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!
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!
2 comments:
Wow!! Thanks for the recap of the concert!! I run a fan-driven blog page about Ray Stevens and am routinely on the look out for any story, blog, or news item relating to Ray Stevens.
This is a wonderful article and pictures of Ray Stevens! Thank you for sharing your photos and experience of seeing Ray performing at the Welk Theatre and especially for us devoted fans, like me, who were not able to travel to Branson this time. I've been a huge fan of Ray's since I was 10 years old in 1970 and continue to be so to this day. I've seen him in concert five times since 2004 here in the Indiana and Kentucky area and I would attend every show if I possibly could. Thank you, again! Kathy in Clarksville, Indiana
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