The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce that the Veterans Memorial Garden at the intersection of  Hwy 76 and Gretna Road in Branson, has dedicated the “Jean Cantwell Courtyard” in memory of our esteemed Arts Council founder and patron, Mrs. Jean Cantwell.

In a letter received this week, Ben Kinel, founder and administrator of the garden wrote the following to the Arts Council…

We received a donation from you for the maintenance of the Veterans Memorial Garden here in Branson. We are so thankful for this generous donation.  It will be used to purchase a metal bench to go into the “Jean Cantwell Courtyard” in her honor.  It is nice folks like you that help to make the garden so beautiful for visitors, and especially veterans and their families to enjoy.”
Ben Kinel, Founder and Administrator

“We were honored to be asked to participate in this wonderful tribute to Jean Cantwell, who sadly, passed away on March 20th in 2018,” said BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber. “Jean did so much to promote and develop the arts, not only in the Ozarks, but across the entire State of Missouri as one of the initial developers of the Missouri Arts Council. Her guidance, enthusiasm and support made it possible last January for the Arts Council to merge with another organization she help initiate, Tri-Lakes Community Theatre (TLC), and that synergy allowed us to quickly build our community theatre program here at the Historic Owen Theatre. I’m thankful that Ben Kinel and our mutual supporter Jerry Buckley invited our organization to help memorialize Jean’s influence in our community in this special way.”

Mr. Kinel added, “The volunteers who maintain the garden are using this time of year to add some perennial plants and take out some old worn out plants.  Also, we are reworking the beds, adding compost and fertilizer all over.  In a couple of areas we are replacing the original native rocks forming the stair-step beds with limestone landscaping blocks as funds allow. Also, we are adding a water drip system in a few beds each year.  The drip way of watering is much better than with a hose and labor saving too.”

In addition to the “Jean Cantwell Courtyard”, Mr. Kinel is also developing the “Honor Wall,” a sixteen foot long, six foot hight concrete block wall, that will hold metal plaques honoring veterans from all wars. The plaques come in three sizes, and anyone who would be interested in honoring a beloved veteran is invited to contact his organization for prices at vmg@centurytel.net, or by visiting their official website VeteransMemorialGarden.com.

General donation checks for the Veterans Memorial Garden project may be mailed to:

Veterans Memorial Garden
136 Rose O’Neill Dr.
Branson, MO 65616

The Branson Regional Arts Council is looking for a few angels who would be interested in furthering the goals of our Youth Education Program of developing artistic, cultural, and educational opportunities for children in our community.

These experiences allow students to gain the confidence and skills necessary to become successful in the field of musical theatre, as well as providing community leadership opportunities. These lifelong tools for success help them become innovative thinkers throughout their educational years, and their leadership experience will assist them in pursuing the career path of their choice.

BRAC recently launched a new musical theatre program for children in our community called “STACCATO”. Staccato is an advanced musical group that combines a challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography. This show choir provides a unique, one of a kind, arts education experience for young students in the Branson area.

EXCITING NEWS!!!!! The kids in STACCATO have an amazing opportunity to perform at a variety of locations in the Orlando, Florida area including FESTIVAL DISNEY with other Show Choirs from across the country.

We have been working for months to raise the funds necessary to make this awesome opportunity a reality, and we’ve also reduced our travel expenses so that our goal is more achievable. Each student must now raise $700 to participate in this “once in a lifetime” educational opportunity. The money raised will go towards providing transportation, food, airfare, fees and travel expenses for this weeklong trip and competition. We must reach our fundraising goal by February 15th.

Can you help make this dream a reality for our students?

HOW TO SEND YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFT

Donate Online via Credit or Debit Card at: BransonArts.org/educationfund

0r Mail a Personal or Business Check to:

Branson Regional Arts Council
Youth Educational Fund
PO Box 2004
Branson, Mo. 65615
If you are sponsoring a specific student, please notate their name on your check.

We appreciate your generosity, and THANK YOU for your support of STACCATO!

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce return of a new painting event called “Art Class by the Glass,” to be held at Vino Cellars at the Lake, 15038 Business Hwy 13
, Branson West, MO 65737This “Cork & Canvas” type event is scheduled for Thursday, January 24, 2019 from 5pm – 7pm.

The $25 registration fee (per person) includes all painting supplies, and instruction. Wine is available separately by the glass or bottle.

The class size is limited to between 10 and 20 participants, so early registration is recommended. Click here to register.

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR ART CLASS BY THE GLASS

The painting class will be led by professional artist and teacher, Kelly Wren.

“I have enjoyed several careers before retiring to Branson last year. My Clothing and Design degree from the University of Missouri led to an exciting career in the fashion industry throughout the country. When family brought me back to my roots in Missouri, I went back to school for my Masters in Education. I then taught high school art and adult classes in my hometown of Nevada, Missouri. As a member of the art communities of both Nevada and later Stockton, I developed art shows, classes, city murals, and workshops. My love of art and community always find a home wherever I live.” – Kelly Wrenn (Art Instructor)

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.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

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.

3 Unique Christmas Gifts That Support The Arts

Looking for something totally unique and different to give for Christmas this year? Give the Gift of the Arts!

The Branson Regional Arts Council has three fun suggestions for you to consider…

Christmas Gift Idea #1 – $139.50 per person

GET SEASON PASS THEATRE TICKETS

Season Pass for 2019 Theatre Shows
10 Amazing Musicals and Plays will be presented during our 2019 Season. Save time and money by making a one-time seat selection. Your ticket may be used by you or anyone you wish to occupy your seat. 
Best seats will go first, so order your season passes soon! A season pass to the Historic Owen Theatre is a unique gift item for a friend or loved one that will be enjoyed all year long!

Christmas Gift Idea #2 – $50.00

BRAC MEMBERSHIP

1 Year Family Arts Council Membership – Benefits include:
• Special Member Perks such as Free Popcorn or Sodas during the 2019 Theatre Season.
• Monthly Arts Newsletter- keeping you “in the know” about upcoming events and programs.
• Involvement in shaping the future of the arts in our community and surrounding area.
• Participation in an active and growing Arts Group.
• Satisfaction in knowing YOU are helping improve the quality of life in the Branson/Tri-Lakes area by providing quality arts programming for EVERYONE!

Christmas Gift Idea #3 – $500 (tax deductible)

BUY-A-SEAT NOW

Buy-A-Seat at the Historic Owen Theatre
Give a lasting gift in the name of a loved one (or yourself) to showing support of the arts in our community by sponsoring a Historic Owen Theatre seat! Your custom engraved plate will be secured to the back of your seat and will permanently remain in place. This tax deductible donation benefits the Branson Regional Arts Council efforts to preserve and maintain the Historic Owen Theatre. Select any available seat now, and your memorial plate will be engraved and installed for all to see. 

 

The Branson Regional Arts Council Celebrates #GivingTuesday and pledges to the BRAC Youth Education Fund.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year’s #GivingTuesday takes place on November 27th and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back.

The Branson Regional Arts Council has established it’s BRAC Youth Education Fund to provide financial support to our theatre and music conservatory students between the ages of 8 and 18. Our goal is to make it possible for any student, regardless of their personal financial means, to have an opportunity to participate in at least one of our youth arts performance troupes.  Our Showstoppers Youth Theatre Troupe and our Staccato Show Choir are the first of these performance groups.  They have been performing locally for a variety of community events, such as the Grand Opening of the new Mercy Clinic on Hwy 248, the lighting of the Branson Mayor’s Christmas Tree, the 11th Annual Downtown Piccadilly Gala, as well as their own Holiday Showcase Concert coming up on December 1st at the Historic Owen Theatre (click here for more information).

“It feels so good to see our young performers excel and improve through the programming developed by the Branson Regional Arts Council. Our Youth Education fund has been established with an initial goal of sending our STACCATO Show Choir to represent Branson in the National Show Choir Competition at Disney World in March. Major credit goes to the amazing leadership and training they receive from our Vocal Education Director Lloyd Alexander-Holt, Dance Director Kristen Dasto, and Theatre Director Jacob Estes. Can you help support this effort in some small or significant way?” – Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

HOW TO DONATE TO #GivingTuesday

YOUTH EDUCATION FUND DONATION

Donations specifically towards the BRAC Youth Education Fund may be made via the Facebook Fundraiser Link Button above, or by mailing a personal donation check payable to BRAC (notate Youth Education Fund in the memo) to: BRAC, P.O. Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615

Showstoppers Youth Troupe is a group devoted to all things theatre! Students in the Youth Troupe meet weekly at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson and encounter intensive, interactive studies in Voice, Acting, Stage Presence, Dance Choreography, and Team Work. The students develop both self confidence and respect for the skills required to be successful in the  Theatre Arts.

Staccato Show Choir is an energetic advanced musical group that combines a challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography. The choir focuses on elevating and applying its formal training into lively, breath taking “show” style performances. Students meet at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson and study advanced music theory, vocal warm up, stage etiquette, presence and showmanship, as well as multi-part choral music.

Founded in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y – a community and cultural center in New York City − #GivingTuesday inspired millions of people to give back and support the causes they believe in. Over $300 million was raised online to benefit a tremendously broad range of organizations, and much more was given in volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and acts of kindness. “We are incredibly inspired by the way the #GivingTuesday community has embraced this concept for a worldwide movement,” said Henry Timms, founder of #GivingTuesday and Executive Director of 92Y. “As we prepare for November 27, we’re energized and encouraged by the community’s generosity. The levels of creativity, effort and the quality of the new ideas people have contributed and shared are phenomenal.”

The Lennon Brothers Swing Music Show Returns To Historic Owen Theatre Thanksgiving Weekend

Bill, Dan, Joe and Gail Lennon

The Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon will be reuniting for two special shows this weekend, Saturday November 24th at 8pm, and Sunday November 25th at 2pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson. The shows will feature the All-Star Lennon Brothers Band.

BUY TICKETS

The group first came to Branson in 1994 as the morning show at The Welk Resort. At the end of the year, they were voted Best Breakfast Show and Gail was named Best Female Vocalist at the Branson Entertainment Awards.
Through the years, the show garnered many accolades…
CHICAGO TRIBUNE – “The Best Show in Branson!”
TULSA WORLD – “…subversively hip!”
ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH – “…one of Branson’s most respected shows.”
And entertainers agreed…
ANDY WILLIAMS – “…the best four-part vocals I’ve heard in years! Nobody sings like this anymore…”
PETE FOUNTAIN – Jazz Legend – “They’re the best. The show was over way too soon!”
SUNNY SPENCER – The Sons of the Pioneers – “…my favorite singing group in the whole world!”
Part of the talented Lennon Family that includes The Lennon Sisters, the brothers… Dan, Bill, and Joe, and Bill’s wife Gail… are excited to be taking the stage again. They’ve gathered some of Branson’s finest musicians, led by Michael Cathcart on the keyboard.
Advance tickets are recommended at BransonArts.org/lennon or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre (417) 336-4255.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council.

The Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon

Adopt-A-Student Fundraiser Launched

The Branson Regional Arts Council is sending our STACCATO Youth Show Choir to represent Branson in the National Show Choir Competition at Disney World this March 10-17, 2019.

It costs $2,500 per student to participate in this week long competition trip. Our goal is to send each member of the choir (ages 8-18) on this once-in-a-lifetime experience free of charge to them. They have worked so hard to develop their performing skills, and we have no doubt they will make everyone in the Branson area proud of their achievement! There will be a sufficient number of adult chaperones and BRAC instructors joining them for security and support.

Our total goal for this fundraising effort is $50,000, however any donation amount would be appreciated.

Can you help make this National Show Choir Competion Dream Come True for our students? Please make a tax-deductible contribution using a major credit card via this order form link, or mail your personal check to: BRAC, Youth Education Fund, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615.

The Branson Regional Arts Council’s 1st Annual Talent Show benefitting the BRAC Youth Education Fund will be presented this Friday, November 16th at 7pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson. A wide assortment of talent will be presented for the delight and entertainment of everyone in attendance.

$10 General admission tickets will be sold at the door, however, it is recommended that patrons purchase tickets in advance online as the venue only seats 200 people. Tickets are available online at BransonArts.org/talentshow.

All proceeds from the Talent Show will go to the BRAC Youth Education Fund. BRAC provides artistic educational opportunities for young people in theatre, music and dance, and currently has a full time Youth Troupe Theatre group as well as as STACCATO, a Youth Show Choir that will be competing at the National Show Choir competition at Disney World in March of 2019.

“This is going to be an amazing display of talent,” stated BRAC’s Executive Director Jim Barber. “We had such a terrific response to our auditions last week, and I know that folks who attend will have a great time at the show. There will be something for everyone, with all kinds of music including country, gospel, film scores, and broadway musicals. We’ll have comedy and magic, dancing, gymnastics and more! This is a true variety show that your entire family will love.”

Over 55 entertainers will appear in this entertainment filled talent show.  The show will be MC’d by BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber, and the line up of stars include: BRAC’s Show Choir StaccatoLisa StrakaJohanna LuthardtEmber StrakaCorey BunkerCarey PrincipatoRylan StoneHallie GroffRebecca WhiteAlex KnudsenDaniel KeatonLex PearsonDylan Pratt and Katie WrightBrandi ElyAshley RodgersEmma HesemanGracelin Marie GaribayDani GroffBrenna KellemMicah and Sheri KuenzleMegan RodgersEmrie StrakaJessica BarberSavannah JewsburyRobert MorrisKeith RawlsMichelle DeckLoreli MorrisonHeather Grace SpencerCarter HendricksonPillage Antoinette Gallifrey (Sydney and Sicily), Cassandra CarterDani Groff and Jacob Deeter,  Kaitlyn SchumacherNoah Beyer, and the BRAC Youth Theatre Troupe Showstoppers.

The Branson Regional Arts Council, in association with Ozark Mountain Music, will present a program on the history of traditional Ozark music, emphasizing fiddle music and other historical songs familiar to the early settlers of the region.

This free community concert takes place on Saturday, November 17th at 7:00pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson.

The presentation will trace the history of Ozark fiddle music from its mid-1600 origin in Scotland through Ireland, Appalachia and on into the Ozarks at the signing of the Louisiana purchase.  Still common in the Ozarks today, this style of music was the foundation for many others including gospel, country, and bluegrass. In this lively program, accomplished musicians will explain the progression of the music, and perform many traditional tunes and songs.

Historically, old time fiddle music helped sustain the early Ozark settlers.  At the signing of the Louisiana Purchase an onslaught of setters, mostly of Scot descent, poured across the Mississippi River leaving behind their already depleted land in the Appalachian Mountains as they sought new homesteads in a familiar terrain, the Ozarks.  These hardy folks already felt comfortable settling in the lonely river bottoms and isolated valleys of the Ozarks.  To sustain themselves in what could have been a very stark life, the Scots brought their fiddles with them and continued with traditions established back in their homeland generations before.  Through community parties and festivals, these agrarian settlers imprinted the Ozarks with its first music.  Today, following in that early tradition, there are still weekly community fiddle jams as well as yearly festivals and contests that celebrate the fiddle.  We believe that in this time of social upheaval it is particularly important to continue to bind together our present with our past. 

In addition to the free concert at the Historic Owen Theatre on November 17th, a second performance is also scheduled on Saturday, November 24 at 7:00pm at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell, Springfield.  Anyone interested in learning more about traditional music and its impact on music today is encouraged to attend one or both presentations.

About Ozark Mountain Music

Ozark Mountain Music was incorporated by Bob McGill as a 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit corporation ins 2012 with the mission of teaching, learning, and keeping alive the history and culture of the Ozarks.

The organization has sponsored fiddle camps for young people ages 11-17 who desire to learn old-time Ozark Fiddle music. From these camps, a select group of students were invited to join The Possum Holler Fiddlers, and have given over 100 performances in Churches, festivals, nursing homes and pre-schools in the Branson area. They have traveled and performed at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, twice at the White House in Washington D.C., and three members of the group traveled to Haiti in 2017 to conduct a week-long fiddle camp featuring gospel music. Ozark Mountain Music also began an after school program offering fiddle music to young aspiring musicians.

Bob Holt – Ozarks Fiddler

The Ozark Mountain Music program began as a result of a Traditional Ozark Music concert at Juanita K Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts in Springfield, Missouri honoring long-time Ozark fiddler, Bob Holt.

A famed American fiddler, Mr. Holt was known for his lightning-fast, energetic old-time style. He played his signature song “Ninth of January” at as much as 144 beats per minute while playing for square dances.

In 1999, Mr. Holt was honored in a ceremony at the White House as a recipient of a Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Artswhich is the United States’ highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. At that time he played in concert at the Kennedy Center.

Bob Holt passed away in his home town of Ava, Missouri on March 19, 2004 at the age of 73.

An Audition Workshop for the Branson Regional Arts Council‘s production of Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, will be held Sunday, November 18, 2018, at the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO, 65616 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO REGISTER

For the workshop, participants are asked to prepare a 1 minute vocal selection, or a 16-32 bar cut, to present to the directors for critique and constructive feedback.

Please bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. If you do not have sheet music, the use of an mp3 accompaniment track is acceptable

Participants will also be taught an audition dance combination, so dress comfortably in clothing that won’t restrict your movement in any way. 

The cost of the workshop is $20.00. Pre-registration is preferred, however, we will accept registrations at the door.

CLICK HERE to register online. Call 417-336-4255 for information.

*****************************************************************************

Audition Information*
*It is not required to take the Audition Workshop to attend the actual Auditions, however, the workshop will better prepare you for success.

Auditions for the BRAC’s production of Disney’s Beauty & the Beast will be held on Monday, November 26 and Tuesday, November 27 from 8:00-10:00 p.m. at the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO, 65616. These auditions are for ages 13+. Auditions for children, will be held on Wednesday, November 28, from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Call backs: Wednesday, Nov. 28, 7-10pm & Thursday, Nov. 29, 6-9pm – Historic Owen Theatre

Requirements:
 Bring audition form and one copy of your head shot and resume.
 We greatly prefer a LIVE audition, but will accept video/online submissions if absolutely necessary.

Singing:
 Ages 13 and up: Prepare TWO contrasting songs, one up-tempo and one ballad, 16-32 bars of each only in the style of the show. Please no pop songs.
 Kids: can prepare ONE short song of their choosing.
 An accompanist WILL be provided. We greatly prefer that you utilize the accompanist, but will allow the use of tracks if absolutely necessary.
 Please bring a clean copy of your music in the correct key, preferably in a binder. Lead sheets will not be accepted. (If using a track: the music must be in a digital format. No CDs or tapes.)

Dance Call:
 All auditioning MUST attend the dance call AND have a singing audition, unless otherwise specifically stated.
 Bring proper dance attire and dance shoes.
 A combination will be taught in groups

Please contact the casting director, Melissa Rivera, with any questions regarding auditions at casting@bransonarts.org.

About the Production:
Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that played a remarkable 13-year run on Broadway and has been produced in 37 countries worldwide. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

The BRAC’s production Disney’s Beauty & the Beast is co-directed by Lloyd and Jordan Alexander-Holt, musically directed by Lloyd Alexander-Holt, and choreographed by Jordan Alexander-Holt. It will be presented at the Historic Owen Theatre February 21-24, and March 1-3,2019. Rehearsals will be held Sunday-Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Let’s Jam – The Music of the Hills
A Free Community Event at the Historic Owen Theatre

This fun and informative concert traces the 350 year odyssey of Ozark fiddle music from Scotland (1650) to the fiddle jams of today at McClurg, Taney County, Missouri. Learn about the heritage of Ozark Fiddle Music.

Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: Free Admission (donations encouraged)
Place: Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616

Come and enjoy this historical presentation on the rich and varied nature of this music that is still prevalent in the Ozarks today.

Presented by the Possum Holler Fiddlers and Sponsored by Ozark Mountain Music with additional support from the Missouri Arts Council and parents and friends of Ozark Mountain Music.

This program is supported by the Missouri Humanities Council, and hosted by the Branson Regional Arts Council at the Historic Owen Theatre.