As Branson celebrates 50 years of live music shows this year, it’s tradition of “meet and greet” has been an important part of that achievement. Meet and greet, where the shows entertainers meet their guests, say “Hi,” shake hands, give an autograph or pose for a picture etc. has been a part of Branson’s show history and tradition since its earliest days. Steve Presley, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the first theatre to locate on what is now the “Branson Strip,” said the tradition started and is maintained by most Branson shows because, “First and foremost it is a way to connect with the people that come to our shows.”

An article published on line in the May 12 edition of the Branson Courier entitled, “Accessibility is a unique Branson show tradition” pointed out that it is this accessibility to its entertainers that is one of the things that makes the Branson show experience unique. The article said that Dan Lennon, Vice President Marketing & Public Relations, Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau “feels that accessibility helps develop an ‘up close and personal relationship’ between Branson’s entertainers and their audiences that brings visitors back to Branson and its shows again and again.”

In discussing Branson’s tradition of entertainers meeting and greeting the guests at their theatres, Mark Bryson, General Manager, Branson Variety Theatre, the home of four shows, “Spirit of the Dance,” Twelve Irish Tenors,” “Broadway - The Star Spangled Celebration” and “The Spirit of Christmas,” said that it is always nice to end a performance with thunderous applause and standing ovation, but the best thing is getting out in the lobby and talking with the audience members about the show. Bryson went on to point out that Branson has always been known for its friendly, helpful and outgoing personalities and visitors love the fact that they can get up close and talk with the entertainers.

Excerpts from article:

Dan Lennon, Vice President Marketing & Public Relations, Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau said that about 80 percent of the millions of people who come to Branson each year go to one or more of its shows.

In terms of why Branson’s shows are so popular with visitors Lennon suggested one characteristic that, in terms of the vast majority of its shows, is unique to Branson, the accessibility of its entertainers.

Melody Byrd, Group Sales & Marketing Manager, Legends in Concert, said, “It is all about our customer” and developing a one on one relationship with them. She said, “We have a passion for making sure our customer has a great entertainment experience and that includes autographs, pictures, and conversation with ‘our stars.’”  She continued, “They love visiting with the customers and the customers love it too! It is the ‘Branson’ way.”

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