THE BRANSON INSIDER is a new publication being released this summer to promote fun Branson shows and attractions to area visitors.

The Hamner Barber Theater will be featured on the back cover of each issue with the tongue-in-cheek title, THE HAMNER BARBER BACKSIDER.

The new magazine is published by Performance Media, who promote Branson area attractions and shows via several printed and online publications:

• BransonSavings.com
• BransonFamilyValues.com
• BransonChurchGroups.com

The new format is unique among all others in Branson as it is purposely designed to appeal to Branson show goers looking for fun and excitement in a format that is reminiscent of celebrity news and gossip tabloids of the 1950′s such as Confidential Magazine.

The new BRANSON INSIDER magazine hits Ozarks area newsstands today, and features INSIDE BUZZ (Rumors, Whispers, Back Stage Drama), STUFF HAPPENS (Current News in Branson), SHOW GUIDE (Mood Finder for Shows, Branson Guest Stars, Seasonal Shows, the Complete Branson Show Schedule, Insider Show Picks), ATTRACTIONS GUIDE (Mood Finders for Fun), DINING GUIDE (Recipes of the Stars, Quick Pick Dining Grid, Food Finder/Mood Finder, Menus), SHOPPING GUIDE (Shows and Attractions Map, Dining Guide Map), INSIDER CROSSWORD (Joey’s Solution)… and of course the HAMNER BARBER BACKSIDER ad on the flipside!

Branson Has Something For The Entire Family!

Branson, Missouri is without a doubt the most family friendly travel destination in the entire country, and for good reason.  The live entertainment and production shows, theme parks, water attractions, go-carts, miniature golf, regulation golf, boating, fishing and lots of unique museums all add up to a great family vacation experience.  It’s no wonder that Branson has become one of the hottest spots in the nation for family reunions and vacations. Where else can a small or large family gathering all participate in a shared experience that each and every member of the group will enjoy and remember for years to come?  Kids, teens, parents and grandparents alike will all have the opportunity to play together in the Live Music Show Capital of the World. Many Branson shows such as the Hamner Barber Variety Show pay extra special attention to family reunion groups and give them a big shout out greeting during the performance welcoming them to the show.  It’s not uncommon for some of the family members to even be included in one of the show’s fun audience participation segments creating yet another memorable experience for the family to enjoy.  After the show, the stars of the show will even take pictures with your family and spend time chatting and signing autographs.

Branson is Affordable Family Fun!

Branson is a great destination choice for families looking to maximize their fun while saving money at the same time.  Hotel, attraction and show prices in Branson are generally much lower than other major tourist destinations and family reunion groups especially can save because they qualify for low group rates for nearly all of the services Branson has to offer. For more information on money saving ticket purchase opportunities at the Hamner Barber Theater for your family or reunion group, please call our Group Sales Department toll-free at 1-888-335-2080.

When the new Branson Airport opened it’s runway in May of 2009, the First Annual Branson Airshow featuring the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and a host of other flying daredevils brought a brand new form of entertainment high above the skies of the Live Show Capital of the World.  It wasn’t the first time however, that Branson audiences looked up to see the miraculous happenings in the air above.

Before the screaming jet engines and the plumes of dense smoke, there was a modestly quaint and colorful performance happening nightly over the heads of astonished Branson theater goers.  The act was called the “Pirate Parrot Act” and was developed over many years of intense training, love and dedication by professional illusionists Dave and Denise Hamner who came to the Ozarks from their ranch home in Southern California where they raised their birds by hand and tended to them kindly as if they were their own children.    In their one-of-a-kind act, a beautiful bevy of exotic, tropical parrots appear from nowhere, flying low enough over the audience as to rustle the hair of anyone in their path.  There are macaws, cockatoos and even white doves creating a seemingly endless array of feathered fun to the delight of those looking up from below.  The giddy laughs of amazement and vocal cheers from the crowd is testament to the sheer magnificence of their original routine.  Branson audiences had never seen anything like this before.

The Hamners were receiving high recognition for their magical effects, long before bringing them to Branson.  In addition to appearances across the country, they’ve performed at major attractions such as Disneyland and Hollywood’s Magic Castle.  After a performance in Las Vegas, entertainment Superstars Siegfried and Roy presented the Hamners with their prestigious Bronze Lion Award for excellence and shortly thereafter, they were asked to perform with their beautiful birds on NBC’s “World’s Greatest Magic” TV special which has been aired around the world numerous times.  Host John Ritter introduced the Hamners as “the most amazing bird act in all of magic.”

When the Hamners were hired to perform at a theater in the Mutton Hollow Theme Park in Branson, Missouri (most recently known as Celebration City), they were so taken by the beauty of the Ozarks, that  they sought out other opportunities to stay in the area.  After an invitation from Jimmy Osmond to join him and his talented brothers at the Osmond Family Theater, The Hamners began to earn a reputation around Branson as one of the most amazing support acts in town.  When their contract at the Osmond Theater expired, Dave and Denise were offered a featured role in a new production show called “Branson City Lights” which then led to an opportunity to finally headline their own “Magic of the Night” spectacular at the Remington Theatre.  A couple years later, they once again teamed up with Jimmy Osmond to perform in the “American Jukebox Show” where they shared a dressing room with comedian, ventriloquist Jim Barber who had also been cast in the new show.  Although the Hamners and Jim Barber had been friends for many years prior, this opportunity to appear in the same show brought them much closer together.

After a successful two-season run, the plug was pulled on the American Jukebox Show creating an opportunity for the performers to move on to new ventures.  Jimmy Osmond traveled to England to produce and star in various projects, and in the Spring  of 2004, Jim Barber and The Hamners were offered an opportunity to co-star in their very own “Hamner Barber Variety Show” at another venue that they now own together, the Hamner Barber Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.  In 2010, the award-winning variety show will celebrate it’s seventh-season as Branson’s most unique family show featuring magic, comedy, music and dance.

In addition to their magical feathered friends, the Hamners have also invented and developed many never-before-seen stage illusions that can only be experienced at their Branson show.  In the world of illusion, The Hamners are true originals in every sense of the word.  As long as they continue to step out onto the stage of the Hamner Barber Theater, there will be magic in the air above Branson!

The Hamner Barber Variety Show tribute to veterans entitled, “Thank You’s Not Enough,” is becoming a hot topic of conversation around Branson and among the many visitors who have experienced the live production show. Dave Hamner and Jim Barber were even recently awarded a National Commendation from the U.S. Army for creating and performing this tribute.

The 9.5 minute tribute is the finale to the Hamner Barber Variety Show and features an original song, orchestrated by music writer and composer Bobby Hamilton especially for this production. Sung by Dave Hamner and Jim Barber with vocal backups from the show cast, the song becomes the background to a multimedia history lesson presented on three screens across the front of the stage area. Featured on the video are three surviving heroes of the World War II Battle for Iwo Jima: Ray Victor Snapp, Richard F. Green, and Col. John Keith Wells. These three gentlemen appeared in person at the first annual Hand-In-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients in April 2009 at the Hamner Barber Theater. Read more about that event.

The surprise finale of the tribute will only be reveled to those who see the show in person, but it can truthfully be reported that it has consistently produced emotional cheers, tears and standing ovations.

Below are some recent quotes from the press in regards to the Hamner Barber Veterans tribute:

“In a town that pays tribute to veterans on a daily basis, there’s a show which does it all up in as good a fashion as this writer has ever seen. We were so impressed with the way all vets are honored by the Hamner Barber Variety Show last Friday night. That segment which closes the show is done with class and true appreciation of the sacrifices made by our service men and women around the world. A great song performed here by Jim and Dave, “Thank You Is Not Enough,” Well done, gentlemen.”

Ronnie Page – Entertainment Editor, Branson Daily Independent (read full article)

“The show’s tribute to America’s veterans, living and dead, active duty personnel and their families is a show highlight that is both innovative and beautifully, humbly, and respectfully presented from the heart. In the world of illusions, performers have made people, airplanes, animals, trucks, and even mountains disappear or appear, but none has topped the emotional and patriotic size of this finale tribute illusion. It is a special blessing.”

Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull, BransonCourier.com (read full article)

“New for the 2009 season is a finale that will bring tears to your eyes and pride in your heart. Keeping this story spoiler free is important, but the finale must be experienced to be believed.”

Josh Clark, The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette (read full article)

“One of the most moving events of the whole weekend…
There was not a dry eye in the house.”

Military Order of the Purple Heart – PurpleHeart.org

“Much more than simple acknowledgement, magician Dave Hamner and comedian Jim Barber dedicate the entire final segmet of their show to a breathtaking, poignant display capped by a momentous theatrical climax in honor of American veterans. Fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, uncles, aunts, friends, church members, community leaders: has the price invested for our FREEDOM touched you? Celebrate that gift! Commemorate that sacrifice with Hamner Barber in Branson this year!

A spectacular magic show and ventriloquism act showcases the talent of these award-winning performers. It all sets you up for the sensational final act – an inspired tribute to the courageous men and women of America who have given their talents – and their lives – so that FREEDOM lives in America.

“It hit me like I was there with them and it made me proud… it was overwhelming. I was actually crying.” – Robin Herman-Randall, Army veteran

Inspiring, rare, a memorable duet by Dave Hamner and Jim Barber ushers in a magnificent, touching audio/visual display impacting emotions and memories. With breathtaking special effects and a full-cast musical extravaganza, you will experience the astonishing surprise finale as only Hamner Barber can give.

Be magically and majestically buoyed in spirit – your heart inspired and uplifted with gratitude and praise for the veterans of the U.S.A.”

Dana Griffin – Branson Church Getaway Planner

In an article published today on BransonCourier.com, writer Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull provided a very complimentary review in his story titled, “Magic, Fun and Comedy are not an Illusion at Hamner Barber Variety Show.”

“Its variety is straight forward magic, ventriloquism and comedy, but the way they are presented, by two masters of their craft, Illusionist David Hamner and comedian-ventriloquist Jim Barber, separates this variety show from any other in Branson, perhaps in the world.” - Gary Groman aka The Old Seagull

Families with children, retired adults, motor coach groups, military reunions and student travel groups all agree that the Hamner Barber Variety Show was a highlight of their trip to Branson. Mr. Groman explained why the show is the perfect entertainment choice for every type of audience.

“There are relatively few shows in Branson that will hold the interest of children for the majority of the show. There are still fewer that can hold the interest of children while genuinely doing the same thing for adults. The Hamner Barber Variety Show is one of these shows. The constant rotation of the magic with the comedy and ventriloquism flows smoothly from one segment to the next keeping the audience waiting in anticipation for what is coming next and it makes no difference whether the age of the audience member is 10 or 70.” – Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

The article also discusses highlights of the production show including the entire cast of performers, dancers and magic assistants.

“It is not just the variety of the magic; it is the manner in which Hamner, his wife, Denise, and their supporting cast, present that magic. Dancers A.J. Heard, Ken Brown, and Kelly Nolte, who also double as magic assistants along with Lex Pearson and Michael Maeder, have been choreographed and worked into the presentation of the vast majority of illusions. The result is some of the most beautiful, entertaining and exciting magic available on any stage anywhere.” - Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

Mr. Groman continued the article with comments about Jim Barber’s unique ventriloquism routines throughout the show.

“The comedy and operatic duet with Seville is amazing, but when it turns into trio that’s “magic.”… Audience members might wonder why Barber opened the bag and kept the “baby,” but they will not be able to stop laughing because he did. Not to be outdone by the Hamner’s and their exotic birds, Barber works with a Chihuahua type character called “Chico Pete” and takes the audience to new levels of laughter all the while demonstrating why he is one of the nation’s top ventriloquists.” - Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

Finally, Mr. Groman added his coments regarding the Hamner Barber magical multimedia tribute to veterans called “Thank You’s Not Enough” that has generated a huge amount of positive comments from both audience members, national military organizations and press alike.

“The show’s tribute to America’s veterans, living and dead, active duty personnel and their families is a show highlight that is both innovative and beautifully, humbly, and respectfully presented from the heart. In the world of illusions, performers have made people, airplanes, animals, trucks, and even mountains disappear or appear, but none has topped the emotional and patriotic size of this finale tribute illusion. It is a special blessing.” - Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

Special thanks to Gary Groman for writing this terrific review of the Hamner Barber show. Please visit the Branson Courier website to read the full article and more wonderful Branson news articles by this talented and prolific author affectionately known as The Ole Seagull.

Texas Swing Music is alive and well in Branson!

Ricky Boen and Texas Mud have been entertaining and amazing audiences for the past three years in Branson. However, when you visit the Hamner Barber Theater and Ricky and Texas Mud take the stage you will not hear the Big Band sound with clarinets, saxophones and horns driving the music. This is Texas Swing….music driven primarily by the string sound, predominately fiddles, steel guitar and guitars. Remember though this is Texas Swing and of course that means twin fiddles!

Ricky Boen is one of the most energetic, talented musicians to grace a stage. This 1983 World Champion fiddle player leads this incredibly gifted group of musicians which includes Mark Boyd on guitar and vocals, Ricky’s dad, Darrell Boen also on vocals and guitar, Mark Pearman is the other “half” of the twin fiddles, Casey Robertson keeps the beat on the drums, Mark Abbott is on the upright bass and vocals and polishing off that Texas Swing sound is Dave Musgrave on the steel guitar. After just one song audiences will not be surprised to learn that Ricky Boen and Texas Mud were named Western Swing Group of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists in 2001 and were honored with the coveted Will Rogers’ Award.

Joining Ricky and the boys is eleven-year-old Brooke Hale. Brooke’s powerhouse voice and her lively dance moves bring just a little feminine touch to this group. And ready or not Branson’s only female comedian “Ida Claire” is in the house! You never know what Ida is up to on any given day and generally neither does Ricky and the boys.

This unique Texas Swing Variety show definitely has something for everyone. Between their blend of amazing instrumental talent, vocal harmony, lots of laughter and fun, it is easy to see why it is definitely Texas Swing Done Right!

Related Websites: TexasMud.com, BransonWebcast.com|Ricky Boen

Related Articles: Ricky Boen Honored in Hometown, Hamner Barber Welcomes Texas Mud, Texas Mud Video Promo

Ricky Boen & Texas Mud

Three American heroes will be honored for their courage this Friday evening at the Hamner Barber Theater in Branson.

“Thank You’s Not Enough” is a magical, multimedia tribute to American Veterans and active service members and is the new finale of the popular Hamner Barber Variety Show on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.

Featured are three survivors of the WWII Battle for Iwo Jima, Major John Keith Wells, Marines (TX), Ray Victor Snapp, Navy-USS Pensacola (OH), and Richard F. Green, Marines-USS Pensacola (AR).

Major John Keith Wells led what is believed to be the most decorated platoon in Marine history, the 3rd Platoon, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division. This platoon was made famous for its attack on Mt. Suribachi and for raising the first flag on the summit. He wrote a memoir about his command of and war time experiences entitled “Give Me 50 Marines Not Afraid to Die: Iwo Jima”. He was also featured in the History Channel production, Shootout! Iwo Jima: Fight To The Death.

Watch a portion of Shootout! Iwo Jima (warning: graphic battle scenes)
Shootout! Scene One (Wells begins at 5:36) | Shootout! Scene Two

This may be the only time that these three highly decorated Veterans will appear together in person as part of the full Hamner Barber Variety Show and the producers of the show, Dave Hamner and Jim Barber are so excited that they are inviting the community to attend the special show at an area-appreciation ticket price of only $5.00 (+tax). Discounted tickets are available to card carrying residents of Stone, Taney, Marion, Baxter, Barry, Greene, Christian, Lawrence, Polk, Webster, Carroll and Boone counties.

Free Event this Friday & Saturday

The theater also invites everyone to attend the “Hand-In-Hand” Branson honors Purple Heart Recipients events this Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. This exciting and free event is produced by Branson.com and Branson Tourism Center. Visit their website for more information on the various activities.

For reservations call 417-334-4363 or visit the box to purchase tickets beforehand. Seating may be limited.

Related Websites: www.HamnerBarber.com, www.Branson.com

tune in online : watch Jim’s appearance on CBS.com now

Jim Barber’s recent performance during the Late Show’s “Ventriloquist Week” was not only enjoyed by the enthusiastic studio audience in the historic Ed Sullivan Theater, and the hard working staff of the show itself, but also by the estimated 4.1 million viewers who tune into the show on an average night.

“Being selected to appear on David Letterman’s show was not only an extreme honor, but a surprisingly fun experience. The staff, stars and crew of the show are the best in the business and they helped make this brief performance one of the highlights of my 35 year career as a professional entertainer. Congratulations to my fellow ventriloquists that have also appeared on Late Show as part of this special “tongue-in-cheek salute” to our rare and wacky art form. Big thanks to David Letterman and everyone at Late Show. ” – Jim Barber

Over a week later, the Hamner Barber Theater’s e-mail box continues to receive many letters of support and congratulations from friends around the globe, both old and new who saw Jim’s act. Some were from inspired young ventriloquists, while others were from well-seasoned professional entertainers who offered a pat on the back. Most however, were from average Letterman viewers who just wanted to say hello and thank Jim for the fun.

“I’m humbled by the hundreds of letters I received in the days that followed my appearance,” said Barber. “I didn’t expect that and am truly thankful for the kind words and appreciation of my act.”

Jim’s performance also caught the eye of some television “Insiders,” including Michele Greppi of Television Week, the communty newspaper of the entire television industry.

Her article featured a multi-photo spread of Jim and Seville with a very positive “mash note” to “Late Show With David Letterman” for booking ventriloquists on the show.

Greppi wrote, “If it hadn’t been for rib-tickling “Ventriloquist Week 2,” The Insider would have gone all post-nuclear on everyone…”

Referring to Jim Barber’s act she added, “In addition to making himself appear to be the dummy of his two operatic dummies, Mr. Seville does an inspired bit with a hand in a glass of water.”

online version: TVWeek.com | The Insider – Feb 19, 2007
Thanks to Michele Greppi & Master Ventriloquist Dale Brown for sending the Article!

“Special thanks to Late Show staffers Mike, Annette and Ryan.
In the photos above, Dave told me you each get two weeks off with pay!!!?” – Jim