Outdoors - Branson.com : The Official Branson Website

Cassandre’ and orchestra - continue Branson’s live music tradition in “angelic” fashion

September 29th, 2009 by Gary J. Groman

Cassandre' singing one of her beautiful vocals.

Somehow it seems fitting that the show “Cassandre’ The Voice of An Angel,” is making its Branson debut in 2009 as Branson celebrates its 50th year of live music shows. The show features the stunning vocals and warm personality of Cassandre’ Faimon-Haygood, a nine piece orchestra and the comedy of “Aunt Erma.” The result is a personable, beautiful, funny and entertaining show that truly exemplifies the very heart beat of live music through its rich orchestrations and powerful vocals. The music itself is a powerful entertainment experience, but when combined with the comedy of Aunt Erma it just gets better.

The typical story on the show would start with its star Cassandre’, but because the orchestra and its integration into the production is such a unique and special part of the show we’ll start there. In a strict sense “choreography” involves dancing, but in terms of creating and arranging the special musical experiences that is “Cassandre’ The Voice of An Angel”, the use of the word does not seem misplaced.

The show features a a nine person orchestra that plays 18 instruments. The manner in which it is choreographed into Cassandre’s vocals results in a unique, beautiful and powerful musical treat not available anywhere else in Branson. It is obvious that a lot of thought has gone into the presentation of each number and how to best combine the vocal talents of Casssandre’ with the musicianship of the orchestra into a wonderful musical entertainment gem.

The success of that collaboration is evident throughout the show in numbers such as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Fever,” “Sky Dawn Sun Moon,” “Danny Boy” and so many more. The orchestra members are Jr Rollins — Cello/ Upright Bass; Chris Lizotte — Keyboards/ Trumpets; Gary Freeman — Piano; Tom Eckert — Violin/ Trumpet, Catherine Haygood — Violin/ Harp/ Saxophone; Seth Darby — Standup and Electric Bass; George Williams — Viola; Dino Phillips — Drums and Carl Mckiney — Guitars.

The featured vocalist and star of the show is Cassandre’ Faimon-Haygood. After listening to this amazing vocalist sing this writer would simply have to say that the shows website was spot on in describing her voice, range, and talent. It said, “Cassandre’ is a top-notch vocalist …with a voice so flawless and a performance so effortless and compelling it is no wonder that watching her sing makes for a surreal theatrical experience! She is truly an enchanting soprano whose angelic voice can scale operatic heights, belt out Broadway hits, touch you with gospel inspiration, and rework pop classics in just the right balance!”

From the first notes of the opening “Aria,” written by her husband and producer of the show, Timothy Haygood, through numbers like “Danny Boy,” “Zippa dee doo dah” and “Hakuna Matata,” “Amazing Grace,” “Downtown,” “Yesterday,” “Singin In The Rain, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and many others, the accuracy of that description was obvious. She has a very special talent that is a joy to hear.

Aunt Erma looking for "her peoples."

Then there’s Cassandre’s alter ego, “Aunt Erma,” who keeps popping up looking for “her peoples.” If the way the audience laughs at some of her antics is any indication “her peoples” make up a large part of the audience. She does a very special rendition of the “Nine To Five” and will remind the audience a lot of Cassandre’. On her blog Cassandre’ said, “We are just having a great time together!” The audience has a great time with them together too.

If you love beautiful singing accompanied by a wonderful orchestra and want to have a laugh or two along the way you don’t want to miss this show. In addition, one can sense her sweet spirit and her total commitment to giving her best to her audience. In the case of the Cassandre’ and her show, that best results in a special and memorable musical and entertainment experience that is a joy to hear and see.

Additional information on the “Cassandre’ The Voice of An Angel,” can be obtained through the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging by calling 800- 785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Posted in Branson Entertainment, Branson Outdoors, Featured Articles, Outdoors |

Nine Table Rock Lake Corps Parks Close for Season

September 23rd, 2009 by Press Release

The Army Corps of Engineers at Table Rock Lake closed nine of its parks Sept. 15 for the 2009 recreation season. These parks include Cricket Creek, Aunts Creek, Baxter, Big M, Campbell Point, Long Creek, Moonshine Beach, Viola and Viney Creek. The boat launch ramp at these parks will continue to be open and area use fees will still apply.

Camping is still available through Oct. 31 at Cape Fair, Eagle Rock, Indian Point and Old Highway 86 parks. To make a reservation for one of these recreation areas you can call the National Recreation Reservation Service toll free at 877-444-6777, or you can log onto www.recreation.gov and make your reservation via the internet.

For more information about Table Rock Lake, visit the website at www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/tablerock or contact the Chief Recreation Ranger Jeff Farquhar at (417) 334-4101 extension 3013.

Posted in Branson Outdoors, Outdoors, Press Release |

Branson – Table Rock Lake 2nd Stop for 2010 Walmart FLW Tour

July 10th, 2009 by Press Release

At the final Walmart FLW Tour stop for 2009 in Plattsburgh, N.Y., FLW Outdoors announced the 2010 Walmart FLW Tour schedule that is highlighted by the Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Lanier in Atlanta, Aug. 5-8. The 2010 schedule features world-famous fisheries, including three return visits from 2009, which will provide exciting and competitive tournaments.

“We are very excited about the 2010 Walmart FLW Tour schedule,” said Charlie Evans, president and CEO of FLW Outdoors. “This schedule will have FLW Outdoors visiting some of the best fisheries in the country and giving our anglers the chance to compete on these waters at the optimal time.”

The first cast for the FLW Tour will take place on the Red River in Shreveport, La., Feb. 11-14. The FLW Tour will visit Table Rock Lake in Branson, Mo., March 4-7, for a second time in as many years. Marking its fourth consecutive stop in Charlotte, Lake Norman will host the third event on the FLW Tour, March 25-28.

The fourth stop on the FLW Tour will be Lake Chickamauga in Chattanooga, Tenn., April 15-18. This qualifying event will follow the National Guard FLW College Fishing National Championship event on Ft. Loudoun-Tellico lakes in Knoxville, Tenn. from April 10-12.

The fifth stop on the FLW Tour will be on Lake Ouachita in Hot Springs, Ark., May 27-30, marking the first FLW Tour event on Lake Ouachita since the 2007 Forrest Wood Cup, where Team Folgers pro Scott Suggs earned the sport’s first $1 million prize. The final qualifying event will be in Huntsville, Ala., returning for a second consecutive season, on Lake Guntersville from June 24-27.

FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world. FLW Outdoors has also taken fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing, offering the largest awards possible in the history of fantasy sports. Sign up for Player’s Advantage to get your edge and win.
For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000.

Publication of this press release, on this site, sponsored by Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets, lodging, and travel services. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or by clicking here to visit their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Posted in Featured Articles, Outdoors, Press Release |

“Liberty Light Up” at Branson Landing kicks off Fourth Weekend in Branson

July 1st, 2009 by gary

Branson Missouri will be celebrating America’s Independence Day over the Fourth of July weekend as only the “Live show capital of the world” can. Paul Miller, General Manager for the Branson Tourism Center said, “The Fourth of July in Branson is a special celebration, offering a unique combination of patriotism, fireworks shows and just plain fun, excitement and entertainment that is unequalled anywhere else in the Nation.”

Information received from Tammy Scholten, Director of Marketing, for Branson Landing indicates that celebration will get off with an exciting and entertaining free musical and fireworks extravaganza at Branson Landing’s Public Square on Friday evening, July 3rd. Scholten invites the community and visitors to start their Independence Day weekend celebration at Branson Landing’s 2nd Annual “Liberty Light Up” starting with a concert by the band “Chain Reaction” at 8 p.m.

The Chain Reaction concert will feature “A Tribute to Journey” and promises to delight audiences of all ages. Their famous melodies will take listeners on a spectacular journey back to the ‘80’s with performances of timeless Journey hits like “Separate Ways,” “Don’t Stop Believin,” “Faithfully,” “Open Arms” and so many more.

“After the concert, the night skies will “Light Up” with an extraordinary fireworks event produced and presented by Gateway Fireworks Displays from St. Louis,” stated Scholten. “We’re very proud that Branson Landing’s Liberty Light Up fireworks display has been named a “Top Pick of the American Pyrotechnic Association” this year, with nine other “Top Picks” from around the United States.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Miller said, “That’s just the start of Branson’s Independence Day celebrations.” He points out that there will be a number of major fireworks displays on the Fourth such as the spectacular displays put on by the city of Hollister, Kimberling City, and the Chateau on the Lake to mention just a few. He points out that all the shows, attractions, and other entertainment for which Branson is noted will be providing fun, excitement, and entertainment for Branson’s visitors.

Miller reminds visitors that the Fourth of July weekend in Branson is one of its busiest weekends of the year and recommends that it would be wise to allow a little extra time in getting to shows, attractions, and other activities. He also points out that it would be prudent to make advance reservations, particularly for shows, to insure availability and the good seating.

For additional information on “Liberty Light Up,” other area fireworks displays, or Branson shows, attractions and lodging please call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or check their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Posted in Branson Entertainment, Featured Articles, Outdoors |

Central Pro Am joins the PAA as the first PAA Affiliated Trail

June 19th, 2009 by Press Release

The Professional Anglers Association has joined forces with the Central Pro Am Association to offer a one of a kind opportunity for anglers fishing Central Pro Am in 2010. The new affiliation brings together two organizations with a unifying theme of tournament bass fishing, and support of the membership, the fishermen. According to John Crews, President of the PAA, “We are excited to implement partnerships such as this, as we feel it gives strength to both organizations, and as a result creates more opportunities for the anglers, which is important to the PAA.”

The partnership paves the way for the 2010 Central Pro Am Angler of the Year, along with the Co-angler of the Year, who will each receive a guaranteed slot in the 2011 PAA Tournament Series. In addition to covering entry fees for the anglers, Central Pro Am will also be providing assistance with expenses, making this a truly inexpensive shot at becoming a touring pro in 2011. “This could make a couple of our Central Pro Am’s anglers lifelong dreams come true, just by fishing a season with us…two of our anglers will be competing against some of the best talent in the country in 2011,” said Jim Thompson, owner of Central Pro Am.

Two lucky Central Pro Am Anglers also have a chance to compete with touring PAA pros in the 2009 PAA Corporate Cup, to be held September 10-12 on Lake Pickwick in Florence, AL. This unique opportunity is part of a joint PAA/CPAA membership drive. All members of Central Pro Am in good standing that join the PAA between June 1 and July 31, 2009 are registered for their chance to win this all expense paid trip courtesy of Central Pro Am.

For more details on the Professional Anglers Association, the PAA Tournament Series, or the 2009 PAA Corporate Cup please visit www.fishpaa.com. For more information on the Central Pro Am Association, their tournament series, and how you can participate in this partnership, please visit www.central-proam.com.

Posted in Branson News, Outdoors, Press Release |

Persimmon Hill Blueberry Festival and Music Fest

June 5th, 2009 by Branson.com News Staff

Blueberry cobblers and music are part of the Blueberry Festival at Persimmon Hill Farm on Saturday, June 6 as the blueberry season launches at Persimmon Hill Farm in Lampe. The event includes an annual Cobbler Contest to benefit the Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch, along with entertainment featuring the Farnum Family in an outdoor music fest.

The Cobbler Contest, held from noon to 4 p.m., will feature a variety of blueberry cobblers. Farm guests can feast and help the Boys Ranch, as all proceeds from the brunch will go to the ranch, located near the farm. Representatives from the LUC Boys Ranch will be on hand with displays, information and products made by the boys.

The music fest will feature the Farnum Family of Galena, performing bluegrass and gospel music from noon to 4 p.m.

Cobbler cooks are welcome to enter the Persimmon Hill Farm 21st Annual Ozark Mountain Cobbler Contest. Anyone wishing to enter can come to the farm prior to the contest for a free pound of blueberries. Entering cooks should bring their cobblers by noon on June 6. Cobblers will be judged by 1 p.m. and will then be part of the benefit dessert spread. The winner of the contest will receive a handmade pottery cobbler dish.

The all-day festival also includes free tours of the farm, free recipes and samples of blueberry products. Barbecue sandwiches featuring the farm’s award-winning sauces are available.

Persimmon Hill Farm is located south of Lampe off of Mo. 86, at 367 Persimmon Hill Lane. The farm is 1 1/2 miles off of Mo. 86. For more information, call 417-779-5443. A map is posted on the farm web site, www.persimmonhill.com. For more information on the LUC Boys Ranch, contact Melissa at 417-779-5374 or www.lucboys.org.

Posted in Branson Entertainment, Outdoors, Press Release |

Central Pro-Am Association Tournament Moved to Stockton Lake

May 22nd, 2009 by Branson.Com News Editor

Using information provided to us by the US Army Corps of Engineers Central Pro Am Association has elected to move the Pro Am and Team tournaments scheduled June 6th and 7th on BullShoalsLake to StocktonLake. Due to heavy rain fall through out the region the Corps of Engineers expect lake levels to rise an additional 15 feet over the next two weeks bringing the lake levels 30 feet above normal power pool. While the lake will still be accessible in other locations the official tournament weigh in location, Bull Shoals Boat Dock, will have minimal facilities and parking for the event. Bearing in mind the safety and satisfaction of our anglers, Central Pro Am staff and Advisory Committee determined moving the tournaments was the best option.

Orleans Trail on StocktonLake will now host the June 6th and 7th Pro Am and Team events. Central Pro Am looks forward to exciting tournaments on StocktonLake and appreciates the patience and understanding of our anglers and supporters during this unexpected modification to our schedule.
Contact Central Pro Am Association at (417) 263-0373 for further information.

Lodging and additional information is available at: http://www.stocktonlake.com/lodging.php

Posted in Featured Articles, Outdoors, Press Release |

Corps to conduct boating use study on Table Rock Lake

May 20th, 2009 by Branson.com News Staff

The Army Corps of Engineers will conduct a boating use study on Table Rock Lake between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends to gather information about recreational boating and the perceptions and preferences of boaters. Corps officials urge boaters to participate in surveys when asked so the agency can better serve the boating public in the future.

Boaters will be surveyed by contractors working for the Corps. The surveys will primarily be exit interviews of boaters at randomly selected public launching facilities around Table Rock Lake. Also, the survey questionnaire will be mailed to a randomly selected sample population of adjacent landowners, marina customers and private boat slip owners on the lake.

Using scientific methods, the study will examine not only boater preferences but also how the natural and social environments, as well as Corps management practices, influence boaters in the areas of the lake they frequent.

The survey will include questions about place of origin, travel time and cost, frequency of visits, length of stay, and other activities enjoyed. There will be questions about the types and sizes of boats used, as well as the use of ramps, docks, or existing or prospective marina facilities. It will include questions about recreational experiences and perceptions including crowding, congestion, boat docks, shoreline erosion, noise, lake usage, aesthetics, water quality, no wake zones, use patterns, competing uses (fishing vs. water-skiing, etc.), crime, boat speed and other issues.

Boat counts will be taken on the lake to detect congested areas. The times and dates of the counts will be determined by a scientific random sampling method. Lake surface zones will be used to describe where congestion is the most prevalent.

The survey will help determine how development, competing uses and other issues can affect the safety and enjoyment of visitors and residents. This information will assist lake managers in preparing for an Environmental Impact Study prior to updating the Shoreline Management Plan for Table Rock Lake if funding becomes available. The EIS is a required step in the update. The data will also be valuable in updating the Table Rock Lake Master Plan.

Posted in Outdoors, Press Release |