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Entertainment, Fun, and Patriotism in Branson
(July
18, 2009) | 
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My wife and I have always wanted to visit Branson,
Missouri and see how good it “really was” and with no thoughts of
comparing it to our memorable times in Las Vegas. I also wanted to do
so, because of what the Branson community does during Veterans Week each
November.
And so, we happily made our way to Branson after our enjoyable visit to
Nashville, driving through the beautiful countryside of Tennessee,
Kentucky, and Missouri . . . that included crossing the Mississippi
River a second time within a mile or so of the first bridge. (The drive
through Arkansas from Branson to Houston is equally picturesque.)
Branson is nestled in the Ozark Mountains just a few miles north of the
Arkansas border,
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David G. Bancroft |
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which makes a wonderful setting for the "Live
Music Show Capital of the World" now in its 50th year . . . that
offers a great variety of entertainment in the more than 50
performance theaters at reasonable prices. There are also an
award-winning theme park, attractions, museums, three lakes, and 12
championship golf courses. (Visit
Branson’s official site for more information)
Now, there is one problem (a good one) with a visit a to Branson . . .
trying to decide on what shows to see and what else to experience
relative to how long you will be there.
Oh yeah, having our 14-year-old grandson presented another issue . .
. selecting what to do that he should hopefully enjoy, as well.
After explaining again why we came to Branson and that we really
only had
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two days this time, he readily agreed to see the
highly recommended Haygoods and Baldknobbers shows with
the possibility of going to a magic show.
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It also meant that my wife and I would not be able to see other shows by
favorites of ours this time.
Nor were we disappointed in the shows we did see…
We first saw
The Haygoods show, which had only the seven very talented
brothers (Timothy, Patrick, Dominic, Shawn, Michael, Matthew, Aaron)
performing, as their sister, Catherine, was off using her musical
abilities elsewhere this night. (These eight siblings ages range from 16
to 32.)
Well, words really cannot properly describe how
entertaining the Haygoods are . . . they sing, dance,
and play over 20 instruments . . . with most if not all being
classical violinists. |
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They
performed country music, pop, Celtic, and did an amazing classical
violin rendition of the Beatle’s song, Eleanor Rigby.
Dancing and some acrobatic moves occurred through out
their show along with good clean humor and a few nice
surprises . . . including a riveting tap dance routine.
Then there was their wonderful harmony when singing
together, which they did many times including with the
last song . . . Aaron Tippin’s patriotic hit, “Where The
Stars & Stripes & The Eagle Fly” (photo top left).A very nice ending to a performance that was Las Vegas
quality, which I told them when we met a few minutes
later (photo bottom left).
My wife and grandson also came away with the same impressions . . . with
my wife noting their good looks and my grandson saying, “They were
awesome!” My grandson also loved how the played the various string
instruments, which made him even more determined to take guitar lessons. |
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In fact, my grandson, Colby, also chose the third show,
Cassandre' - The Voice
of An Angel, right after she performed several songs during
intermission at the Haygoods' show. Cassandre' is the beautiful wife of
Tim Haygood, who is the oldest brother. |
| The magic show was forgotten for this Branson stay . . . as it was all
about being wowed again by another Haygood. Cassandre' has a gifted
voice, which was a delight to hear singing a variety of songs
including one of my all time favorites, “Danny Boy”.
She also showed her
comedic talent as an older woman character, who sounds like Dolly Parton
when singing one of the country music legend’s hit songs during a skit.
Cassandre' has the voice, the looks, and performance skills to become a
major star . . . which I hope she does soon, as I do the Haygoods. |
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Cassandre' with David Bancroft's grandson,
Colby |
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Selecting to see the
Baldknobbers
show
during our initial trip to Branson was an easy
decision, as it is the first live show with 50 years of entertaining audiences . . . beginning
what Branson has become today. All the singers and
musicians were very good, performing many past and current country
music hits with an ending performance |
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involving singing each military
branch’s song with Old Glory hanging in the
background. Moreover, the hilarious comedians, who make equally funny faces (no
teeth), makes this show a must see for those who are not into country
music.
And anyone with little ones needs to see if just for the kids’
reactions to the comedians interacting with each other, the singers, and
host.
They can even have there pictures taken with the comedians, as my
grandson did (photo left) . . . which will bring smiles from everyone who sees it
including his future children and grandchildren. |
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While time didn’t allow us to enjoy the many attractions this time, we
did have a memorable visit at the
Veterans Memorial Museum . . . which I encourage everyone to
experience when in Branson. |
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Photo courtesy of Veterans Memorial
Museum |
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Just seeing the world's largest war memorial bronze sculpture (over 70
feet long, weighing 15-tons) is worth going to the Veterans Memorial
Museum. This impressive, heart grabbing creation by Fred Hoppe features
50 life-size figures modeled after a combat soldier from each of the 50
states . . . all shown storming a beach. (photo left ...
video)
Surrounding this amazing sculpture on the walls . . . are the names of
the 400,000 plus American troops killed during World War II, which includes my mother’s
twin brother. Needless to say, the call to my still living mother upon
seeing my unknown uncle’s name |
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then the teary sadness of remembering the day she learned of his
ultimate sacrifice in France just two weeks after his
19th birthday. |
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David G. Bancroft
Founder / Owner
USA Patriotism!
Copyright 2009 |
Author's note... My poem,
Little Boys Once, was
inspired by seeing my grandson standing next to the World War II
memorial sculpture. And my poem,
In The Heart Of America,
is about Branson. Read my other articles...
Branson
Veterans Week - 100% Patriotism, Branson Is For Everyone,
and Great Time Again During Branson
Veterans Week |
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