This week we welcome, from the Imax Little Opry, award-winning local Bluegrass favorites: The Petersens! 

The Petersens are an award-winning bluegrass band from Branson, MO. They are in their sixth season of shows and currently perform at the Little Opry Theatre in the Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex.

 

In 2015, the band received international attention when banjo player, Ellen Petersen, competed in the singing reality TV show, American Idol, and placed in the top 48.

 

The family has played at hundreds of festivals and churches throughout the United States and in 2015 completed their first international tour in Ireland. 

 

Audiences are entertained as the band performs bluegrass standards, gospel favorites, and are sure to laugh at the sibling humor on stage. The intimate setting of the Little Opry Theatre and The Petersens make you feel like a part of the family.

 

For more information, or tickets, call the Imax Little Opry Theatre at 417-335-4832, or visit their website at:  PetersonBand.com or BransonImax.com.

This week we welcome Dean Z, as Elvis, from Legends In Concert at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theatre.

 

Dean Z has dedicated his entire life to honoring the legacy of Elvis Aaron Presley, the "King of Rock 'n' Roll."

 

From childhood impressions, to stages across the globe, he is one of the best in the business today. His career has taken him to Japan, Australia, Norway, Denmark, England, across Canada and the United States.

 

In 2007 he joined the Legends in Concert cast in Branson. "There's just the right amount of production without watering down the authentic spirit of Elvis in the 50's," Dean says of his daily shows at Legends.

 

In addition to his stellar tribute work as Elvis Presley, Dean also performs as Buddy Holly as part of select "Legends in Concert" shows.  Then in August 2013 Dean was named the "2013 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist" in a contest sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. 

 

Dean also takes great pride in his two bands, The Gimps and The Kraken. The Gimps, a Rockabilly/Surf powerhouse group, and The Kraken, specializing in pop and rock hits from the 1990's and 2000's.  It's always a treat when you can catch them performing.

 

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 the extravagant concerts in Branson.  

 

To order tickets or for more information, call the Legends In Concert Box Office at 417-339-3003 or visit their website at:  Legends In Concert.com.

We also welcome local favorite, Radney Pennington, a/k/a Little E.

Radney Pennington, AKA Little E, is a singer/songwriter and the youngest artist to record at Sun Studios in Memphis Tennessee, having recorded there at age 5.

 

In 2006, he was featured in Billy Ray Cyrus' music video, "I Want My Mullet Back," as well as performing for 12 years, as a special guest, in the "World Famous" Mickey Gilley Show in Branson MO.  Radney was also in a political campaign ad for former US Senator Jim Talent.

 

In April 2017, he was named the "Three-Time Ultimate Teen ETA" by Legends In Concert, and Elvis Presley Enterprises. He also won the 2017 Midwest Tribute To The King in Springfield Illinois. His biggest win to date is being the youngest person to ever win the 20th Annual "LaCrosse Wisconsin's Elvis Explosion" in 2017, winning "Fan Favorite" as well as top prize of $10,000.

 

Radney currently does tributes to Elvis, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, and many more.

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

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

This week we welcome pianist extraordinaire, David Brooks!

   

 

Down home southern hospitality is what you'll find when Award Winning Entertainer David Brooks brings his high-energy, one-of-a-kind show, "The Piano Man Xperience" to the stage. 

In his electrifying performances, David pays tribute to many Piano Greats such as Elton John, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Liberace, and the Wild Man himself, Jerry Lee Lewis.  There's even a few surprises along the way.  You'll also experience all the crazy antics and home spun humor that make an evening with David something you'll never forget. 

David took his first piano lesson at the age of 6 and from there, it's been a rollercoaster ride.  He spent his early 20's doing extensive touring work.   From there, David spent a number of years in a variety of production shows in Branson, Missouri, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Savannah, Georgia.  While working in Branson, his piano playing alone became so highly acclaimed, that he won Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year four times and counting.  

For a decade, David has also fronted or been a featured performer in a number of these shows.  The highlight of those years culminated in portraying the role of Jerry Lee Lewis in the Tony Winning musical, "Million Dollar Quartet" for it's first two seasons in Branson, Missouri. 

David Brooks and his show, "The Piano Man Xperience" is something not to be missed.  From Ragtime to Rock & Roll, it's a non-stop party GUARANTEED!!

 

For more information, visit his Facebook page:  David Brooks & The Piano Man Xperience.

This week we welcome star of the Grand Ole Opry, Mary Lou Turner!

   

 

Born in Hazard, Kentucky, Mary Lou Turner began her career as a Country Music Artist in 1974 with her first popular song, All That Keeps Me Going.  She followed that success with several other songs that reached the top 50 on the U.S. Country Charts, including It's Different With You, Love It Away, and Cheatin' Overtime.

 

Though a star in her own right, she may be best known for the duets she sang with Bill Anderson.  The duo teamed up to produce hits in the top 25 on the U.S. Country Charts, including I'm Way Ahead of You and Where Are You Going, Billy Boy.  The pair released Sometimes in 1976 which reached Number 1 on the Country Charts.  That same year, she and Bill also released That's What Made Me Love You reaching number 7 with that hit.

 

Mary Lou has performed in the theaters of Branson, Missouri for many years.  She starred with both Boxcar Willie and Buck Trent, before joining the Grand Ladies of Country Music Show.  She and her husband, David, call the Ozarks home.

 

She has a brand new album out and we're going to talk all about it!  For more information, visit her Facebook page:  Mary Lou Turner.

This week we welcome the cast of the Comedy Jamboree!

   

 

The 2017 Comedy Jamboree show has been an awesome year of great new music, comedy and loads of fun. 

 

The Comedy Jamboree Singers, Tiffany, Matt and Gigi, will astound you with their tight harmonies and fast moving foot work.  

 

Comedians, Applejack, Stretch McCord and Andy Parks will have you doubled over in laughter.

  

If you haven't had a chance to see the 2017 Comedy Jamboree, make your reservations for an afternoon of fun and laughs.

 

For more information or to make reservations, call 417-335-2484 or visit GrandCountry.com.

And we also welcome former lead singer for New South, Trey Wilson!

  

Trey started his singing career in a small Baptist church at the age of three and hasn't stopped since.  He has shared the stage with artists such as The Cathedrals, The Kinsmen Quartet, The Happy Goodmans, The Gaither Homecoming Tour, the late Dottie Rambo and traveled for nearly three years with the Plainsmen Quartet.

Born and raised in the Lone Star State, Trey was a senior in High School when he joined Grand Country in 2003.  Trey was performing at the National Quartet Convention where Mike Patrick first met him.  Mike was so impressed with Trey that he flew him to Branson for an audition and hired him on the spot.  At the young age of 17, Trey packed up and moved to Branson to start the job, finishing high school by correspondence. 

  

During his 10 years with us, Trey was such an important part of the Grand Jubilee, New South Gospel, and Branson Country USA.  His contributions went far beyond just being the New South lead singer. He was involved in vocal arrangements for both the stage and recording projects, in addition to assisting with many of the production elements of our shows.

  

Trey left the group in August 2013 to pursue a career back in his home state of Texas.  He took a marketing and sales job with GSD Companies based in Houston.  GSD is a global scrap business which has also expanded into industrial demolition services for the petrochemical industry across the United States, and marine construction and dredging along the US Gulf Coast. 

  

He is married to Danielle, and together they have a beautiful son Grayson who will turn four in July.

  

You can keep up with Trey with his Facebook page:  Trey Wilson

This week we welcome music legends, The Lettermen!

   

 

The letter sweaters may only make a brief appearance at each Lettermen performance, but The Lettermen harmony is non-stop. From their first hit in 1961   "The Way You Look Tonight" through current hits of today, the sound is undeniably Lettermen. 18 Gold Albums worldwide and scores of top singles attest to a popularity that has endured through several generations.

 

With over 10,000 sold out shows to their credit, The Lettermen are constantly sending valentines to their audiences with each note of every love song. Versatility of group members and personal tastes let each display a variety of musical styles - - adapting through years to include whatever the current trend may be.  Whether singing acapella or backed by an entire symphony orchestra, the Lettermen theme still remains the love song. Lending that well-known harmony to every arrangement, they have proven love ballads have an appeal that knows no boundaries and will continue to stand the test of time for many years to come...

 

The current Lettermen consist of Tony Butala (The group's founding original member), Donovan Tea (an accomplished singer and songwriter who joined the group in 1984), and Bobby Poynton (who first joined the Lettermen in 1989 and recently returned to the group). Their recording career continues going strong with their latest albums: "Best Of Broadway", and "Live in the Philippines".

 

You can see this world-famous trio now through December 9th at the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center.  For more information call their Box Office at 800-666-6094, or visit AndyWilliamsPAC.com, or TheLettermen.com.

This week we welcome Branson's Country Music icon:  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 29th season performing Clay Cooper's Country Music Express in his namesake theatre, Clay Cooper Theatre, on Hwy. 76 across from The Titanic Museum.

 

Clay shares the stage with 21 veteran 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 www.claycooper.com.

This week we welcome Ireland superstar:  Daniel O'Donnell! 

   

 

Daniel O'Donnell, well known, international recording star is becoming synonymous with Branson. 

 

Famous for his traditional

Irish ballads, country favorites and traditional gospel with an Irish twist, Daniel's silky vocals are a fall favorite for Branson tourists.

 

He got his start in the music industry by forming his first musical group in July of 1983, Country Fever.  Two years later he would play the 1985 Irish Festival in London and catch the attention of Ritz recording label owner, Mick Clerkin.  He contacted Daniel and said he was interested in him recording an album for his label.  It was then that "Mick" introduced him to manager, Sean Reilly.  Mr. Reilly still manages Daniel's career to this day.

 

Since joining up with his manager, Daniel has become a household name in Ireland and Britain; he has also had considerable success in the US and Australia.  In 2012, he became the first artist to have a different album in the British charts every year for 25 consecutive years.  He is known for his close relationship with his fan base, and his charismatic and engaging stage presence. He has sold over ten million records to date.  You can see Daniel O'Donnell, now through - November 18, at the Welk Resort Theatre.

 

To order tickets or for more information, call the Welk Resort Box Office at 417-337-7469 or visit their website at:  WelkResorts.com/Branson.

This week we welcome star of the famous television show Hee Haw....  LuLu Roman!

   

 

People know LuLu as the most requested female cast member of the long running hit television series, "Hee Haw".  Many know her as the accomplished and celebrated songwriter; and as the singer who has been successfully making records for over 25 years.

In 1999, LuLu was inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame.  In 2002 Lulu's 16th album, a collection of hits and favorites called "Lulu, Inspired" was nominated for a Dove award.   LuLu has just completed a new project entitled "At Last". The album features 12 of her favorite standards and classics, such as "I Will Always Love You", "Summertime", "You Don't Know Me", "Til I Can Make It On My Own" and the title song, "At Last". LuLu's dear friends Dolly Parton, T. Graham Brown, Linda Davis and Georgette Jones also joined her on the album. 

 

In addition to "Hee Haw", LuLu has also been a guest star on such television programs as "The Love Boat" and "Touched By An Angel". She is also an accomplished author. Her most recent work is a cookbook "Kitchen Komforts".

Although she has been performing for over 40 years, she has no plans to rest or retire. LuLu continues to travel sharing her testimony, her humor and her music.  LuLu is also a honorary member of the Grand Country Wild Bunch! 

 

Visit her website at www.LuluRoman.com.

 

This week we welcome Nashville vocalist performing with Raiding The Country Vault at the Starlite Theatre:  David Kroll!

 

When you are only seven years old and already know what you want to do in life because you just saw Alan Jackson in concert and he literally rocked your world, then get out the kiddy plastic guitar and start learning how to play, because Nashville is just an interstate ride, and about a decade away.  At least that's the way David Kroll saw it that night when he was a little boy wearing a too-big cowboy hat and smart little boots at his first Alan Jackson concert.

 

"This was my very first concert ever," Kroll explained. "Alan Jackson was playing my hometown of Burlington, Iowa and it was a BIG deal. I still remember watching him and wanting to be up there on that stage so bad.  His love of country music continued and he added George Strait and Tim McGraw to his ever-growing list of country music artists who inspired him. The next step for the then 15 year old was to put his training to the test. 

 

He formed a band and spent six years playing at local bars and countless fairs in Iowa and western Illinois, developing a sturdy and impressive fan base along the way. And thanks to the older and more experienced musicians he met, he learned the fine art of infusing his live performances with a very high energy level.

 

Kroll never removed his eye from what he saw as his prize: living in Nashville and furthering his craft as both a performer and songwriter.  His diligence and numerous trips back and forth between Burlington and Nashville opened a number of doors for him in Music City and soon he had the opportunity to open shows for some of country music's biggest acts, including Chris Young, Eric Church, Montgomery Gentry, Darryl Worley and more.

 

A chance meeting with Grammy nominated songwriter and performer Billy Yates led to Kroll's first publishing deal, and paved the way for a permanent move to Nashville. He didn't waste the opportunity. While live performances remain his favorite part of the business, Kroll spends a great deal of time and energy developing his songwriting talent. The effort paid off in a number of ways. In 2010, he became the flagship signing for new publisher, Blue Guitar Music.  He also saw his self-penned release, "Little Soldiers," beco