Roy Clark and Doug Gabriel are dedicated to staying together – again.

The two performers, who four years ago debuted a unique three-hour show format for Branson, Mo. at 9:30 a.m. at the Legends Family Theatre, have added more show dates for “Doug Gabriel and Roy Clark – Together Again” for 2004 and set 70 performance dates for 2005.

“In the spring, my friend Roy Clark added to our original 2004 show schedule and again he”s added more dates for this season of ‘Doug Gabriel and Roy Clark – Together Again.’ The show format has been very successful for us with me and my cast doing the first half and Roy and his band doing the second half,” said Gabriel. “‘Doug and Roy – Together Again’ is three hours of power packed entertainment with Roy singing his classics and, as always, his guitar pickin” is simply incredible. Dates for ‘Together Again’ are Oct. 1-23 and Nov. 1 – 11 except Sundays at 9:30 a.m.”

Gabriel, a mainstay of the Branson entertainment market, has brought national recognition to Branson via the publicity gained through his one-of-a-kind guitar made from a 1969 Ford Thunderbird muffler, the Mufftar. The Mufftar is a favorite part of his show. Fans” delight in the unusual instrument is evident with the flash of the cameras when Doug strums the first note on stage. It is featured on Gabriel”s most recent CD, the all instrumental “Exhausting & Exhilarating,” the world’s only recording of Mufftar music which also features Doug on the piano.

Gabriel, whose 11th season in Branson was highlighted with being named time male vocalist of the year for the seventh time, said, “I am delighted to announce Roy will join me again beginning in April of 2005 for 70 dates.”

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The American Bus Association recently announced its annual “Top 100 Events in North America” including the spring season kick-off event, BransonFest, for the second straight year.

“BransonFest is the opportunity to spend a season in one of America’s most popular vacation destinations in just five days,” according to the ABA’s Top 100 Committee. The 13th annual season kick-off festival set for April 5-9, 2005 at the Welk Resort provides visitors with a sample of the kinds of entertainment, food, art, and vacation experiences they can expect to find in the Branson area throughout the upcoming year.

“We consider this ABA designation a tremendous honor. For BransonFest to have been chosen out of all the events reviewed in 44 states and 11 Canadian provinces is definitely something this community can be proud of,” said John Richardson, chairman of the BransonFest Committee for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, and director of marketing for Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show.

BransonFest 2005 will showcase the talents of more than 500 world-class performers. Each of the daily shows inside the Welk Resort Theater will feature at least 10 different Branson headline acts performing segments from their 2005 season shows. Details of the show roster are still in the works and will be released later this year.

Shows inside the Welk Theatre start at 7:00pm on Tuesday and at 2:00pm Wednesday through Saturday. Tickets are $29.50 per show or $130 per person for all five shows. Special discounted rates are available for groups of 20 or more.

Throughout each of the five days, the Real American Entertainment Tent will feature the talent of area singers, dancers and musicians performing a variety of music and dance styles including jazz, pop, bluegrass, rock n’ roll, country, gospel, classical and show choir.

New in 2005, an exclusive “Student Performance Showcase” including dance troupes, choral groups, flag corps, special demonstrations, and costumed characters will feature entertainment especially for kids and will enhance the overall ‘streetmosphere’ throughout the Welk Resort festival grounds.

“We’re always excited about adding new elements to BransonFest,” said Ross Summers, executive vice president of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB. “In 2004, Al Roker shot footage for his show on The Food Network which will air on November 7, 2004. In 2005, we’ll have lots of exciting things going on throughout the tent area making it a real attention -grabbing event for kids.”

More than 70 booths inside the Hospitality and Business Expo tent will offer a sample of Branson’s finest attractions, businesses and theaters. The Expo area will house autograph sessions, giveaways, contests and more.

The spotlight is on Ozark Mountain culture and heritage at the Arts, Culture and Heritage Expo tent. Visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase the art of nationally recognized Branson painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, fabric artists, and writers among others. Each day, a different artist will be on hand to visit with guests and sign autographs.

Inside the Taste of Branson Food Tent guests can sample traditional Ozarks cuisine and watch as recipes are prepared by celebrities and chefs from several of Branson’s finest restaurants.

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It’s party time in Branson, Missouri, the small town nestled in the Ozarks that ranks as one of the nation’s top tourist resorts. Visitors and locals are invited to join a host of entertainers, dignitaries, and big names from near and far at Branson’s Mansion America Theatre for a Big Party on Monday, September 27, 2004. The party is to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Branson’s having more than 100 shows for the very first time.

Party organizers promise a celebration designed to honor the shows of Branson for the historic milestone achieved in 2004. Mayor Lou Schaefer says, “This event marks the first time Branson has a record-breaking 100 plus live shows to entertain and delight the more than 7 million annual visitors to our lively little vacation destination of neon excitement surrounded by picturesque mountains and lakes.”

For the entertainers, local business leaders, and fewer than 7,000 town residents, hosting more live shows than Broadway and Las Vegas combined is certainly reason enough to party. And as theater owner and nationally known comedy star Jim Stafford says, “All of our shows are here because of you – our visitors. You’ve made Branson a place filled with fun things to do. Join the celebration on September 27 ’cause you’re the reason Branson has more than a 100 shows!”

Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce President Ross Summers says, “Branson’s live show diversity is greater now than ever before with entertainment everyone in the family can enjoy.” Michael London, owner of Branson Update magazine, adds, “The wide variety of live shows in Branson includes country music, swing, big band, rock n’ roll, fifties, jazz, blues, comedy, magic, musicals, you name it – we’ve got it! Our line up of world-class productions combined with all our theme parks, attractions and fun things to do on the lakes and in the mountains means Branson is simply fun for everyone!” As Brad Thomas, vice president/general manager of Silver Dollar City, puts it, “Branson is the town that fun built!”

Branson visitors agree. “Anyone can vacation in Branson and have a blast,” says Jamie Frisby of El Dorado, Arkansas. “Branson has great entertainment for ages 1 to 100,” offered Scott Manes of Hulbert, Oklahoma. “The shows have the biggest hits with catchy tunes everyone is sure to like,” wrote Mary Davidson of Clarksdale, Missouri. “A good place to be royally entertained by the very best,” said Lewis Matheny of Claremore, Oklahoma. Kurt Kalbach of Menlo, Iowa refers to Branson as “a great place where kids of all ages will find something they enjoy.” Brenda Shea of Hickman, Nebraska loves “the wonderful family experiences we’ve enjoyed at Silver Dollar City… and Christmas in Branson is especially magical.” Gudi Andreolli of Utopia, Texas loved the “music, water sports, shopping, great food – all with down home hospitality” while Carl Linam of Arnold, Missouri perhaps summed up all remarks best… “If you can’t find something fun to do around here, you’re just a sourpuss!”

Signs all over Branson invite visitors to “join the party,” which refers not only to all the fun Branson has to offer, but to coming to the Big Party celebrating breaking the 100 show mark on Monday, September 27, 2004.

The doors of Branson’s Mansion America Theater will be open at 11:00 am and the party festivities begin at 12:15 pm. Admission is free and advanced reservations are not required.

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