Best-Seller “The Shepherd of the Hills” Penned A Century Ago

When Harold Bell Wright first published “The Shepherd of the Hills” in 1907, he could never have imagined the impact that his best-selling novel would have in bringing visitors to the Ozark Mountains of southwest Missouri.

The tale is still re-told each summer evening at the Shepherd of the Hills outdoor pageant, based on actual events and inspired by the book that helped spark the beginning of the area’s tourism. Branson’s popularity as mid-America’s live entertainment destination, with its traditional American values and Ozark Mountain hospitality, continues to bring folks from all over. They come to see more than 100 shows featuring renowned entertainment, enjoy the many family attractions and relax in naturally scenic surroundings. Add to that the latest shoppers’ paradise, some new and different musical fares, additions to those already popular attractions and an elegant spa and you find yourself in one of the best vacation destinations on earth!

“This year, visitors will be treated to an unprecedented variety of new things to see and do on their vacation. Branson has a unique combination of world-class live entertainment, shopping and dining, yet close to outdoor and lake recreation. Along with our famous Ozarks hospitality, this really sets Branson apart from other destinations,” according to Ross Summers, President/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

A Giant Swing, the TITANIC and 50 years of American Bandstand

New in 2007, Silver Dollar City, the award-winning 1880’s theme park, presents the Giant Swing, a $6 million ride that launches riders more than seven stories in the air and nearly upside down – at roller-coaster speeds. The internationally-awarded theme park debuts its newest ride during World-Fest, the first of six festivals, with performers from six continents, including the Zunyi Acrobats of China and Polynesian FireKnife dancers. Bluegrass & BBQ brings in top performers in American bluegrass music, including performances by Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent and The Grascals, and a huge barbecue feast. Throughout summer, Kids’ Fest features the new show Circus of the Century – On Ice, along with performing dogs and Kid Concoctions. Southern Gospel Picnic presents Southern Gospel artists from Dottie Rambo to The Isaacs. The Festival of American Music & Crafts features hundreds of the nation’s best craftsmen and musicians, a new production show “Headin’ West,” and a special performance by cowboy music icon Michael Martin Murphey. An Old Time Christmas, ranked one of the world’s top holiday events by CNN.com, features a new Christmas Light Spectacular around the Square, a Holiday Light Parade, the popular production A Dickens’ Christmas Carol and more than four million lights.

Now in its second year, the World’s Largest TITANIC Museum Attraction, a 17,000-square foot, ship-shaped structure built half-scale to Titanic’s original size, is adding over $1 million in new guest experiences in 2007. Beginning in April, guests arriving at the museum attraction can stroll through the ‘London Waterloo Train Station,’ just as many of Titanic’s most prominent passengers did in 1912 while they waited for a train to Southampton, where the ship departed on its maiden voyage. And in May, the all-new TITANIC audio tour, featuring stories told by the ship’s actual survivors, will guide guests on an intensely emotional and personal journey through 20 galleries on two decks with more than 400 priceless artifacts.

Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, already the home of Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley, Fabian, Paul Revere & the Raiders and more, celebrates 50 Years of Cool Cars & Rock Stars with a new matinee production show commemorating 50 years of American Bandstand. The show features the songs you remember by the original voices that defined American pop rock-n-roll, with a revolving line-up of stars including The Comets, Danny & the Juniors, The Crickets, Shirley Alston Reeves of the Shirelles, Dave Sommerville of the Diamonds, and more. Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater also adds Club ’57, an entertainment lounge, and expands ’57 Heaven – the world’s largest collection of 1957 automobiles & memorabilia.

See Favorite Stars, New Music Shows – Plus Comedy and Magic Extravaganzas

Andy Williams and Charo will perform together at the Moon River Theatre this year and The Welk Resort Theatre hosts The Welk Stars Reunion, The Tillis Family Reunion starring Mel Tillis & Pam Tillis and the Tony Orlando Veterans Salute. Branson Variety Theater adds The Twelve Irish Tenors to its line-up for the 2007 season. A cappella sensation SIX and the exciting “Best of Motown” perform at Hughes Brothers Theatre; The Mansion will host “Jammin’ for Jesus” in association with Gospel Music Television with an array of artists coming to town. Music Makes the World Go Round debuts at the Tower Theatre and at RFD-TV The Theater, you can see a daily show and catch national acts like Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn and Lorrie Morgan. These entertainers join long-time Branson headliners such as Jim Stafford, Mickey Gilley, The Lennon Sisters, Yakov Smirnoff, Buck Trent, Shoji Tabuchi and more, and keep folks coming back for the best in music and entertainment.

With so many choices of music, comedy, magic, acrobats, Broadway-style production shows and the Dixie Stampede, it’s hard to see everything. And Branson’s family shows are better than ever! Bounding with youthful enthusiasm, shows such as Presleys’ Country Jubilee, which celebrates 40 years and four generations all on stage together in 2007, and the third generation of the Mabe family at Baldknobbers Jamboree, along with the Duttons, Haygoods, Hughes Brothers, Lowe Family, Doug Gabriel and many others, continue the time-honored tradition of bringing wholesome family fun to Branson audiences.

Branson’s grandest lake experience, the 700-seat Showboat Branson Belle, features elegant dining and a beautiful cruise as well as the spectacular Showstoppers! show. A talented cast performs, headlined by nationally acclaimed comedian Todd Oliver and his live talking dogs, as the Showboat cruises Table Rock Lake.

Branson Landing, New Hotel and Convention Center, More Great Golf

A $420 million sprawling shopping, dining, luxury lodging, condominium and convention center facility, situated along 95 acres of Lake Taneycomo shoreline in the historic downtown, Branson Landing is the largest development of its kind in the state’s history. Anchored by Belk department store and Bass Pro Shop’s White River Outpost, Branson Landing boasts over 100 specialty shops and restaurants. In Town Square of Branson Landing is the new boutique Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing with 242 beautifully appointed guest rooms, many of which have spectacular views of the $7.5 million water spectacular that synchronizes light, sound, music and fire. Adjacent to Branson Landing sits the new Branson Convention Center that will open late this summer and accommodate some 4,500 people in a stunning, state-of-the-art setting. A curving, exposed timber pedestrian concourse offers a pleasing view of the waterfront as visitors walk between the centers meeting and exhibit space and the adjacent Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, where guests will have a chance to experience the pampering luxury of a metropolitan hotel in the heart of small-town America. Convention-goers will soon have even more reasons to extend their stay with Murder Rock championship golf course at Branson Creek set to open in August and The Tribute, honoring the memory of Payne Stewart, opening next year in Branson Hills.

Relaxation and Recreation

On top of the tremendous variety of live entertainment and attractions awaiting guests in Branson this year, the 301-room, AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Chateau on the Lake Resort and Convention Center presents the ultimate in relaxation, a $6 million, 14,000-square foot spa overlooking Table Rock Lake. Spa Chateau features 10 treatment rooms, an outdoor Roman bath, men’s barber spa, salon, fitness studio for group and individual instruction, and an all-new state-of-the-art fitness center located in the main resort.

At the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure, guests have the opportunity to walk among thousands of exotic butterflies, watch a 3D movie about their life cycle, and experience the sight and sound of a real rainforest.

Of course, the surrounding Ozark Mountains provide a gorgeous backdrop for all of this spectacular entertainment and are the perfect playground for the growing number of outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike, bike or ride horseback through the beautiful wooded hills; there are three crystal-clear lakes offering water activities and fishing galore with easy access to boating, canoeing, kayaking, cruises, houseboats, jet-skiing and even “duck” rides.

“Branson has seen record-breaking growth in the past few years and we will continue to see expansion for years to come. Our new and better roads make coming into and getting around in Branson much easier for our visitors. And we continue to be the friendly, hometown place that people have enjoyed for many, many years,” said Summers.

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A talent search event that has launched more Country Music stars than any other competition is coming to Branson’s Welk Resort Theatre on Friday, April 13. Country Music superstar Pam Tillis will host a first-round competition Colgate Country Showdown on April 13 at 8 p.m.

KHOZ Radio 102.9 in Harrison, Arkansas is partnering with the Welk Resort Theatre to present the April 13 event. Between 8 and 10 contestants will perform live, backed by Pam Tillis’Nashville/touring band. General admission to the live event is $10. Tickets are available at the Welk Resort Theatre Box Office, by phone at 417-337-7469, on-line at sullivanshows.com and at KHOZ in Harrison.

In addition to hosting the Colgate Country Showdown and appearing in the BransonFest 2007 Big Show on Friday afternoon, Pam Tillis will also give fans a sneak preview of her new CD due out April 17 called “Rhinestoned, Bridges Present and Past.”

Colgate Country Showdown
Long before American Idol or Nashville Star, there was a long-running American icon called the Colgate Country Showdown. Now in its 26th year, the Showdown has been a career-booster for more future country music stars than any other contest in history. The Showdown was the first national event to spotlight Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert, Billy Dean, Billy Ray Cyrus and a stage full of other performers who went on to earn major recording contracts.

The talent search is produced by Special Promotions, Inc. (SPI) of Nashville and backed by Colgate. The Colgate Country Showdown attracts more than 10,000 acts annually through partnerships with over 470 radio stations across America. Local winners compete for state championships and state winners go on to five regional contests. The five regional winners contend for the national title on a syndicated television special judged by a panel of distinguished music industry professionals. Great American Country (GAC) airs the special during primetime in May and the show is also carried internationally on the overseas network. The winner of the Showdown’s National Final takes home a cash prize of $100,000. An additional $300,000 in cash prizes is awarded each year at the various other levels.

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For over two decades, the Braschler Music Show has been an important part of the Branson entertainment scene. Now after 23 years, The Braschler Music Show has officially announced it will close. Although it was not an easy decision, the Braschler family, cast and crew felt it was the right time to end the show. The show received many awards through the years, including several Gospel Group of the Year honors. Of the closing, Show Owner Rex G. Weiss stated that, “Although we saw a dramatic turnaround in business these past two years, and 2007 looked very good, many other factors helped determine this action.”

The staff and management of The Hamner Barber Theater wish to express their gratitude to all involved with the show, and will miss working with them on a daily basis. In particular, they wish to thank Rex and Sherri Weiss who were dedicated to keeping the show running, even through challenging times. The Braschler Show was highly entertaining, inspirational, and featured an exceptional cast of talented musicians and singers who always put personal values ahead of professional ambitions. Their decision to close the show was not an easy one, and we wish everyone involved much success in their future endeavors.

Many thanks of support are offered to the local citizens and fans who supported The Braschlers in their decision to always maintain their personal integrity. The Braschlers also wish to express their appreciation for the support of the Hamner Barber Theater where they are finishing their musical journey. Matriarch of the family, Jan Braschler, will continue her role as the theater box office manager, a position she has held since the theater was built in 1995.

The departure of the Braschlers will not affect the current performance schedules of the other two shows, The Hamner Barber Variety Show and Ricky Boen & Texas Mud. There are no immediate plans to bring in a new show to fill the afternoon vacancy left by the Braschlers.

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Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater announced today the addition of a new show in the brand new Club ’57. Bob Anderson, world-class singer, impressionist, comedian and entertainer stars in his own supper club show in the elegant Club ’57 at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Missouri.

A Branson favorite, Bob Anderson has also been inducted into the Las Vegas Hall of Fame, proving that what happens in Vegas doesn’t have to stay there! Branson visitors get the best of this suave entertainer who reminds us at every show why we loved the ‘rat pack’ and the big sounds of Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, Tony Bennett, and more. As Dean Martin once said, “Bob Anderson does me better then I do me!” People magazine dubbed him “America’s greatest singing impressionist” and Johnny Carson said, “Bob Anderson will knock you out of your seat!” Visitors can enjoy Bob Anderson for themselves, along with supper (the three course dinner features Beef Filet with Crab stuffed Shrimp entrée), beginning May 1, 2007, Monday through Saturday at 5:00 PM.

Bob Anderson said, “Being at “Club 57″ feels like home. It is extremely cool! It takes me back to the golden days of Las Vegas, when all the great Hotels like the Sands, the Dunes, or the Desert Inn, just to name a few, all had the hippest lounges. The intimacy of the room allows me and the audience to have an up close and personal experience.”

Glenn Patch, developer and media entrepreneur says, “Bob’s an amazing talent. His impressions are the best I’ve seen and he’s a perfect fit for Club ’57.”

Accessed via the theater lobby, Club’ 57, is also a unique addition to Branson’s nightlife. With live music nightly, Club ’57 is the place for adults to finish their night on the town. Choose from top-shelf mixed drinks like manhattans, martinis, shaken not stirred, old fashions or the extensive wine menu, served while you kick back in the back seat of a 1957 convertible. The eclectic music mix includes rhythm and blues, great 50s Rock-N-Roll, Karaoke, dueling pianos or sit-in with some of Branson’s best horn players for a cool jazz night!

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Bambi VanBurch is awarded the coveted Merlin Award as Female Magician of the Year 2007 and Kirby VanBurch is awarded the coveted Merlin Award as The Entertainer of the Year 2007 by the International Magicians Society, the Largest Magic Organization in the World, as recorded in the Guinness World Records, with over 37,000 members worldwide.

Bambi and Kirby VanBurch join previous winners Penn and Teller, David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, Doug Henning, and Harry Blackstone as recipients of the most prestigious award given in the World of Magic.

Kirby VanBurch is no stranger to receiving awards. He has received the coveted Merlin Award as The Magician of the Year 2001 at the International Magicians Society’s Gala Merlin Award Presentation at the Venetian in Las Vegas.

In the profession of magic, the Merlin Award is the equivalent of the Oscar for film, the Emmy for television, and the Tony for theater. It is presented only to those entertainers who have achieved the highest level in their craft on an International Global Consideration. The voting members begin with approximately one hundred names and narrow the list down to a select few. The criteria considered for a winner include talent, showmanship, originality, skills, and above all, the rare ability to entertain under any conditions. “All these attributes describe the VanBurch duo right down to the charisma and stage presence that makes them the world class entertainers that they are,” said Tony Hassini, Chairman/CEO of the International Magicians Society.

The VanBurch duo is due to receive their Merlin Awards on Saturday evening, March 24 in Branson, Missouri at their own theater. The Merlin Award will be presented by Mr. Hassini, who will be flown in from Las Vegas for the presentation.

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First Presbyterian Church in Branson is celebrating a century of worship and service to its community. The highpoint of the year-long First Century Celebration is Sunday, March 18th when the congregation will celebrate, to the day and nearly to the hour, the establishment of the church 100 years ago.

The worship service will include special music, featuring the accompaniment of Credo Sinfonia, an eight piece orchestra from Russia. Credo Sinfonia is touring the United States under the sponsorship of The Messiah Project in Springfield. The special Sunday service will also incorporate a special history reading and an old fashioned potluck dinner will follow the service.

First Presbyterian Church Founding
First Presbyterian Church was established in Branson when the town had three general merchandise stores, a meat market, two hotels, a barber shop, photography gallery, two doctors, a drug store, a lumberyard, a livery stable, a blacksmith shop, a newspaper, and a planned school, but no church.

One of the two doctors was Elizabeth McIntyre who circulated a petition throughout the town that would establish a Sunday school in the new school building. The Sunday school was opened and rapidly overflowed the small community school. So townspeople began looking into building the town’s first church building.

About the same time, a Presbyterian delegation was traveling to Forsyth to establish a Presbyterian School, later known as the School of The Ozarks – now College of The Ozarks. The delegation would come by rail and stop over in Branson. They learned about the need for a church.

Eventually, The Reverend A. Y. Beatie, the first principal of the School of the Ozarks, spent enormous amounts of time evangelizing, preaching and promoting the establishment of a church in Branson. The citizens of Branson set out to build a new church under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church. However, the use of the church building was to be free to any denomination that wished to use it.

There were ice cream socials, pie suppers and taffy pulls and fundraising by civic clubs. Seldom did a single project net more than $10. In March 1907, Reverend Beatie presided over 26 professions of faith and baptisms in the White River.

At last, that same month, the Presbyterian Church Society was formed and later that year, A.Y. Beatie’s son, the Reverend W. E. Beatie was installed as the first pastor of the Branson Presbyterian Church. But the church had no home.

The Branson Townsite Company donated land for a new church to be built. The St. Louis architect, who designed the School of the Ozarks also drew the plans for the stately Gothic Revival style Branson Church. Local craftsmen and volunteers worked on the church and the hand-cut limestone blocks were hauled a mile uphill by wagon from the first cut for the railroad. The etched frosted glass windows, heavy solid wood doors, and perfect narrow planked hardwood floors were specially made by a lumber company in Aurora, Missouri.

In spite of financial setbacks and cost overruns and the loss of their pastor, the Branson Church was completed and dedicated in April 2, 1911. The building, known today as The Old Stone Church, cost $3,500 shared by the Presbytery and the people of Branson. Additionally the people raised $500 for pews and $150 toward support of a coming pastor.

It was said that only the whistle of the train passing through Branson was louder than the bell in the tall belfry when it called worshipers. They came by foot, horseback, buggy, and boat. Branson’s Presbyterian Church became the town’s first stone building and it has stood proudly through the years meeting its purpose to serve not only Presbyterians but the entire community.

Commemoration Continues through 2007

The First Century Celebration will continue throughout 2007 with:
– the actual 100 year commemoration on March 18th,
– an old fashion Resurrection Sunday on April 8th,
– a baptism and recognition of those living members and former members who were baptized at First Presbyterian Church on May 27th,
– renewal of vows open to all who were married at the church on June 10th,
– a homecoming for all members past and present in July,
– an old fashion Sunday and ice cream social open to all churches in Branson in August,
– a choir reunion in September,
– a pastor reunion in October,
– a performance of The Autobiography of An Old Pew in November and
– an Old Fashioned Christmas in December.

But the celebration will not just focus on history. Pastor Chris Williams said the congregation would also look forward to the next 100 years and what First Presbyterian Church must do to serve the faithful and the community into the next century.

“Christianity puts a greater emphasis on the future and so, while it will be special to remember our roots, we will also welcome the opportunities for First Presbyterian Church going forward,” Williams said.

Asked about the church’s original promise to make its facilities open to other congregations, Williams said, “In fact, right now these facilities are also being used by the local Anglican Church and Church Army, not to mention Boy Scouts and a variety of other community organizations.”

First Presbyterian Church started the Presbyterian Pre-School and started YoungLife, now known as K-Life Ministries.

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Where to Retire magazine, the only magazine in America geared to helping people with retirement relocation decisions, has selected Branson, MO, to profile as a top retirement spot in its March/April issue that hits newsstands and bookstores nationwide March 27, 2007.

According to Where to Retire editor, Mary Lu Abbott, Branson has many qualities that are important to today’s retirees. “Nestled in the hills of southwestern Missouri’s Ozarks, this laid-back locale provides top-notch entertainment, scenic beauty and a low cost of living. Branson’s main attraction, the “Strip,” is a seven-mile stretch of highway packed with music halls, theaters, museums, hotels and restaurants. Water lovers will enjoy three area lakes, where fishing and boating are popular activities. With a four-season climate, opportunities for volunteering or a new career, the College of the Ozarks, several large shopping malls and hundreds of churches, Branson suits many interests for retirement, ” Abbott said.

Each year, 700,000 Americans move to new towns to retire. Generally healthier, better educated and more affluent than retirees who stay put, relocation retirees bring significant economic benefits to their new states and hometowns. Nationally, two dozen states and hundreds of towns seek to attract retirees as a source of economic development.

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One of the top 100 events in North America, BransonFest 2007 kicks off the spring season April 10-14 at the Welk Resort Theatre with world-class performers, genuine Ozarks cuisine, and a host of local artisans and craftsmen. This 15th annual event will truly give visitors a taste of what Branson is all about.

The Welk Resort Theatre hosts daily concerts, featuring some of the best entertainment in Branson, including Yakov Smirnoff, The Gatlin Brothers, Jim Stafford, Mickey Gilley, The Lennon Sisters, Darren Romeo, The Baldknobbers, Acrobats of China, Best of Motown and many more. Each showcase concert will feature 10 Branson shows and the lineup of stars is added to daily.

The talent overflows into the outside tents where the stage at the Real American Entertainment tent offers a variety of free performances by local and regional entertainers. For kids of all ages, there’s lots of fun with costumed characters and an array of street performers.

The Expo Area displays 50 booths featuring show information, contests and giveaways, and autograph sessions with Branson’s most popular stars and performers. The Taste of Branson food tent gives guests a sample of traditional Ozarks’ cuisine and food from Branson’s finest restaurants. The Arts, Culture and Heritage tent provides visitors the opportunity to observe the work of nationally recognized Branson personalities, and features artists, authors and musicians.

BransonFest 2007 runs daily, April 10-14. Free outdoor tent activities are noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday – Friday, April 11-13 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 14. Daily concerts in the Welk Resort Theatre are at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10; and at 2 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, April 11-14. The Welk Resort Theatre is located on State Hwy 165 in Branson.

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From June 6 – 10, over 400 retail travel agents, tour operators, and group leaders will attend the eleventh annual Sales/Educational Tour, Destined For Branson 2007. This community-wide cooperative marketing endeavor hosted by attractions, shows, restaurants, lodging establishments, and receptive tour operators will entertain and educate travel professionals from across the United States and Canada.

The conference begins with the first of two Big Shows at Tri-Lakes Center conducted by the entertainment community with performances featuring celebrities from more than a dozen theaters. The second day starts off with an overview of Branson’s museums and shopping opportunities and is followed by another set of celebrities showcasing a large variety of Branson performers. With over 100 shows in Branson it is impossible for the attendees to see every show. By providing a sampling of numerous shows, the participants have a better understanding of Branson’s broad array of entertainment.

During the four-day event, conference participants will be attending a marketplace trade show followed by music shows and a gala dinner in their honor. The conference contains a very full schedule to show as much of Branson as possible in the limited time available.

The Gateway Cities of Springfield, Missouri, Overland Park, KS, Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Charles/St. Louis, Missouri, provide hospitality assistance before and after the Branson conference. Their representatives will greet more than 200 of the attendees at their respective airports upon their arrival and wish them farewell at their departure. The Missouri Division of Tourism also assists in hosting the attendees with special greetings and promotional items.

Destined For Branson was formed 11 years ago by business and sales managers working together to continue the momentum of a growing motorcoach market. Their concern was not about the number of group visitors but how to maintain and grow the significant annual visitor count. Branson has been ranked number one or in the top three destinations for motorcoach tours for the past five years.

In 1999 the invitation list was extended to include professional travel agents who represent more than 35,000 active sellers of travel. Expanding the conference to include travel agents was a strategic move to prepare for the changing demographics of the Branson visitor.

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