The 1st Annual Branson Gong Show was a smash success thanks to the efforts of several fearless performers, three wacky judges, two beautiful “hoopa” girls, one sparkling scorekeeper, a wonderful warm-up man, and a clever comedian host.
Show producer Harry Watterson pulled all the strings backstage to create one of the most entertaining benefit shows to hit the Live Music Show Capital of the World.
Producer Harry Watterson
Christine Thompson, Director of the Branson Senior Center for whom the charity event was staged, thought the show was a huge hit not only for the crowd but for the “Meals on Wheels” program that they sponsor. The Branson Gong Show netted around $4,000 with proceeds going to the various programs through the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging.
“We had such a great crowd, it was just awesome. It was sort of like a wedding in that we did all this planning and practicing, and it was over in a flash. Those funds will help so many programs for seniors, not only in this area, but all over Southwest Missouri.”
Christine Thompson – from Branson Tri-Lakes News Article
Gong Show Host: Jim Barber
Celebrity host Jim Barber kept things flowing and soothed the emotions of the unfortunate performers who felt the wrathe of the gong, generously donated for use at the event by Reliable Toyota of Springfield, Missouri.
Speaking of Jim Barber, the guy did a smooth job of keeping all the zanies at bay and keeping the show moving at a good pace. We had thought the show would run long, however, after beginning at 6:49pm, the Gong Show concluded about 9:15pm.
Ronnie Page – Entertainment Editor – Branson Daily Independent
The three celebrity judges were magical illusionist Dave Hamner of the Hamner Barber Variety Show, amazing impressionist Bob Anderson, and the multi-talented singer, guitar player and impersonator George Trillinger.
Jim Barber with Judges: George Trullinger, Bob Anderson & Dave Hamner
Those judges by the way… had an unenviable task of judging and gonging some of the acts. Don’t ever ask this writer to be a gong show judge. I just couldn’t do it. Incidentally, the “gong” used for the show was donated by Reliable Toyota. Barber was quick to point out that when the gong was hit, it just kept on going.
Ronnie Page – Entertainment Editor – Branson Daily Independent
Mi Foo Ling
The beautiful and talented Dalena Ditto kept score as one by one, the talented (and not-so-talented) performers took their turn on stage. The winners clearly stood out from a few of the strange and wonderful gong-worthy acts. At times, the crowd jeered the judges to take a swing at even some of the better acts, yet when the smoke cleared there were three winners.
The grand prize went to 11-year old April Ash from Rockaway Beach. April takes home a grand prize check for $500 and a great big “thank you” from the Branson Senior Center. The second prize winner was a fellow just known as “Harold” who came on like a real nerd but sho turned into a real rocker with a hopping version of “Long Tall Sally.” Harold Nino is employed by Branson High School as a paraprofessional. Third place went to a relatively newcomer to Branson, Brian Wurst, who got everyone’s attention when he kicked off his shoe, pulled off his sock and proceeded to put it on his left hand like a glove. Brian is a chiropractor in the Branson West area and was the recipient of a jab by host Jim Barber who noted that Brian could be the “Wurst chiropractor in the area.
Ronnie Page – Entertainment Editor – Branson Daily Independent
Sarah Rackley
See many more photos of the 1st Annual Branson Gong Show courtesy of Meadows Images.
Other Branson Show News Articles:
Jim Barber Hosts 11th Annual Hollister Grape Stomp
Examiner.com Article: Happiness Is Not An Illusion
Enjoy A Magical Memorial Day Weekend in Branson!
Remembering Our Friend And Mentor, Gary Ouellet
