One of the most important things to me and my daughters during the holiday season is the sound of music. There is something about the sound of Christmas carols, both old and new, that evoke the emotion of the season. I remember performing many of these songs myself in the school or church choir. I remember singing many of these songs with my own children. Each of the holiday songs we know and love is associated with amazing memories, like putting up the Christmas tree or baking cookies. It reminds me of time spent with family no longer with us. But the sounds of the season don’t also bring back memories but create the opportunity to make new ones with my own children (and soon to be old enough grandchildren). There may be no place better to make those lasting memories associated with music than with the talented performers and families of my Ozark Mountain Christmas. I hope you enjoy some highlights from Clay Cooper’s Country Express Christmas, The Famous Baldknobbers Christmas, and the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show as it helps you plan your next trip to Branson, Mo.
I was invited to attend a media trip to Branson, in partnership with Stone Castle Hotel, to attend the #BloggingBranson Event in exchange for my coverage. No other compensation was provided and all additional expenses were my own. All views shared are 100% my own.
Clay Cooper
One of my favorite things about the Clay Cooper Theater is how comfortable you are with the Clay Cooper family and their talented musicians, performers, and dancers. No two performances will be exactly alike as Clay gets the whole audience involved with fun-filled conversations. For the Christmas Express show, I recommend you get there early because those seats filled up fast! The first part of the show is a little comedy, a lot of music and laughter. I really enjoy watching him and his wife perform together and the look on her face both on and off the stage at some of the things he says tells us all how much they enjoy both living and working together.
During the intermission, it’s time to pick up some popcorn and a Coke and settle in for part 2 – the Christmas Express! Here’s a little peek at the kick off!
Be ready for many of your favorite holiday songs, performed by talented dancers and musicians. It’s one more chance for A Toe Tapping, Hand Clapping, Belly Laughing, Good Time. There are a few surprises along the way. I don’t want to share with you too much (SPOILER ALERT) but Clay Cooper was the only “Grinch” performance I saw while I was in Branson!
The Famous Baldknobbers
Looking for good old, fashioned family fun? The kind you remember enjoying with your parents and now want to experience with your family? Then it’s time to head to Branson, MO and add the Famous Baldknobbers Show to your itinerary. With a blend of old and new country, gospel and giggles, as well as talented performers from the Mabe family this third generation continues to provide visitors to Branson few hours of good, clean family fun.
Brandon Mabe takes the stage each performance with his wife Megan, mother Patty and father Tim. Tim hits the stage as “Droopy Jr.” (from the original Droopy Drawers) sharing with the audience the jokes and comedy of days gone by with comedian Jerl Adams (Hargus). This wisecracking dynamic duo keeps you laughing in your seat, many times you aren’t sure if it is improv or practiced. But you do know it’s making laugh.
One of my favorite segments of The Famous Baldknobbers performance. Some love the comedy. Some love the family. Me, I’m ALL about the music. There’s something about a “fiddle” that I just can’t resist. Here’s a little peek at one of their songs as Brandon Mabe goes back in country music history and features some of our favorite performers. There are a number of different highlights of performers throughout the ages, from the beginnings of country music to performers you know and love right now like Bruno Mars. I think what is most exciting about the Famous Baldknobbers is there ability to change things up with their tribute performances and original songs!
One of my favorite performances during this show was Megan’s solo song. (I’m so trying not to give you any spoilers!) She’s amazingly talented and during this song, you don’t want to take your eye off the stage. I admit that’s why there’s no video. I just wanted to enjoy the music.
After the show, I had the rare opportunity to talk to Megan Mabe. The Mabe family of performers includes their children and since I have a daughter who is extremely interested in performing on stage I was thrilled to have the opportunity to talk to her about how parents can pursue their dreams – especially those of the performing arts. Sometimes what our children are dreaming of may not make sense to us (let’s face it being a performer is a tough job, with long hours and you have to work your way up). She gave me some great advice to keep in mind as well as ideas on how to encourage whatever dreams my daughter may have.
The Hughes Brothers Music Show
This family creates a top tapping, singing along, wanting to get up and dance impressive performance of music and acting. Segments of the show include current and pop music, country, gospel, patriotic and even Broadway hits! I admit that I was spending lots of time in my seat singing along with the music, and hoping nobody would notice. It happens to me every time I see them perform! Event the Scooge-iset person won’t be able to resist the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show as we travel through time from the songs and sights of the Nativity to Broadway Christmas Carols, original songs, tributes and more.
Brother Marty says “There is nothing better than being able to do the thing you love, and having your audiences love the thing you do.” And audiences to love the thing they do! There wasn’t a “bah hum bug” in the theater even during an early morning performance!
Plan your Ozark Mountain Christmas getaway starting now! Place your orders online for the Clay Cooper Christmas Express, The Famous Baldknobbers and the Hughes Bros. Christmas Show.
Wonder where you should stay when you aren’t visiting all these fabulous theaters? I stayed at Stone Castle Hotel and Convention Center the last two visits to Branson. It’s conveniently located, budget friendly, offers a complimentary breakfast buffet, themed rooms, family suites and two indoor pools!
Stay tuned as we continue our Ozark Mountain Christmas Series. Don’t miss out on more information, the inside scoop and our thoughts on so much more of what Branson has to offer! Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter by email to get more in-depth information on many of these attractions and some fun giveaways coming your way.
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