Branson 2012-Winter

Below is the initial update of Branson 2012-Winter. If you haven't reviewed it before, you might check it out for current information in Branson

Newly Updated for Branson 2012-Winter, January 6

Branson 2012 here we come and the Branson shuffle begins as entertainers make their annual efforts at making a better show at a better venue.  As I write, the 2011 season has not yet ended and the moves are being planned. The winter season in Branson is not dull, it's invigorating, just like the planting plans with the new seed catalogues. The fun is just beginning.

Let's begin with some Branson 2012-Winter shopping news. The Branson Tri-Lakes News and the Branson Daily Independent tell us that the Factory Merchants Mall (Red Roof Mall) will be closing in 6 months. Simon Property Group, Inc. who owns the mall also owns the Shoppes at Branson Meadows on Gretna Road and will put their focus toward that enterprise. Most of the shops will find new homes for 2012. No decision has been made on plans for the Factory Merchants Mall property

Branson 2012 is Branson's centennial and 2012 should bring a host of great celebrations and activities for visitors this year. Continue to check our site for Branson info, Ozarks history, travel and new Ozarks roadtrips & daytrips that are planned for this site. To keep up with the Branson Centennial activities you can check a new site Branson100.org.

Winter is a slower time in Branson but there is still plenty to do in our area. Weather is always a question to address before traveling, but the Ozarks usually has a majority of decent traveling days (65 degrees today Jan 6) and when you get here you'll find plenty to do.

Shopping is still big in the winter and most stores continue to be open. Winter is also a great time to stay indoors and enjoy the numerous museums and attractions in the Branson area. The locals still eat so many of the restaurants stay open even when the traffic in town is down. And of course you can still catch a round of golf, hike the trails, roadtrip the Ozarks or fish the lakes

Though, many shows close for a few weeks after New Years, Branson 2012-Winter still offers a variety to keep you happy day or night. The following theaters and shows are open in January and February:

Branson 2012-Winter News at Grand Country Music Hall

Amazing Pets - Sat & Sun in February at 10 AM
Comedy Jubilee - 3 PM shows in Jan & Feb
Grand Jubilee - 7:30 PM shows in Jan & Feb
Branson Country USA Radio show - Fri 10:30 PM in Feb
Sunday Gospel Jubilee - Sundays 2 PM starting Feb 13
Ozark Mountain Jubilee - Sundays 7 PM starting Feb 13

Branson 2012-Winter News at Imax's Little Opry Theater

A Tribute to Classic Country - Mon-Sat 12 PM thru Feb 25
Hank Williams Revisited - Daily at 2 PM thru Feb 26 and Sun-Thur at 7 PM thru Feb 23
Ozark Bluegrass Music Revue - Daily at 5 PM thru Feb 26
The Peterson Family Bluegrass Band - Fr- & Sat 7 PM thru Feb 25


The Branson 2012-Winter News: Entertainer moves

There is a lot to report even at this early date in December 2011 and there will be more to come so let's get started

The Haygoods will be moving to RFD-TV The Theater in 2012 after 2 years at the New Americana Theater. The Haygoods also began their new reality show featured on RFD-TV in November 2012. They are the second Branson entertainment show to have their own show on the popular RFD-TV joining the Presley's who began their show on Saturday nights on RFD-TV earlier this year

The Roy Rogers Jr. Show moves to RFD-TV The Theater in 2012 celebrating the 100th birthday of both Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Starting in mid April 2012, Roy Rogers, Jr. (Dusty), his son Dustin Roy Rogers and his band (the High Riders) will perform the classic cowboy and western music reminiscent of The Sons of the Pioneers, the group his Dad started 75 years ago. Showtime for 2012 will be Monday thru Friday at 2 PM

Don't miss the RFD-TV float in the Tournament of Roses Parade January 2nd, 2012 where Dusty, Dustin and The High Riders will ride the float and sing Happy Trails to celebrate Roy's 100th birthday. The float will be escorted by 100 golden Palomino's

Also new at the RFDTV-the Theater is  Buck Trent . Buck moves his morning show from the New Clay Cooper Theater  to RFD-TV the Theater for 2012. To Buck Trent fans "Thumbs up" and "Oh Yeah!

Tony Roi who is known for his Elvis Experience show will be moving to the Caravelle Theater replacing the Osmonds who go on their world tour in 2012. #1 Hits of the 60's will remain at the Caravelle for 2012.

The A cappella group Cat's Pajamas will move to Andy William's Moon River Theater in March 2012. This will include a morning Christmas show during the Christmas season

Beginning in April 2012, another A cappella group, SIX will move to the Mickey Gilley Theater, doing both afternoon and Evening shows. Mickey will continue his shows for 2012

Red Hot and Blue will leave the Americana Theater  and move to the New Clay Cooper Theater in 2012

Also moving to the New Clay Cooper Theater are the Rankin Brothers leaving their 2011 home at Mickey Gilley's

The Icon Theater welcomes the Liverpool Legends who performed at The Mansion Theater in 2012

Also leaving The Mansion Theater, The 3 Redneck Tenors will take up residence on the strip at the Americana Theater.

Ventriloquist Todd Oliver & Friends will also be moving to the Americana Theater in 2012. Todd performed at The Jim Stafford Theater in 2011. Cassandre Haygood and Joseph Hall in his Elvis Tribute will continue to perform at the Americana Theater in 2012.

Comedian Joey Riley the funny sidekick to Mickey Gilley will move his own afternoon show to Music City Center for 2012. Doug Gabriel and magician Taylor Reed will continue to perform at Music City Center in 2012.

That's it for now, though the shuffle will undoubtedly continue. We'll add to our list as it happens.

The Branson 2012-Winter News:New entertainment

As always, new entertainment will arrive on the Branson 2012  scene. Announcements so far, include:

The Hughes Brothers have replaced their regular Hughes Brothers Show with a new show named "It". "It" still features the Hughes Brothers and family with music and dance but they have not announced the highlight of this show. The Hughes Brothers Theater has been renamed The Hughes American Family Theater.

Barry Williams, former sitcom star of the Brady Bunch has signed a 5 year contract at Yakov Smirnoff's theater after a short run during the latter part of 2011. The new show called The Brady Brunch features his live 5-piece band and his multi-media show that was specially created for Branson audiences. His 10 AM show will run from April 11 through December 8, 2012.

Yakov will also return with a 2 PM show and Yakov's Dinner Adventure will be back in 2012 for a 5 PM show. After completing the 2012 season, Yakov plans to take his show on the road. Although he will still live in Branson and be actively involved in both the theater and the community his desire is to use his master's degree in psychology and his comedy to bring more love and laughter into the lives of people around the country.

Sight & Sound Theater has brought the production Noah to Branson audiences since 2007, but 2012 brings the new production about the biblical story of Joseph.

Silver Dollar City features Diamond Rio and Pam Tillis the 2nd weekend in September.

Branson 2012 includes even more big name stars according to the Branson Tri-Lakes News. Up Close Concerts will be working with the God and Country Theatre to bring several big name entertainers to the stage in 2012. Up Close Concerts will continue to bring big name concerts to the Tri-Lakes Center in 2012 as it has in the past but will further live up to its name with the 400 seat venues at God and Country Theater.

The Branson 2012-Winter News:

At Tri-Lakes Center for Branson 2012:
Sat. May 5, 2012 at 7 PM - Ray Price and BJ Thomas
Sat. September 29, 2012 at 7 PM – Herman's Hermits starring
Peter Noone and Monkees lead singer Mickey Dolenz

Sat. October 6, 2012 at 7 PM – Don Williams
Fri. Oct 19, 2012 at 8 PM – Lonestar w/ original lead singer Richie McDonald

At God & Country Theatre for Branson 2012:

Sat. May 12 at 3 PM & 8 PM – John Conlee and Bobby Bare
Sat. June 2 at 3 PM & 8 PM – Ronnie Milsap
Sat. Sept. 22 at 3 PM & 8 PM – Restless Heart
Sat. Oct 13 at 3 PM & 8 PM – David Frizzell and Shelly West
Sat. Oct 20 at 3 PM & 8 PM – Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius
Sat. Oct 27 at 3 PM & 8 PM – Janie Fricke
Sat. Nov 10 at 3 PM & 8 PM – Crystal Gayle

At Branson Variety Theater

Two new shows will debut in Branson. The Songs of the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys opens March 18, 2012. The Miniature Pet Circus billed as the "happiest family fun summer show" will will run May through August 2012. Returning for another season at the Branson Variety Theater are "The Twelve Irish Tenors", "Shake Rattle & Roll" and "Hooray for Hollywood".

Produced by Andy Williams and Steve Drummond, the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre presents The Finalists Live for their summer production. The show features 5 finalists who made the Top 10 in the singing competition of the show "American Idol". This will include a rotating cast of 5 finalist per show.

More entertainers for the Branson 2012 season will be announced at a later date.

The Branson 2012-Winter News: Performers not Returning

As with each season there will be those who will be moving on to new horizons. We hope and expect that they will return sometime in the future

The Swedish group Jeerk that spent much of the 2011 season at the Hughes Brothers Theater has moved on. We're sorry to see them go. They were a huge hit in Branson. You can keep up with them at their website Jeerk.com.

After several seasons Marty Haggard will be moving on. Marty is a great talent and we hope he returns soon. He will be at the Paramount Theatre in Casa Grande, AZ for much of the early part of 2012. You can check out his plans at martyhaggard.com.

The Osmonds begin a world tour in 2012. The Osmonds have been a Branson mainstay for many years and we feel sure we'll see them again. You can keep up with them at Osmond.com.

The Branson 2012-Winter News: See the World in Branson

The annual month long event See the World in Branson begins April 1, 2012 and lasts through May 6, 2012. This event allows visitors to enjoy multiple cultural and International experiences in entertainment and tradition.

Local businesses will be representing countries from around the world during this international festival. New for this year, the Welk Resorts Branson will host the See the World in Branson Music Fest April 25 & 26, 2012. The music fest will include more than 40 booths representing 30 countries. Local entertainers and acts will be featured in a music showcase.

You'll want to make plans for this great festival. More information is available at seetheworldinbranson.com. To find information about the Welk Resort go to welkbranson.com.

Coinciding with the See the World in Branson is the World Fest at Silver Dollar City, America's largest International Festival with performances from around the world. Go to bransonsilverdollarcity.com for more information.

The Branson 2012-Winter News: Opening dates for

Coming Soon we will provide a list of opening dates for Branson 2012 entertainment. Thanks for visiting

Much of the information for the Branson 2012-Winter Newa has come from the pages of The Branson Tri-Lakes News (Bransontrilakesnews.com) and the Branson Daily Independent. We have also added additional information from the websites of the theatres and entertainers. If you would like to search for more information, we have provided a list of those noted on this page.

The Branson 2012-Winter News: Theater web addresses

Theamericanatheatre.com
Andywilliams.com (Moon River Theatre)
bransonimax.com
bransonvarietytheater.com
Caravellc.com (Caravelle Theater)
Claycoopertheatre.com
Gacbranson.com (God & Country Theater)
Gilleys.com (Mickey Gilley theater)
grandcountry.com
Hughes-brothers.com (Hughes American Family Theater)
Theicontheatre.com
Themansiontheatre.com
Musiccitycenter.com
Rfdtvthetheatre.com
Sight-sound-branson.com
Bransonsilverdollarcity.com
Yakov.com (Yakov Smirnoff Theatre)

The Branson 2012-Winter News: Entertainers on the web

1hitsofthe60s.com
3rednecktenors.com
Barrywilliams.com
Bucktrent.com
Diamondrio.com
Douggabriel.com
Funnydog.com (Todd Oliver)
Thehaygoods.com
Hughes-brothers.com
Joeyriley.net
Josephhallbransonelvis.com
Liverpoollegends.com
Pamtillis.com
Rankinbrothers.com
Redhotblue.com
Royrogers.com
Sixtheshow.com
Taylorreed.com
Tonyroielvisexperience.com
Upcloseconcerts.com
Vocalmeow.com (Cats Pajamas)
Thevoiceofanangel.com (Cassandre)
Yakov.com

Return from Branson 2012-Winter to Branson 2013