In a land that boasts such ancient and historical monuments as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square, Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace, it seems improbable that a circus would rank right at the top of the highlights.

But if Barnum & Bailey has “the greatest show on earth,” then the Incredible Acrobats of the New Shanghai Circus have to be the greatest acrobatic show on earth. One of the hottest tickets in this city of 17 million, performances are offered seven nights a week, most to sold out crowds.

So popular, the Circus has made more than 80 tours around the world and has for the past seven years had a second home in Branson, MO., where on May 15 it will open in the new 950-seat New Shanghai Theatre on Highway 165 between the Ain’t Misbehaving Theatre and Coffelt Country.

Hard to believe but “The show in Branson is better than the one here in Shanghai,” said our host, owner Lizhi Zhao through an interpreter, his very personable and attractive assistant, Jane Li.

From contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians to balancing on chairs stacked to the top of the theatre and five motorcycles roaring around in a circular cage, the Shanghai show is not only spectacular but the talents of a group of athletes averaging about 20 years in age is almost overwhelming.

So how did a circus of Chinese acrobats founded by Zhao in 1991 end up in the heartland of the United States?

“Mr. Zhao was looking for three years for a place on the east and west coasts and Las Vegas but there too many cultural events and it was too competitive,” said Li. “He came to Branson and liked the Midwest environment because it had no gambling or sex. It was a very good place for our acrobats.”

In addition to wanting to expose the talents of China’s acrobats to the world, Mr. Zhao also was anxious to bring Chinese culture to the U.S. The new theatre will feature elements of Chinese architecture including modern artwork, cascading waterfalls, Chinese gardens and a sculpture of Chinese Bronze Ware that is approximately 3,500 years old.

For his efforts, Mr. Zhao joined Wayne Newton as only the second person to receive a “Patron and Partner of the Arts” honorary doctorate from William Woods University in 2002.

In 1999, a year after arriving in Branson, the “Acrobats of China” were invited to the New Victory theatre on Broadway where it played before a record 28 sold out shows.

“Feats of circus art that reach literally breathtaking heights of skill are among the pleasures awaiting the children and adults lucky enough to make their way to see the New Shanghai Circus,” the New York Times reported. “In acts that often trace their origins to the harvest festivals of more than 2,000 years ago, this youthful, handsome and graceful company spends a swift two hours in a range of demanding performances.”

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Branson, Missouri’s first boom in the early 1990s established the southwest Missouri town (population 7,000) as the Live Music Capital of America and this year, the world watches as Branson booms again.

With more than 57,000 theater seats in 49 state-of-the-art theaters and over 100 live shows, many of them headlined by legendary stars whose Top 40 hits, movies and TV shows beckon the next generation of travelers, Branson’s popularity as an entertainment mecca sparked a record $173.5 million in new construction permits in 2005.

This year, visitors will be treated to an unprecedented variety of live entertainment and vacation thrills. The $420 million Branson Landing shopping, dining, Hilton Hotel lodging and waterfront lifestyle development, the largest of its kind in the state’s history, is set to open beginning May 26. Silver Dollar City is developing a whole new area, The Grand Exposition, with 10 new family thrill rides, doubling the number of rides at the theme park. The new interactive Titanic: The World’s Largest Museum Attraction is set to open in March, with April openings to include Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Complex starring Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers and other ‘50s and ‘60s rock legends.

2006 marks the second boom in Branson’s phenomenal history as one of the country’s top family vacation destinations and promises to bring visitors more stars, more music, more shopping, dining, luxury accommodations, championship golf courses and vacation housing opportunities, according to Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Branson’s first boom brought big stars to town for the first time, and this year our line-up reads like a who’s who of five decades of legendary stars,” Summers said.

Big Stars, Big Music Shows

Internationally-known entertainers appearing for limited engagements in 2006 include B.B. King, Martina McBride, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Regis Philbin, Petula Clark, Crystal Gayle, Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers, Lee Greenwood, Mel Tillis, Ray Price, Ronnie McDowell, The Osmond Brothers, Debbie Reynolds, Neil Sedaka, Daniel O’Donnell and many more. These entertainers will join the likes of long-time Branson headliners such as Andy Williams, The Lennon Sisters, the Oak Ridge Boys, Mickey Gilley, Jim Stafford, Yakov Smirnoff, Dino Kartsonakis, Buck Trent, and Shoji Tabuchi.

Baby boomers and their families will be treated to even more of the country, pop and rock n’ roll music they grew up with performed by stars like Pam Tillis, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Comets, Fabian, the new Liverpool Legends Beatles Tribute show, and The Road to Rock show.

Righteous Brother Bill Medley says, “Branson is an entertainer’s town. It’s like we’re in a playground designed for people who really love music.”

Branson’s family shows are hotter than ever. The Baldknobbers Jamboree, open since 1959, has added three new 20-something cast members this year, all third generation members of the founding Mabe family. Their youthful enthusiasm promises to capture the heart of a new generation. The Duttons, the Hughes Brothers, the Presleys, the Braschlers, the Lowe family, the Haygoods, the Doug Gabriel family and many others continue the time-honored tradition of bringing wholesome family fun to Branson audiences.

Yakov Smirnoff, America’s most famous Russian comedian, says, “All of the new shows enhance Branson’s musical diversity, which is already strong. Only in America can a Russian and a Japanese own a theater in the middle of the Ozarks!”

Not only is Branson’s star power brighter than ever, but the diversity of entertainment is out of this world. Lizhi Zhao of the Acrobats of China said, “In Shanghai we describe Branson as the melting pot of entertainment.”

Variety, Variety and More Variety

Families of all ages find music, comedy, magic, Broadway-style production shows and more at places like the newly-constructed New Shanghai Theatre, which opened in 2005 to celebrate the Acrobats of China’s eighth season in Branson.

Siegfried and Roy’s protégée Darren Romeo introduces a new illusion at the Welk Resort Theatre involving NASCAR’s #24 ‘fire and f’ames’ Chevrolet driven by Jeff Gordon. Fans of Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show will be treated to the return of the stampeding buffalo, and an all-new surprise, “Dreams Take Flight,” highlighted by a breathtaking aerialist acrobatic display. Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest brings in the world-renowned Moscow Circus along with the Zunyi Acrobats of China and performers from around the world, April 6 – May 7.

The Promise returns to Branson this year and joins Celebrate America at the Mansion America Theatre. The Magnificent 7 Show can be seen at the White House Theatre. Spirit of the Dance is back for the seventh season at the Branson Variety Theatre and will share the venue with Broadway! The Star Spangled Celebration starring Merrill Osmond, and a series of exciting guest star concerts by the likes of Frankie Avalon and Brenda Lee. Neil Goldberg’s Cirque is a sight and sound fantasy at the Remington Theatre. The line-up of ‘legends’ at Legends in Concert includes John Mellencamp, The Beatles, Toby Keith, Mick Jagger, Celine Dion, Lionel Richie and Ray Charles to name a few.

Thrills, Chills & Cool Cars

Thrill seekers of every age will be delighted to learn that the number of rides at Silver Dollar City is nearly doubling this year with the addition of The Grand Exposition, an $8 million two-acre expansion inspired by the world’s fairs and expositions of more than 100 years ago. From the high-flying swing ride to a family-sized coaster, there are seven new rides that parents can ride with their kids, and three new rides that smaller kids ride alone.

Celebration City, the city “Built for Kids” partners with leaders in kids’ entertainment to present new adventures for 2006, including the extreme, cutting-edge “X” sport Mountainboarding, interactive Movie Magic that actually involves kids in Hollywood movies, a hands-on ultimate LEGO play area, and the introduction of two 2006 VeggieTales movies.

Titanic, the World’s Largest Museum Attraction, opens March 8 with over 400 priceless artifacts, photos taken aboard the ship immediately before its fateful voyage in April, 1912, and a recreation of the Grand Staircase. Television star Regis Philbin will be in town to christen the Titanic on April 7 (he’ll perform live in concert at The Grand Palace on the same date).

Roy “Dusty” Rogers, Jr., of the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum and Happy Trails Theater says, “It looks like they’ve built the Titanic right there in the middle of Highway 76. It’s simply amazing!”

The Patch Collection, a 1950s lifestyle exhibit featuring more than 50 fully-restored classic automobiles (all 1957) will be housed inside Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Complex.

The new Butterfly Palace and Rainforest will offer guests 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.

Spa Retreats, Golf Courses & Conventions

In addition to the wide variety of live entertainment and attractions awaiting guests in Branson this year, the AAA four-diamond Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa and Convention Center is opening a newly-constructed 14,000-square foot, $5.5 million Spa Chateau in May complete with 10 treatment rooms, a highly trained staff, and a picturesque setting overlooking Table Rock Lake. The Spa will include a studio for yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi, a Barber Spa for men, and electric, hydraulic-operated massage tables. Signature treatments at Spa Chateau will include the nurturing Rhythm Massage and the Royal Shave.

Two new championship golf courses will join Branson’s 11 other outstanding scenic courses over the next two years. The Tribute, a course honoring the memory of Payne Stewart will open in the new Branson Hills residential development. Murder Rock Golf & Country Club will join the highly-acclaimed Branson Creek Golf Club in the distinctive Branson Creek residential master-planned community, making it the only development in the area with two golf courses.

Branson’s popularity as a vacation destination has spurred tremendous growth in the vacation housing, condominium, time-share and lakeside resort markets. Several new developments will offer guests enticing extended-stay options and the ability to bring larger groups to town for family reunions, military reunions and conferences. Scheduled to open in 2007, The Branson Convention Center (managed by Hilton Hotels and located across from the Branson Landing) will give meeting planners the opportunity to schedule events for groups as large as 4,500. When fully completed, the Branson Landing development on the Taneycomo lakefront will include a Belk Department Store, Bass Pro Shops, two Hilton Hotels, more than 100 unique shops and full service restaurants, and a new town square featuring a $7.5 million water, music and fire attraction designed by the makers of the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

$240 Million in New & Better Roads

The City of Branson, Taney County and the Missouri Department of Transportation have spent over $240 million in new and improved roads and streets to and within the greater Branson/Lakes Area over the past 10 years. These roadway improvements were spurred by an influx of millions of new visitors following the 1991 60 Minutes television program that introduced Branson to the world. With several additional improvements planned for the coming months, government agencies are prepared for the next generation of travelers who will discover the exciting and dynamic Live Music Capital of America – Branson, Missouri.

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New for 2006, Silver Dollar City Presents The Grand Exposition with 10 New Family Rides, New Festival and New Additions to All Festivals
Plus the Moscow Circus, a Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience!

In a project that is the theme park’s biggest expansion ever for kids, Silver Dollar City presents an all-new $8 million development for 2006 – the Grand Exposition, adding 10 new family rides, nearly doubling the number of rides at the park and increasing ride capacity more than 50 percent. Also new is Southern Gospel Picnic, the Midwest’s largest gathering of Southern Gospel artists, and new for World-Fest is the Moscow Circus, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. New for Kids’ Fest, the live stage show Jim Fowler’s Wonders of the Wild LIVE! presents dozens of live native and exotic animals from grizzly bears to pythons, and the Extreme Parrots show features colorful performing birds. Throughout the season, the internationally-awarded 1880s-style theme park presents music and entertainment, demonstrating craftsmen, themed rides and foods from festival specialties to home-cooked feasts.

Debuting in Spring, The Grand Exposition opens a whole new region of the park encompassing two acres, where guests are transported back in time to experience the golden era of the World’s Fairs and Expositions of the late 1800s. Rides include the five-story Wave Carousel for high-flying adventure, the ship-themed Mighty Galleon which sends riders nearly 60 feet in the air, the multi-dimensional Electro Spin ride which travels 55 feet in the air as it spins, the twirling tea cups of the Royal Tea Party with a center control for interactive fun, and the fast paced Racing Regatta.

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Coming in 2006: Silver Dollar City’s Biggest Expansion Ever for Kids
The Grand Exposition
10 New Family Rides in an All-New Area

In a project billed as Silver Dollar City’s “Biggest Expansion Ever for Kids” the number of rides on the theme park is nearly doubling and rider capacity is increasing by more than 50 percent. New for 2006, Silver Dollar City presents The Grand Exposition – an all-new development with 10 family rides showcased in an expanded, two-acre area of the theme park.

The $8 million Grand Exposition brings the total number of rides at Silver Dollar City to 21 and increases ride capacity at the park to nearly 13,000 per hour – up 5,000 riders per hour. It is an addition that families say they want, according to Silver Dollar City General Manager Brad Thomas.

“As a critical part of our business practice, we conduct surveys and focus groups asking people for a variety of input,” Thomas said. “In conducting extensive research with moms, they told us they want more rides they can ride together as a family. So instead of adding one new major ride, we decided to add 10 new family rides that bring the park’s ride capacity up more than 50 percent.”

The theming of the new area is inspired by the world’s fairs and expositions of more than 100 years ago with decor and details closely adhering to authenticity in colors, artwork and atmosphere of the era. From the high-flying swing ride to a family-sized coaster, there are seven rides that parents can ride with their kids, and three rides that smaller kids ride alone.

All 10 rides are being designed and manufactured specifically for Silver Dollar City in Italy by the 100-year-old Zamperla company, known worldwide for their craftsmanship and for designing rides for the Disney parks. The rides are styled to match the Grand Exposition theme, recreating the excitement of the magnificent expositions that showcased the technological wonders of the late 19th Century and combined imagination, technology and entertainment.

“As the traveling expositions drew people from hundreds of miles around to marvel at the latest mechanical innovations and American ingenuity, Silver Dollar City’s Grand Exposition is in keeping with our hallmark of bringing the past to life,” said Thomas. “We’ve chosen the theme of a very grand and exciting era that evokes the elements of the expositions of the late 1800s.”

Grand Exposition rides include the five-story Magnificent Wave Carousel for high-flying adventure; the ship-themed Mighty Galleon which sends riders nearly 60 feet in the air; the multi-dimensional Electro Spin which travels 55 feet in the air before spinning up another 55 feet the opposite directions; the twirling tea cups of the Royal Tea Party and the soaring Elephant March, both with controls for interactive fun; the fast-paced Racing Regatta and the Grand Exposition Coaster.

The Grand Exposition, which opens in Spring, 2006, is the largest addition of rides added at one time in the park’s history. Major rides at the park include last year’s explosive launch roller coaster PowderKeg, profiled as one of the top-ten rides for 2005 by the Wall Street Journal and named the Best Family Thrill Coaster on the Planet by Thrillride.com; and the multi-looping, multiple inversion roller coaster WildFire.

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Beginning March 10, Jeff Gordon’s familiar “fire and flames” No.24 DuPont Chevrolet will vanish. Darren Romeo, a master illusionist, will incorporate Gordon’s car into each of his 2006 performances at the Welk Resort Theatre located in Branson, MO. The talented magician will make the car disappear during his shows held at the theater beginning in March in an illusion titled “Two Men Living Their Dream.”

“I admire Jeff mostly because he is a man who always believed that nothing is impossible, and that is how I have lived my life, ” said Romeo, Siegfried and Roy’s only protégée. “Jeff always wanted to be a race car driver, and I always wanted to be a magician. My parents made huge sacrifices for me to live out my dream, just as Jeff’s parents did for him.

“And now, every audience that sees my show will experience a great impossibility and a wonderful life lesson, too.”

Gordon, who began racing quarter-midgets at the age of five and is now a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, believes the audience will experience a journey during each show.

“Magicians and illusionists have always amazed me, and Darren is no exception,” said Gordon. “I’m not surprised that NASCAR’s popularity has led to this opportunity. “The audience should expect a wild ride during Darren’s performances this year.” Adding a NASCAR element to each show seemed to be the next logical step “We have realized for a long time that a large percentage of Branson visitors are NASCAR fans,” said Joe Sullivan, executive producer of Welk-Sullivan Productions. “We are delighted to have an opportunity to include an element in The Darren Romeo Show that will be fun and exciting for people who enjoy NASCAR and particularly Jeff Gordon and his No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet.

“We are looking forward to working with DuPont, Pepsi-Cola and the other sponsors to maximize their exposure in the Branson market and to create an entertaining experience for NASCAR fans at the Welk Resort Theatre.”

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Celebration City, Branson’s Biggest Nighttime Family Attraction, partners with leaders in kids’ entertainment to present new family adventures for 2006, from interactive movie fun from Movie Magic to the extreme sport of Mountain Boarding.

A whole new section of the park is added to accommodate the big-air outdoor Mountain Boards show, showcasing the freestyle athletics of this fast-growing extreme sport. Mountain Boarding combines the movements of skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing and mountain biking in an exciting, high-flying extreme stunt show.

Movie fun takes center stage with “Movie Magic,” an interactive show where kids can make their own movie, featuring scenes from MGM blockbusters, “The Pink Panther,” “Legally Blonde,” “Agent Cody Banks,” and “Rocky.” Stage props and 4-D special effects from giant fans to snow machines add to the hilarious production in the Celebration Theatre.

America’s favorite vegetables star when VeggieTales premiers two new movies at Celebration City. Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber and all their Veggie friends teach timeless values like honesty, kindness and forgiveness with the visual and musical charm that made VeggieTales a worldwide phenomenon. Kids can meet Bob and Larry after the movie.

Thousands of colorful LEGO bricks fill a new LEGO activity area, where kids and families can build LEGO structures from castles to race cars, and even race them on a real track.

Celebration City’s spectacular $2 million nighttime special effects show returns, presenting a stunning finale to the day’s fun. The high-tech dramatic presentation includes five-story mountainside video projections, fire cannons shooting flames 150 feet in the air, three-dimensional visuals, lasers, a massive water screen, water cannons and pyrotechnics accentuating a story of the American spirit. Celebration City also features 32 rides and attractions including Ozark WildCat, a wooden coaster eight stories high.

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The traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall will be on display at the Welk Resort & Theatre from November 4 to 11 during Branson Veterans Homecoming Week in 2005. The outdoor half-size replica display of the famous Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC will be open to the public daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

This year’s Traveling Wall Opening Ceremony will be at 10:30 am on Friday, November 4. Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, The Lennon Sisters, Darren Romeo, Andrea Brett and representatives of the Branson Veterans Task Force will participate in the event. The 30-minute ceremony will include a military color guard, remarks by national representatives of two Vietnam Veterans associations and a wreath laying ceremony by Vietnam Veterans.

On Sunday, November 6, a special POW/MIA Tribute and Remembrance service at the Traveling Wall is scheduled for 8:00 am. Veterans Appreciation Shows are scheduled for Sunday, November 6 at the 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm performances of Siegfried & Roy Present Darren Romeo, The voice of Magic. Veterans, Active Duty Military, National Guard & Reserve members will receive complimentary admission to these two performances of the show named Branson’s “Best Show” in 2004 & 2005 by BransonCritic.

For information on the Traveling Wall, special ceremonies, Darren Romeo Veterans Appreciation Shows, special ceremonies & displays please call 417-337-7469.

2005 marks the 8th year for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Display at Branson’s Welk Resort. The official half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial spans nearly 240 feet in length and lists the names of more than 58,000 of our nation’s fallen heroes during the Vietnam conflict.

Unique military memorabilia is on display at the Stage Door Restaurant, just off the lobby of the Welk Resort Theatre, is also open to the public for viewing during Veterans Homecoming.

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With over 100 shows to select from, Branson Critic Online has selected the Hamner Barber Variety Show and the Circle B Chuckwagon Dinner Show to be among the 7 award recipients of this years esteemed Branson Critic Awards.

The shows were selected as Editor’s Pick for the “Branson Must See Show” Award. This special award is presented by the critics themselves as their choice from the many shows they have reviewed personally in Branson throughout the year.

The other 5 award winners were selected by the voting public who submitted nomination reviews for the shows they would like to see nominated. In September and October almost 4000 people participated by voting for their favorites. These winners include: Darren Romeo, Tony Roi, Bucky Heard, The Haygoods and Terry Sanders.

Branson Critic is a network of volunteer writers who offer reviews of Branson shows, attractions, and lodging. It also allows readers to contribute their own show reviews.

For the second year, Branson Critic will be handing out awards to some of the best shows and performers in Branson during the week of November 2-26, 2005. The Hamner Barber Variety Show will be recognized LIVE on stage during their 8pm show on Wednesday, November 23 at the Hamner Barber Theater as editorial columnist Heath Hawkins presents their award.

The Hamner Barber Variety Show features the magic of world class illusionists The Hamners and internationally recognized comedian and ventriloquist Jim Barber. The show also presents a talented group of singer/dancers: AJ Heard, Ken Brown, Tim Lewis and Shanda Watts.

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Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater has booked an all-star lineup of rock ‘n roll stars for their newest show—The “Original Stars” at American Bandstand. Hosted by pop music and motion picture icon Fabian, this show stars the legendary Bobby Vee along with very special guests, The Chiffons, Brian Hyland and Chris Montez live on stage together. Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater officially opens April 29, 2006.

The “Original Stars” at American Bandstand are responsible for 21 Top Ten hits, and over 50 Top 40 hits including: “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “One Fine Day,” “He’s So Fine,” “Turn Me Loose,” “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,” “Run To Him”, “Come Back When You Grow Up Girl,” “Let’s Dance,” and more.

Bobby Vee answered the plea of local radio stations to save the day when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper died in a plane crash in 1959. Less than a year later Vee was on top of the charts in both the US and the UK. Billboard magazine called him “one of the top ten most consistent chartmakers ever.” Vee has had 38 hits include “Devil or Angel,” “Rubber Ball,” “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes,” and many more.

Fabian, one of the most popular teen idols of the 50s and 60s, won the Silver Award as “The Most Promising Male Vocalist of 1958.” This overnight singing sensation recorded dozens of hit singles and eight albums before he turned 18. He has a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and has earned gold records for “Turn Me Loose” and “Tiger,” as well as a gold album for “The Fabulous Fabian.”

Hailed as one of the best early-60s New York girl groups, The Chiffons, with lead singer Judy Mann, have a unique combination of sass and innocence that resulted in chart-topping songs. They soared to number one with “He’s So Fine,” whose classic riff “doo-lang, doo-lang” was internationally known. Other hits include “Sweet Talkin’ Guy” and “One Fine Day.”

Chris Montez was heavily influenced by his Hispanic culture and the rock ‘n’ roll success of his hero, Ritchie Valens. Chris’s single “Let’s Dance” hit the top ten while he toured England in the early 60s. His opening act was a then unknown group by the name of The Beatles. Montez followed “Let’s Dance” with the hits “The More I See You,” “There Will Never Be Another You,” “Call Me,” and “Time After Time.”

Brian Hyland launched his career with the hit #1 single, “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.” He has recorded 22 chart hits over 11 years, including “Sealed with a Kiss” and “Gypsy Woman” and now he’s bringing his silky smooth voice to Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Missouri.

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The “Branson Cares” Concert & Telethon has added more entertainment to the line-up for Sunday’s benefit for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, bringing the total to 38 performers from Branson shows. “As always, when our small town puts its talents into helping others, the response is heartening,” said Ann Stafford, event organizer and co-owner of the Jim Stafford Theatre.

The live concert will be held Sunday, September 18, at 7:00 PM at the Tri- Lakes Center on Hwy 248 in Branson, Missouri. Performers include:

Jim Stafford, Andy Williams, Yakov Smirnoff, Mickey Gilley, Ray Stevens, Pam Tillis, Marie Osmond, Moe Bandy, Petula Clark, Doug Gabriel, The Lennon Sisters, Les Brown Jr., Merrill Osmond, Baldknobbers Jamboree, New Shanghai Circus, Buck Trent, Ed Ames, Patti Page, Todd Oliver & his Talking Dogs, Cedric Benoit, Carol Lawrence, Road To Rock, New South, Jim Owen, Legends In Concert, Hughes Brothers, Presleys’ Jubilee, Magnificent 7 Show, The World Famous Platters, John Tweed, The Brett Family, Bob Anderson, Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon, The Duttons, Dalena Ditto, Kirby VanBurch, Jim Barber & Broadway!

“There were so many entertainers volunteering for this effort to help our neighbors down south that we could have done a 24-hour telethon!” Stafford said. “Along with the Branson stars generously donating their talents, an incredible number of volunteers are working to put this together very quickly. Concert co-directors Bill Lennon and Doug Gabriel have created an extraordinary show for everyone. Folks can enjoy an amazing variety of talent and know that they are helping repair the hearts and lives of those affected so drastically by Hurricane Katrina.”

The show will also be broadcast live by Springfield NBC affiliate KY3 from 8-10 p.m. Central Time. KY3 has graciously donated the equipment, labor, and the satellite services for this event. KY3, in providing the live broadcast of the show and facilitating the satellite uplink, is making it possible for the telethon to be shown in communities throughout the country and Canada, with those station placement efforts currently underway.

As of press time, the following television markets had confirmed their schedules for airing the Branson Cares Concert & Telethon on September 18: KFJX Fox 14 in Joplin, Missouri from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. KNWA in Northwest Arkansas from 10:50 p.m. to 12:50 a.m. KARK 4 in Little Rock from 10:50 p.m. to 12:50 a.m. KVCT Fox 19 in Victoria, Texas from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

In addition, stations in Tulsa; Wichita Falls; St. Louis and Columbia, Missouri; Canada; and the worldwide Trinity Broadcasting Network are working on scheduling the telethon. Viewers are advised to call their local TV stations to check the schedule to see if their hometown stations are airing the Branson Cares Concert & Telethon.

U.S. Troops stationed around the world will be participating in the Branson Cares Telethon for Hurricane Katrina victims using an Interactive Television (ITV) connection. The University of Missouri St. Louis, the Missouri National Guard, and CenturyTel are providing the ITV connections for the show.

The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers (The League) is producing the Branson Cares Concert Benefit and Telethon. Other sponsors of the event are KY3 Television, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, the City of Branson, a variety of area businesses, and numerous volunteers.

All proceeds from the concert and telethon will go to the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter and the Salvation Army. To purchase tickets to the live concert at the Tri-Lakes Center, 7 p.m. Sunday, September 18, please call 417-336-0219.

Visitors are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, socks, underwear, hygiene kits, and toys to the benefit for Convoy of Hope, which will have trucks on site during the Branson Cares benefit. These items will be sent directly to the disaster area.

Donations to the Branson Cares relief effort may be made to: Branson Cares c/o The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers Post Office Box 5083 Branson, Missouri 65615

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