Isn't that just the "Cat's Pajamas"!

Branson has pretty much shed it's old reputation that it's entertainers were only country, blue grass, or older groups. The "Cat's Pajamas" is one of those new groups that have brought about a change that's very appealing to the younger crowds. (Actually Dee and I consider ourselves to be in this younger group :))

Like "SIX", "Cat's Pajamas" is a vocal band meaning they make all their music without the help of instruments. Dee and I had a wonderful evening of entertainment courtesy of these five guys.

Their blend of classic songs with a modern a cappella twist showcases their unique style which commands every audience's attention. In fact we and the rest of our audience really got into the beat and had a VERY fun time.

Here's a link to Cat's Pajamas' home page. Be sure and check them out!

Hey those guys are good!

We got to see another very entertaining Branson show this summer, the Haygoods. Hey they are very good! A family show consisting of seven brothers and one sister, the Haygoods perform a variety show that demonstrates a remarkable level of musical and dancing talent while playing 20 instruments during the show and performing many popular hits in their own unique arrangements. You won't be disappointed with this fast paced and wide ranging show. No wonder they've been entertaining Branson audiences for 19 seasons!

You can find more information about the Haygoods and their show here.

"The Shepherd of the Hills" is the story that made the Ozarks famous

After reading a few years ago "The Shepherd of the Hills", Harold Bell Wright's classic about early 20th century life in the Ozarks, we finally went to the drama where it all took place. Dee and I had front row seats in the outdoor amphitheater for this very enjoyable live play. We picked a wonderful evening with a full harvest moon rising over the Ozark mountains as the play progressed.

The drama is based on the book and follows its main story line with a few exceptions which were necessary due to time and staging constraints. As with all dramatic presentations based on a book the book was more able to develop the characters as well as their thoughts. Be that as it may, whether you've read the original work or not, I'd sure recommend putting this drama on your agenda when visiting the Branson area. It's a wonderful drama with many life lessons, action, realistic fights, and a real cabin burning. Overall it gives an idea of Ozark life over one hundred years ago.

Here's a link to the Shepherd of the Hill's homepage.

Change comes to the Maryland Mountain Room

It was time to make a few improvements to the Maryland Mountain Room. We moved the bed gives a better view of the fireplace and create a little more room overall. We also added a scarf over the bed. The hardest part was rerouting the cable through the walls to the new TV location!

Our webmaster is having a little trouble with the photo gallery program on our website so I haven't been able to upload the new look yet but here are a couple previews. We think our guests will like the new look. Now our Maryland Mountain Room guests can look at the fireplace at the foot of the bed.






Next we have some ideas for the Newport Harbor Room........

IMAX's "Hubble" is humbling!

One of my hopes is that when I get to heaven God will let me explore around HIS universe and understand a little bit as to how HE made it. Watching "Hubble" at Branson's IMAX theater gave me a little preview of what that might be like. As I watched the space telescope zoom in to distant galaxies and the "star nursery" I was just in awe. How great He is and how wonderful is His creation!

You've got to go see this movie on a big IMAX screen. In addition to "out of this world" pictures of the universe there are some of the neatest space shuttle launch and EVA photography that I've ever seen.

Here's what IMAX's web site says about it......

"Experience the gripping story - full of hope, crushing disappointment, dazzling ingenuity, bravery, and triumph – in Hubble, the seventh awe-inspiring film from the award-winning IMAX® Space Team. Through the power of IMAX®, Hubble will enable moviegoers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt some of the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. The film will offer an inspiring and unique look into the Hubble Space Telescope’s legacy and highlight its profound impact on the way we view the universe and ourselves. Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, Hubble reunites the Space Station filmmaking team, led by Producer/Director Toni Myers. James Neihouse, Director of Photography, also doubles as the Astronaut crew trainer. Judy Carroll is Associate Producer, and Graeme Ferguson, Co-founder of IMAX and pioneer Producer of many IMAX space films, is Executive Producer. Hubble is an IMAX and Warner Bros. Pictures production, in cooperation with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA

And here's a link to the IMAX Hubble site.

The Hamner Barber variety show is one VERY entertaining show!

One of the most enjoyable evenings we've had in Branson was when we went to see the Hamner Barber Variety Show earlier this month. What a great combination of magic, comedy, and talent it is! Jim Barber has to be the best ventriloquist we've ever seen. He left us wondering how he could possibly bend his body to make it look like he was the dummy and the dummy was the ventriloquist. He does a routine that has three parts going almost simultaneously. Don't know how he does that either.

Speaking of "don't know how he does it" the Hamner's magic has illusions that are done no where else. The night we were at the show there was a member of the audience who is one of the world's most famous magicians. This fellow gave Hamner a standing ovation after one of the particularly amazing magic tricks. Dee and I were trying to figure out the tricks all the way home to Anchor Inn on the Lake.

This is a great show that will entertain all ages. There's never a break in the action and there are surprises almost continuously. Here's a link to their web site. Hamnerbarber.com

Paul Harris is a very funny man and has a great show!

Sometimes a person just feels like he needs a laugh. If you're in Branson when that time comes you need to go to the Paul Harris show at Music City Centre. I did and I did. I don't know when I've laughed so hard. I think I laughed more than Dee but I saw her laughing a lot too and although she probably won't admit it I think she was laughing at some of the "male comedy" too.

In addition to his creative comedy, Paul demonstrated his extensive musical talent along with a strong and talented team of musicians and singers.

The night we were at his show he featured "The Voices of Glory" a group of three young siblings who were finalists on America's Got Talent. They were a very nice unexpected bonus. They say they are thinking about opening their own show in Branson someday. Here's their picture, many of you will probably recognize them.

It was a fun night of good music and good humor, patriotically presented. If you need to laugh go here!