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.

Leroy New plays flat top guitar, electric guitar, and 4-string banjo.  His vocals are soft and smooth like Don Williams or Eddie Arnold.  But, be prepared, he can also sing like Willie Nelson.  You have to see it to believe it, braids and all!  On the serious side, Leroy can make the guitar smoke.  When Leroy picks “Under the Double Eagle” with Shawn on fiddle, Jim on bass, and Ken moving on the keyboard, well, it’s too fast to do any toe-tapping.  Just hold onto your seat and enjoy the ride.

This show revolves around the story of Leroy’s upbringing in Kentucky.  He was raised by his grandparents in a house so far back in the hills that, “they had to pump daylight in with a pipe!”  Leroy wrote and performs a beautiful song about growing up in those days titled, “Supper At Our Place.”  This brings back a lot of memories for the seasoned citizens in his audience.  Many heads nod in agreement as Leroy recreates the scene of a family gathering around the supper table at the end of a day.  Or, riding on a horse to a one-room school house, “where the teacher taught eight grades.”

Jim Glaspy plays the upright bass (doghouse bass/bull fiddle), banjo, dobro (National Champion), flattop guitar (Texas State Bluegrass Champion), and sings beautiful harmony as well as bluegrass lead vocal.  Jim is a newcomer to Branson and has quickly become a much sought after musician and singer.  He is also with STRAIT COUNTRY and has his own family group, CROSSTIES, both at the IMAX.

Shawn Pittman plays mandolin, fiddle, and hammered dulcimer.  Pretty Miss Norma Jean (of Porter Wagoner Show) says that Shawn’s fiddle has the best warm tone she’d ever heard.  Everyone agrees.  (A little tidbit; at age 14 Shawn won a fiddle contest and Alison Krauss came in second!)  Shawn was with Moe Bandy for many years and was a member of the Country Junction Band on Gene Williams Country Television Show.  Currently, Shawn also plays fiddle for Pretty Miss Norma Jean at COWBOY CHURCH every Sunday morning in the God and Country Theater.

Ken Christensen (keyboard, vocals), was born in Queens, NY.  The audience teases him about being from “New York City!!!” and Ken, in his mild-mannered way, let’s them know he was raised in Ohio.  But, he adds with a chuckle, “I am wearing boots and a cowboy hat for the first time [in his career].”  Ken originally came to Branson as keyboard player for the long-running CRISTY LANE (One Day at a Time) SHOW.  Ken is also with the JOHN TWEED SHOW at Clay Cooper Theater and the GOOD NEW’S GOSPEL HOUR every Sunday morning at the IMAX.

There’s plenty of friendly banter goes on that will keep you laughing.  Shawn tells the story about “Petey the Snake” and Jim explains his brilliant idea for a new Branson business he’s thinking about starting.

Go see NEW’S COUNTRY for wholesome, fun, top-quality entertainment.  And by the way, once you step through the double door, you’re a member of the family.

Velva Cort, Editor

Check out the
New's Country Photo Page

Want more information about
New's Country

Ready to book your tickets

Return to
Velva Cort, Editor