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Some Are Wondering If This Might Be the Best Branson Show Season Ever

By Janet Sanders

Each year thousands of people flock to Branson, Missouri in the Ozark Mountains. Though Branson is home to attractions such as theme parks, museums, and boat, it’s the selection of over 100 live music and variety shows that have kept people coming back for years. In fact, Branson is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.”

The question is, how did this sleepy little town in the Ozarks come to be such a big draw for music lovers and entertainers alike? And, what is it about the Branson shows that have kept people coming back well into the 21st century? This article will answer both of those questions and just might even give you the urge to pack up the family and head to Branson!

The History of Branson Shows

It all started 50 years ago when the Presley Family and the Baldknobbers Jamboree began performing country music shows for the visitors to the Ozark Mountains in southern Missouri. Eventually, both of these shows moved their venues to spots along Highway 76 and the Branson “strip” was born. Today, over 50 theaters thrive on that location and boast show schedules that start in the morning and run well into the evening.

While these early comers and others provided quality entertainment that tourists to the Ozarks loved, it wasn’t until the 1980’s and early ’90’s that the live show business skyrocketed. That’s when entertainers such as Andy Williams, Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrell, and Boxcar Willie took advantage of the unique opportunity that Branson offered them and opened up their own theaters.

In Branson, these stars found a growing resort town in the beautiful Ozark Mountains that gave them the chance to perform the music they loved to packed houses every night, without the wear and tear of the life on the road. They also loved Branson’s mild year round climate, and opportunities to escape to one of its championship golf courses, pristine lakes, or to just relax in its mountain setting.

Music lovers and vacationers also loved the idea of Branson, and why wouldn’t they? It was less than a day’s drive from one third of the United States, especially the areas that loved country music, and it offered a variety of outdoor activities such as golf, fishing, and camping as well as the opportunity to see several of their favorite entertainers in smaller, more intimate settings.

The Success of Branson, MO Shows

While Branson live shows are still predominantly country music influenced, they now have expanded to incorporate all types of music. There are popular tribute shows dedicated to the Beatles, Hank Williams, Elvis and others. There are also variety and comedy shows such as “Yakov Smirnov’s Moscow Circus” and there are full-scale acrobatic and musical productions, like the “Legend of Kung Fu” show. This constant infusion on new talent and offerings, keeps Branson’s lineup relevant and entertaining, but it’s not the secret of their success.

Through it all, though, the one thing has remained unchanged and has kept visitors returning year after year is Branson’s commitment to family entertainment. It’s still one of the few places around where the grandparents, parents, and kids can all sit together and enjoy a show and create memories that they’ll cherish for a lifetime. With this secret ingredient in its recipe, it’s a sure bet that Branson shows will be thrilling audiences for generations to come!