Jim Barber’s recent performance during the Late Show’s “Ventriloquist Week” was not only enjoyed by the enthusiastic studio audience in the historic Ed Sullivan Theater, and the hard working staff of the show itself, but also by the estimated 4.1 million viewers who tune into the show on an average night.

“Being selected to appear on David Letterman’s show was not only an extreme honor, but a surprisingly fun experience. The staff, stars and crew of the show are the best in the business and they helped make this brief performance one of the highlights of my 35 year career as a professional entertainer. Congratulations to my fellow ventriloquists that have also appeared on Late Show as part of this special “tongue-in-cheek salute” to our rare and wacky art form. Big thanks to David Letterman and everyone at Late Show. ” – Jim Barber

Over a week later, the Hamner Barber Theater’s e-mail box continues to receive many letters of support and congratulations from friends around the globe, both old and new who saw Jim’s act. Some were from inspired young ventriloquists, while others were from well-seasoned professional entertainers who offered a pat on the back. Most however, were from average Letterman viewers who just wanted to say hello and thank Jim for the fun.

“I’m humbled by the hundreds of letters I received in the days that followed my appearance,” said Barber. “I didn’t expect that and am truly thankful for the kind words and appreciation of my act.”

Jim’s performance also caught the eye of some television “Insiders,” including Michele Greppi of Television Week, the community newspaper of the entire television industry.

Her article featured a multi-photo spread of Jim and Seville with a very positive “mash note” to “Late Show With David Letterman” for booking ventriloquists on the show.

Greppi wrote, “If it hadn’t been for rib-tickling “Ventriloquist Week 2,” The Insider would have gone all post-nuclear on everyone…”

Referring to Jim Barber’s act she added, “In addition to making himself appear to be the dummy of his two operatic dummies, Mr. Seville does an inspired bit with a hand in a glass of water.”

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Branson, Missouri will celebrate Valentine’s Day with the opening of the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. The new, elegantly appointed hotel welcomed its first guests Wednesday during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is operated by Boutique Hotel Development Company, L.L.C. under a franchise license agreement with Hilton Inns, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation. The hotel is owned and managed by HCW Development Company, LLC of Branson, which is also the developer of Branson Landing.

The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is the first of three new Hilton facilities scheduled to open in Branson in 2007. The Branson Convention Center, which is owned by the City of Branson and managed by Hilton, and the adjacent Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, will open in August 2007.

“With a warm, boutique feel and modern, elegant amenities, the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is designed to help our guests achieve transformation, productivity and reinvigoration through travel,” said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president, Hilton Brand Management. “We are proud to be a part of this exciting new chapter in the history of Branson.”

“We are thrilled to be able to introduce this new level of exclusive service and enjoyment to Branson,” said Mark Hartman, general manager, Hiltons of Branson. “Branson already attracts more than seven million visitors a year. Now, with the opening of the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing, guests will have yet another reason to visit this exciting city.

“The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is one of the centerpieces of Branson Landing, a $420 million shopping and entertainment district located on the shores of Lake Taneycomo. The hotel, which is situated in the town square of Branson Landing, features 242 guest rooms and 2,000 square feet of gathering space for meetings and special events. Several rooms offer views of a stunning water fountain designed specifically for Branson Landing by the creators of the Bellagio Fountains of Las Vegas.

The hotel’s hospitality staff includes 125 hand picked team members, all of whom were required to pass a detailed and rigorous training program based on the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing’s signature “10 Points of Service” pledge. After candidates complete the program – which emphasizes the hotels commitment to superior service, hospitality and presentation – they’re presented with a “10 Points Pin” and a blue bracelet emblazoned with the phrase “Be Hospitable” that will be worn as part of their uniform.

The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing’s interior was designed by Habitat Interiors, LLC of Colorado, a leading interior design firm that specializes in contemporary elegance. Rooms and suites feature the latest in Hilton exclusive amenities, including the Hilton Serenity Bed™, Pacific Coast Touch of Down® pillows, European-style 250-thread count linens, and La Source® luxury bath products created exclusively for Hilton by Crabtree & Evelyn. The Hilton Serenity Collection in-room coffee system features world-renowned Lavazza® coffee from Italy and a Cuisinart® dual-cup, single-brew coffeemaker. Each room and suite features a 32-inch LCD (Liquid Crystal Display screen) television, high-speed internet access and a specially-designed Hilton Family clock radio to which guests can connect their personal MP3 player, portable CD player, laptop, and other electronic devices, giving them instant access to their own, personal entertainment preferences.

Guests will also have access to a full-service fitness center, an indoor pool and a gracious lobby featuring cozy, intimate seating areas bathed in natural wood accents, rich fabrics and unique artwork. The hotel is within walking distance of Historic Downtown Branson, the Branson Convention Center and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.

For dining, guests will enjoy the Liberty Tavern Restaurant, a Hilton signature restaurant known for serving fresh, local ingredients in a comfortable, contemporary setting. Located on the first floor of the Promenade, the Liberty Tavern will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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Branson comedian Jim Barber will “throw his voice” across the national airwaves when he performs his award-winning ventriloquist act on CBS’ “Late Show with David Letterman,” Thursday, February 15.

“The opportunity to perform on David Letterman’s show is incredible,” said Barber, “and quite frankly, something I hadn’t expected. I’ve always been a big fan of the show, but it seemed there was a standing policy of no ventriloquist acts until Letterman’s clever concept of an entire week devoted to ventriloquism. It sounds a bit hokey and perhaps what I do is considered a novelty, but according to the Late Show ratings, America is ready for some good ol’ fashioned entertainment once again. That’s what Branson is all about and I’m honored to have this opportunity to share a bit of my humor and imagination with the entire country.”

Jim Barber was selected as one of the five top professional ventriloquists to appear as part of the Late Show’s “Ventriloquist Week” which pulled in extremely high ratings for the program last fall when the concept was first launched. The idea came from Letterman himself during a writer’s meeting. According to writer and producer Eric Stangel, his efforts to seek out the best ventriloquist acts in the country turned up a “list of legends and people who are currently getting it done in the world of ventriloquism.” It is also fitting that the show is taped in the Ed Sullivan Theater which hosted so many amazing variety acts during the early years of television.

Barber is a rare variety entertainer who has not only mastered the technical aspects of ventriloquism, but has achieved a level of respect among his peers for his contributions to the artform. He is an advisor to the world’s largest private collection of ventriloquist memorabilia, Vent Haven Museum in Ft. Mitchell, KY and was voted “Ventriloquist of the Year” at the Museum’s International Convention.

With his entertainment partners, Dave and Denise Hamner, Jim is co-star of the “Hamner Barber Variety Show” which performs nightly from February through December at the Hamner Barber Theater in Branson, Missouri. Last year, the International Magicians Society selected Jim as the first ventriloquist in history to receive their coveted Merlin Award as International “Ventriloquist of the Year,” while simultaniously awarding the Hamners a Merlin Award as “Entertainers of the Year.”

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Branson heats up with 13th annual Hot Winter Fun Big ShowHot Winter Fun is heating up in the Branson area and on Monday, February 12 at 7 p.m., the RFD-TV Theatre will be ablaze with the 13th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show.

Nowhere else can visitors sample such a wide variety of shows and performers in one exciting evening. The 13th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show features segments of several shows that are open during the winter months of January, February, and March” and throughout the entire year in Branson.

Shows represented in the Big Show include Jim Stafford, Grand Jubilee, Doug Gabriel, Baldknobbers, Legends In Concert, Comedy Jamboree, Celebrate America, The White House Theatre and others.

Hot Winter Fun was officially organized in 1994 as a way to offer guests a year-round vacation experience. Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau said, “Hot Winter Fun has proven to be very successful. Over the past 13 years, visitor numbers have increased during the winter months. Many visitors have discovered that they can find a great vacation here any time of the year.”

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber & CVB, the City of Branson, and area businesses and community members sponsor Hot Winter Fun promotions such as the Big Show. The cooperative marketing program is designed to attract visitors to the Branson/Lakes Area throughout the year especially during January, February, and March.

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Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center today announced plans to host a series of intimate vintner dinners highlighting wines of Missouri and elegant cuisine prepared by executive chefs from around the state.

The first of the Chateau Vintner Dinners will be held on Friday, January 26, 2007 in the Private Dining Room of the Chateau Grille. Reservations are also being accepted for upcoming Chateau Vintner Dinners on February, 23, 2007 and March 23, 2007. A visiting winemaker and chef from Missouri will host each dinner.

Winemaker Daniel Alcorso from Crown Valley Winery and Executive Chef Drew Poniewaz from Tiger Ridge Restaurant, both in Ste. Genevieve, will serve as guest hosts on January 26th. A dinner reception begins at 6:30p.m. followed by a five-course meal featuring Norton-braised Crown Farm Beef Short Ribs and seared Crown Farm Bison Loin prepared by Chef Drew. Guests will have the opportunity to sample five of Crown Valley’s most outstanding wines including the Muscat Canelli 2005, Norton 2005 and Vignoles “Late Harvest” 2005. Reservations are required and guests must be 21 years of age. The price per person is $85.00 pus tax and gratuity. Seating is very limited.

Guests are also invited to attend an afternoon cooking demonstration and sampling with Chef Drew and Chateau Executive Chef Anthony Burke beginning at 2:00p.m., January 26, 2007. This informal and entertaining afternoon with the Chefs will feature samples from Crown Valley Winery. Reservations are required and guests must be 21 years of age. The price per person is $25.00 pus tax and gratuity.

Chateau on the Lake is proud to spotlight Crown Valley and other Missouri wineries to help bring attention to Missouri’s professional winemaking industry. “First-time visitors at the Chateau are often very surprised by what they find,” said Chateau Vice President and General Manager Stephen Marshall. “When I visited Crown Valley Winery, I had the same reaction. It’s a very professional operation in a beautiful rural setting. We wanted to bring a piece of it here for our Vintner Dinner Series so that our residents and visitors could experience the unique pleasure of fine wine together with expertly-prepared gourmet cuisine.”

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