This week we welcome,one the Branson's first female vocalists, Jan Naylor! 

 

Jan Naylor, one of Branson's earliest female vocalists who performed as part of "The Ozark Mountain Hayride" from 1977-80.

 

Originally from the "Fayette/Moberly" area,  she got her start at the age of 15 performing at the Country Music Hall at Lake Ozark.  Even though Jan showed talent at that early age, her mother made sure she stayed as grounded as possible.

 

"When I was at the Country Music Hall, I met Loretta Lynn and all the other stars who played at the Austin Wood Auditorium at Lake Ozark," she said. "One night, Roy Acuff's fiddler came to the Country Music Hall on their night off and tried to hire me.  My mama said 'She's 15, and she ain't going on the road with Roy Acuff.'    "And you know, mama was the boss.

 

After her run at the Country Music Hall ended Jan fell in love, got married and had a few children. Not too long after that, she decided she missed singing on stage.  "My husband took a job on the road, and I decided I wanted to move, and I wanted to move to Branson," she said with a laugh. "I came down here in 1976, and immediately got a job in the 'Appletown Opry,' which was at an outdoor theatre where Ripley's Believe It or Not! is now.  I sang and my mother danced."

 

She spent a year at the "Appletown Opry" before getting hired at the "Ozark Mountain Hayride," which opened the same year Bob Mabe opened Bob-O-Links.  "I met with Elmer Dreyer, who was building the venue known as the Starlite Theater, and he offered me a job pretty quick," she said. "It was very much a country music show, and we had the full band, and big dresses, and a comedian.  "I even did some comedy myself."

 

Jan performed at the "Hayride" until 1980, and also became a successful business owner, operating an attraction called Pearl Island from 1980 through 1984.  "It was a place where you could open up a shell, pick out a pearl and make jewelry," she said. "I did that and jewelry shows at home."

 

In 1983, Elmer Dreyer's daughter Gayla, who was Jan's co-star in the "Hayride" show, told her they were looking to open a new version of the show, this time in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  "Gayla had been working for the Plummer family after the 'Hayride' closed in Branson, but we were, and are, still great friends, and we were talking about shows and things and she told me her dad wanted to move to Pigeon Forge and do a new show," she said.  "She said 'He wants me to go, and I'm not sure if I want to.' I said 'I bet it'll be fun,

I'll go if you go.' (laughs) So we did."

 

 

 

Jan and the rest of the cast moved to Tennessee for a new version of "The Ozark Mountain Hayride," which was called the "Smoky Mountain Jubilee." Naylor performed from 1984 through 86 before returning to Branson.   "I did three seasons there and had a lot of fun, but I got tired of Tennessee," she said. "My home is here in Branson, but I still visited

the shows over the years and performed whenever I was there."

 

Upon moving back to southwest Missouri, Jan decided she didn't want to perform full time anymore, and took several "fun" jobs, as she called them.   "I worked security at Silver Dollar City for a few years, and they called me the Singing Security Guard," she said. "They'd let me get up and sing with the bands, and I just had a ball. I also got a part time

job at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, where I worked off and on for several years. I greeted buses, I did ushering, I did anything they needed.  "During the show, I'd be out in the lobby singing while I worked, and sometimes they'd catch me. I always told them if they wanted me on stage, they'd have to pay me what I was worth (laughs).   But I had a lot

This week we welcome, from the Clay Cooper Country Express, funny man, Matt Gumm! 

 

Matt Gumm literally grew up around variety shows at Lake of the Ozarks, so at the age of 30, he takes to the stage like a seasoned pro.  Of course, growing up with Thom "Gabby" Gumm as your dad & mentor didn't hurt. In fact, he learned so well, Matt was added to the Main Street Opry act at the age of seven.  

Long before that, though, he seemed to know what he was going to do with his life. His mom Sandy will tell you that he spent everyday up on his bed, with a make-shift curtain that hung from the ceiling, with wigs and props doing his "show".  It was in these very early years that a family friend thought it would be "funny" to buy Matt a toy set of drums. Well, the joke was on him, because Matt started playing those things and he was a natural! All that practice may have been painful at times for the family, but it definitely paid off. 

While in High School, Matt was the only student chosen out of his class to attend the Missouri Fine Arts Academy because he excelled in Music, Art & Drama.  Fresh out of high school, Matt spent 5 years developing his own reputation as a gifted comedian and musician on the stage of the long-running Lee Mace's Ozark Opry in Osage Beach, Missouri.   Once again, his family ties drew him back to work along side his dad and mom at the Main Street Opry in Osage Beach.  There he honed not only his comedy skills with his dad, but he came into his own with his impersonations.  He's brought the house down with his take on such artists as Garth Brooks, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Tony Bennett, Rod Stewart & Sammy Davis, Jr., just to mention a few. 

Clay Cooper caught his act and knew he wanted to be the first to introduce Matt to Branson. Currently, he is the craziest addition to Clay Cooper's Country Express where you can experience Matt's family friendly, high-energy fun, visual humor, and surprising abilities on some unusual instruments.  When he's not performing, he enjoys spending time with his wife Katie, daughter Norah Sue, and son Nash.

You don't want to miss Clay Cooper and his Live Band, 10 Dancers, vocal trio Third Power, and comedian Matt!  He also features outstanding youth entertainers Colton & Caden Cooper!  This high-energy show is filled with singing, dancing, comedy, 24 entertainers on stage, great visual effects, and a variety of music - old and new country, rock, current hits, gospel, and patriotic! 

 

Clay shares the stage with the stage with his cast members in a high energy, country music variety show guaranteed to make you tap your toes, stomp your feet, and even let out a holler or two!

 

For more information call 417-337-7123 or visit ClayCooper.com.

This week we present our annual Grand Country Family Christmas Special. 

All of your Grand Country favorites gather together for a special hour of Christmas classics.  

Don't forget this will be the last Branson Country USA performance in 2018.  We will resume shows on Friday, January 25th.

This week we welcome the one and only, Clay Cooper!

   

Clay Cooper has been performing for Branson audiences since the age of 16, originally coming to Branson to perform with a kid's band known as the Texas Goldminors. 

 

Clay loved country music, loved singing and playing bass, and loved meeting new people.

 

What better place to do it than Branson, Missouri!   He continued performing in several Branson shows and now celebrates his 32nd season performing.

Clay hangs out after every show, greeting the audience and meeting new fans!

Don't miss Clay Cooper and his Live Band, 10 Dancers, New Male Trio of Singers, and Comedian Matt Gumm!  He also features outstanding youth entertainers Colton & Caden Cooper! This high-energy show is filled with singing, dancing, comedy, 24 entertainers on stage, great visual effects, and a variety of music - old and new country, rock, current hits, gospel, and patriotic! 

 

Clay shares the stage with the stage with his cast members in a high energy, country music variety show guaranteed to make you tap your toes, stomp your feet, and even let out a holler or two!

 

For more information call 417-337-7123 or visit ClayCooper.com.

This week we welcome, Branson's favorite local band, Eastern Heights!

   

Eastern Heights is a modern country duo, with high energy, tight harmonies, and mind blowing musicianship.  Eastern Heights consist of Lead Singer Rob Blackburn, Lead Guitarist and Musical Director Grant Moody.  Although primarily a modern country band, the boys are very versatile and play multiple genres such as Rock, Pop, Disco, Funk, Classic Country, and Today's Country to name a few.

 

Eastern Heights has been taking the Midwest by storm! Although very young, this group has such professionalism, and talent that will blow you away. 

 When Eastern Heights takes the stage they will take you on a journey playing songs from artist like, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan and many more! Not only does Eastern Heights do an outstanding job on these different artists, they also have a passion for song writing. They recently just released their first EP "Escape".

 

Eastern Heights is a must have for any events, colleges, fairs and festivals. No matter the size or venue Eastern Heights brings to the stage an unforgettable experience. Rob and Grant along with their talented band will take you on a personable and captivating musical journey that will leave you speechless and wanting more.

 

For more information on the group, visit their Facebook page:  EasternHeightsMusic.

This week we welcome, from the Clay Cooper Country Express, Third Power!

   

Be prepared to see action-packed entertainment in Clay Cooper's Country Express!  Clay and his cast of 24 incredible entertainers show their versatility while performing all styles of music including country, rock n roll, gospel, and patriotic.  The singing, dancing, and hysterical comedy will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!  Clay and his gang guarantee a family-friendly show great for all ages!  Clay Cooper's Country Express is MORE than country! Located on Hwy 76 across from the Titanic Museum.

Clay has been performing for Branson audiences since the age of 16, originally coming to Branson to perform with a kid's band known as the Texas Goldminors.  Clay loved singing and playing bass, and loved meeting new people.  What better place to do it than Branson!  He continued performing in several Branson shows and now celebrates his 32nd season performing in Branson. Clay hangs out after every show, greeting the audience and meeting new fans!

In November and December, Clay Cooper's Country Express features an Ozark Mountain Christmas Celebration that has become a "MUST SEE" in Branson. The first half features highlights from our regular season show, and the second half is all Christmas! This is one show you DON'T want to miss!

It's no secret Clay Cooper has always been one of Branson's favorite shows and in 2018 he took it to an even higher level with an all-new production show.  One of the additions is the men's trio, Third Power.  

Third Power is comprised of Jordan Dickison, David Griffin and James Redden.  They have great harmonies which will have you mesmerized.  Each of them have made great marks in the music business independent of the trio:

Jordan Dickison was born in Utah into a family who loves the arts and encouraged him vocally and theatrically from a young age. He started performing as an extra in Disney Channel movies at the age of 13 and quickly transitioned to community theater and musicals in high school. He received an Associates of the Arts at Western Wyoming Community College and a Bachelors of Music, Dance and Theater at BYU. While attending BYU, he had the opportunity to be a member of the Young Ambassadors performing group. He was able to serve others and praise God as he toured the US and Scandinavia performing for everyone from royalty to children's outreach and loved every minute of it! Out of college he performed in a couple of shows at Tuacahn Theater in St George, UT including Greece and the first regional performance of The Little Mermaid. He moved to Branson in 2013 were he was blessed to have performed in #1 Hits of the 60s and the the Showboat Branson Belle. Jordan loves Branson and considers it his home. He loves running with his son Brigham and exploring the beauty of Branson. He would like to thank his amazing wife Sarah for her endless support. He is thrilled and humbled to have the opportunity to work with the incredible cast and crew of Clay Cooper's Country Express and Hot Rods and High Heels! 

James Redden feels very blessed to be a part of Clay Cooper Country Express! He was raised in Picher, Oklahoma, where he spent most of his time as a child singing and playing the piano. He was a Hollywood Finalist on Season 12 of American Idol. After Idol, he moved to Branson where he has lived for the past 4 years. While in Branson, he has performed at The White House Theatre in Disney's The Little Mermaid, Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, and The Showboat Branson Belle. He is also a featured vocalist at Kings Castle Theatre. He is very grateful for the love and support from his friends and family and would like to thank Clay and Tina Cooper for giving him this amazing.

David Griffin is originally from Denison, Texas.  He has been pe

This week we welcome, from Hamners Unbelievable Variety Show, Jeff Brandt! 

   

Jeff Brandt is an integral part of the Hamners' Unbelievable Variety Show and shares the musical portions of the show with Tamra Tinoco (and others). Jeff is another World class talent whom we are honored to feature in our production.

Jeff is originally from Iowa where he got his start early forming his own band Jeff Brandt and Galaxy.  Jeff and Galaxy toured the midwest region extensively in his early career and this past year the group was inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. From Iowa, Jeff made his way to Branson in 1990 where he performed at several venues in the area. He was quickly recognized by Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton while in Branson and spent 13 years as a featured performer in Wayne's show. He earned the moniker 'The Voice' during his tenure in Las Vegas and that still applies today!

Jeff has had two appearances on the Tonight Show, a featured spot on the TV show, 'Las Vegas', two feature film appearances in the movies "Vegas Vacation" and "Smoking Aces" and has also performed at the White House in Washington, DC.

Jeff has been honored with awards and accolades. Most recently as the 2017 Impressionist of the Year by the Branson Show Awards, and The 2018 Terry Awards Male Vocalist of the Year. Jeff is married to wife Gina and together, when not wowing the crowds in Branson, they operate the Brandt Family Farm, a wedding and event venue in Branson and continue to perform with their band Jeff Brandt and Galaxy celebrating 40 years together as a band in 2019!

Amazing Entertainment Awaits in this Great Branson Show! - Hamners' Unbelievable Variety.  At "Hamners' Unbelievable Variety" Branson show, you'll be treated to a sensational array of Branson entertainment! Led by master magicians, Dave and Denise Hamner, the show is packed full of performing artists; the variety includes sensational singing, phenomenal dancing, stunning illusions, and a singing impressionist too spot-on to be believed! The Hamner's deliver magic that's at once awe-inspiring, dazzling, and touching. Their talent has been recognized by the magic industry with the Magical Masters Award from their peers in Las Vegas, Siegfried & Roy, who presented them with the Bronze Lion Head Award; they also appeared on NBC's World's Greatest Magic. The birds in their act are an audience favorite; it's an astonishing sight to see gorgeous cockatoos and macaws appear out of nowhere and fly over and around the audience. Their original feats of magic have been seen in Las Vegas and Disneyland, but it's Branson they love best!

In addition to dazzling magic, you'll be treated to outstanding vocals, courtesy of Tamra Tinoco, who once scored the runner-up position in the Miss Missouri pageant. She's a seasoned singer who's appeared on the Grand Ole Opry as a guest of the legendary Porter Wagoner, and worked with artists like John Davidson, Jim Stafford, Vince Gill, Ferlin Husky, and The Osmonds. What Branson show is complete without fantastic dancing? Choreographers, AJ Heard and Ken Brown give "Hamners' Unbelievable Variety" its happy feet! 

 

To order tickets or for more information call the Dick Clark American Bandstand Box Office:  417-334-4363 or visit HamnersUnbelievable.com. 

 

And we also welcome Country Music writer and recording star, Becky Hobbs!

Whiskey-voiced Becky Hobbs is one-of-a-kind. She is a gifted songwriter, as well as a captivating entertainer. On stage, she plays some rockin' keys, yet she can rope you in like an Oklahoma cowgirl with her from-the-heart ballads.

Becky has performed in over 40 countries, including nine in Africa. Her songs have been recorded by Alabama, Conway Twitty (#1 hit "I Want To Know You Before We Make Love"), George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris, Glen Campbell, W

This week we welcome, from Legends In Concert, Lori Mitchell-Gay as Tina Turner! 

   

Lori Mitchell-Gay who portrays Tina Turner in the world-famous stage spectacular, "Legends in Concert," says the voice just comes easy to her when performing the glamorous singers. Originally from Philadelphia, she attended high school at the Philadelphia Performing Arts School where she majored in theater and minored in dance.

She did not have any formal education in voice but she began singing in the church choir as a child. "The two people that influenced me most in my life," she said," were my mother who was a performer, and my grandfather who exposed me to different types of music."

Lori applied for and received a scholarship to attend Emerson College in Boston. She attended that school for one year and later transferred to Temple University where she graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

Her first professional singing job was with a top 40 group called "High Energy." This exposure and experience developed within her a stage presence and style she would later apply to singing performances in production stage shows.

Lori is a very talented and versatile performer and tackles the seemingly impossible task of impersonating several superstar performers. In addition to Tina Turner whom she is currently emulating, she also performs a tribute to Whitney Houston and Diana Ross.

When asked which performer is her favorite to impersonate Lori said, "I don't have a favorite, they are all extensions of myself."

 

Legends in Concert is located along the famous 76 Strip and has been a part of the Branson entertainment scene over two decades. Two power-packed hours of fabulous entertainment awaits you!

 

This world famous live tribute show features an amazing cast of all-star entertainers assembled on one stage in one of the most sought after productions in the world.  Don't miss out on this extravagant concert in Branson.

 

To order tickets or for more information call the Dick Clark American Bandstand Box Office:  417-339-3003 or visit LegendsInConcert/Branson.

This week we welcome, Country Music recording star, Eric Heatherly! 

   

Recording Artist, Eric Heatherly, best known for his Rockabilly style of Country Music with hit songs and videos such as, Flowers On The Wall, Swimming in Champagne, The Wrong 5 O'Clock & The Last Man Committed, is getting married to native Nashvillian, Lindsey Stacey, also an artist, musician and entrepreneur on November 24, 2018. 

To celebrate the occasion, the newlyweds will release a new single together entitled, "Somethin' Stupid".  It's a revamped version of the classic #1 song from 1967 by Frank & Nancy Sinatra. Heatherly produced and arranged the duet and says that it's a lot more guitar oriented than the original orchestrated version.  Eric describes his own brand of music as MC/MC (mid-century-modern-country). The retro sounding single is set for a world-wide release in honor of Frank Sinatra's birthday, December, 12th. 2018.  It will be released in the U.S. on the NashVegas Recording Co. label solely owned by Heatherly and on the AGR-Universal label in Europe and Asia.

 

Eric is also known for having co-invented and patented, "The Seat-Belt Guitar Strap", the best selling guitar strap in history, distributed by Levys Leathers and sold at every Guitar Center in America.  In early 2019, with all that design and retail experience under his belt, Eric is launching (with Lindsey) a vintage/vintage inspired online store called, '59 Flamingos, where customers can purchase anything from retro UFO turntables, vinyl records, memorabilia, rare and original vintage clothing, instruments, etc. 

Over a decade ago, Heatherly stormed the country charts and went all the way to #1 with his rockabilly-inflected revival of the Statler Brothers classic hit, "Flowers On the Wall."  The original recording had been featured in the film Pulp Fiction. Heatherly quickly followed up that success with several other Billboard top-10 hits and 3 top-10 videos for CMT, GAC and VH-1. 

A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, he had paid his dues playing nightly for meager tips at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge on Broadway in Nashville. Shania Twain was sufficiently impressed with his chops to hire Heatherly to play lead guitar for her first world tour and to appear with her on the 1997 Country Music Association awards show.

His years of dedicated effort were rewarded with a major label deal with Mercury Records. His take on country with a surf-rock feel found its way to radio and TV, showing up on "Austin City Limits," and "Grey's Anatomy." Other laurels include receiving Music Row Magazine's "Critic's Pick" award and being named in Playgirl Magazine as "sexiest singer."

In 2018, Eric got the offer to come to Branson and join the cast of Raiding The Country Vault, at the Starlite Theatre.  Folks love this exciting show and the incredible list of great country songs.  The show's set list includes classic songs from icons like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and Patsy Cline. The show also features comedy, an impressive lighting design and plenty of cowboy hats! 

 

For more information on Raiding The Country Vault, call the Starlite Theatre:  417-337-9333, or visit their website:  RaidingTheCountryVault.com.   And to learn more about Eric's travel dates and recordings, and download the single "Stupidity", visit his website:  TheEricHeatherly.com.

And we also welcome one of our favorites, Kari Garrison, from the Clay Cooper Country Express.

   

Kari Garrison was born and raised in Denison, Texas, in a musical family where harmony-filled living room jam sessions with her dad and other family members were a part of her daily life. It was there Kari developed her love and passion for singing.

 

After high school, Kari moved to Virgi

Branson received an early Christmas gift this year.... the return of Shoji Tabuchi to the stage!

 

Recently Shoji, Dorothy, and Christina Tabuchi announced their special Christmas event "25 Days of Christmas with The Tabuchi's" at The Clay Cooper Theatre!  The show opened Monday, October 22 and runs through December 21, 2018.

When it comes to popular Branson entertainment, the name says it all ... "Shoji Tabuchi!" Branson's legendary performer, Shoji Tabuchi, presents 25 Days of Christmas with The Tabuchi Family! Shoji and Dorothy Tabuchi, along with their daughter Christina Lingo-Tabuchi, present their high energy, sparkling family variety show. Their talented cast of entertainers and musicians deliver an incredible Christmas show, creating memories you'll cherish for years to come.

"We are very excited to have a place to perform this limited engagement at The Clay Cooper Theatre while our theatre is continuing to undergo fire restoration," said Christina.  "We are very thankful for Clay and Tina Cooper reaching out to us, offering a temporary home to perform for the people we love, in the city we love!"

While Shoji Tabuchi stars in the show, Dorothy Tabuchi is the Executive Producer, now working behind the scenes running the legendary business she created.  Their daughter, Christina, is not only featured in the show but, she is the Producer of the show, as well as, Dance Captain and Vocal Director.  

World renowned entertainer Shoji Tabuchi, also known for his spectacular jackets, has been recognized in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME magazine and has been featured on 60 Minutes, Regis and Kathy Lee, Good Morning America, Nashville Now, and Ray Steven's CabaRay, just to name a few.  He has also had the privilege to play for former Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, performed on the Grand Ole Opry an impressive 27 times, and played with many country greats, including; Tammy Wynette, Mel Tillis, George Jones, Barbra Mandrell, Johnny Cash, Ray Stevens, David Houston, Dolly Parton, among many!

 

The whole town is ecstatic to have Shoji back onstage for the Christmas season.  For ticket information, call:  417-334-7469 or visit Shoji.com or ClayCooperTheatre.com.

And we also welcome our friend, Country Music star, Mr. Banjo, Buck Trent!

Buck Trent, "The 5-String General" has entertained millions around the globe with his versatile style and flair throughout his career.  

 

Charles Wilburn "Buck" Trent was born February 17, 1938 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  Buck started performing on WORD radio at the age of 10.  He would travel throughout the county during his childhood, but arrive in Nashville in 1959 where he joined the Bill Carlisle Show, and first appeared on The Grand Ole Opry.

 

Buck was a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys from 1960-1961.  In early 1962, Buck became a member of Porter Wagoner's, "Wagonmasters".  This move made him regularly featured cast member of the nationwide television broadcast of "The Porter Wagoner Show", which starred Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, and reached millions of viewers every week. 

 

During this time Buck had been tinkering around with electrifying his banjo.   Porter loved Buck's picking style and encouraged him to explore the limits of it with his electric invention.    Buck took the idea to Sho-Bud Steel guitar builder and custom guitar wizard, Shot Jackson.  Between the musicial ingenuity of the two, Buck's electric 5-string banjo was born.  The very first model of this banjo is on display in the Country Music Hall of Fame museum, in Nashville, along with Buck's "Wagonmaster" suit.  There's no doubt much of Porter success, and Dolly's was due to t