MAGIC, The Magazine for Magicians is considered to be the premiere periodical in the world of magic. The August 2004 cover story titled, “Branson Magic” reviews the best magic and variety shows playing in Branson this season. Their take on the Hamner Barber Variety Show was nothing short of fantastic!

In a full page story, MAGIC magazine Editor John Moehring praised The Hamner’s original stage escape illusion by stating “Vertigo is not only devilishly suspenseful, but it is perhaps the only stage escape that has a surprise climax that seems physically impossible.”

Moehring also complimented Jim Barber’s half of the show as “clever comedy and impeccable ventriloquism.”

The shows talented cast of dancers also received kudos in the review. “Choreographer A.J. Herd struts her stuff in a Broadway dance medley, “Downtown” Kenny Brown sings with elegance and soul, and Tim Lewis is a hoofer par excellence, proving as Dave (Hamner) has already told his audience, “these guys aren’t just a bunch of box jumpers.”

Moehring concluded his review by stating, “The blending of the talents of Jim Barber and Dave Hamner plays well in this show. And because Jim was a magician before he turned to ventriloquism, while Dave practiced ventriloquism as he first learned magic, the two performers have plans to add some new material to the show – that explores what these two talented guys did and didn’t want to be when they grew up.”

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The cool, crisp weather of late autumn and early winter is an appealing time for outdoor activities in the Ozarks. Fishing, hunting, hiking, golfing, camping and other pursuits are year-round opportunities for sporting enthusiasts.

Situated between three pristine lakes, many of Branson’s water activities are available even during Ozark Mountain Christmas. Table Rock Lake is a popular recreational lake drawing millions of visitors each year. Fishing for bass, crappie and other species, boating, swimming, scuba diving, and many other types of water activities are offered on Table Rock Lake throughout the year. The lake never freezes so it is ideal for enjoying water activities even in mid-winter.

From November 1 through December 31, the Showboat Branson Belle offers lake cruises with a holiday flair. The enormous sternwheeler offers several cruises with live entertainment, festive meals and spectacular views.

Lake Taneycomo, famous for its rainbow and German brown trout, traditionally has a large role in Ozark Mountain Christmas. The narrow lake formed by the damming of the White River, begins at the Table Rock Dam south and west of Branson and winds for 22 miles to Forsyth. During the Ozark Mountain Christmas season, the Lake takes on a new role as center of some of the most popular lighting displays.

Bull Shoals Lake offers much of the same recreational and sporting activity as Table Rock Lake, but in a more rural and secluded environment. On both lakes, the relatively mild temperatures during Ozark Mountain Christmas usually mean good fishing for largemouth, small mouth, Kentucky and white bass, as well as black and white crappie and bluegill.

Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lakes all have plenty of lakeside resorts to accommodate families who enjoy outdoor recreation. Many of the marinas and docks remain open all year and some lake attractions operate on special holiday schedules during Ozark Mountain Christmas.

Temperatures during Ozark Mountain Christmas are mild and comfortable, making it an ideal time to capture another game of golf before Old Man Winter settles in. Integrating course design with rugged Ozark Mountain topography, the courses are both scenic and challenging. Overlooking the sweeping mountain vistas and the scenic hillside terrain, Branson area courses allow golfers to experience Ozark Mountain golf at its finest. Nine eighteen-hole courses and one nine-hole executive course provide golf opportunities that are sure to delight scratch players as well as novices.

November and December are ideal months for experiencing the rugged Ozark hills first-hand. The winter landscape of red cedars, ledge rock, pine and leafless oaks presents an invitation to outdoor enthusiasts who want to truly experience the Ozarks. Established nature trails are offered for hiking and biking and for those who like to hike off-trail, the hills await the exploration.

The Branson/Lakes Area is a perfect hub from which to discover the area state parks and forests. With almost 100,000 acres of wilderness area, the state parks and forests are ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, studying nature and exploring nearby caves. Dogwood Canyon, a 10,000 acre privately owned wilderness refuge offers tram tours that allow guests to spot herds of Elk, Bison and Texas Longhorns.

Caving has been a popular pastime for Ozark residents and visitors for years. Area caves offer immense rooms and fascinating formations in this subterranean wonderland. Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City, Cosmic Caverns, Talking Rock Cavern and Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, all offer tours of the grottos.

The Branson entertainment scene includes dazzling shows, family attractions crystal clear lakes and awe-inspiring natural formations. No matter the kind of entertainment sought, the Branson/Lakes area is sure to deliver with spectacular style.

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During the holiday season, families across America pack into cars to visit the houses and properties in their hometowns that take Christmas lighting to new heights. In a time when family traditions have, for this generation of young people, never been more important, Branson, Missouri offers an entire community illuminated in a celebration of Christmas. The Branson Area Festival of Lights is like an entire town lit like that one favorite street. The results are breathtaking.

Throughout November and December, the town is exuberantly illuminated with more than five million twinkling lights draping area theaters, adorning hotels and delightfully cascading along the two-mile Festival of Lights Parkway.

Over the years, the Branson Area Festival of Lights has become a tradition for more than 1.5 million visitors. From the Historic Downtown lakefront, to the famed Highway 76 to Silver Dollar City, Branson is strewn from end to end with lights and Christmas-themed displays. The town is truly a gift for all visitors.

The Festival of Lights Parkway, hidden in the Branson Hills area adjacent to Highway 65, is a two-mile drive featuring more than 75,000 lights and thousands of displays. The entire family will enjoy going through the tunnels of lights and watching animated displays.

The BAFOL lighting displays along the Festival of Lights Parkway is under the innovative direction of Universal Concepts. Universal Concepts custom builds nationally known lighting displays for several other well known destinations and attractions including Walt Disney World, the Centennial Olympic Park, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Myrtle Beach, Dollywood, Anheuser Busch, the U.S. Virgin Islands and many others.

Holiday lights and impact displays are also found on the Taneycomo lakefront opposite the downtown area, at Thousand Hills on Green Mountain Drive and on Indian Point Road.
Branson’s signature lighting display of musical instruments can be found on the bluff of U.S. 65 and Highway 76. Highway 76 is also lighted with more than 280 large stars. Other lighting locations include the Polyhedron Music Star located atop Mount Branson near the Adoration Scene overlooking downtown Branson.

Ozark Mountain Christmas and the Branson Area Festival of Lights draw more than 1.5 million people to the Branson/Lakes Area during two short months. Area properties, joining in the spirit of the holiday season, also adorn their structures in lights and decorations making the entire area a Christmas card to visitors and residents alike.

Branson, Missouri, the 16th most visited leisure travel destination in the country, boasts more than 55,000 theater seats, three pristine lakes, dozens of attractions, 22,000 lodging rooms, 30,000 restaurant seats and more than 200 outlet retailers. A unique combination of neon and nature, Branson offers year round entertainment for the whole family.

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Jim Barber, the Blues Brothers from the Legends in Concert, the Braschlers, the Brett Family, Dalena Ditto, Doug Gabriel, Dave Hamner, the Hughes Brothers, Jim Owen and John Tweed are among the entertainers scheduled to perform in a benefit show for Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 913 of Branson on Monday, June 14 at 7 p.m. at the Victorian Theater (formerly Sons of the Pioneers), 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson.

“Proceeds will be used to assist our military personnel and families deployed to Iraq. This is within the guidelines of the organization’s founding principle ‘Never again shall one generation of veterans abandon another.’ The VVA relies totally on private contributions for its revenue and does not receive any funding from federal, state or local governments. The entertainers are donating their time for this show.

Call 417-334-4363 for advance reservations. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children,” said Tom Brett of the Brett Family, who is organizing the show.

The Branson chapter is one of 525 local chapters of the national non-profit organization with more than 50,000 individual members in 43 state councils. Founded in 1978, the VVA is the only national Vietnam veterans organization congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families. VVA’s goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans. Its first principle is that the organization is measured by deeds and openness as evidence of the core values of justice, integrity, and meaningful achievement.

Among its special programs are government relations advocacy on the range of veterans issues, a national task force for homeless veterans, health care for veterans including disabled veterans, issues pertaining to women and minority veterans, a national scholarship fund and a program providing assistance to veterans seeking benefits/services from the government.

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The stage is literally set for the Saturday high noon groundbreaking of Branson Landing, the biggest development in Branson’s history.

City officials anticipate close to 500 people attending the ceremony hosted by nationally known entertainer Andy Williams with Missouri Governor Bob Holden the featured speaker.

The festivities begin at 11 a.m. with music, complimentary refreshments for the public, and watercraft entertainment on Lake Taneycomo followed by the groundbreaking ceremony. A unique live performance takes place during the ceremony that will mystify the audience.

The public is encouraged to bring a rug or folding chair to watch the show. It will be the last chance to picnic on the lakefront until the project opens in March 2006.

The actual turning of the dirt at the conclusion of the ceremony will include more than just dignitaries with shovels.

“Branson Landing is a special project for Branson and we wanted to make the groundbreaking just as special and memorable for the citizens of our community,” said Mayor Pro Tem Ron Huff. “We have appreciated their support of our development, and now it’s time to celebrate the start of construction.”

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on the site of the former Sammy Lane Resort just south of Main Street at the lakefront. Public parking will be located on the south end of the Sammy Lane property next to the city campground. VIP parking is located on the vacant land bounded by Main, Atlantic, Boxcar Willie and Lake Street. Signs and police officers will direct visitors to the parking areas, and attendants will assist motorists to their parking spaces.

Starting Monday, May 17, safety fencing will be installed around the Branson Landing property, and crews and equipment begin moving in to start construction. The Branson Landing development and construction team, headed by primary developer HCW Development Company of Branson, is comprised of nationally recognized and experienced firms.

Urban Retail Properties of Chicago, the nation’s leading and most successful third party management company, is undertaking leasing and management of the project.

The completed Branson Landing project comprises:

• $300 Million Project
• 95 acres of downtown waterfront land
• Situated Between US 65 and Lake Taneycomo, adjacent to historic downtown Branson·
• Banson Landing shopping, restaurant, and entertainment complex will occupy 1.5 miles of waterfront on Lake Taneycomo.
• The site, walking distance from the edge of Branson’s entertainment district, will include 500,000 sq ft of retail space (over 100 shops) and several marinas ?
• Bass Pro Shops of Springfield, MO will build a 40,000-60,000 square foot retail store and marina on the waterfront
• Belk Inc of North Carolina will build up to 82,000 square foot fashion department store
• The esplanade will be lined with retail space tiered up from the lake and in an outdoor mall/promenade style
• A new town square on the waters edge will link to a winding north-south running boardwalk along the shoreline. The public town square will be large enough to accommodate 5,000 people for festivals, musical events and other outdoor activities.
• Brand-name tenants will be mixed with galleries and shops offering regional arts and crafts, as well as specialty retailers
• A cross section of eateries — from large themed restaurants to intimate cafes and kiosks.
• 4,000 parking spaces
• 140+ condominiums
• Boutique hotel with 100 rooms
• Nightly music, light and water events, and a rolling schedule of activities, festivals and promotions, will keep visitors entertained throughout their visit.
• Regional convention center totaling 220,000 sq ft
• 56,000 sq ft of leasable exhibition space
• 20,000 sq ft ballroom/banquet space
• 32,000 sq ft meeting space and business center
• The Great Hall exhibit center will fit as many as 6,500 people
• The Ballroom will fit 2,500 people and is divisible into 3 rooms holding 800 people each
• 260 room convention center hotel with indoor/outdoor restaurant/café and views of Lake Taneycomo

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Tapping into the wealth of talent and creativity in the Branson entertainment industry, organizers are putting the finishing touches on a groundbreaking unlike any other in Missouri.

It all comes together on Saturday, May 15, at 12 noon along Lake Taneycomo in downtown Branson as shovels turn the dirt signifying the start of construction on the spectacular Branson Landing project.

Internationally known entertainer Andy Williams serves as master of ceremonies for the event that features Missouri Governor Bob Holden as guest speaker, unique performances never before seen in Branson and a dazzling groundbreaking.

More than 500 dignitaries from throughout the state and Washington D.C. have been invited to the ceremony.

“It’s not your typical three shovels and a pot of coffee groundbreaking,” said Rick Huffman of HCW, the primary developer of the Branson Landing project. ” People will leave this event saying ‘How’d they do that?’ Adding to the festivities will be the Branson High School Jazz Band, a giant video monitor updating spectators on the Landing project and televising the ceremony, and a hospitality tent with free snacks and beverages.

Branson Landing consists of a convention center, hotels, condos and retail shopping situated on over a mile of waterfront land adjacent to downtown Branson and about one mile from the popular Highway 76 strip featuring entertainment, theaters and a variety of family attractions. It will be the largest development in Branson’s history that not only develops the lakefront, but also brings a convention/exhibition center to Branson.

On Monday, May 17, heavy equipment begins moving into the Landing property along the waterfront to begin construction on the development. Branson Landing will open in phases through 2007. The retail opens in Spring 2006 and the convention center begins hosting groups in early 2007.

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For the 10th consecutive year, the city of Branson has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Branson is also the recipient of the Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program. The Growth Award was created to recognize environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities. It’s the seventh year the city has received this recognition.

To become a Tree City USA, a community must meet four standards: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.

“It’s truly an honor to again receive this environmental recognition,” said Mayor Schaefer. “It’s an award that focuses on a commitment our city officials and residents have made to plant, maintain and protect trees so we can pass on an enduring heritage of a vital natural resource to future generations.”

John Rosenow, president of the National Arbor Day Foundation said Tree City USA and the Growth Award uniquely recognize communities like Branson that have proven their commitment to an effective, ongoing community forestry program.

“The Tree City USA award is an excellent indication that there is a solid foundation for a process of renewal and improvement – a program of tree planting and care that continues through the years,” Rosenow said. “Our congratulations to the Branson community on receiving this national recognition for your tree-care program.”

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

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Construction on the Branson Landing development is now underway. The area has been fenced off and work started on the infrastructure like new water and sewer lines and roads. Grading of the property begins in July and the first buildings will start to go up in October. A completion date has tentatively been set for April 2006.

The Board of Aldermen has approved an agreement with Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates Inc of Atlanta to design the convention center and parking deck portion of the Branson Landing project.

Request for Proposal (RFP) to manage the new convention center will be sent out by the city in July, and firms interested in managing the center are encouraged to submit a proposal. To obtain an RFP outlining the scope of services, contact Branson City hall.

The Board of Aldermen has approved a resolution authorizing the city administrator to proceed with structuring a bond sale to purchase 12 acres along Sycamore Street on which the convention center and convention center hotel would be constructed. The bonds will be used to purchase the convention center land and fund public infrastructure like the boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo, the bridge over Roark Creek, the widening of Boxcar Willie Drive, and the town square on the lake.

The proposed convention/exhibition center features a 55,000 sq ft exhibition hall, a 20,000 sq ft ballroom/multi-purpose area, and 32,000 sq ft of meeting space.

HCW Development Inc, the primary developer of Branson Landing, has announced two major anchor stores for the project. Bass Pro of Springfield has signed an agreement to build a 40,000-60,000 square foot store on the south end of the retail development that features a marina where customers can test drive new watercrafts. And Belk Inc of North Carolina plans to build a 66,000 square foot department store that offers name brand clothing, shoes, cosmetics and home merchandise at the north end of Branson Landing.

The retail portion of Branson Landing along the lakefront includes a total of 465,000 sq ft of retail space. In addition to the Bass Pro and Belk anchor stores, there will be 75,000 sq ft of sit-down restaurants, 200,000 sq ft of specialty retailers, and 65,000 sq ft of other entertainment venues.

HCW continues negotiations with other nationally recognized specialty retailers and restaurants for a Branson Landing address.

Other aspects of the Landing include a curving boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo, a 2 1⁄2 acre town square with a 1,500 seat amphitheater, and a towering, lighted water fountain featuring gyrating jet streams and fireballs.

HCW plans to refurbish the Lake Queen paddleboat and make it an attraction of the Landing. The lake Queen will again offer excursions up and down Lake Taneycomo.

The city has purchased the convenience store property at the southeast corner of Parnell and Business U.S. 65 where an intersection will be constructed connecting the extension of Boxcar Willie Drive and the new bridge over Roark Creek with Business 65. Condemnation proceedings have been completed with the motel property east of the convenience store and demolition procedures are underway.

Construction of the four-lane bridge over Roark Creek that will provide convenient access to Branson Landing and the new intersection at Skaggs Road and Business 65 is expected to begin this summer. Later, Boxcar Willie Drive will be widened to five lanes from the new bridge to the Branson Lakeside RV Park.

The Phase 2 downtown traffic study continues. This study examines the total downtown traffic situation including existing traffic and future traffic with the completion of the Branson Landing development, and determines what improvements need to be made in streets and intersections.

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The city of Branson and HCW Development have announced that on Saturday, May 15, 2004 at 12 noon, the official groundbreaking for the Branson Landing development will be held on the Taneycomo Lakefront.

Missouri Governor Bob Holden has been invited to attend and speak at this historical event. Governor Holden approved and signed the city of Branson’s state TIF (Tax Increment Financing) application for the Branson Landing development.

Branson Landing consists of a retail shopping and convention center situated on over a mile of waterfront land adjacent to downtown Branson and about one mile from the popular Highway 76 strip featuring entertainment, theaters and a variety of family attractions.

“We’ve been working hard for the past two years to bring this waterfront development to reality,” said Mayor Lou Schaefer. “It’s now arrived on schedule, and I am extremely proud of this community for making the project move forward. “This is the largest development in Branson’s history that not only develops the lakefront, but also finally brings a convention center to Branson. People will now begin seeing construction activity on the lakefront.”

Two major anchors have already been secured for Branson Landing – Bass Pro Shops and Belk Department Store.

“The opening of Branson landing will add an entirely new dimension to the Branson experience,” said Schaefer. “It expands our ability to reach new and different markets and offers a significant new reason to travel to Branson.”

The retail development is scheduled to open in 2006 with the convention center and convention center hotel ready to host meetings in 2007.

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Comedian Jim Barber and illusionist team The Hamners announce today that they will star in a new production show entitled the Hamner Barber Variety Show opening the evening of April 9, 2004 at “The Victorian,” formerly known as the “Sons of the Pioneers Theater” next to the Victorian Shopping Center on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson, Missouri.

This new production show will feature award winning illusions of Dave and Denise Hamner as well as the vocal comedy of internationally recognized ventriloquist Jim Barber. Also featured are professional dancers A. J. Heard, Ken Brown and Tim Lewis. The entire cast of the show are widely recognized for their talents and have been long time favorites with Branson area audiences. They are excited for this opportunity to perform together and look forward to a long run in “The Victorian.” The season will open with many of their popular routines for which they are famous for including some new surprises. They are also developing many new routines which will be added to the production throughout the year.

David and Denise Hamner have headlined many major production shows around the world, presenting their award winning and original feats of magic. Venues include not only Las Vegas, Disneyland and Hollywood’s famous “Magic Castle” but also Branson where they starred in the productions Branson City All Star Revue and Magic of the Night which earned them multiple “Featured Performance” honors in the Branson All American Entertainment Awards. They were recently presented the prestigious “Magic Masters Award” by their magical piers in Las Vegas as well as the “Merlin Award” for “Best Manipulation.” Internationally know magicians Siegfried and Roy personally honored the Hamners by presenting them with their “Bronze Lion Head Award” for performance excellence.

The Hamners are best known for their one of a kind act in which they produce ten enormous exotic birds. Their beautiful Macaws and Cockatoos appear amid flying cards, flaming swords, falling coins and jewels and then perform an incredible flight over and around the audience before gracefully returning to the stage. Other original illusions to be featured in the new variety show include The Stargate, The Lightning Levitation, The Syringe Impailment, and Vertigo: The Fall of Death. The Hamners have performed these effects on many national television shows including NBC’s “World’s Greatest Magic” and on specials produced for the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Dave Hamner is also an ordained Minister with extensive educational training. He and his wife Denise have held special theater worship services in Branson whenever they appear here locally. The Hamners are excited and feel blessed to once again have the opportunity of preaching the gospel each Sunday morning at 10:00am at The Victorian.

Jim Barber is recognized as one of the world’s great ventriloquists and has been honored as the “International Ventriloquist of the Year,” “Comedy Entertainer of the Year,” by the National Association of Campus Activities and Showtime, the Movie Channel named him one of the “Funniest People in America,” for his creative approach to the art of ventriloquism.

Jim was first introduced to Branson as the featured comedian in Glen Campbell’s Goodtime Show. He has since been featured in other successful Branson productions with The Osmonds, Tony Orlando, Kirby VanBurch and the late Eddie Rabbitt. He served as a national co-host for the Jerry Lewis “Stars Across America” Labor Day Telethon and has appeared on many national television shows on The Nashville Network, A&E, Fox, ABC, and NBC. Jim appears regularly in Las Vegas, Reno and major resort destinations performing for national corporate events and his participation in USO shows have taken him around the world entertaining our troops. He is also a favorite aboard cruise ships and was recently a featured artist for the maiden Caribbean voyage of the world’s largest cruise liner, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2.

Beyond his reputation as an area performer, Jim also combines his creativity with computers as co-owner of Image Works, Inc., a video production, graphic design and publishing company. Jim has extensive training and experience in multimedia and has personally developed projects for Silver Dollar City, Big Cedar Lodge, Glen Campbell, Jimmy Osmond, Yakov Smirnoff, Pierce Arrow, Paul Harris and many other businesses in the Branson area and around the country. He also is honored to serve on the board of directors for “Mountain Country Habitat For Humanity” and his family are members of First Presbyterian Church of Branson. Jim’s wife Diane has an extensive musical theater background and will perform in the new show’s holiday production, “The Wings of Christmas” during November and December.

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