The very first issue of the Branson Tri-Lakes News for the new year of 2012 featured a cover story entitled 100 years, a look back in which staff writer Tyler Franke reports that the Branson area newspaper has just reached its 100th year of continuous publication. The Branson Tri-Lakes News is the local newspaper covering Branson, Taney County and Stone County in Missouri, and traces its roots to the oldest publications in Taney County. Read the full article here.

Hamner Barber Show Featured on Branson Tri-Lakes News

This historical milestone comes just a few months before the city of Branson celebrates it’s Centennial in the traditional grand style of the Ozarks. Branson Tri-Lakes News Publisher and part-owner Michael Schuver has announced they will release a special publication in March celebrating the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the city.

Happy New Year, Baby!

Considering the historical importance of this particular issue of the newspaper, it was a surprise honor for the Hamner Barber Variety Show to have been selected as one of the featured photos on the front cover of the centennial edition.

Taken amidst a packed house at the second annual Hamner Barber New Year’s Eve Fiesta on December 31st, the photo shows comedian Jim Barber in a routine where he imitates “Huston Towers” as part of a comedy game show segment. The newspaper photo is captioned as follows…

JIM BARBER, a comedian and ventriloquist in Branson, does is impression of movie character Austin Powers during the “Hamner Barber New Year’s Eve Fiesta” Saturday night.  Hundreds attended the four-hour celebration, which included Mexican food, fiesta games and an extended presentation of the “Hamner Barber Show.”

- Tyler Francke | Branson Tri-Lakes News

What’s NEW in 2012 at Hamner Barber Theater?

There will be many news worthy events and updates on tap at the Hamner Barber Theater this year.  Among them are the addition of several brand new routines and illusions in the Hamner Barber Variety Show, celebrating it’s 9th season in 2012.  There will also be several guest artist performances and fund-raising events for Branson area organizations in need of assistance during the year.

In addition to a full season schedule of the Hamner Barber Variety Show, popular country music singer Dalena Ditto will return for her 11th season in Branson with a series of 59 concerts at the Hamner Barber Theater throughout the year beginning March 29th. More information on the Dalena Ditto Country Variety Show can be found here. On Friday April 27th at 2pm, the Branson Magic Bonanza will once again present it’s Magic All-Stars Show featuring magicians Greg Wilson, Tom Burgoon, Jason Hudy and Levent, along with another surprise guest performer.   The Plummer Family will return with their 6th Annual Reunion Show on Saturday, May 6th. Information on all these shows will be released closer to the events.

Fundraising events at Hamner Barber Theater this year include the 3rd Annual Branson Gong Show to raise funds for the Branson Homebound Senior Meal program of the Branson Senior Center.  Auditions for the show will be held on Monday, January 23rd from 5-8pm at the Branson Senior Center. Mark your calendars to attend the Branson Gong Show on Wednesday, February 22nd.  More information will be released soon, but you can read about last year’s event here.

In May (date to be determined) we will also be hosting our 9th Annual Vietnam Veterans Assistance Show.  This is always a powerful and highly entertaining event where many of the top Branson stars gather together at the Hamner Barber Theater in benefit of our local area Veterans who are in need of assistance.

More information on this great benefit concert will be released soon, and information regarding last year’s event can be read here.

Finally, the Hamner Barber Theater is proud to once again team up with Branson.com to present the annual Hand-In-Hand, Branson Honors Purple Heart Veterans event April 26, 27 and 28th. Since it’s beginning, Hamner Barber has hosted the opening ceremonies, public entertainment show, and closing ceremonies throughout the three day event. This year’s event promises to be the biggest and best ever, and the public is invited to participate in the activities free of charge. More information will be available at the Veterans Galleria on Branson.com.

Photo: Ronnie Page - Branson Daily Independent

Approximately 150 people from 12 states across the country gathered together to recognize achievement and promote their work in gospel music to a larger audience.

Comedian Jim Barber from the Hamner Barber Variety Show was invited to present an award to the “Young Artist of the Year,” Heather Martin. Runners up were Keely Jarrett and Lucas Cilliberti.  Jim brought along his funny “Baby” character who ad-libbed some comical one-liners  with various members of the audience including Nationally known gospel music performers Randy Brooks, Barbara Fairchild and Randy Plummer.

Later during the event, Randy Plummer surprised Jim Barber by presenting the Ozark Spirit Award to both he and Dave Hamner for their efforts in providing wholesome family entertainment and for being an example to others in their continual efforts to give back and serve the community through various means.

Tonight is a very special night for the Ozark Spirit Award.  It’s winner is usually one person but tonight it goes to more than one. (Then Randy read a list of Hamner and Barber accomplishments.) The winners tonight are a big blessing to the Branson area spreading great entertainment and ministry to thousands of tourists.  It is with great pleasure to announce the 2011 Ozark Spirit Award winners, from the Hamner Barber Theater… my special friends Dave Hamner and Jim Barber!
- Randy Plummer

Jim Barber accepted the award on behalf of both he and The Hamner’s who were not able to attend the awards banquet due to their participation in a fundraiser benefit show that same evening.  A follow up appreciation note from the performers is printed below.

We sincerely appreciate this recognition from the Branson Gospel Singer Songwriter Association and we wish to thank DK and Sherrie Brewster, Randy Plummer and all of the members if the organization for presenting us with this beautiful award. In recognition on your purpose statement, we will display it proudly in our theater lobby as a reminder to “let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.”

Thank you! – Jim Barber & Dave Hamner

Many singer/songwriter awards were presented during the evening in various categories to the members of the association including the special honor awards presented to Hamner and Barber, Roy and Barbara (Fairchild) Morris, Ronnie Page, Karen Berka, and Randy Brooks who was the recipient of the prized Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with the Brooks Brothers Duet and his dedication for playing the role of Jesus in the musical The Promise for so many years around the world.  Entertainment before the event featured saxophonist Gary Dooms and a surprise guest appearance by Branson entertainer Terry Sanders as Joan Rivers provided more laughs.

For more information on D.K. and Sherrie Brewster and The Best Is Yet To Come Ministries who produced the event, visit their website YetToComeProductions.com.

Are You a Goldmember Yet?

Branson Tourism Center believes that their customers deserve special treatment, and therefore have begun rewarding them with this new Concierge program.  As a thank you for booking your vacation through Branson Tourism Center, they will automatically enroll you as a member of the program which entitles you to exclusive discounts and special deals all over Branson simply by showing your Branson Tourism Center Concierge Card.

Members Only Branson Vacation-Enhancing Benefits!

As a Concierge member, you’ll enjoy exclusive members-only savings and offers throughout the year plus special benefits — from money-saving offers to announcements, updates and even invitations to intimate gatherings with your favorite Branson stars as a Platinum Member.  The program is designed to help you enjoy your Branson vacation more than ever!

Concierge membership is all about taking it easy on vacation while Branson Tourism Center takes care of your reservations, tickets and planning. When you book your exciting trip to the Ozarks with Branson Tourism Center, you don’t pay more…you just get more!  They promise that there are no service fees or mark-ups… ever!

So relax. Have fun. Let Branson Tourism Center do the work while you enjoy your most carefree Branson vacation ever.

Come visit Branson Missouri and be sure to see comedian Jim Barber along with illusionists The Hamners in the amazing Hamner Barber Variety Show! Be sure to show your Concierge card to receive some extra special perks!  Groovy, yah!

For more information on the Concierge Member Card visit BransonTourismCenter.com

Most Recommended Show!

Grand Crowne Resorts promotes the Hamner Barber Variety Show as one of their “most recommended shows” in Branson, and the interview with Emmons includes a lively discussion of the incredible magic illusions, beautiful tropical parrots, and original comedy ventriloquism that can only be found at the Hamner Barber Theater.  This is also a rare opportunity to watch Jim Barber speak in the vocal style of his ventriloquism characters Chico Pete, Baby and Seville, without having the actual puppets in hand.

The Hamner Barber Variety Show is a proud marketing partner with Grand Crowne Resorts who offer exciting vacation entertainment packages for travelers visiting great destinations like Branson, Missouri; Biloxi, Mississippi; and Pidgeon Forge, Tennessee.

Interviewer Kent Emmons is a well respected radio and television producer based in Los Angeles, California with a mountain of credits to his name including being the founder of the popular National Lampoon Radio Network along with the network’s shareholders and close advisors Barry Levinson (producer), Budd Friedman (Improv Chairman/Founder), Richard Belzer (comic/actor), George Schlatter (producer) and management legend Eric Gardner.  Emmon’s official website offers much more insight into the creative ventures of this multifaceted entrepreneur.

January 7-14, 2012

Make plans now to join Jim Barber and the Riders of the Circle B as they co-host the First Annual Branson Comedy Cowboy Cruise to the Western Caribbean, departing from New Orleans, Louisiana!

Book Early For Best Cabin Rates!

It’s going to be an incredible 7 day vacation aboard the beautiful RCL Voyager of the Seas with ports of call in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth Jamaica. Includes private show events and much more!

For all the details on this great vacation getaway visit BransonCruise.com right now!

Comedian ventriloquist Jim Barber (Hamner Barber Variety Show) put down his dummy and picked up his mojo as he and his professional dance partner Ashley Gadd (Shoji Tabuchi Show) volunteered their time and talents as contestants in front of the full-house audience at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theatre.  While Jim and Ashley didn’t walk away with the large mirror ball trophy, they did have a great time and presented an entertaining routine (despite a very noticeable wardrobe malfunction seen in the video clip below).

The coveted Champion Mirror Ball trophy went to Bill Tirone of The Hilton Convention Center and his professional partner Jody Kosterlitz from the Shoji Tabuchi Show. The award was presented by Branson Mayor Raeanne Presely along with, Producer and host of the show, Bob Nichols. The real winners of the night were the children of our community who will benefit from the more than $13,400 which is projected to have been raised from the night of fun and entertainment.

Dancing with the Stars of Branson™ is an Associated Artists Production under the direction of Bob Nichols. Special thanks to Dance Captain Shanda Stringer for coordinating all of the performers, and also to Touch of Class, The Vacation Channel, and the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theatre for providing the costumes, video production, venue and stage crew.

View more great photos of the event in the Dancing With The Stars Photo Gallery courtesy of Meadows Images. All profits from print and digital download sales will be donated to Branson High School’s Project Graduation & the Branson Arts Council. Take a look and thank you for your support!

For more information: DancingWithTheStarsOfBranson.com, Bob Nichols Company

View This Video on YouTube.com

Tickets available at the Jim Stafford Theatre Box Office the day of the event!

Hamner Barber Theater’s own Jim Barber will return as this year’s Master of Ceremonies along with his sidekick, famed illusionist Dave Hamner, who is also returning to judge the great and not-so-great acts that will be competing.

Last year’s Gong Show was a smash success, but how could it not be with the volunteer efforts of several fearless performers, three wacky judges, two beautiful “hoopa” girls, one sparkling scorekeeper, a wonderful warm-up man, and a crazy comedian host.

Branson Gong Show Producer Harry Watterson

Harry & Carolyn Watterson are the producers of the Branson Gong Show and together, they have created one of the most entertaining benefit shows ever to reverberate the Live Music Show Capital of the World.

Christine Thompson, Director of the Branson Senior Center for whom the charity event is staged, reported that last year’s show was a huge success not only for the great audience turnout, but also for the “Meals on Wheels” program that they sponsor. The 2010 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

Branson Gong Show Host: Jim Barber

Celebrity host Jim Barber will keep things flowing and sooth the fragile emotions of the unfortunate performers who may hear the smashing 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 other two celebrity judges returning to join Dave Hamner are the amazing impressionist Bob Anderson, and the multi-talented singer, guitarist and impersonator George Trullinger from Legends in Concert.

Jim Barber with Branson Gong Show 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 Branson area entertainer and comedy ventriloquist Patty Davidson will be keeping score as one by one, the talented (and not-so-talented) performers take their turn on stage. The incredible vocal impressionist Jeff Brandt will be serving as this year’s celebrity announcer.

Last year, 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. This year’s competition promises to be even bigger and better.

Be sure to put this event on your MUST DO LIST for this Wednesday evening in Branson!

Sarah Rackley

See many more photos of the 1st Annual Branson Gong Show courtesy of Meadows Images.

Jim has been paired with a professional dancer from the famed Shoji Tabuchi Show, Ms. Ashley Gadd.  Together Ashley and Jim will compete with a fun, high-energy dance routine that they think the audience will really enjoy.

As a comedian, it feels great when the audience laughs at me… in the Dancing With The Stars of Branson Competition however, I’m worried that they’ll really be laughing AT ME!  It’s going to be a great event and I’m honored to have been asked to provide some laughs… er, to compete! To quote a good friend of mine, I’m going to “Dance like no one is watching!” – Jim Barber

Event coordinator Bob Nichols returns to produce the second annual Dancing With The Stars of Branson with his line up of Branson Celebrities and professional dancers for a night of fun, entertainment, and fund-raising for children in our community through the Branson Arts Council and Branson High School Project Graduation! Video Production will again be sponsored by The Vacation Channel.

Last Year’s winners were Tom Boyce and Shanda Watts. Who will take the title in 2011? It’s up to you!
Stars of this year’s Show include, Tony Orlando, Paul Harris, Steve Willoughby, Jim Barber, Bucky Heard, Fotsch, Bill Tirone, Billie Naioti, Laveeta VanBuren, Police Officer Teitsort and more! Don’t Miss this Fabulous Line Up!

Tickets are on sale now at the Dick Clark Theatre box office!

• The show is at 7 PM, Wednesday February 16th.
• General Admission tickets are only $10.

Come support Jim and Ashley by purchasing your general admission or VIP tickets directly from them at the Hamner Barber Theater Box Office. 417-334-4363

Be a VIP Supporter of Branson Dancing With The Stars

General admission tickets are $10, but if you really want to get in on the fun you might consider purchasing a VIP Supporter Ticket for $50 directly from Jim Barber.  As a VIP Supporter, you will be invited to an exclusive VIP Mixer before the event at 5:30pm and be pampered with awesome catering by the Catering Divas. All while mixing with the Stars and Pros, who will be dancing later that night. You’ll have exclusive table seating in the VIP area for the show. There are only a limited supply of these VIP tickets left for this special, pre-show, event, so head on over to the Hamner Barber Theater Box Office and ask for your pass today!  The VIP Tickets are $50 each, and remember, the proceeds go to the Branson Arts Council and Branson High School’s Project Graduation.

SPECIAL BONUS OFFER…

For any donation of $100 or more, you will also receive a FREE DVD of the entire Dancing With The Stars of Branson event provided courtesy of The Vacation Channel.

This will be a great benefit, an excellent networking opportunity, and a super way to provide artistic opportunities for the children of our community.

Official Website: DancingWithTheStarsOfBranson.com

On Friday, February 11th the Hamner Barber Variety Show began it’s eighth smash season in Branson, Missouri at the Hamner Barber Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.  The magical Hot Winter Fun occurs weekends through February with a full time Branson show schedule from March through December.  Since the show first opened in 2004, the production has grown and developed into what is now considered to be one of Branson’s most popular attractions for families with a show that truly appeals to all age groups.

The acclaimed Branson magic and variety show features the original illusions of Dave and Denise Hamner and the inventive vocal comedy of ventriloquist Jim Barber.  The Hamners and Jim Barber met several years ago when they were both featured variety artists in the Osmond Brothers Show and the Glen Campbell Goodtime Show respectively.  Over the years the two acts waited for an opportunity to work together and eventually in 2002, Jimmy Osmond cast them both to appear in his American Jukebox Show which played for two seasons in Branson.  After that show closed, an opportunity was presented to both Dave and Jim to create their own show at the then named Victorian Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.  The Hamners and the Barbers purchased that venue a year later, and renamed it the Hamner Barber Theater.

Beyond the talents of the Hamners and Jim Barber, the variety show has an impressive cast of performers.  The gifted Hamner Barber Dancers who perform throughout the season include A.J. Heard, Ken Brown and Gwen Bliss.  All three of these artists have been lead dancers in several major Branson production shows as well as for many national and international touring shows.  Their choreography by A.J. Heard is interwoven throughout many of the magical routines performed by the Hamners and they are also featured in their own high-energy solo performance titled “Let Me Entertain You,” with powerful vocals sung by Bucky Heard, husband of A.J. Heard, and featured star in the Legends in Concert show at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theatre.

The newest member of the cast this year is Nicco Zamudio who not only assists the performers backstage with technical needs, but also appears onstage as an assistant to the Hamners and Jim Barber.  Nicco recently moved to Branson from Lufkin, TX and demonstrates youthful exuberance and highly motivated enthusiasm for his participation in the show.

To add to the fun, magical Lex Pearson performs his funny off-the-wall brand of magic during his special “show between the show” comedy act during intermission as well as a pre-show performance in the Hamner Barber Theater lobby for the audience guests who arrive early.

Lex also assists during the main show as the illusion and stage manager for the Hamner Barber Variety Show.

Behind the scenes, there are also several very important cast, crew and staff that help make the magic happen onstage.  The Lighting and Technical Director for the theater is Paul Linden.  His impressive background in lighting, lasers, audio and theatrical production make him a very important asset to the production.

Assisting Paul is follow spotlight operator Bonnie Frerking.  Bonnie is an important member of the crew who brings many years of experience in technical theater production.  Her lighting cues are vital throughout the show, and she never misses a cue.  When not working the lights above the audience, Bonnie also assists in other areas of the theater including the lobby concession sales during intermission.

Of course, the business side of the Hamner Barber Variety Show is just as important as the production aspects.  Our two lead staff members who manage the day-to-day operations are Box Office Manager Jan Braschler and Administrative Sales Manager Vance Hebblethwaite.  Both Jan and Vance have been working at the theater since it was first built sixteen years ago in 1995 for the Braschler Music Show.  More information regarding the theater history is available on this website.

Other important staff members who assist the production throughout the season are Concessions Manager Jan Hammit, Gift Shop Sales associate Norma Jones,  Concessions and Gift Shop associates Wanda Scritchfield and Faye Brown, as well as the friendly and experienced Box Office associates Glenda Adams and Brenda Hahn. When you call or visit the Hamner Barber Theater, you can be assured that you will be greeted by a genuinely friendly and knowledgeable staff who will make you feel welcomed as an honored guest.

Beyond the theater employees, cast and crew, there are dozens of other important individuals and businesses who assist with the day-to-day operations, promotion, marketing and general maintenance of the theater facility and property grounds.  Though these people are never seen by the theater guests who attend the performances, their involvement is essential to each and every show at the venue throughout each year.

On your next trip to Branson, be sure to include Branson’s premiere magic and comedy show, the Hamner Barber Variety Show on your itinerary of fun things to do in Branson.

Branson entertainer Jim Barber recently visited the homes of several unsuspecting DirectBuy customers from all over to thank them on behalf of the popular home improvement and furnishings club for being such intelligent shoppers.

As part of the entertaining Hamner Barber Variety Show, Jim usually performs with his trademark characters Barber & Seville, Diva, Baby, and Chico Pete.  For this project however, Jim introduced a new face to the mix… “JR,” or as he  likes to be called, Junior.

The conversations with the homeowners were unrehearsed, and the knock on the doors by Jim Barber, “JR”, and an entire film crew… was definitely unannounced!

The commercials are currently airing on national television, with a special website designed to showcase 8 different versions of the interviews with links to important information on the many money saving benefits that are available to those with a DirectBuy membership.

Update: This DirectBuy campaign has ended and is no longer available for viewing.

The DirectBuy commercials with Jim Barber and “JR” are creating quite a lot of humorous discussion online including the following tweet posted by TV funnyman and sidekick to Conan O’Brien, Andy Richter…