December 19, 2018
Branson Regional Arts Council
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Ventriloquist and comedian Jim Barber will be presenting a concert of comedy and music on Saturday, January 12th at 2pm and 7pm at the Historic Owen Theatre. The event is a benefit show with 100% of the proceeds going to the Branson Regional Arts Council. Advanced reserve tickets are $14.95 (Adults 18+), and $9.95 (4-17) and can be purchased online at BransonArts.org/tix. A small service charge applies to all ticket sales.
Sharing the stage with Jim will be his friends Melonie Brown, Babette Fogle and Aloha Post who perform together as Harmony Trio, as well as the multi-talented arial violinist Janice Martin from A Janice Martin Cirque Show appearing at the Americana Theatre in 2019. Jim’s 17 year-old daughter Jessica Barber will also be singing in the evening show only, as well as a special appearance by internationally acclaimed juggler Michael Chirrick.
Jim’s unique approach to the art of ventriloquism and his unusual vocal skills have earned him the reputation as one of the most original ventriloquist acts in the world. He has been featured on many national television shows, most notably, the Late Show with David Letterman.
Jim’s career started in Minneapolis, MN where he co-hosted a local children’s television show (Breakfast with Casey Jones) while attending college at the University of Minnesota. During that time, he also entertained for military troops as host of a USO variety show all across the United States and several Mediterranean countries. Jim then moved to Nashville, TN as a featured performer aboard Opryland USA’s General Jackson Showboat, for two seasons, before setting out on a ten-year tour of comedy clubs and colleges across the country. This led to an invitation to come to Branson as the featured comedian in the Glen Campbell Goodtime Show in the mid-90’s. Jim went on to perform at the Kirby VanBurch Theatre, Osmond Family Theater, Jimmy Osmond’s American Jukebox Theatre, and eventually a 10-year run at the Hamner Barber Theatre. In 2017 Jim accepted the role of Executive Director of the Branson Regional Arts Council and has since devoted his time and energy to working with a large group of talented volunteers who, together, are developing new and exciting community arts programming for all residents in the Branson Tri-Lakes area.
The Branson Regional Arts Council was founded in 1965 as the “Taney Arts Council,” and officially established 501 (c)(3) non-profit status as “Branson Arts Council, Inc.” in 1993.
Our mission is “to create exceptional artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for our community.”
Financial support is provided by BRAC members, theatre patrons, private donors, as well as additional grant support from the Missouri Arts Council and other organizations.
BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615
