Shepherd of the Hills Gazette | January/February 2011

The Shepherd of the Hills GazetteJan/Feb 2011 Edition What’s Happening?!by Linda Burlingame

Welcome to Branson!

Sydney Stone usu-ally writes this article but she’s away to warmer climes and I’m covering her “beat.” What are you doing in Branson? On your way to a warmer climate for a while? That means you can stop by on your way home!

Titanic Museum Attraction is open 364 days a year and always amazing. Molly & Carter are the newest attractions there, two of the sweetest, most beautiful, yet unassuming

stars you’ll ever meet. The two King Charles Spaniels joined the crew of Titanic Branson as a tribute to the ten dogs known to be on board the doomed ship.

As you journey through the 20 galleries “onboard” Titanic, you really feel like you are on the ship. The lighting, sound effects, exquisitely reproduced cabins, the photographs, information … I always feel immersed not only in the history of the ship but also the emotions of the event. The 5th Annual Professional Ice Carving Event is January 15, 2011. And February would be a great month to renew your wedding vows on the Grand Staircase!

The Hollywood Entertainment Center is amazing! “Dorothy” greets you as you enter; she’s across from “Forest Gump,” seat-ed on the park bench with his box of chocolates. Matt Damon from The Bourne Identity; I Dream of Jeannie’s Barbara Eden (unbelievably good); “Rhett and Scarlett” … all incredible! You’ll

see a lot of your favorites from TV and movies. I like the facts, “scoops” and fun trivia. It’s fun for everyone.

The Branson Auto Museum is another attraction popular because of its appeal to all ages. Remember when we had three automakers, each with just a few models? Half-mile down the road you could tell if it was a Ford or Chevy! I wonder if anyone knows how many models there are today? Branson Auto Museum is on Hwy. 76, a mile west of Hwy. 65, at The Engler Block.

The Veterans Memorial Museum is celebrating “10 years of saluting our veterans.” The museum honors veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War. Old and young alike are intrigued

Jan/Feb 2011 Edition The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette

by the thought-provoking col-lection at the Museum, more than 2000 pieces of sculpture, art, weapons, uniforms, medals, motorcycles and memorabilia including letters, photographs and posters. I’m touched by the things showing the love and support of everyone back here at home.

The Ralph Foster Museum, at College of the Ozarks, is closed January and opens the first of February. One of the new exhibits in the Edwards Art Gallery is Textile and Costume Legacies: Collecting America’s

History in the Ozarks. The exhibit features coverlets, quilts, cloth-ing and the tools and accessories needed to create them. The Keeter Center is at C of O, too, a wonderful place for lunch or din-ner … and a beautiful place to stay on one of your Branson visits!

Check out their Web site.

Grand Country Music Hall has shows all year long. My favorite is the Splinter Middleton Show. I always say that what I know about Country Music, I learned from Splinter. I grew up in a little town near St. Louis in the 50’s when radio stations were only play-ing rock ‘n’ roll. I began working in Branson in 1990 and knew coun-try music stars like Mel

Tillis and Mickey Gilley, but I had never heard some of the music Splinter does in his show, great artists like Bob Wills and Earnest Tubb. Catch Splinter’s show and tell him Linda sent you! They also have good food and fabulous indoor golf at Grand Country.

The Jim Stafford Show opens in February for Hot Winter Fun. Check your favorite shows for their opening dates. Dixie Stampede is up and “running” again February 25. That’s an

exciting show and they have some new things in store for the 2011 season. Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience is at Moon River Theatre in 2011. Paul Revere & the Raiders are there again, as well as Ann Margret … and Andy!

Hooray for Hollywood is a brand new show at Branson Variety Theater and opens March 15. And everyone is excit-ed that Tony Orlando’s Santa & Me will be at the Welk Resort

Theatre Nov. and Dec. Louise Mandrell and Lee Greenwood will be there Sept. and Oct.

S o m e o n e you love is always play-ing in Branson! ExploreBranson.com

Jan/Feb 2011 The Shepherd of the Hills GazetteThe HaygoodsHeating up Branson This Winter

By Dirk Myers

In the cold winter months in Branson it’s always nice to find something warm and refreshing to do with your

evenings. I will say that a visit to the Haygoods show would be the perfect distraction from the chill in the air. I have seen a lot of family shows in the area but none have the same feel. I can honestly say I don’t believe I have ever seen a family show in Branson that has been as entertaining as the Haygoods. If you are going to see one show in Branson while you are here this show

would be an excellent choice.

The Haygoods have been performing in Branson for over eigh-teen years, and they show the polish and professionalism of sea-soned veterans. I don’t know that I was com-pletely expecting that simply because they are quite young in appear-ance at first glance. I knew from the first song that this show was dif-ferent from any family

show in the area. The energy and talent kept me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning to the end. Innovative staging and effects made this show fun to watch; the use of state of the art technol-ogy adds subtle aspects that make the show a one of a kind experience.

In 1982 in a small Texas town young Timothy Haygood was watching Sesame Street and saw Itzhak Perlman playing violin. He knew at that point at the age of five what he wanted to become. When I watch the family perform it is obvious that they made it their passion to do what are doing. Growing up seeing Timothy playing

developed that passion within the six more brothers and a sister to follow dreams that most don’t dare pursue.

The great thing about this show is the variety the Haygoods display. Violin (fiddle), saxophone, guitar, and harp

Jan/Feb 2011 Edition The Shepherd of the Hills Gazettebarely touch the tip of the iceberg of what this family can play. Just when you think you have seen it all some-one breaks something else out and shows one more facet of their tal-ent. In addition to that they are great vocalists as well. Singing everything from Country and Rock and Roll to Classic Hits and Celtic folk songs. I could not believe the range of talent this family displays.

When I go to a show I take some of the toughest critics with me; my wife and kids were as happy with the show as I was. I saw an age range in the audience that seemed to span at least four generations. It’s safe to assume that the Haygoods have something for everyone in their show. There are times I feel I am one of the young-est in the audience and I know why, but this was a show that appealed to every age range. The really nice

thing was my son who plays an instru-ment was very excited to see that this talent can develop into something spe-cial. In today’s world it’s nice to know there are people worth having your kids admire. My seven year old kept look-ing at the violin and you could see the wheels turning in him as well. Maybe the Haygood family has rekindled something in the Myers family.

When you come to Branson please make sure that the Haygood’s show is in your itinerary, because this is something in Branson you won’t want to miss. I spoke with people in the audience that have been to see this

show multiple times, and I am sure I will be back there again as well. I will say it again, if you are only able to see one show in Branson make it the Haygoods. You will be so glad you did!

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EpiscopalShepherd of the Hills Episcopal

107 Walnut, Branson417-334-3968

FoursquareBranson Foursquare Church

2287 Fall Creek Rd., Branson417-339-5911

Full GospelRiver of Life, Church Alive!

1307 Bird Rd., Branson417-334-8287

Jehovah’s WitnessesKingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Hwy. 65-70, Branson417-334-5507

LutheranFaith Lutheran

Parnell & Malone St., Branson417-334-2469

Peace Lutheran Church ELCA350 State DriveHollister, MO 417-334-1499

MethodistUnited Methodist

1208 W. Hwy. 76, Branson417-334-3423

Non-DenominationalSalvation Army Church

1819 W. Hwy. 76, Branson417-339-4434

Unity of the Hills4868 Hwy. 248, Branson

417-334-6224

PentecostalOld Branson Pentecostal600 West Main, Branson

417-334-3803

PresbyterianFIrst Presbyterian

420 West Main, Branson417-334-3468

Assembly of GodFirst Assembly of God

600 West Main, Branson417-334-3803

BaptistFirst Baptist Church

400 South Sunshine, Branson417-334-7437

Calvary Baptist Church625 Truman Dr., Branson

417-336-3475

Skyline Baptist Church949 State Hwy 165, Branson

417-334-6729

Bible ChurchFellowship at Cross Creek

T Hwy. - T10417-335-8008

Telos187 first Street Hollister

417-417-337-8356

CatholicOur Lady of the LakeVaughn Dr., Branson

417-334-3350

ChristianBranson Christian Church

213 S. Commercial, Branson417-334-3453

Church of ChristChurch of Christ

Hwy. 165 (near Welk), Branson417-336-3120

Church of GodChurch of the Apostolic Faith

100 East Main, Branson

Church of Jesus Christof Latter Day Saints

Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints

Church Road, Branson

Church DirectoryAll Visitors Welcome

Call for Service Times

Always something new atOld John’s Woodshedin the Branson Craft Mallby Linda Burlingame

It’s always fun to visit with “ol’ Paul” at Old John’s Woodshed in the Branson Craft Mall. (He answers the phone that way, “This is ol’ Paul speaking!”) Paul has a totally “hands-on store.” Gadgets and giz-mos, useful and practical things, fun and amazing things! He tells everyone, “Folks, feel free to kick the tires and test drive anything; keys are in the ignition and there’s no speed limit.”

Paul Guilfoyle is a gifted wood turner who makes beautiful pieces like pens, kaleidoscopes, game calls, wine stoppers, pep-per grinders, birdhouses, com-pact mirrors — more than 70 items. Some of his best sell-ers come from his great sense of humor, like the rolling pins he calls Husband Tamers. His line of wooden mallets includes the Attention Getter and the Computer Programmer!

In 2011 you’ll see new items like a screwdriver kit, key ring flashlights, new tool kits, men’s shaving kit — really pretty brush

and razor on a stand — new styles of tops and more coun-try kitchen things, like biscuit cutters. Paul is like a kid when he talks about new things to make.

Paul’s p r e t t y w o o d -en toys a r e r e m i -niscent of toys we had as kids. H e showed me the c u t e w a d -d l i n g ducks , t h e Ozarks

Dancing Doll, the climbing bear, and said, “I remember my grandpa making these for me.”

Paul spent most of his life buying and selling cattle, “I thought trees and wood were just for fence posts.” Now he works with more than 80 kinds of native and exotic woods (Who knew!) to create his excellent products. Ask him about purple heart, wenge wood, cocobolo, bocote — fascinating! There are Ozark varieties, too, like cedar and sassafras.

If you want to get into wood-carving, Paul has kits avail-

Jan/Feb 2011 Edition The Shepherd of the Hills Gazetteable. His Flexcut line includes tools, DVD how-to, books, Thumbnail sets — and adhe-sive bandages! Everything in the shop is made by Paul or “Made in the USA.”

If you wonder why it’s Old John’s Woodshed, not “Old Paul’s,” it seems when Paul inherited his father’s tools, he began making hundreds of pens to give away to friends. (Said he didn’t know he had so many friends.) He needed money to buy more materi-als, to make more things to give away (makes sense in a “karma” kind of way) so he wanted to be in a craft show. He named the business for his father.

Paul not only turns wood, he spins yarns, swaps stories

and generally entertains every-one who comes by. He actually makes his products there. I love the smell of the sawdust, like a circus and as much fun!!

While you are in Branson Craft Mall you’ll enjoy seeing the silversmith at work, maybe catch some music at the Pickin’ Porch. Be sure to tell Nan I said hi. She makes gorgeous, glit-tery clothes at Classic Creations by Nan. Hillbilly Nut & Fruit has really expanded and there’s a myriad of things there to sample before you buy. The 16,000 sq. ft. Branson Craft Mall is home to pottery, leather work, potato bags, brass engravings, musi-cal instruments, clever signs, Christmas things, handbags, and hundreds of other gifts and accessories. Enjoy!

Hamner Barber …“Variety” is an understatement!by Linda Burlingame

The Hamner Barber Variety Show offers song and dance, magic, ventriloquism, animals — real and “not so real!” — com-edy, a heartfelt and tender tribute to America’s Veterans, and I’m not sure the definition of “variety” covers all that. (I should look up “variety.” It may say, “See

Hamner Barber Show!”)

I first saw comedy ven-triloquist Jim Barber when he came to Branson with the Glen Campbell Show. Jim and his wife Diane decided to make Branson home. Before long Jim teamed up with Dave and Denise Hamner, magicians who had also decided to call this little entertainment mecca home.

Dave Hamner does a “variety” of magic, from sleight of hand with cards, coins, and newspaper (watch what flies out of the torn silhouette of a bird in the newspaper!) to large scale produc-tions like “Vertigo: The Fall of Death!” (Aauugh!) But Dave and his wife

(Continued on page 11)

Jan/Feb 2011 Edition The Shepherd of the Hills GazetteThe Shepherd of the Hills Gazette

Jan/Feb 2011 Edition The Shepherd of the Hills GazetteDenise are best known for the illusions they do with their sweet, gorgeous Macaws and Cockatoos. These brilliant and brainy birds magically appear from flaming swords, playing cards, coins … then after a smooth, awe inspiring swoosh over the audience they return to the stage. Dave calls Denise the Bird Wr a n g l e r ; the wonder-ful creatures are part of their family!

Jim B a r b e r ’ s “assistants” are part of his family, too. “Chico Pete,” “Baby,” “Barber and Seville” are, well, dum-mies. But they come to life with Jim’s talented voice. They can all sing together, dance togeth-er; and Jim even appears to be the dummy at one point. (I’m sorry, Jim, you know what I mean!) His cast of witty, clev-er dummies can be loud and overbearing, while tugging at your heartstrings. You’ll laugh as you are amazed by Jim’s talent. Sometimes it’s easy to

forget Jim is part of the equation. (I keep feeling I should apolo-gize, sorry Jim!)

Jim Barber and The Hamners have both won many internation-al awards and are veteran televi-sion performers. HamnerBarber.com has lots more information about these talented entertain-

ers, their shows and cast.

The Hamner Barber tribute to Veterans is extraordinary. There are taped interviews with three survivors of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima. Their remarks

and the amazing illusion with the statue, make it a poignant seg-ment of the show.

Their Wings of Christmas is a fabulously entertaining show. Put it on your list of “Shows to see when we come back to Branson for Christmas!” The Hamner Barber Variety Show opens its 2011 season Friday, February 11, with evening shows Fridays and Saturdays until March 11, when they begin their full weekly schedule. Enjoy!

The Shepherd of the Hills GazetteJan/Feb 2011 Edition

The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette Jan/Feb 2011 Edition

The Shepherd of the Hills GazetteJan/Feb 2011 Edition

#1 Hits of the 60’s -Caravelle Theatre .................................. 339-1960 3 Redneck Tenors....................................................................239-1333Acrobats of China ................................................................. 336-8888 Allen Edwards -Golden Corral ............................................. 336-6297 American Bandstand Theatre ................................................ 332-1960 Andy Williams -Moon River Theatre .................................... 334-4500 Baldknobbers Jamboree ......................................................... 334-4528Bill Haley’s Comets … Music City Centre …........................ 339-7469 Branson Country USA -Grand Country Music ...................... 335-2484 Branson Family Fun Factory .................................................. 332-2110Branson Scenic Railway ........................................................ 334-6110 Branson Variety Theater ........................................................ 334-2500 Brett Family Singers -Dick Clark’s AB Theatre .................... 336-4222 Buckets ‘n’ Boards … Clay Cooper ..................................… 337-7123The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure ........................332-2231 Cat’s Pajamas............Dutton Theater.......................................332-2772Circle B Chuckwagon Show .................................................. 336-1828 Cirque Montage … Starlite Theatre ...................................… 335-6335Clay Cooper ........................................................................... 337-7123 Dalena Ditto .... ...................................................................…338-5000Dixie Stampede ...................................................................... 336-3000Doug Gabriel -Jim Stafford Theatre .................................... ...335-8080 The Dutton Family Theater .................................................... 332-2772 George Dyer .............................................................................332-2772Grand Country Music Hall ..................................................... 335-2484 Hamner Barber Variety Show ................................................. 334-4363 The Haygoods -New Americana Theatre.................................339-4663 Hollywood Entertainment Center/Wax Museum …............... 33-STARSHooray for Hollywood … Branson Variety Theater.......... … 334-2500The Hughes American Family Theatre .................................. 336-3688 IMAX Entertainment Complex .............................................. 335-4832Inspiration Tower -Shepherd of the Hills ............................... 334-4191 Jim Stafford Theatre ............................................................. ..335-8080 Joey Riley Show -Mickey Gilley’s ........................................ .334-3210 Kirby VanBurch ...................................................................... 337-7140 Lee Greenwood … Welk Resort Theatre ….................... 800-505-9355The Legend of Kung Fu -White House Theatre ................... ..335-2396 Legends in Concert -Dick Clark’s AB Theatre ....................... 335-7827 Little Opry Theatre … IMAX …..............................................335-4832Liverpool Legends -The Mansion ........................................... 239-1333 Louise Mandrell … Welk Resort Theatre …..................... 800-505-9355Magnificent Variety Show …...............................................… 336-6161 The Mansion ............................................................................ 239-1333Mel Tillis … Tri-Lakes Center …............................................ 335-5715 Mickey Gilley ........................................................................ ..334-3210

• SHOW AND ATTRACTION GUIDE •Moe Bandy -Jim Stafford Theatre ........................................ 335-8080 Moscow Circus -Yakov ........................................................ 336-3838 Music City Centre ................................................................. 339--7469 Neal McCoy -Clay Cooper Theatre .......................................337-7123 New’s Country – IMAX Little Opry Theatre …....................335-4832Noah -The Musical -Sight & Sound Theatre ............... 800--377--1277 Oak Ridge Boys .................................................................... 239--1333 The Osmond Brothers Show … Caravelle Theatre .............. 336-6100Paul Revere & the Raiders -Moon River Theatre.................. 334-4500 Pierce Arrow Theatre ............................................................ 336-8742 Presleys’ Country Jubilee ...................................................... 334-4874 The Rankin Brothers … Caravelle Theatre …....................... 334-5100Red, Hot, & Blue -New Americana Theatre .......................... 339-4663 Red Skelton Tribute -The Mansion ...................................... .239-1333 RFD-TV The Theatre ............................................................ 332-2344Ride the Ducks ....................................................................... 334-3825 Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley … Starlite Theatre …......... 335-6335Ripley’s Believe It or Not ...................................................... 337-5300 The Shepherd of the Hills ...................................................... 334-4191 The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama ................... 800--653-6288 Roy Rogers, Jr. Show … Gilley’s Theatre …......................... 334-3210Shake, Rattle & Roll … Branson Variety Theater .............… 334-2500Shoji Tabuchi Theatre ............................................................ 334-7469 Showboat Branson Belle ...................................................... ..336-7171 Sight & Sound Theatre ................................................... 800-377-1277 Silver Dollar City .................................................................... 338-2611 SIX -Hughes American Family Theatre .................................. 336-3688 Sons of the Pioneers Chuckwagon Show ................................ 334-4191 Starlite Theatre ....................................................................…. 335-6335Splinter Middleton Show … Grand Country …....................... 335-2484TITANIC Museum ................................................................... 334-9500 Tony Orlando Santa & Me … Welk’s…............................ 800-505-9355Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience … Moon River Theatre …......... 334-4500Tri-Lakes Center ...................................................................... 335-5715 Twelve Irish Tenors -Branson Variety Theater ..................... ...334-2500 Veterans Memorial Museum .................................................... 336-2300 Vigilante Extreme ZipRider...................................................... 334-4191Welk Resort & Theatre .................................................... .800-505-9355 White Water ............................................................................. 334-7487 World’s Largest Antique Toy Museum .................................... 332-1499 Yakov Smirnoff .........................................................................336-3838

The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette Jan/Feb 2011 Edition

Shepherd of the Hills Gazette | January/February 2011

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