local, regional and national level to share their talent gifts for the benefit of others,” said Hoffstatter.

Numerous college scholarships have been awarded over the past two and a half decades. The two college scholarships that will be awarded during national competition are the $1,000 Taco Mayo Scholarship and the $1,000 Carolyn Snow Memorial Scholarship. Snow, the late wife of Dr. Dale Smith, served as the organization’s executive director.

For more information about the 25-year-old program, American Kids Inc., call 1-800-377-8117 or go to the website at americankids.com.

He is, by any standards, one of the most influential stars in America today. Whether it be through concert appearances or recordings, television or films, commercials or education, Bill Cosby has the ability to touch people’s lives. His humor often centers on the basic cornerstones of our existence, seeking to provide an insight into our roles as parents, children, family members, and men and women. Without resorting to gimmickry or lowbrow humor, Bill Cosby’s comedy has a point of reference and respect for the trappings and traditions of the great American humorists.

THE MANSION ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA CENTER is pleased to announce the performance of well-known comedian and five-time Grammy Winner Bill Cosby, October 13 in Branson.

For more than five decades he has graced us through virtually every entertainment outlet. Cosby’s initial immediate success began with Bill Cosby Is A Very Funny Fellow, Right? and continued with many other comedy albums. He also has released a number of jazz recordings, including hello, friend: to ennis with love (released in 1997).

“THE MANSION continues to search and acquire major stars for our customers to enjoy – we are pledged to that goal and the public has told us by ticket sales that we are succeeding.” Says Larry Wilhite.

Branson and Silver Dollar City are both Top 10 picks in the nation for tour and travel, according to a recent industry survey — indicators that the Southwest Missouri town known for live entertainment and world-class family attractions remains a national favorite.

In the annual survey conducted by the National Motorcoach Network, Branson placed number 3 on the Top 10 Destinations list, following Pigeon Forge and Washington, D.C., and ahead of cities including Nashville, Chicago and New York.

“I don’t think Branson has ever been below number 4 in all the years of our survey,” said Steve Kirchner, editor and publisher of Byways, the National Motorcoach Network magazine. “Branson has been number 1, 2, 3 or 4 consistently for 17 years and that’s pretty amazing.” In fact, Branson’s consistent high ranking in the survey earned it the title of Top Motorcoach Destination of the Decade in 2000, a testament to the city’s product, hospitality and service, according to Kirchner.

Silver Dollar City ranked sixth in the survey’s list of Top 10 Man-Made Attractions, with Disney World, the Grand Ole Opry and Opryland, Washington, D.C., the Statue of Liberty and Graceland, and ahead of such attractions as Universal Studios. The 1880s-style theme park has been internationally awarded for excellence in theme, presentation and operations, including the worldwide Applause Award and the THEA Award from the Themed Entertainment Association.

“At Silver Dollar City, we have much to offer motorcoach travelers, with six festivals, our demonstrating craftsmen, unique craft shops, great food and shows,” said General Manager Brad Thomas. “We appreciate being among the favorite attractions nationwide and continually add elements that give our guests more reasons to visit.”

“We’re pleased to be recognized as a top motorcoach destination, and we value the great service that the motorcoach industry provides to visitors seeking convenient travel to favorite destinations,” said Ross Summers, president of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber and CVB. “Once they bring visitors here, we promise Branson shows them a great time.”

Referencing another of the survey’s Top 10, the restaurant picks are well-represented in Branson too, Summers said, with seven of the top 10 within the city: Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, Golden Corral, Shoney’s, Olive Garden, Landry’s and Applebee’s.

The annual Top 10 rankings of the National Motorcoach Network are compiled from surveys of member operators indicating where they plan to travel in the coming year.

Complete Top 10 survey results of the National Motorcoach Network:

Top 10 Destinations
1. Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
2. Washington, D.C.
3. Branson, Mo.
4. Nashville, Tenn.
5. Chicago, Ill.
6. Atlantic City, N.J.
7. Philadelphia, Pa.
8. New York, N.Y.
9. Williamsburg, Va.
10. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Top 10 Man-Made Attractions
1. Disney World
2. Grand Ole Opry/Opryland
3. Washington, D.C. (monuments and Smithsonian museum)
4. Statue of Liberty
5. Graceland
6. Silver Dollar City
7. Dollywood
8. Pennsylvania Dutch Country
9. Henry Fort Museum and Greenfield Village
10. Universal Studios

Top 10 Motorcoach States
1. Pennsylvania
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Tennessee
5. South Carolina
6. Virginia
7. New York
8. Missouri
9. Kentucky
10. North Carolina

After making it through the initial auditions, the short list and finally to the twenty semifinalists for NBC’s hit television show America’s Got Talent, Branson’s Dutton Family and Johnny Lonestar are ready to proceed toward winning the grand prize of $1,000,000.

Dean Dutton, family patriarch of the talented group of seven siblings, mom and dad, exclaimed, “Our family is so excited with being able to participate in America’s Got Talent. We were blessed to make the semifinals and look forward to the rest of the competition.” Featuring a wide array of musical genres, The Duttons combine beautiful vocal harmonies, instrumental virtuosity, high-energy dancing, and heartwarming comedy. Each Dutton plays at least six different instruments.

Gun-slingin’, rope-twirlin’, bull-whippin’ cowboy Johnny Lonestar, with Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, is on his way to the next round. Raised in Smithtown, NY, he started trick-roping at the age of 15. At 17, he won the “Will Rogers Rookie of the Year” award. By age 20, he received his first professional job on the Las Vegas strip performing rope-twirling, gun-spinning and whip-cracking. Johnny brought his act to Branson, and has been here for the past 13 years.

“America’s Got Talent is bringing the variety format back to the forefront of American culture. With the performances of Johnny Lonestar and The Duttons showcased on national television, the high caliber of Branson talent was well-represented,” said Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley.

“Starting with the semifinal performance episodes, the judging will be turned over to the American viewing audience who will vote each week for their favorites,” according to Ross Summers, President/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We hope that all their fans will vote for their Branson favorites.” The series culminates with a live finale where one act will walk away with a million dollar prize.

White House Theatre’s Live Taping Series Pairs
With the Sky Angel Network

Branson, MO - June 28, 2007 - Branson’s White House Theatre’s Christian television concept will now be available nationwide. The Magnificent Gospel Showcase has been in production since May of this year by White House Television Productions and has recently been picked up by the Sky Angel Network. Debuting its’ first of eighteen episodes on September 28th of 2007, this show features Los Angeles Comedian Ron McGehee and the very best of today’s Christian and Gospel artists along with Tamra Holden and the Cast and Band of The Magnificent Seven Variety Show here in Branson. The live taping will be held at the White House Theatre the first Saturday of every month at 1pm, and tickets are available to the general public.

The Series will be shown in a one-hour format and will be aired every fourth Friday of the month beginning September 28th at 8pm CT on Angel 2, the “Special Events” channel of Sky Angel. Throughout the show the audience will be entertained with hilarious comedy and vibrant, spirit-filled production numbers along with an exciting concert from one of today’s top Grammy and Dove Award winning artists such as The Classic Imperials, Crystal River, and The Galloways, with future artists to include The Martins, Hope’s Call and many more. LA Comedian Ron McGehee, who has also appeared on the hit series Bananas, NBC’s Last Comic Standing as a Semi-Finalist, and NBC/Laugh Factory Latino/Asian-American Comedy Showcase as a Finalist, will be the host for the one hour event and will be showcasing his talent as a “Clean” Comedian. Ron McGehee has become highly sought after as a comedian and host, and has recently filmed an unnamed comedy pilot with CBS producers to write as well as appear on the show.

As an independent producer of exceptional family entertainment, White House Television Productions has created Telly Award winning programming utilizing our multi-million dollar production facility, qualified staffed entertainers, and the best technical support staff in the area. The company is locally owned and operated here in Branson, and has become known for creating high quality, family oriented, musically based productions that promote traditional American family values.

The Sky Angel Network is based out of Florida and has been providing family and Christian based programming for over 25 years. Reaching virtually anywhere in the Continental United States, Sky Angel Network has over 30 channels on television and radio and features programming from some of the Nation’s best, including The Hallmark Channel, HGTV, TBN and Fox. For more information on programming and scheduling at Sky Angel, visit www.skyangel.com.

Information and scheduling for the live monthly taping of The Magnificent Gospel Showcase can be found on their website at: www.magnificentgospelshowcase.com or by calling the Branson White House Theatre at 1-877-487-2386. Tickets are $10.00 per person with a discount for groups of 15 or more, children under 11 are free.

For media needs or more information regarding this event, please contact:
Renee’ Johnson at 417-239-3016 or e-mail at rjohnson@bransonwhitehousetheatre.com

Representatives from the State of Missouri, Taney County and the City of Branson surprised four generations of the Presley family during a special 40th season celebration on Saturday, June 30, 2007 with a proclamation reading ceremony to honor Presleys’ Country Jubilee for its outstanding contribution to Branson’s live entertainment industry.

During intermission of Presleys’ 40th anniversary performance, State Rep. Dennis Wood read a proclamation signed by Governor Matt Blunt and resolutions from the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives praising the Presleys for bringing live music and comedy to millions of Branson visitors over the past 40 years, and for their commitment to active community service. Branson Mayor ProTem Stan Barker read a proclamation naming June 30, 2007 Presley Family Day, and Taney County Commissioner Ron Herschend presented 82-year-old Lloyd Presley with a proclamation which designates the last Saturday of June each year as Country Music Day in honor of the Presleys.

“We are deeply honored and proud to be a member of this community,” said Gary Presley, co-producer and one of the original founders of Presleys’ Country Jubilee. “We are very fortunate to get to do what we love and for the generations of fans who have supported us over the years.”

Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson Lakes/Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, led the surprise presentations during the show Saturday night and thanked the Presleys for building the first theater on Branson’s now famous Strip. Before the show, Ozark Mountain Bank representatives presented the Presleys with a gold and ruby encrusted, hand-carved wooden bass fiddle during an outdoor barbecue hosted by the Presley family.

National ABC news legend Paul Harvey recognized the Presleys’ 40th Anniversary during his Friday, June 29, 2007 radio news broadcast and has featured the family twice in previous “The Rest of the Story” broadcasts.

Presleys’ remains one of the top-rated shows in Branson and continues to receive numerous awards and accolades from fans and the media each year. In 2006, Springfield News-Leader readers named Presleys’ the “Best Music Show in Branson”.

This year, guests are being treated to a season-long 40th birthday celebration packed with country favorites, today’s country hits, southern gospel music and hilarious comedy. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit www.presleys.com or call (417) 334-4874.

NBC’s America’s Got Talent can add another Branson entertainer to their list of acts that have passed through the first round of their competition. Gun-slingin’, rope-twirlin’, bull-whippin’ cowboy Johnny Lonestar is on his way to Las Vegas for the next round.

Johnny Lonestar was born and raised in Smithtown, NY. He started trick-roping at the age of 15. At 17, he won the “Will Rogers Rookie of the Year” award. By age 20, he received his first professional job on the Las Vegas strip performing rope-twirling, gun-spinning and whip-cracking. Johnny took his act to Branson, and has been here for the past 13 years. Within that time he has also performed in Japan, Biloxi, Pigeon Forge, and Atlantic City. In 1999, Johnny received the “Novelty Act of the Year” award in Branson. He is now in his third year of the Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express show. In January 2000, Johnny married his wife Cat, and they had their first child Dominic, in June of 2005.

Tune in to NBC on Tuesday, July 10 and Wednesday, July 11 at 7pm for America’s Got Talent’s Las Vegas Call Back Round!

Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express performs at the Clay Cooper Theatre at 8pm Tuesday through Sunday and 10am on Tuesdays and Fridays. For reservations and information call 417-332-CLAY (2529).