Branson Mo Show Schedules, Branson Hotels and Branson Tickets

We've got news we thought you might like to know - even if it's not in Branson, it's pretty close-by:

Country music superstar Carrie Underwood is performing in Springfield, Missouri (about 40 minutes north of Branson) at the John Q. Hammons Arena on Tuesday, June 15, 2010.

Tickets on sale: Friday, February 12, 2010 at 10 am (JQH Arena Box office, missouristatetix.com or charge by phone 417-836-7678). Tickets are $35, $45 or $55. Click here to see the seating chart of JQH.

Bonus: you'll also get to see Craig Morgan and country music trio/brothers Sons of Sylvia

The latest update to BransonWorld.com's Auditions In Branson page (here) is for the kiddos this time - boys and girls, singers and dancers. American Kids Inc. is looking for talented youngsters (age 8-18) for their Raising America 2010 show and youngsters (age 3-18) for their other productions throughout the year.

Here's a father and son duo, beginning their 2nd Branson season, at a new location this year. The Keatings can now be found at the Hamner Barber Theatre 4 days a week at 3 pm. The power of their voices is hard to describe in words, so we're not even going to try! Just click the video button below (or click here) and watch for yourself. You're gonna say "Wow!"

Check here for the newest audition announcement for...(drum roll)...the Country Tonite Show at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre. Just to make sure you read our headline correctly - it's for female performers this time!

If yes, then you definitely need to enter the 4th Annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Branson in April. It's hosted by the Legends In Concert Show at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater, and one of the few across the country sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. If you win, there's a cash prize, a performance in the Branson Legends In Concert Show & a spot in the The 2010 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest finals presented by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. in Memphis during the annual Elvis Week, August 10-16, 2010. Very cool. Click here to download the contest entry form.

This is also a 3-day Elvis Festival, so tribute artist or not, you can attend the events and be a part of the audience for the Saturday evening contest. It should be lots of fun!

The new season of Legends In Concert at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater gets underway next week on Thursday, February 11, 2010 (full schedule here). The "stars" to kick-off the new show are Whitney Houston, Tim McGraw, Buddy Holly, The Blues Brothers and Elvis. We love how much each performer looks and sounds like the "real" one they're impersonating. Even better: each one uses his or her own natural voice - no lip-syncing whatsoever! How amazing is it? Watch videos here:

• watch Legend's Whitney Houston (Jazmine) here
• watch Legend's Tim McGraw (Todd Sullivan) here
• Legend's Buddy Holly (George Trullinger) here (photo only)
• Legend's Blues Brothers (Justin Clark & Bucky Heard) here (photo only)
• watch Legend's Elvis (Dean Z) here

Pretty cool, huh? Performances are twice a day, 6 days a week - all the way to the end of December with their New Year's Eve Celebration Show at 9:30 pm on December 31, 2010 (more New Year's Eve Shows here). The "stars" change each season, too.

If you do, you've probably already heard about the 4-day festival (Feb. 8-11, 2010) called Mesquite's BransonFest Out West. It's at the CasaBlanca Event Pavilion at the CasaBlanca Hotel & Casino. You can see the Branson Brothers, Clay Cooper, The Duttons and The Gatlin Brothers. How's that for service? Branson comes to you! Now, be sure to come to Branson soon and see those shows (and many more) at their own theaters.

In honor of Presidents' Day, the red roof Factory Merchants Branson is having a 4-day sale. The reason for the sale isn't quite as important as the dates of the sale, is it? Shoot, we'll take a sale for no reason at all! Head over to shopper's paradise on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, February 12-15, 2010 (click here for more February events in Branson). Happy shopping!

If you can sing and dance (yes, both are required), then check our update to the BransonWorld.com Auditions In Branson page here to find out how to become a performer in the Magnificent Variety Show at the Branson Star Theater (new location in 2010). It's their 9th season in Branson!

It's not Santa Claus this time - it's the new Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour comin' to town! Still under construction, this new outdoor attraction is scheduled to open May 1, 2010 (they're taking reservations now, though). Some things you need to know:

• The setting? A nature lover's dream! The Branson Zipline is in the beautiful tree-covered Ozark Mountains. It's located about 7 miles north of Downtown Branson, just off Highway 65.
• What do you do? Once you're safely strapped in, you'll soar - or zip -  above and between the trees from platform to platform. They'll be offering several tour options - a single mega-zip, a 2 1/2-hour and a 3-hour tour. The longer adventures will make for a great half-day activity.
• Who will love it? We predict everyone! There's no age limit - the only requirement is that you weigh between 70-275 lbs and are lookin' for some thrills. Go for it!
• Want to sneak a peek? Click the video button below (or click here)
• Hot tips from BransonWorld.com: First, don't wear open-toed shoes or sandals!  Second, make a reservation as soon as you've decided to go for it so you get the day and time you want. The tour capacity is limited and will fill up fast.

The Top 10 Rock & Roll Revue Show at the Branson Mall Music Theater is looking for someone. Is it you? Check our audition update here. Don't delay - it's this Monday, February 1, 2010!

We're getting snow - again!

Click here to see a great map of Missouri road conditions from the Missouri Department of Transportation. Be sure to see what the roads are like before you venture out! Travel safely.

Since the Branson Legends Show doesn't open in Branson until February 11, they've got time to go on the road! It's just a 3-show limited engagement at Harrah's Metropolis Casino in Metropolis, Illinois on Friday & Saturday, January 29-30, 2010 (that's this weekend, so make plans now!). Here's where to get tickets. Check it out...should be a fun time!

Look at the deal we found - 

Just whip out your military ID card at the Chateau on the Lake and discounted room rates are yours in 2010! The offer is:

• 20% discount off of its best available room rates to active members of the U.S. military
• 10% discount off of its best available room rates to retired members of the U.S. military

Plus, it includes:

• your choice of an elegant guest room, a mountain view suite, or a lake view suite
• complimentary use of paddleboats, sea canoes and kayaks at their Chateau Marina (open seasonally) on Table Rock Lake
• complimentary use of their 24-hour fitness center
• nightly movies in Sassafras Theatre (on site)
• children 5 and under eat free off of the Chateau Grille kid’s menu or breakfast buffet with a paying adult

Aren't you glad we discovered this great deal?

Talk about making learning fun! We've already mentioned it, but Rock U Mentally will be back in 2010 for a second season. Click the video button (or click here) for some toe-tappin' fun stuff. Specific schedule coming soon!

Country Mart is partnering with American Red Cross to accept donations for Haiti relief through the end of February.  

It's so easy: you can have $1, $3 or $5 added to your total at checkout

Country Mart stores in Branson, Branson West, Hollister and Forsyth will be participating.

The money raised from this program will be given to American Red Cross International Response Fund, specifically designated for Haiti.  This fund provides immediate relief to the victims of the Haiti earthquake through various supplies, food and water, portable hospitals, water purifying systems and other support to help those in need.

Fill up that hotel mini-fridge and help Haiti at the same time!

And this will be the 21st year that Jim Stafford has been ready in Branson. His wackiness begins February 5, 2010 and continues all the way until January 1, 2011 (including his New Year's Eve show December 31 at 9 pm). Here's his full schedule. Click the video button (or click here) to see a great video of some highlights from Jim's show. Get ready for some fun!

Since we can't watch this show in the United States, we're keeping you updated on Jimmy Osmond's performances on the UK's Popstar to Operastar. Click the video button (or click here) to see his 2nd week opera performance. Wow! Bravo again!

The Haygoods are back from their Hawaiian vacation and ready to heat up their Branson stage with new shows for 2010. They've even put in a new sound system that, according to them, rocks the house! It's another Hot Winter Fun participant with shows in January, February & March - and beyond, including New Year's Eve at 9 pm. Check the schedule here because it's game-on starting tomorrow night, Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 8 pm.

Yes, that's Branson Hiltons, with an "s" - we've got 2 of them! There's the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, which is attached to the new Branson Convention Center; and there's the Hilton Promenade, which is at the Branson Landing. So you don't get confused, both hotels are located smack-dab in the heart of Downtown Branson, within walking distance of the Branson Landing (and each other, for that matter).

The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel has:

• 294 guest rooms, suites & condos
• a 12-story glass tower
• fitness center
• indoor & outdoor pools
• Trofi - Mediterranean-style restaurant & lounge
• Wireless high-speed internet (Wi-Fi)
• 220,000 square-feet of flexible meeting space

The Hilton Promenade at the Branson Landing has:

•  242 guest rooms, suites & condos
• views of Lake Taneycomo, Downtown Branson & the Branson Landing
• fitness center
• indoor pool
• Wireless high-speed internet (Wi-Fi)
• 1,898 square-feet of flexible meeting space

Visiting Branson for business or pleasure, you really can't go wrong in choosing either one of these as your resting spot. On a side note, if you're not traveling alone - both hotels are pet-friendly (they even supply dog beds, bowls & water and treats!).

It's a good time to check on flights to Branson. Why?

• fewer crowds (you can have the funnel cakes all to yourself)
• less traffic (zip up and down Highway 76)
• the holiday craziness is over (no lines at the checkout counter)
• Branson resorts, airlines & hotels have great deals right now (fewer visitors means great January, February & March sales & discounts)

The crowds and traffic will start to pick up in April and May - so beat the busy travel periods and visit during Hot Winter Fun in Branson! Remember, the Hot Winter Fun Big Show is on Monday, February 8, 2010.

Start planning your post-holiday escape now! The new Branson Airport makes it soooo convenient.

In Branson at the Branson Landing! The Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop floats on the waters of Lake Taneycomo on the Marina at the Branson Landing & it features 30 fabulous Ben & Jerry's flavors to choose from - so that makes it the world's largest ice cream float! We especially love their phone number: 417-339-CONE. (Can you tell the temperature has warmed up in Branson? We're already dreaming of ice cream.)

Pretty Miss Norma Jean's Cowboy Church is back again in 2010 - every Sunday at 10:30 am at the God & Country Theatre. Bonus: Admission is FREE! Here she is performing in 1965! (click the video button or click here) Is your toe tappin'?

The Hot Winter Fun Big Show is coming soon! It's on Monday, February 8, 2010. How many Branson performers can you fit into a 3-hour time slot? Hmmmm...about 20 or so! Here's the list so far:

• Always & Forever - Patsy Cline
• Buckets 'n Boards
• Cassandre - The Voice of An Angel
• Comedy Jamboree
• Grand Country Jubilee
• Hughes Brothers
• Jim Stafford
• Keith "Red" Allen
• Kirby VanBurch
• Legends In Concert
• Pierce Arrow
• Red, Hot...& Blue!
• Ricky Boen & Texas Mud
• Riders of the Circle B
• Rock 'n Roll Is Here To Stay
• Rock U Mentally
• Smoke On the Mountain
• Tony Roi
• Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue
• and more!

 Remember it's at a new location this year, the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater.