Ray Stevens Returns to Branson

Ray Stevens is has had people laughing for over 50 years and last Friday night was no different.  One of the first theater owners in Branson, Ray returned for a 6-week engagement at the Welk Resort Theater.  He will wrap up his performances on October 23, so if you are in the Branson area this show is a must see! 

I have seen shows where I laughed till I cried, and others that made my jaw hurt, and sometimes I've laughed till my ribs hurt, but never have I left with my mascara running AND my jaw locked in screaming laughter mode AND holding my aching ribs!  Ray performed new parodies, the golden oldies and sang his classics like "Misty" and "Everyone Is Beautiful".  The real treat was the story-telling, a staple of his live show, that isn't on his CDs.  He can take you to a punch line that you never saw coming!

Here are some of the photos I took at the show:

 Remember "Guitarzan""

..... and Jane?

 .... uh, Jane?? 

 Remember the prankster calling "Margaret"?   

 Remember when Ethel saw "The Streak"?

And so much more!

At 71 years old, and a survivor of prostate cancer, Ray is tireless.  One of his band members, half Ray's age, was telling us that he wears them out with his energy! 

The show was a full two hours of performance followed by a rare appearance afterwards to sign autographs.  We stood in line for just under an hour and worth every minute to get the shot below --- of Ray! not me!

Most of all, Ray Stevens is a man who loves his country --- with his whole being!  And he is not afraid to express it.  I will say this, if you are a liberal you will feel a bit bruised during the first half of the show.  But pull up your red, white, and blue panties and stick around --- love of country is a universal feeling, as is laughter.  For more of Ray's special brand of patriotism be sure to get his latest project "We the People", available at raystevens.com . 

Thank you for stopping by.  If you haven't been to Branson lately, what are you waiting for??  This isn't your grandparents' Branson!

God bless America -- and Ray Stevens!

The Boys Are Back --- The Oak Ridge Boys, That Is!

For someone who loves live shows like I do, living in Branson, Missouri is like living in a candy store!  So many great shows!  Some of the biggest names in entertainment!  Theaters that give you the feeling you are right on stage with the entertainers! 

One of the biggest theaters is The Oak Ridge Boys Theater, so named because that is the home away from home for none other than The Oak Ridge Boys.  They have been a favorite of mine for decades and have been harmonizing for even more decades than that!  When I have the chance to see their show, well, I'm there!  In October 2009 I saw their all new show named for their latest CD, "The Boys Are Back".  With a hot new CD, an eye-popping stage set, and energized vocals taking them to yet higher levels of fantastic, the "Boys" are definitely back!  Then in November 2009 I went back to see their Christmas show, complete with Santa Claus, and enjoyed contemporary and gospel Christmas music as well as a selection of new hits and golden oldies. 

All of their shows are completely family-oriented, for everyone from 9 months to 90 years.  Make that 93, as was one of the audience members last week.  Yep, I went to the show again last week!  They are back on tour now and will return to Branson the end of May.  While they tour all summer we will be counting the days until they return in the fall.  If you are coming to Branson, and I hope you are, check out their tour schedule at oakridgeboys.com. It's a show you will never forget!

Another great thing about the shows in Branson is taking pictures.  Unlike most of the concerts we attend in arenas and coliseums, cameras are allowed, and even welcomed, in all of the shows.  As a photographer, I often watch the shows through my camera.  Hey, with a 270mm zoom lens it's a great view!  Last week I got ALOT of great shots and I'd like to share just a few with you here..........

Joe Bonsall

Richard Sterban

Duane Allen

William Lee Golden

The "jumbotron" screen at the back of the stage is amazing!

Very recognizable silhouette against the full moon.

Patriotism is right up there with gospel for the Boys

.......... so is having alot of fun!

Richard's deep bass voice rumbles the rafters!

William Lee's talents are as diverse as the hats he wears on stage.

Duane's heart is in every song.

Their respect and admiration for each other is carried in every number.

The crowd was as rockin' as the band and didn't want the Boys to leave... even after two full hours!

Catch the Oak Ridge Boys' show wherever you can, but I hope to see you here in Branson, too! Thanks for stopping by!

Showboat Branson Belle Is for All Ages

Branson has dozens of shows for the whole family, but the only floating show is on the Showboat Branson Belle which takes three cruises daily on Table Rock Lake. This is more than just a boat ride around the lake on a cabin cruiser or pontoon boat! There is dinner, music, live variety show full of surprises, and magnificent views from the largest boat ever built for a fresh water lake.

As of yesterday I have taken this entertaining cruise six times --- four times in four months. This is one of my favorite shows, if not THE favorite show, in Branson. The best way to show why is in pictures. Here are just a few from my own gallery.... you'll have to see the rest for yourself!

A fun place to shop while waiting to board -- and after deboarding -- is McAdoo's. There's something for every matey in your family!

The first thing you see upon entering the boat is a beautiful lobby that takes you back in time to the elaborate river boats that cruised the rivers of America --- and still do!

A quick climb up the ornate staircase to the second and third decks gives you a spectacular view of the lobby below.

As you enter the main room you will have your breath taken away by the glamour and detail, from the balcony accents to the stage currents.

Once seated at your table in the main room you will be welcomed by your host for the evening. Christopher James is a very talented host, singer, comedian, and magician. He has appeared all around the country, but calls Branson home. The Showboat is very lucky to have him.

Then with the flair deserving of world class dining rooms, the salads are served -- crisp and yummy!

While the band provides lively dinner music, the delicious meals are served. Juicy chicken cordon bleu, tender and tasty pot roast, seasoned mashed potatoes, and scrumptious veggies. There is a delicious dessert, too --- you'll just have to see it and taste it for yourself.

Between the dinner and the show is ample time to roam about the boat, all three decks plus the "hurricane deck" up top. The views of Table Rock Lake are awesome!

The bright red paddle wheels are driven by motors and actually propel the boat at speeds up to 12 knots

Once back inside the show begins! Toe-tapping music, sparkling costumes, mystical magic, breath-taking acrobatic and rib-splitting laughter for all ages to enjoy. You just might find yourself part of the show!

The Phantom of the Opera

Old-fashioned Rock 'n Roll

Rollin' Down the River

Hello Dolly!

Mame!

Peter Pan Flying!

Christopher James coaches his assistant while performing a magic rope trick

Y'all come to Branson and take a cruise you'll never forget!

It's Not Too Early to Plan for Christmas with Dino and Much More in Branson!

[This is a reprise of a story published on Picture This, At Last in December 2007]

One of the best reasons to live in the Branson area --- or to visit --- is for the Christmas shows and true spirit of the season. We have countless opportunities to see entertainers from the little-known to the world-reknown put on Christmas shows with everything: music, comedy, sparkle, spirit, and FUN!

We went to one such show last week. Dino Kartsonakis, generally known as Dino, is a classical concert and gospel pianist, emphasis on the gospel. He and his wife Cheryl team up for entertainment extravaganzas at Christmas, Easter and dates in between. Whenever we've been in Branson at the same time as they are you could find us at their show. We usually have the pleasure of sitting in prime seats. This was one of those times. Much to our surprise, the show we attended last week was also being filmed for broadcasting on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) on December 22 (10:00 p.m. CST). The host for the evening advised us that the stage wasn't the only area being filmed. Given our second row seats we could just possibly show up on TBN! No acting was required because the show was truly inspiring and entertaining. Pictures here are of Dino, Cheryl and various shots possible in the dark with no flash and very fast moving dancers!






Other shows we will be seeing are Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Show, Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Music of Mannheim Steamroller, and anything else we can fit in. Of course there will be the all-day excursion to Silver Dollar City and their 4 million lights, stage shows, and the best hot chocolate in the world.

Hey! Y'all come to Branson! You'll be surprised what you'll find here!