Velva Cort was born in Tennessee but lived most of her life in California.  There she met her husband, Bob, and they moved to Louisiana.  She was a bookkeeper for the Kahala Hilton in Honolulu, the US Navy Base in Long Beach, CA, and admin for a major department store chain in Slidell, Louisiana.  Velva was also founder/editor of an international genealogy news magazine.  Since Hurricane Katrina, Velva and her husband moved to the Branson area (Forsyth) and now enjoy retirement, the beauty of the Ozarks, the friendliness of the locals and tourists, and of course, Branson's extraordinary entertainers.

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The Haygoods

July 17, 2008
Music City Centre, 1835 W. Hwy 76

The first thing I noticed at the theatre was an usher escorting a young lady in a wheelchair.  The usher guided the entire family around the line of ticket holders to a door where the wheelchair could easily be maneuvered into the theatre.  This is what I like to see and in Branson I’ve seen it often.  And also, the usher who lead me to my reserved seat was very friendly.

At 8:07 the Haygoods took to the stage singing “How Sweet It Is” and continued with a medley of songs made famous by the Temptations.  The harmony was very good and they delivered it with enthusiasm.  Their energy was impressive but I thought it could not possibly last the entire show.  Boy was I wrong!

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Noah, The Musical

June 12, 2008
Sight and Sound Theatre
1001 Shepherd of the Hills

FYI - Plan to get there early for two reasons.  1. The street traffic was backed up quite a bit for Saturday's 4:15 p.m. show, but parking was easy once we turned into the theatre’s parking area.  We had no problem getting out of the parking lot after the show.  2. When the curtain opens the other audience members will appreciate not being disturbed.  In other words, please be in your seat before the show starts.  There is a notice on your ticket stating that you may be detained until intermission if you arrive late, after the curtain goes up. 

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Branson Country USA at Grand Country Music Hall

May 11, 2008
Hwy 76 on the strip, Branson, MO
11 p.m. (CST) Friday nights (only)

FYI: Handicap parking is excellent, on level lot.

This is a live broadcast on Bass Country Radio Station KOMG 92.9 (Springfield, MO)
Or listen on your computer at:  http://mikepatrick.com/BransonCountryUSA.htm

Who says they roll up the sidewalk at 10 p.m.?

At 11 o’clock on Friday nights THE place to be is the Grand Country Music Hall!  Kick off your weekend by taking part in the live, one hour radio show, “Branson Country USA.”  Maybe I should say “lively” radio show.  This is a foot-stompin, (or toe-tapping for us older folks), fine singing, and keep ya’ laughing, heck of a show!  They have been known to bring over 200 cloggers on the stage and, by golly, you can be one of them.  Say you don’t know how to clog?  No problem.  There is a special way of accomplishing this feat (feet-ha), but you have to be there to learn the trick.  It’s a lot of fun and you might just get a prize, too.

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Branson Country USA Photo Page

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NEW’S COUNTRY with Branson’s Guitar Wizard, Leroy New

May 8, 2008
2:00 p.m. Sunday thru Thursday
The Little Opry Theater (inside the IMAX Entertainment Complex)
3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expy
(Veterans buy one ticket get one free)

Recently I was asked about NEW’S COUNTRY after my review of the IMAX Entertainment Complex.  The couple was looking for some “old” country music in Branson.  Without hesitation I recommended they see NEW’S COUNTRY in The Little Opry Theater and this is why: 

Make no mistake; this is NEW’S COUNTRY, not new country!  Leroy New created a show for folks who appreciate the old and treasured music of Hank Williams, Red Foley, Bob Wills, Hank Snow, Maybelle Carter, Ernest Tubb, bluegrass-great Jimmy Martin and more. Maybe you like new-er country?  There’s also some Marty Robbins, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Eddie Arnold, Ray Price, and Leroy’s tribute to Chet Atkins.  The theme of NEW’S COUNTRY is “vintage country.”  Truly, that’s what makes this show special.  In fact, it’s very hard to find this kind of “ol’-timey music” anymore.  When was the last time you went to a live show and sang to Hank William’s “Hey Good Lookin’” or ‘Jambalaya” and Hank Snow’s “I’m Movin On”?  At NEW’S COUNTRY you’re invited to join in.

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New's Country Photo Page

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Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, The Musical, featuring the songs of Neil Sedaka

April 28, 2008

Branson Star Theater 3750 West Hwy 76 (turn by Olive Garden parking lot)
8:00 P.M. Tuesday – Saturday

(Handicap parking in front of theater on level lot)

With every visit to Branson there is something new for you to enjoy.  This year is no exception and you’re in for a real treat.  During your next stay be sure and see “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.”  This is a comedy-musical play set in the Catskills, Labor Day Weekend 1960, at Esther’s Paradise Lodge.  Each cast member is a unique personality with remarkable talent.  There are far too many credits to list all of them here so I’ll just say they are not strangers to the stage and musical theater.

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IMAX ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX

April 24, 2008
3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway (from 76 turn right at IHOP)

This is my favorite “rainy day” place.  You can enjoy the day, from breakfast to dinner, and not see or do the same thing twice.  The IMAX Entertainment Complex owners, Paul Bluto and Ann Bluto, have created an atmosphere which captures the warmth and hospitality of the Ozarks.  This is one of the best "wheelchair friendly" places in Branson.  There is a covered entry where you can leave passengers at the door, and the parking lot is "mostly" level.  Also, the restrooms are a nice size for anyone with a wheelchair or walker.  The Little Opry Theater has an area for guests in wheelchairs.  Leona, Opal or Mike will greet you at the Opry door and see to it that you have a great view of the stage.

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