Branson Shows Reviewed

The blue highlighted parts of the comments are shows or entertainers that the person mentioned in their comment. I just want the reader to understand the comment so I might add some things. I do correct spelling errors if I catch them. I have had a multitude of comments from the shows, but I do not think it is appropriate to share them all the time. I will not share a negative comment about a show or star but I will write back to the sender. I am also completely honest with any person who takes the time to call me with comments and suggestions of shows to attend. 417-337-8045 home 417-230-0155 cell. You may contact me at BransonShowAwards@gmail.com

7/09/2010 Marcus Collins

Gary,

Thank you so much for the nominations and fantastic review! It means a great deal to me and the group. We love Branson and hope to be a part of the community for many years to come. We've actually just added a Christmas show this year beginning November 18 through December 8, 2010 we hope you can make it. I especially wanted to personally thank you for your kind words about "God Bless The Broken Road"...that song is very special to me and my family. My mom has been very sick off and on for years and it is her all-time favorite. Every time I see her I end up singing it to her. Your mention of the song in the review made her cry and cry. For you to mention it specifically also means a great deal to me because you've seen every show since '86 and have heard it many times!!
Thank you so much and again we appreciate the nominations and the beautiful review!

All the best,

Marcus Collins
The Texas Tenors

Answer

Marcus,

Believe me it was my pleasure to see and thoroughly enjoy The Texas Tenors performance. I am trully amazed at the talent you young men put on when I saw you at the Starlite Theater. I was truly amazed at the quality of the show that you performed on the first anniversary of your appearance on America's Got Talent. I cannot imagine any group that is able to put together an entire 2 hour show in that length of time while touring also. You three young men will always have a place in my Music Show Heart. You are remarkable.

Thanks,

Gary R. Wackerly

7/07/2010

Hello Gary.

You gave my wife and I one of your cards at the Paul Harris show last night, July 5th. I was not aware of your website before. We are from Iowa and have been coming to Branson for years and have gone to many, many shows over this time. I appreciate your website and the information you provide on shows. We went to 3 shows while in Branson this trip. We saw the Rankin Brothers (second time) and they were great and we enjoyed seeing their performance again. We also went to see Clay Cooper but was somewhat disappointed as we really wanted to hear more of him. We remember when he was at Country Tonight and then also at his own show a few years ago. He's great but his new show was too little of Clay Cooper. We didn't care for Buckets and Boards. We're happy for Clay Cooper now having his own theater and hope he has continued success. We've seen Paul Harris a few times before and he is funny and can play guitar and perform very well. It seems though that each time we see Paul, his has a few more jokes that get a little more off color and in our opinion, not appropriate for many audiences. We don't really like half his show performing as the Cleverlys but we've seen them before so maybe once seen, it's just not as funny. Paul Harris has talent but personally, I would like to see him clean up his jokes and sing and play more. The other musicians in the show were great but show could have been better considering all the great talent. We'll probably be back in Branson again this fall.

For what it's worth,

Lowell Nelson

Answer

Lowell,

I am glad that you received one of my cards. Please pass the information to people you know on their way to Branson. I make nothing on this website, I do it for the love of music and Branson. Paul Harris is a tremendous talent that I have seen for years. I have given him the Best Comedian Award for the last two years. I have seen the Cleverly's four times and I might agree with you on the point about frequent viewing might ruin the humor. I think Clay Cooper's show this year is very good. I especially love the Presidential Jeopardy game segment. I could sit and listen to Clay Cooper sing all day long. Matt Gumm is one of the best, if not the best, comedian in town this year. Melody Hart is a great gal and sings like an angel and is one of the best fiddlers around. Check out my award sections and see what you think of them. I would love to hear from you about any nominations.

take care,

Gary

7/04/2010 Kip Davis

Mr. Wackerly,

I work as a freelance columnist for The Woodruff County Monitor in Arkansas and The Cypress Times in Texas. I was recently in Branson to do a study on the different shows and how and if the economy has had an effect on them. While there, we saw many of the attractions and also many of the shows. We enjoyed most of them, but one in particular stood in a catagory of their own - The Duttons! They put on an amazing show! We are still talking about it and sending everyone we know that is going to Branson their way.

I love the Dixie Stampede too, but The Duttons are our new favorites. I'd like to share with you my article that will appear in the Woodruff County Monitor and the link to the one that appears on The Cypress Times.

We enjoyed the shows and the city very much.

Sincerely,

Kip Davis

Answer

Kip,

I agree about the Duttons. They are wonderful. I have nominated them for Best Show for the last two years. They are a phenominal family with astronimical talent. Check out the Awards section to see all of their moninations and plan to see their show again with some other of the highly nominated shows.

Gary

7/01/2010 Samantha Brown

Gary,

I've decided I'd like to start a similar award ceremony in LA, California. Would you guide me on how?

Sammi Brown

Answer

Sammi,

I would be glad to help you. I make no money at all from this website. I pay for all awards, hosting fees, and seach engine fees. I thought about taking adds for the year but decided not to do that because I might show a bias because of money. I have gotten one Walmart gift card from an annonymous person to help pay for the frames used in the awards. I would be glad to help you. I feel you should call me and I will answer any questions you may have.

Gary

6/29/2010 Sandy Reeves

Dear Gary,

We saw Trey Dees at the Branson Mall on Sunday and were so impressed with this young man's voice. We bought his CD's and wish we had more. We played over and over on our way home. Hope he continues to be successful. He seems so deserving of a good career in music.

Sandy Reeves

Answer

Sandy,

I agree with you about Trey Dees being one of the best male vocalists in the area. I do sell CD's from some of the Branson Entertainers. Each artist decides the price and they get 100% of the funds, unless they customer using PayPal to pay and shipping goes over $5.00. If Trey releases any more CD's I will list them on the website in the "Branson Artists CD's For Sale". Pass the website address on to other people you know that are coming to Branson. I do not make a single penny from this website. It costs me $3,500.00 a year to have it. I pay for all the awards. Check those pages out. Trey is nominated.

Gary

6/19/2010 Yolanda Branch Fletcher

Dear Gary,

It was a blessing to see that I was nominated for vocalist of the year. Thank you for coming to our show and for your kind nomination. Since performing with the World Famous Platters for six years, sometimes I have felt that my voice has not been recognized very much. So, even if I don't win, it is truly a blessing to know that you believe in my performance enough to nominate me. So, I would like to say, thank you very much and may God bless you always.

Sincerely,

Yolanda

Answer

Yolanda,

Believe me, listening to you is my and your audiences pleasure. I wish you all the success and more. I think you have one of the best voices in Branson. You are a delight and keep me posted as to any changes in the show, especially if a song or two are added for you.

Gary

6/16/2010 Dorothy Obbink

Surfed into your web site and noticed the Magnificent Variety show was not mentioned. We have been going faithfully to Branson and have always made a specific stop and that is wherever Joe, Tamra and Talya Tinoco were and are. It is definably an terrific family show and they grand parents and grand kids love the show and love the little girl who is now turning into a true Branson Prodigy. Can you please mention their show on your space. I nominate them for the family shows.

Thank You

Dorothy Obbink

Jack Obbibk and Family

Answer

Dorothy,

I have reviewed Joe and Tamra's show, the Magnificent Variety Show this year. I will admit that I need to return because they have had a few cast changes since I have seen it. Tamra Tinoco has always been one of my favorite female stars. I have nominated Talya Tinoco for the "Little Darlin' Award" and "Little Tike Award". I created that category because of Talya. There were too many older stars that shined and the little ones fell through the cracks. I agree she is a delight to see and hear. You might be right about the prodigy comment. I see all the shows in Branson. So far, I have seen 121 shows to date. I try to keep the nominations to five per category but have let them swell to ten. By July 31, I will whittle them down to 5 except for the Best Show category I am going to let 10 be the number for that award. Have you read the review I gave the Magnificent Variety Show? The Best Family Show is awarded to a show that has more than 50% family cast members. The Presley's and Baldknobbers just made the cut. S I X is all family, Hughes is all family, Haygoods have all family except 2, Brett's are all family except the band, Dutton's are all member but one, and Magnificent Variety show has 3 family members and 13 non family cast members.

Take care,

Gary R. Wackerly

6/12/2010 Mary Ann Riley

Gary,

Thanks for all the work you do to make this awards site. My daughter is a fiddler on three or four shows in Branson. Her name is Bonnie Riley and you have her placed in the fiddler category, with the Joey Riley show. Can I mention that she is on The morning show with Dalena Ditto and the TV show The Penny Gilley show and recently started playing with an Irish group at the Waxy O'Shea's pub at the Landing. Her fans will be watching your web site from now on ...so thanks for the recognition...

Best regards from Bonnie's mom

Mary Ann Riley

Victoria, Texas

Answer

Mary Ann,

I noticed your daughter right away. She is remarkable. I wish her all the best wishes I can send to her. I have not been able to see Dalena Ditto yet. I went to the theater and I haven't heard back. I was ill when the one visit was scheduled but they have not contacted me again.

Gary

6/11/2010 Ronald Foos

Hi,

We met you last night and you said you would have a review for us to read today. We thank you for coming to our show and wondered if your plans to post a review were changed.
Thanks for the thought and let me know when you get the post up, we look forward to reading your review.

Ron Foos (bass player)

Answer

Ron,

I have been sick and should not have gone to any shows this week, however I felt badly for the shows I had scheduled to see. I am finished with this weeks shows and have nothing for next week. I have a biopsy scheduled and I am sure I will be fine, but I am very tired. I plan on writing the review tomorrow and hope to have them all done by Sunday. Please be patient with me. It takes almost 5 hours to see, review, and write each review and I have seen 119 different shows this year since March 1. I am trying my best to keep up.

Take care,

Gary R. Wackerly

6/10/2010 Samantha Brown

I'm just curious about your site. I've seen about ten shows now in town, and looking through your categories, I'm curious why Paul Revere and the Raiders isn't mentioned. It's without question, the best, most powerful and professional show in town, and I like a lot of the shows. And I noticed Paul isn't mentioned as entertainer, nor is his lead singer Darren Dowler, who is being touted as the best singer and entertainer in town, by other singers in the shows. Including Bill Medley (who is a huge fan of Darren it seems.). I am a Darren fan now, without question. I saw his impressions the other night for the first time, and they were awesome. The guy dances, sings, does impressions, plays lead guitar, and from what I've heard is an incredible actor. Also I just read in a write up, its said he has one of the broadest ranges in the world. So why isn't he mentioned? And Paul is a legend entertainer, and the band is as good as it gets. One of the guys from Six said Darren is the best vocalist in Branson. Just curious. I love award ceremonies, so I'm just curious why such awesome talents are in your town and not in the running. You have them here, it seems only right they should be recognized too. Unless you just don't care for them. Then I can understand that.

Shows I have seen -

Six
Shoji
Bill Medley
Baldknobbers
Jim Stafford
Oaks
Paul Revere
Presleys
Legends

And I can honestly say that, none of these shows compared to the quality or grandness of Paul Revere and the Raiders

Samantha

Answer

Samantha,

I can appreciate your concern. However I have seen 119 different shows and have thirty or so to go. I can only see so many shows in a week. Each show that I see represents about 5 hours work. I have to drive to the shows, watch them, drive home, write the review, check on my grammar, filter the show through the 75 award catagories and then publish them on my website. I think I do a great job with the amount of time that it takes to see, review, and write. I also do not put the National Stars in the same categories as most of the shows in town. You haven't seen any of the shows that I have nominated for best show. The only show that I have not seen that you have is Shoji Tabuchi. The rest I have seen and have reviewed except Paul Revere. I am ill right now and have to have a biopsy next Friday. I just saw Paul Revere on Wednesday, June 9. I just haven't had the energy to see shows and write also. I am taking next week off to try and get better. I also am not going to any shows the rest of the week in hope of finishing the reviews of the shows I have seen this week.

You seem to gravitate toward the National Star Shows and I don't blame you for that. However, there are many people in this town that have tremendous talent but not the National name. I do have categories for the National Star shows, and I waited on June 9, 2010 for Darren Dowler to come out so I could tell him that I plan on nominating him for Best National Star Male Vocalist. But he chose not to come out. I did give some of the band members a card so he could look at it. I promised to have the review done by tonight, but I can't do that. I will get it done by tomorrow, June 12, 2010.

I consider the Paul Revere Show one of the best, if not the best, National Star Shows around. It is a wonderful blend of comedy and fantastic music. I will give Paul and Darren their just dews when I write the review.

Thanks,

Gary R. Wackerly

6/09/2010 Leigh

Hello:

What is the difference between your award categories of Best Elvis Impressionist and Best Elvis Tribute Artist? One artist that I noticed that has been moved from the Tribute category to the Impressionist category is Bill Chrastil. For me, I would consider him in the Elvis Tribute Artist since half of his show is Elvis.

Thanks for clarifying!

Leigh

Answer

Leigh,

The Award Committee asked for this change. If the entire performance is a tribute to one artist then it is a tribute. If they do other impressions of stars then they are an impressionist. I agreed to it, because of the amount of Elvis tributes and impressionists in Branson. I hope this explains it.

Gary

6/01/2010 Judy Capozzi

Gary,

Thank you for your call, Gary. I'm sorry I missed it. I was not able to email on your other addresses but am glad you received our comments. I would like to add a comment about Debbie Kaye. We passed through Branson 9 yrs ago and a pretty young girl sang to Bill at the Hard Luck Diner. When I saw Debbie this time, I kept thinking I had seen her before but couldn't think where. Now I know as we have a picture from then. Debbie Kaye has a lovely voice and is a wonderful entertainer. I hope to see good things ahead for her and for Gordy Wensel. She has such a nice manner, I came away feeling like we left a friend in Branson.

Thanks.

Judy and Bill

Answer

Judy,

Thank you for your comments and you are correct. I have seen the picture myself. Debbie is a fantastic individual and Gordy is lucky to have her. Of course, the same thing can be said for Debbie.

Gary

5/31/2010 Judy Capozzi

Happy Memorial Day!

We traveled home from Branson over the weekend and listened to Gordy Wensel and Debbie Kaye all the way home. They are refreshing and talented. Gordy has a wonderful voice. He makes you feel the music as well as hear it. After seeing him perform a few times, it was apparent that he is able to sing many types of music with ease. Watching Gordy and Debbie interact on stage showed what a comfortable rapport they have with the audience and what nice people they are as well. We searched them out at the cafe and the mall and their entertainment added so much to our stay in Branson. We wish them the best for a successful future.

Judy and Bill Capozzi

Answer

Judy and Bill

I agree with you about Gordy and Debbie. They are a fantastic couple. I am so glad that they are singing at the Uptown Cafe because I get to hear alot of Debbie Kaye. She is a wonderful entertainer, but most of all, she is a wonderful person. Gordy Wensel is an awesome talent and I love his voice. I am so glad that you were able to find them. That is why I go to all of the entertainers in town. I find the gems in Branson. I do not feel that all the best talent in Branson is not necesarily in the large theaters. There is tremendous talent in places other than that, it is my job to find it and make that available to the people that use my website.

Gary

5/16/2010 Bill

Hello Gary,

I just got home from Branson. I saw "SHAKE, RATTLE, and ROLL" on May 11th 2010, and it is the best 50's type show I have seen in a long time. It reminded me of "Lost in the 50's" at the Starlite Theater before they left. Do you know what happen to that show?

Bill

Answer

Bill,

I agree that "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" is a great show and I am nominating it for Best Show. However, there are a few more good shows on the 50's and 60's. "Top 10 Rock N Roll Revue", "Rock N Roll Is Here To Stay", "#1 Hits of the 60's", and best of all is "The Rankin Brothers Music Review". It is so hard for me to pick just one show. That is why I do not vote in the awards, I just see them all and make the nominations. Contact me when you want to come back and we can talk about what you have seen and what you should see.

Gary

5/14/2010 Billie Hunt

Dear Gary,
We just returned to Southern Nevada from our first trip to Branson. Our time was limited so we only saw two shows. I can't say how glad I am that we chose the Twelve Irish Tenors. They were wonderful and I was especially impressed with Jonathan Hill. Can you tell me where I can find more about him? Other favorites were Tony Turner and Cory Seay, "the Grandpa", as he called himself, being the oldest of the group. My only regret is that the CD I bought seems to be by an earlier version of the group and didn't feature the solos I enjoyed most. Is there a CD available by the group as it stands today ?

Billie

Answer

Billie,

Tony Turner is my favorite male vocalist in Branson. Cory Seay is my favorite male dramatic vocalist. Jonathan Hill is classically trained and very talented. It is a shame that you could not have seen Broadway. Cory and Tony are the two male voices in the entire show. They are spectacular. They have been in the recording studio recently and if they come out with a CD, I will let you know. I hope that they will do that soon. I want one also.

Gary

5/14/2010 Georgina Phillips

Gary,

Thank you so much for taking the time to review my Classic Country Show "When Country Was Cool". I hope you enjoyed the show as much as I enjoy performing those good ole classic songs. It was great to see you and I am looking forward to reading your review.

Have a great day,

Georgina Phillips

Answer

Georgina,

I always love to see and hear you sing. You are one of the best female vocalists in Branson and I am glad that I can see you as often as I want.

Gary

5/09/2010 Denis Felton

Gary,

Can you help me find the review of the Thomas Brothers?

Dennis Felton

Answer

Denis,

On the opening page of my website, there is a penguin playing a fiddle. Right under that penguin there is a blue vertical section. The fifth selection reads 2010 Branson Show Reviews. Click on that and look for the Thomas Brothers in the alphabetical list near the bottom of the list. Let me know what you think of my site and my reviews.

Gary

5/09/2010 Clayton Watson

Hi Sir,

This is my third season as an entertainer at the Branson Landing. I am a soloist piano player that plays by the water fountains in the evening time from 6-9 pm. Was wondering what it takes to get a review? Thanks so much for any help you can provide.

Clayton Watson

Answer

Clayton,

I had no idea that Branson Landing had entertainers. I will be seeing 3 shows tomorrow, Tuesday, May 11. I will come to the landing around six and be able to stay for about an hour. Please let me know if that is alright. I know I will enjoy the time spent listening to you. I love piano music.

Gary

5/09/2010 Tammy Marovets

I would like to say that Branson is lucky to have The Many Performances of Bill Chrastil there. When he use to travel before moving his show to Branson I was a dedicated Bill fan. Never missed a single show in my hometown of Waterloo Iowa. I went and saw him for 20 years. He puts a 150% in his entire show. His voice is unbelievable. He has great manners and a wonderful personallity. I can see why Bill is nominated for all the categories. He is doing what he has always dreamed of doing his whole life and we are so proud that he accomplished what he set out to do. So all of us from Waterloo Iowa want to wish Bill Chrastil Good Luck. His Tribute to Elvis is one of the best performances I have ever seen.

Thank you

Tammy Marovets

Answer

Tammy,

I also agree that he has a wonderful voice. I also like the fact that Joseph Hall and Bill Chrastil do not sing the same songs in their shows so a person can see both shows without duplication of songs.

Gary

105/03/2010

Dear Sir

I am a music teacher/songwriter from Ct who recently saw a video of Lori Locke on Schooltube.com. An amazing and inspirational story and Lori’s voice is wonderful. Anyway, I have written a few songs….two were recorded by the Harlem Boys and Girls Choir Alumni for a PBS Special in NY (you can see one of them by googling: “Let Him Soar” youtube)….I would love to send a few of my tunes to Lori for consideration. Is this possible? Thanks for any help you can provide…

Roy Schryver

Answer

Roy,

I see Lori Locke quite often. You are right, her voice is wonderful, but she is a very special person to me. Send it to my company and I will get them to her. I helped her get a recording machine and she is recording some on her own. A new song should be released shortly. I will tell her about it also. Branson Show Awards 108 Rocky Mountain RD Branson, MO 65616 Hope to hear from you soon.

Gary

4/27/2010 Velva Cort

Gary,

Kathy Eckart is now in a show at the Clay Cooper Theatre . “Swingin’ Doors” is an all-country show with Kathy Eckert and Bob Davidson and a five piece band. My husband went to the show opening today and commented that if you really like classic country this is another good show in Branson.

Velva

Answer

Velva,

I have a ticket to see Singin Doors on Friday the April 30 at 2:00 PM. I am sure I will enjoy it. I do like classic country.

Gary

4/26/2010 Velva Cort

Hi Gary.

Have you seen Leroy New’s “Tribute to Marty Robbins Show”? We stopped in there a few weeks ago and were blown away by his Robbins-like smooth vocals and his new backup musicians. Stop in to see them at the Little Opry Theatre in the IMAX Complex. His show is Sunday through Friday at 2 p.m.

Velva Cort

Answer

Velva,

I have seen his show. I haven't made my second visit yet but I have some committee members coming in a few weeks and plan on taking them to see that show when they come. I agree that it is nice to hear Marty's songs done so well.

Take care,

Gary

4/23/2010 Neal McCoy

Thanks Gary, Always great seeing you, please don't make yourself a stranger. I look forward to reading the review, Come see us, Neal

Thanks for letting me give you a hard time.

4/22/2010 Roy Rogers, Jr.

Gary,

Thank you so much for visiting the show yesterday and for the review posted on your website. We appreciate the kind words and support of the show.

Happy Trails, my friend.

Roy "Dusty" Rogers Jr.

Answer

Dusty,

Believe me, it was my pleasure to see your show. I really liked the museum and I hated to see it close. I will never again get to see "Nelllie Belle". You are a fantastic talent and person.

Thanks,

Gary

4/22/2010 Randy James

Gary,

Do you review Shoji's show?

Randy James

Answer

Randy,

I have tried for two years to review Shoji show, but they never get back with me. They will not give me a ticket and say they will call me, but never do. Noah, The Musical is the same way. Last year I tried three different times to review the show. I want to review it, I will again try soon. If you have contacts, tell them to let me do that.

Gary

4/22/2010 Corey Seay

Mr. Wackerly,

Thank you so much for your kind words at the show. It is always a treat to see you sitting front row at the show. I had the pleasure of reading your kind words and am most thankful.

My many thanks,

Cory Seay

Answer

Corey,

When I write a review, I speak from my heart. I have sung for many years and know music. I was even offered a record contract when I was a teenager. My Dad nixed it. I love music and theater. I know yoiu are great and I want everyone to know it also.

Gary

4/21/2010 Gary & Greybeard

Hey Gary,

Love your Branson Shows Reviewed website.

Thanks for the Doug Gabriel rave review as he is one of my good friends and favorite performers. You don't find a much better family !

I was wondering if you would like to do a banner trade out with us.
Check out our website at :
www.bransonradio.com

Here's some facts on the station :

Our site gets over 25,000 hits a month plus people listening each & every day (tourist & locals). We also get around 50 requests a day for music.

We only play the artists of Branson 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you.

Gary & Greybeard
Branson Radio
www.bransonradio.com

Answer

Gary,

Doug Gabriel, I also consider a friend. He has always supported me and my attempt to bring real awards to Branson. I would love to have a link to your website. I will put one on my website right away. I work hard at the reviews and spend $3,000.00 of my own money to pay for the website and the awards that I give out at the end of the season.

Gary

4/21/2010 John Riha

Gary,

What can you tell me about Joe Hall at the Owens Theater. I have looked on your web site and did not see anything. I heard it is nothing but a karaoke show. Planning on coming down to Branson again this year and rely on your web site for ideas.

Thanks

John Riha

Answer

John,

I haven't seen it yet. I am supposed to see it on the 29th of April. I will review it as soon as I see it. I am so glad that you use my reviews to pick your shows to see. That is the reason I go to all of the shows so people will know what shows might interest them. I have heard good things, but I will let you know as soon as I review his show.

Thanks,

Gary

4/20/2010 Cassandre' Haygood

Hello Gary,

It was great to see you the other day. I just wanted to say thank you for coming to the show. God bless you.

Sincerely,

Cassandre' Haygood

Answer

Cassandre',

I have always had a place in my heart for you and Tim. Believe me, it was my pleasure to see your show. I loved the addition of Jeremy Rabe to your show. He is such a great talent with a wonderful voice. I hope to come back many times this year. If you change anything, email me so I can return. Tell Tim hello. I miss the conversations we use to have.

Gary

4/20/2010 Georgia Beck

Gary,

Have you ever written a review for Circle B Chuckwagon? The whole evening is a great experience with the chuckwagon meal and then the excellent diverse entertainment from Circle B. You need to check it out!!!

By the way, love your reveiws of Cassandre' and The Haygoods!! We were there the same shows you were and were totally blown away by both.

Keep up the good work...

Answer

Georgia,

Yes I wrote a review last year and will go again this year. Just haven't arranged for it yet. I will call the theater in the next couple of weeks. I know I will enjoy it because I enjoyed it last year as well.

Gary

4/17/2010 Ron and Pat

WE SAW YOU AT THE HAYGOODS SHOW, YOU WERE TAPPING YOUR FINGERS,SMILING, AND KEEPING TIME WITH YOUR FEET. THANK YOU FOR THE CARDS WITH YOUR ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBERS. YOU ARE DOING A WONDERFUL JOB!!! GOD BLESS YOU, KEEP IT UP.

Ron and Pat

Answer

Ron and Pat,

You are right, I enjoy music shows and especially the Haygoods. Most of the theaters in town have entertainers that I have known for years. The Haygoods was the show that my son, Timothy, liked the most. He always mentioned that Tim Haygood had the same name as him. I lost Tim in a car accident in 2003. I will never be the same, but music makes me feel good for awhile.

Take Care,

Gary

4/14/2010 Jerry Gerbitz

Gary:

My name is Jerry Gerbitz I'am an over the road trucker and farmer that lives about 2 miles from Roger and Mary's, Maggie Mae, farm ,I work with Roger in the fall hauling their crops to the local co-op. I have known Roger all my life . So first of all thank-you for the nice review of Maggie Mae. And if you would like to see Mary in her true form plan a trip to Oxford,Wis. in the summer and attend one of Maggie Mae's Barn Dances. Roger and Mary took their dairy barn hayloft and have a good old time barn dance 4 or 5 a summer. 400 to 1000 people show up and it's free . Also plan a meal at Maggie Mae's Cafe in Oxford ,Wis. breakfast is the best, area farmers having coffee with a lot of BS . I have had coffee with Roger and Mary at their home and she really is the down home sweet gal you see on and off stage. Thanks again for taking time to see her perform.

Jerry

Answer

Jerry,

I am coming to Chicago to visit a friend and will try and arrange a trip to Wisconsin for a few days and see this wonderful women, Maggie Mae, in her own surroundings. I also will plan on several meals at her restaurant while I am there. Could you tell Maggie Mae to email me with a way of contacting her to arrange the trip. She is also welcome to phone me, I love to talk about the entertainers and shows in Branson. I would like to be there at one of the barn dances. I appreciate your positive comments. I try and do my best, because I want to promote the Branson area.

Gary

4/13/2010

Hey Gary!

Thank you kindly for your nice words, and wonderful and encouraging review! I appreciate you taking the time to attend my show, and enjoyed getting to talk with you! Thank you for all the hard work you put into your reviews, and taking the time to come out and see us do what we LOVE to do!

Take Care and God Bless!

John Sager

Answer

John,

I always love to hear you sing. Have you ever thought of singing "Bridge Over Troubled Water". I bet you could do a wonderful job on that song. Your voice would be suited to those powerful songs.

Take Care,

Gary

4/13/2010 Trey Dees

Gary,

I appreciate the write-up and kindness you have shown with your words, and for the nominations!

God Bless You My Friend!

Trey Dees

Answer

Trey,

You are a fabulous entertainer. I really enjoy hearing you sing. I would like you to continue singing Bobby Darin and possibly add Bobby Vee to your show. I think it would be cool to have a show of the Bobby's. Vee, Darin, and Vinton come to mind.

See you soon,

Gary

4/13/2010 John Sager

Hello Gary

...oh thank you so very much for the wonderful review for me and the Midwest Country Show. It was my first time in Branson and to be on a stage was an unreal feeling for me. Like I said on stage...never thought in my lifetime to be ever singing for a living and then get to do it in Branson was like icing on the cake. Your writing is a class act. RFD-TV-The Theater has contacted me for some additional shows but have not given me any dates yet other than the one in October. I will be happy with whatever they may offer.

Thanks again, God Bless and Happy Singing!

Maggie Mae from Wisconsin

Answer

Maggie

I would like to come up sometime in August to see your show and possibly go to one of your famous barn dances. Would that be possible. Can you get me a ticket to the Midwest Country Show. I am going to Chicago and I thought when I go back to Branson, I would take a little side trip. I know there must be a motel close and I have also been told that your food is mmmmmmmmmmmm good. Can't wait to taste it. I wish you all the best. You are a joy on stage.

Gary

4/06/2010

hi,

i was wondering if Kathy Eckert is schedule with anyone in the month of sept....2010 and how can i receive her schedule.....a couple of fans of hers in massachusetts

thank you,

Answer

I think Kathy Eckert is singing in Branson but I don't know where. I will ask around and find out. If you know what theater where she is singing, let me know and I will find out about her schedule for you. If not, tell me what show she was in last year and I will try to find out.

Thanks,

Gary

4/03/2010 Mark Rankin

Gary,

Thank you so much for the wonderful review. We enjoyed getting to talk to you after the show. We appreciate all the hard work you put in, seeing every show, and all the reviews. We feel very honored to have received the awards. Have a great year and God Bless. Also, let us know about the cards. We would be glad to hand them out.

Take Care,

Mark Rankin

Answer

Mark,

I always enjoy seeing your show. You definitely put numerous hours of planning and rehearsing to present such a well polished show to the lucky visitors that choose your show. I just want you to know that I have a rule that a show award cannot be awarded to the previous winner unless the show changes more than 50%. You qualify with 26 songs out of 42 song changes this year. I hope you have a tremendously successful year in 2010.

Gary

3/26/2010 Tiffany Thompson & Justin Sassanella

Hello Gary,

This is Tiffany Thompson and Justin Sassanella from "Shake, Rattle, and Roll." We just wanted to say thank you for the kind remarks and nominations. It means a lot to us and we're glad you enjoyed the show. Take care and we hope to see you again.

Thanks,

Tiffany and Justin

Answer

Tiffany and Justin,

I will correct the misspelling of your name, Justin. Thanks for the compliment. I meant every word I said.

Gary

3/11/10 Paul Scott

Just thought you should know that Johnny Rogers has got to be the best tribute artist yet.

As no surprise to me, Johnny has what it takes to move a crowd and I've known this for years. When he was much younger I told him to shoot for the moon and he might just get it, I believe in him and his talent. Johnny should be in the running for sure and you can tell him I said so.

Paul Scott, Benton, IL.

Answer

Paul,

I totally agree, however, Johnny is not performing in Branson this year. At least, I don't think he is. Johnny Rogers is one of the best talents that Branson has seen since Dr. David Strubble of the late 1980's.

Take care,

Gary

3/09/10 Peggy Rhea Smelcer

I'm excited about your nomination of Randy Rhea as the drummer with the Grand Country Jubilee. He's the greatest! Of course I'm partial (I'm his mom). Randy has been involved with country music since he was born. He had his first set of professional drums when he was 8 years old. He's been playing drums since he was a toddler, using my pots and pans and clothes baskets. I'm proud of his accomplishments and glad to see him at the Jubilee in Branson. Can't wait to get there this summer to see the show! I know Jackie Brown and Matt Hanshaw from their Pigeon Forge days. No doubt it's a fantastic show!

Answer

Peggy,

When you arrive in Branson, I would like to meet your family. I am also glad that he is in Branson. I would like to talk with you after we see the show together, maybe.

Gary

3/07/10 Johnny Rife

My opinion why The Promise didn't last another year? We need to take a stand against what God hates...the sin of homosexuality. What a shame for an openly gay man to play the part of a Biblical charactor. How sad! How true!

Johnny

Answer

Johnny,

"The Promise" had a nice run here in Branson. Sometimes we have to remember that all people, including gays, were made by our beloved Lord, God the Father. They were born that way and need love too. I hope you show all people, disabled, gay, straight, black, white, brown etc. are loved by God and we should understand them as well.

Gary

1/13/2010 Carol Freeman

Years and years ago we came to Branson and we saw the Braschler Brothers sing. I was blown away by a song, I think it was about the cross that Jesus died on. We bought the tape just for that song. It wasn't any song about the cross that I had ever heard. I can't remember the title of the song and can not find anything about the Braschler Brothers songs or tapes. Can you help me at all with such limited information?

Carol Freeman

Answer

Cara,

I just talked with the mother of the Braschler children and the wife of Cliff Braschler, the Father and owner of the Quartet. They were never known as the Braschler Brothers, just the Braschler Quartet. There was a group that sang out at Silver Dollar City about 15 to 20 years ago called the Branson Brothers. I really think you are speaking about a song called "He Grew The Tree". I think it fits your description. If I can help with anything else, let me know. If you ever come back to Branson, let's have lunch.

Thanks,

Gary

All Shows are reviewed by Gary R. Wackerly of www.BransonShowAwards.com. All nominations and commentaries are decided and awarded by Gary R. Wackerly. The final decision on the nominated winners will be decided by a seven member committee chaired by Gary R. Wackerly. www.BransonShowAwards.com has no affiliation with any show, company, City of Branson, or any Chamber of Commerce. If you want to email me you can use BransonShowAwards@gmail.com