Yakov Smirnoff took his comedy where no comedian has gone before…or at least where very few earthbound stars ever get to go. On Monday, October 15 at 2:30 PM Yakov teleconferenced with Astronaut Clayton Anderson, a flight engineer on the International Space Station. “It was really interesting. I had a very pleasant conversation for 45 minutes with the man from outer space. Sometimes people go too far when they talk to me, but I was flattered anyway,” said Yakov.

Anderson, who is part of Expedition 15, used his video camera to show Yakov around the International Space Station. “I learned how they use their space – no pun intended – efficiently by mounting their stationary bike on the ceiling. I mentioned to Clay that I might want to try that at home tonight, he suggested that I check with my insurance agent first,” said Yakov. “Along with learning about the astronauts’ space adventures, we also discussed how the world has changed so dramatically that now Clay is on a space station with two Russian cosmonauts. They like to eat American freeze-dried barbecue ribs and he likes to eat Russian hydrated Borscht.”

“I also found out that to us on earth the Space Station looks like a shooting star,” said Yakov. “I asked Clay to give me a call the next time it was going over Branson so I could make a wish. He was concerned that it was a long distance call and didn’t want to spend the taxpayers’ money. He told me just log on to NASA’s website; that way I can plan my wish in advance. What A Country!” The website is www.spaceflight.nasa.gov; the next possible sighting from Yakov’s home in Branson, Missouri is on Thursday, Oct 18 at 7:37 PM.

This is not the first time that NASA has requested Yakov’s support in honoring our astronauts. In 1999 Yakov was the featured speaker in Washington D.C. at the 42nd Annual Goddard Memorial Banquet honoring Senator John Glenn. Yakov said, “I’m honored to create laughter for these real-life heroes!” Astronaut Anderson is a member of Expedition 15 which is doing maintenance on the international space station. Expedition 15 launched on April 7, 2007; Anderson arrived in early June and will be heading home within 2 to 3 weeks on the Discovery shuttle.

The teleconference was facilitated in Reeds Spring, Missouri by the Reeds Spring TCRC which is an extension of the University of Missouri. Yakov says, “When I walked in to that room and on the monitor I saw the space station and realized that I was in a small town in the Ozarks and about to teleconference in real-time with outer space, the first thought from my mind was ‘beam me up Scottie! This whole experience was out of this world.”

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Plans are finalized for the 15th Billboard World Song Contest Awards Presentation Show & Performance on March 29, 2008 at Mansion America Theatre in Branson, MO.

First Place Winners, All Categories, will be invited to receive their award and perform their winning song onstage in front of music industry professionals, theatre owners and talent buyers.

EXTRA!!! In addition to the Billboard prizes, for the first time, from the live performance, a $5,000 Grand Prize winner, Runner-up ($1,500), and a second runner-up ($1,000), will be selected by industry jury. It furthers your chance to be seen, heard and discovered.

The Billboard World Song Contest opens 15th Annual Contest. Winners receive over $30,000 in prizes of equipment, merchandise and promotion.

The top three winners in each of the eleven categories will have their song featured on a CD that is distributed exclusively to music industry decision makers – record company heads, producers, A&R executives, music publishers, important artists and celebrities, agents, managers and others in the music industry. They listen!

This contest offers unparalleled exposure for up-and-coming songwriters. It’s the songwriter’s springboard to success.
Last year’s Country song winners, Stephen Desjardins, Lisa Firestone and Charles Harn landed a publishing deal for their song “When He Comes Home to Her”. First place Pop winners Peter Roberts and Ron Boustead’s song, “Fearless”, has been placed in the soon-to-be-released motion picture “Bratz”.

Song categories are: Rock/Alt Rock, Pop, Country, Latin, Folk/Americana, Jazz, Contemporary Christian/Gospel, R&B/Blues, Dance, Rap/HipHop and World. New category Electronica/Soundtrack seeks entries to this growing niche.

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Drive-through Displays Are in New Location for 2007

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce the schedule for the 2007 Branson Area Festival of Lights. Beginning on November 1 and all aglow through December 31, this year’s drive-through will be located at Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Expressway Lane, close to the new Sight & Sound Theatre.

Experience the magic of an Ozark Mountain Christmas with the Branson Area Festival of Lights 2007 as all of Branson sparkles for the holidays. From fabulous Christmas shows and dazzling lights to spectacular shopping and breathtaking scenic beauty, Branson is a special gift for everyone in your family at this festive time of year.

The centerpiece, Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through, will delight children of all ages. Your journey begins with a magical 1-mile drive along a path aglow with over 120 displays. Conveniently located off of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway at Expressway Lane, this one-of-a-kind family experience promises to be memorable.

Also in the Branson/Lakes Area you can enjoy extraordinary Christmas lighting displays at Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas celebration, the Enchanted Forest on Indian Point Rd. and the Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills.

Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through is open daily November 1 through December 31, 2007 from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and 5:00 pm through 12:00 am on Friday and Saturday.

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Kids who think they can cut the mustard are invited to audition at the Oscar Mayer/American Idol “Sing the Jingle, Be a Star” Nationwide Talent Contest at the World’s Largest TITANIC Museum Attraction in Branson Oct. 6-9, 2007. The Grand Prize winner will have an opportunity to star in a national Oscar Mayer TV commercial, attend the 2008 American Idol Finale Performance Show in Los Angeles, and take home $5,000 in cash!

“With all the talent here, we thought what better place to host a nationwide talent search than Branson,” said Mary Kellogg Joslyn, museum attraction co-owner. “We’d love to see this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity go to someone from our area,” she said.

The famous yellow and orange 27-foot hotdog on wheels, the Oscar Mayer WienerMobile™, will be on location Oct. 6-9 at the TITANIC Museum Attraction, the official audition headquarters for the Branson area. Guests of all ages are invited to hop on board the 14,000-lb. traveling icon to explore its condiment-splattered carpet, ketchup walkway, hotdog-shaped dashboard, and computerized control panel with a sound system to relish, during this free outdoor event.

Kids aged 6 and older who wish to audition should come prepared to impress the judges with their best version of one of the Oscar Mayer Jingles: the Oscar Mayer Wiener Jingle© (”I Wish I were an Oscar Mayer Wiener”), the Bologna Song© (”My bologna has a first name”), the Oscar Mayer Spanish Wiener Jingle© (”Cuando quiero algo bueno y sabroso”) or the Oscar Mayer Spanish Ham Jingle (”Yo le canto a mi jamon Oscar Mayer”). Visit www.singthejingle.com for complete jingle lyrics and contest rules.

Audition Dates & Times

* 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6 & Sunday, Oct. 7
* Noon to 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 8 & Tuesday, Oct. 9

For more information on this and other interactive special events coming to the World’s Largest TITANIC Museum Attraction, call (417) 334-9500 or visit www.titanicbranson.com.

The World’s Largest TITANIC Museum Attraction is Branson’s new landmark tourist destination. The 17,000 square foot, ship-shaped structure – built half scale to Titanic’s original size – towers more than 100 feet above its anchored position on Highway 76. A 90-minute, self-guided tour covers 20 galleries on two decks where more than 400 priceless artifacts that once belonged to Titanic’s passengers or crew are on display. None of the artifacts were retrieved from the ocean’s floor.

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Once a year, Branson packs a little bit of everything it has to offer into five fun-filled days showcasing world-class performers, local arts and culture, and authentic Branson fare. BransonFest welcomes spring with a virtual smorgasbord of everything this amazing tourist destination has to offer – and all in one location!

Celebrating its 16th year, BransonFest 2008 is set for April 8-12 at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater complex. At the daily “Big Shows” inside, you can sample some of Branson’s best shows each day. If you attend all the Big Shows, you’ll sample at least 50, yes, 50 shows! No wonder this festival has been named a “Top 100” Event in North America by the American Bus Association since 2004!

The five-day event kicks off on Tuesday, April 8th. Activities begin at Noon on the grounds and the first “Big Show” is in the American Bandstand Theatre at 7:00 pm. Wednesday thru Saturday, the outdoor activities begin at 9 a.m. and the daily “Big Shows” are at 10:00 a.m. and 2 p.m. Big Show group ticket price, including tax, is $28 per show.

And if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, the daily outdoor activities in the Real American Entertainment Tent and the Hospitality, Business and Arts tents are free and open to the public. BransonFest 2008 is your chance to sample the multi-dimensional experience that Branson offers its more than seven million visitors annually.

Outdoor Activities

The Real American Entertainment Tent features outstanding entertainment all day long! Enjoy a variety of performances and local talent from Branson’s shows and organizations – and there’s no admission charge.

In the Taste of Branson Food Tent, Branson’s finest eating establishments offer for purchase a variety of local and traditional dishes. From ribs to pizza, soup, sandwiches or a Vigilante Taco – be prepared to enjoy! The Food Tent Stage has special presentations highlighting food and entertainment.

The Hospitality and Business Expo Tent features over 70 booths with representatives from area theaters, attractions, businesses and several area civic organizations. They’re there to answer your questions about everything that’s new with the shows and entertainment at their venues. Enter to win prizes and even visit with your favorite Branson entertainers, one-on-one, during special autograph sessions.

The Arts, Culture & Heritage Tent, sponsored by the Branson Arts Council, showcases Ozark Mountain Art, culture and history. Nationally recognized local artists display and often demonstrate their unique craftsmanship. Meet a featured artist, author or musician at daily autograph sessions.

BransonFest Streetmosphere is featured throughout the festival in the outdoor courtyard area between the tents. Dance troupes, magic acts, special demonstrations, and costumed characters entertain during the beautiful spring days of BransonFest. Children’s activities are featured on Saturday.

Nature is on display, too!

BransonFest celebrates spring — a special time of renewal in America’s Live Entertainment Capital. Branson, Missouri, is nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains where Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show with brilliant displays of flowering trees (dogwood, redbud, Bradford pear) and bushes (forsythia, crepe myrtle, lilac) contrasting against the dark green cedars and beginning-to-leaf-out trees. There’s also a plethora of colorful flowers dotting the landscape, signaling the annual period of rebirth and renewal in the Ozarks. It’s also the perfect time to explore scenic nature trails, walking paths and shorelines of area lakes and recreational facilities.

Big Shows Mean Big Entertainment!

BransonFest is a great opportunity to sample the best of Branson and decide for yourself what you’ll want to come back and enjoy even more of in 2008! Tent and Outdoor Activities are free.

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Folks who visit Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede during the Christmas season will be amazed by the unbelievable transformation. Opening Wednesday, October 24th, Christmas at Dixie Stampede converts the dinner and show into a beautiful holiday spectacular. From the festive show theme and the full-scale live nativity scene including camels, donkeys and sheep to the gorgeous decorations throughout the building and the warmth of traditional holiday music.

Back by popular demand this year, Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show adds a touch of grace to the holidays with a special performance by professional Adagio ice skaters, Alicia Cavanaugh & Michal Przyk.

Alicia is a USA triple gold medalist (singles, pairs & moves-in-the-field) and was a US National team member in 2001. She accepted her first professional contract in 2002 and since then Alicia has performed as a principal soloist around the world including shows such as Holiday on Ice, Festival on Ice and on board the Royal Caribbean Cruise line ships to name a few. Michal (known as Mikki) is from Poland and was a Polish National Dance competitor for several years. Mikki also toured with Holiday on Ice as a dance pair soloist and has also been featured in productions in the USA, Germany and throughout Eastern Western Europe. Combined, their style, grace and strength are becoming well known throughout the professional skating world. Alicia’s and Mikki’s goals for the future include seeing the world and entertaining audiences together for years to come!

“We wanted to give families more joyful entertainment during the Christmas season,” says owner, Dolly Parton. “The special effects like the ice skaters and live nativity scene really bring the holiday season to life. I can’t wait for folks to experience this year’s Christmas show – it’s going to be great.”

Christmas at Dixie features a seasonal twist with a friendly rivalry between the North and South Poles full of equestrian feats, graceful riders, and audience participation games like wreath tossing and a stick reindeer race. The 90-minute production is highlighted with ice skaters descending from the ceiling on a specially designed skating platform and gliding under the stars to a brisk holiday soundtrack.

Celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus is brought to life with Mary, Joseph, the wise men, and a living nativity of live camels, donkeys, and sheep. In addition, Santa himself makes an appearance in his sleigh, as Dixie’s 1100-seat arena is transformed into a winter wonderland of fresh fallen snow.

Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is complimented by a holiday feast of a whole rotisserie chicken, hickory smoked barbecue pork loin, herb-basted potato, buttery corn on the cob, creamy vegetable soup, homemade biscuit, and an apple turnover for dessert.

Christmas at Dixie Stampede runs October 24th, 2006 through December 31st, 2007. One ticket price includes the Carriage Room pre-show, the main arena Christmas At Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show and a collector series Souvenir Boot Mug with a speciality soft drink.

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Eleven families celebrated September 26, 2007, with Branson Tourism Center. One lucky family received a free vacation to Branson, a $100.00 pre-paid BP gas card and they are featured on BransonTourismCenter.com. In addition, on the day that the one-millionth ticket was purchased, 10 of their customers received a $100 gift card, courtesy of Branson Tourism Center.

The full-service Branson vacation company is celebrating a major milestone–a staggering one million theater and attraction tickets sold in just four years–and the customer who purchased the millionth ticket won a refund of their entire vacation arranged through Branson Tourism Center.

Branson Tourism Center owner Lianne Milton said the millionth-ticket promotion is one way her company can thank the clients that have helped it grow so quickly. “We want to thank all our customers for helping us reach our goal of selling a million tickets over the past four years,” Milton stated. “Branson Tourism Center has achieved this level of performance in such a short period because of our satisfied repeat customers and the referrals our customers continue to send our way. The vacation refund and prepaid gas card is our way we can express our appreciation to our customers.”

Branson Tourism Center sold its millionth ticket September 26, 2007, to the Spitznagle family from Mulberry, Indiana. All three ladies were on vacation to celebrate their birthday, and chose Branson as the destination to celebrate. Up until the moment they checked in, they did not know they had won.

But even those who did not win the millionth-ticket promotion will still enjoy memorable vacations in the live entertainment capital of the world, thanks to Branson Tourism Center’s focus on their customers. The company, a full-service travel agency exclusively serving visitors to Branson, Missouri, creates vacation packages tailored to their customer’s individual tastes and offers personalized advice on everything from restaurants and special events to recommendations on sought-after limited engagements–all with no service fees or extra charges.

“We would like to thank all of our customers who helped us reach this milestone,” said Milton. “Our customers have brought us where we are and our focus on making their vacation to Branson as memorable and enjoyable as possible is unwavering. To show our appreciation we are also running a promotion that gives an additional ten cents off each gallon of gas to all customers who order through Branson Tourism Center, between now and October 15, which is in addition to our regular twenty cents per gallon discount.”

“When Branson Tourism Center customizes our clients personal vacation plans, they get a combination of all the best dining, lodging and entertainment venues at the best discounted prices,” Milton explained. “Because we receive volume pricing from Branson theaters, attractions, lodging, restaurants and shops, we are able to pass those savings on to our customers.”

Branson Tourism Center is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the year, except Christmas. The company’s 80 employees are dedicated to discovering each traveler’s special interests, providing insider information on the Branson area, including shortcuts the locals use to get around town.

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The American Presidents Museum, operated by the nonprofit educational organization the National Center for Presidential Studies, will partner with Target to create educational and fun programs designed to bring young visitors to the museum.

Grant monies will be used for educational development of programs, supplies for hands-on activities, and the addition of interactive displays within select exhibits, all under a program “Kids in the Museum.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have received national recognition from Target for our efforts,” said Stormy Lynn Snow, executive director of the museum, and founder of the educational center. “Equally as important as their generous contribution of the $2,000 grant is the credibility this award gives our efforts.”

The grant is part of ongoing efforts by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given five percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts and safe families and communities. Today that translates to $3 million every week.

“At Target, we are making a real difference every day through our grant-making program,” said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with American Presidents Museum and the National Center for Presidential Studies as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”

Additionally, Target gives through signature programs that are designed to inspire learning in children and families. Programs include:

* Take Charge of Education®, a school fundraising program
* Target Field Trip Grants, a program that helps educators bring learning to life for students through the distribution of grants
* Ready.Sit.Read!SM, a program dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of reading in children
* Target House®, which serves as a home away from home for families of children receiving life-saving treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® in Memphis
* Target Volunteers, a program where Target team members and retirees annually donate more than 315,000 hours of time to more than 7,000 community-based projects

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There was a definite Branson connection when it came to some of the finalists on this summer’s hit NBC television show, America’s Got Talent – and that connection is about to get a lot stronger.

The Duttons, a Top Ten Finalist, have invited other finalists from the show to perform at the Dutton Theater in Branson for a limited engagement beginning Monday evening, September 17th.

“This all started as a request from David Hasselhoff to help some of the acts from America’s Got Talent pursue their dreams to continue performing,” said Sheila Dutton, matriarch of the talented family.

“During the course of the competition, all of the contestants got to know each other and became friends. When we made the offer to open a show here in Branson for a fall run, word got around and it wasn’t long before the phone was ringing off the hook. Everyone is so excited to come here.”

Each show will feature at least three of the finalists. The opening week will include the Calypso Tumblers from New York, singer Robert Hatcher from Cincinnati, the Glamazons from New York, and Branson’s own Johnny Lonestar. Subsequent weeks will feature Cas Haley, Julienne Irwin, Fault Line, Jason Pritchett, and Butterscotch. This year’s winner, ventriloquist Terry Fator, will participate via video from Las Vegas and is trying to clear a few days to join in the fun in Branson.

The Finalists will take the stage from 5:30 – 7 PM, Monday through Saturday. The Duttons will be hosting the show, and will be performing at 8:00 PM. Special combo-ticket packages are being made available that will include the Finalist Show, the Duttons Show and a free dinner for a special price.

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Stars of America’s all time favorite variety show are in Branson this week for the Welk Stars Reunion 2007. The five-day schedule with nine live performances at the Welk Resort Theatre begins today (Wednesday, Sept. 5) and runs through Sunday, September 9.

Original guest stars from the Lawrence Welk television show appearing in the Welk Stars Reunion 2007 include Jo Ann Castle, Anacani, Ava Barber, Dick Dale, Jack Imel, Mary Lou Metzger and Roger & David Otwell (see entertainer bios below).

The Welk Stars will be joined by the dance team of Pasha & Ailona and the Champagne Music Makers under the direction of Bobby Tillery. Produced by Mary Lou Metzger, the show will include Big Band favorites, the stars’ signature songs and a few surprises — topped off by an emotion-filled patriotic salute to veterans.

Show times for the Welk Stars Reunion 2007 are Wednesday thru Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. plus Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Welk Resort Theatre Box Office, by phone at (800)-734-5515 or (417)-337-7469, on the internet at sullivanshows.com or at select Branson-area ticket outlets. Ticket prices including all taxes range from $39.50 for Elite Seating to $34.50 for adults and $14.50 for children. An every day “locals rate” is available to people who live or work in Stone or Taney counties. Proof of employment and/or residency is required.

“The Lawrence Welk Show” was broadcast for 27 years – on the ABC television network from July 1955 to September 1971 and in syndication from 1971 to 1982. Demanding that his shows be clean and wholesome, Welk featured easy-listening music performed by a “family” of wholesome musicians, singers and dancers. The show’s enduring popularity has been proven time and again through highly rated re-runs and specials on PBS since 1987 and 11 years of live performances at The Welk Resort Theatre in Branson.

The Welk Resort and Theatre are located 3 miles south of Highway 76 on State Highway 165. The destination resort complex opened in 1994 and includes a 160-room hotel, the Stage Door Restaurant & Lounge, miniature golf course, swimming pool, game room and other amenities. The 2,245-seat theatre near Table Rock Lake was home to the Lawrence Welk Show from 1994 through 2004. A new alliance announced in October 2003 united the Welk Resort Group and Sullivan Shows in a venture designed to bring an array of new shows to Branson. Welk-Sullivan Productions has operated, managed and marketed the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson since January 1, 2004.

Welk Resort Theatre Fall-Christmas 2007

* Sept. 5 – 9: Welk Stars Reunion 2007
* Sept. 10 – Dec. 7: The Lowe Family
* Sept. 12 – Oct. 20: Tillis Family Reunion starring Mel Tillis & Pam Tillis
* Oct. 29 – Dec. 7: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers and The Lennon Sisters
* Nov. 1 – Dec. 8: Mel Tillis & Connie Smith
* Nov. 6 – 12: Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall display – free, open to public
* Nov. 11: Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute To Veterans
* Nov. 12: Tony Orlando show (limited engagement; 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. on Nov. 12 only)

Welk Stars Reunion 2007: Entertainer Biographies:

Jo Ann Castle – Discovered by Lawrence Welk as a teenager, Jo Ann Castle appeared on the famous band leader’s show for 10 years as both a pianist and accordionist. She became one of the show’s most popular entertainers, becoming known as “Ragtime Piano Gal,” and “Queen of the Honky-Tonk Piano.”

In the 1980s Castle wrote and recorded several collections of ragtime and honky tonk favorites, combining ragtime, honky-tonk and boogie-woogie standards with her original compositions. In 2002 she hosted a PBS special, “Legendary Liberace,” which included a duet with Jo Ann and Liberace created through the magic of television editing.

Today Castle is widely recognized for her unique piano style that combines the veracity of Jerry Lee Lewis with the flamboyance of Liberace. Her live performances are infused with Castle’s distinctive mix of comedy, sass and boundless energy.

Anacani – Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Anacani was just 12 years old when she became a star on Mexican television, was signed to a recording contract and toured throughout Mexico and Latin America. During a combined tour of Latin America and the United States, she was dining at Lawrence Welk’s restaurant and met the famous maestro. When Lawrence Welk learned that Anacani sang, he auditioned her on the spot and she joined the Lawrence Welk television show in February, 1973. She quickly became an audience favorite and regular performer on the show. She toured with the Lawrence Welk Musicial Family and continues to perform in the United States and Mexico.

The Welk Stars Reunion 2007 marks only the second appearance for Anacani at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson. This bilingual vocalist, Latin dancer and actor performs as a soloist with many symphony orchestras and is also an accomplished musician on the guitar and piano. In addition to her musical talents, Anacani also designs and creates all of her

Ava Barber – this singer/pianist was a regular on “The Lawrence Welk Show” from 1974 to 1982. She had a hit record in 1978, “Bucket To The South,” and appeared on many television shows including “Nashville Now,” “Music City Tonight,” “Prime Time,” “Crook & Chase Show” and “The Grand Ole Opry.” In 1990 she opened her own theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and performed there until August 1996. She appeared frequently at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson with the Welk Show and tours across the country.

Dick Dale – began singing and playing saxophone with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra in 1951 and continued on “The Lawrence Welk Show” until 1982. Dale also danced, performed comedy segments and was part of the show’s production staff. He played the role of Santa Claus every year during the annual “Welk Christmas Show.” In the 1990s, Dale perfomed at Ava Barber’s Rainbow Music Theatre in Tennessee for five years and also performed

Jack Imel – joined “The Lawrence Welk Show” in 1957, quickly becoming a regular on the show with his energetic marima act that concluded with Imel leaping over the marimba. The multi-talened Imel went on to sing, dance, choreograph, produce and direct on “The Lawrence Welk Show” and in live performances. He appeared frequently at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson from 1994 through 2004 and today he continues to delight audiences with his energetic marimba playing and tap dancing.

Mary Lou Metzger – began her entertainment career at age 7. She majored in music at Temple University and was later introduced to Lawrence Welk by a talent scout. Following her first Welk Performance in 1970, Metzger became known as the girl who danced with Mr. Welk at the end of the weekly television shows. She produces video and stage projects including live performances for the Welk Resort in Escondido, Calif. and the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson, Mo. Metzger is producing this week’s Welk Stars Reunion 2007.

Roger & David Otwell – born in Tulia, Texas, these twin brothers first got into music by playing the tuba in the high school band. They won music scholarships to Lubbock Christian College as members of the “Good Time Singers.” After moving on to West Texas State, they auditioned for Lawrence Welk and joined the television show in October 1977, teaming with the Aldridge Sisters. Today they reside in Texas with their families and continue to perform together in concerts, churches, special events and for Lawrence Welk Show wraparounds on public television. The Welk Stars Reunion 2007 marks their first performance in Branson at the Welk Resort Theatre.

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