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The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
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The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
W h a t Happening?!
’
s
by Sydney Stone Summer is here in all its glory, sneaked up on me! We’ll celebrate Old Glory on the Fourth, enjoy boating and barbeques, patios and picnics, all sorts of summer fun, which includes great Branson shows and attractions. Ralph Foster Museum at College of the Ozarks is a fascinating way to spend some time. The special Textile Exhibit is still on display in the art gallery. Lots for kids to enjoy and learn from, too. (You wouldn’t have to tell them!) A wide variety of exhibits, including a lot of Ozarks (and fishing!) history, interest all ages.
There’s a new show at Jim Stafford’s: Rockit! It’s a Top 10 Rock ‘n’ Roll Revue. Marvin Short, one of the show’s owners, plays a “mean” saxophone and you may remember his wild 2 ft. tall hairdo! Vocalists, dancers, a band … at press time I haven’t seen it yet. Linda Burlingame and I are going to see it and we’ll tell you more in the Fall issue of the Gazette. Jim tells me it’s a great show. Enjoy Todd Oliver’s lunch or dinner show there, before or after Rockit or Jim’s show.
Audiences are enjoying Cirque Montage at The Starlite this summer, looking forward not only to Righteous Brothers Bill Medley but also the Texas Tenors in the fall. And can’t wait to see the live production of A Christmas Snow during Ozark Mountain Christmas! I’ve seen the film version and really like the story. Another extraordinary show this fall: The Lennon Morning Show. Bill Lennon, his wife Gail, and Mike Cathcart (Peggy Lennon’s son) are putting together a show that everyone is talking about. We’ll have more on it later, including rave reviews of these three musicians from Andy Williams, Pam Tillis, Jim Stafford, and Tony Orlando! The show will be at the ICON Theatre, where Chubby Checker performs when he’s in town. Bill Haley’s Original Comets are there, too, along with Jukebox Journey!
More Lennons! Linda B. mentions Christmas with the Lennon Sisters in her article on Moon River Theatre and Tony Roi. I am so-o-o looking forward to Christmas with the Lennon Sisters! Don’t miss the new show at Silver Dollar City: The Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus! Yours truly was there for the spectacular kickoff of KidsFest: Nik Wallenda performed acrobatics on a trapeze that was hanging from a helicopter 200 ft. up in the air. Whew. That event is part of a Discovery Channel TV series The Wallendas’ show is in the Opera House at SDC, through July 24. Enjoy your summertime in Branson, see you at Shepherd’s Super Summer Cruise!!
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Dinner and a Show
Showboat Branson Belle By Dirk Myers If you are looking for an opportunity to do something really special while you are in Branson I would recommend the Showboat Branson Belle. You can bring that special someone or your family on a beautiful dinner cruise that will show them how valued they really are. In 1993, Silver Dollar City set out to develop a unique lake attraction,
The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette themed after the majestic showboats of the 1800s that brought culture and entertainment to towns along the rivers of America. The Showboat Branson Belle was constructed right here at White River Landing, and on August 12, 1994, was launched into the waters of Table Rock Lake as part of the nationally publicized Great Banana Launch Watch Party. Two tons of bananas packed t h e launching rails to provide a biodegradable, natural lubricant in place
of substances such as grease or oil. Thus, while preserving the water quality of Table Rock Lake, the 2300 ton ship was able to glide into the water in only 9 seconds - at a speed of 14 knots. There are a couple of great shows that you can see as a part of your Dinner Cruise. These acts are brand new to the Showboat
Branson Belle stage. F u n n y Fiddle and Encore! are amazing highe n e rg y shows that will keep all ages entertained. F u n n y Fiddle features the w o r l d class comedy and fantastic music of Chris Pendleton! Chris combines her love for music with a comedic outlook. Her unique brand
The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette of humor has been showcased on the Fox Network’s “Comic Strip Live,” Lifetime network’s “Girls’ Night Out,” A&E’s “Evening at the Improv” and “Comedy on the Road,” VH-1’s “Standup Spotlight” and Showtime’s “Comedy Club Network.” Chris is joined by emcee Dean Church and the Showboat Branson Belle’s own live band The Castaways. This fresh, funny, one-of-a-kind show is perfect for young and old alike, and will keep you smiling long after you disembark!
An electrifying array of entertainment awaits you aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. Encore!, an all-new show for 2011, features not one but
two headlining acts! First, see the world’s only aerial violinist, Janice Martin, as she soars high above the stage exhibiting aerial acrobatics and violin virtuosity. Janice’s many talents have been heralded by such illustrious publications as New York Times, Wa s h i n g t o n Post and Miami Herald. Her highflying and graceful stunts as well as her musical artistry will leave you breathless! Encore! also fea-
July/Aug 2011 Edition Page 5 tures The Show Men a six-member all-male vocal group performing an impressive variety of selections from contemporary hits to songbook standards and
more. Dynamic vocals combined with amazing range make this ensemble a musical powerhouse. Plus, Encore! is hosted by the irrepressible comedian/ magician Christopher James and backed by the Showboat Branson Belle’s own 5-piece live band Rockin’ Dockers. Get your tickets to see one of these great shows today by visiting showboatbransonbelle.com or by calling 1-800-475-9370. Don’t miss an opportunity to experience one of Branson’s premier attractions. You will be glad you did!
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The Elvis Experience ~ Tony Roi “…as close as it gets!” by Linda Burlingame
Andy Williams, owner of Moon River Theatre, says, “I knew Elvis Presley … that’s why I chose Tony. He’s got the looks, the moves, the voice.” I recently interviewed Tony, and I agree. It was almost eerie. Tony was just in “street clothes” with no makeup; still, there was certainly an Elvis aura going on as we talked. On stage, Tony wears jumpsuits, like Elvis in later performances. Tony designs his show around those later concerts, including the order of music. Songs include not only Elvis hits but also other artists’ songs
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that Elvis liked and performed. Tony does the e a r l y E l v i s m u s i c later in his show, as Elvis did. ( T h a t ’s All Right, Mama is one of my favorites, E l v i s ’s f i r s t record on Sun Records.) Of course, t h e r e ’s a big Gospel n u m b e r. The tal-
ented band and two female backup the-art, the most unique theater singers help I’ve ever worked. I’m thrilled to make Tony be endorsed by Andy Williams, R o i ’s thrilled to be pershow forming at Moon “ a s River!” close as it Enjoy Tony gets” Roi’s Elvis to a Experience at r e a l Moon River Elvis Theatre through conSeptember 4. cert. September 12 Even – October 22 Andy and Annscreams from Margret take the stage. These two ardent fans in award-winning entertainers have the audience! so many hit songs and great stories! The portion of the show they Of Moon do together is especially fun. River Theatre, Tony says, During those same fall dates, “It’s state-of- Paul Revere & the Raiders return
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to Moon River Theatre. Before I saw their show a few years ago, I knew all the great songs like Louie, Louie; Indian Reservation; Steppin’ Out; Kicks Just Keep Getting’ Harder to Find — 25 consecutive hit singles. But I had no idea how entertaining they were! It’s so much more than the music. I didn’t know how many hit songs Paul had written (So I never read the liner notes on the records.) and how quick and clever he is, how funny they all are in the show. (That’s a compliment.) See the show and tell ‘em I sent you. (Tell Tony, too, when you see him!) Planning ahead to Ozark Mountain Christmas, I’m sure you have the Andy Williams Christmas Show
on your itinerary. (Be sure you have your reservations.) But here’s news: Christmas with the Lennon Sisters! They are doing a Christmas matinee at Moon River Theatre. These talented ladies are remarkable entertainers and are putting together a Christmas show you won’t want to miss. Until then, I’ll see you at Moon River Grill, where kids eat for $1, which goes to Gift of Hope Backpack Club. Enjoy!
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Make a Day of it! Hollister, MO By Dirk Myers There is so much to do in Branson sometimes it’s easy to forget there are great things going on right outside of the Live Music Capitol of the World. Hollister, Missouri is one of those secrets that you really just shouldn’t keep. It’s beauty and it’s history are something to take an opportunity to get to know. I want to take some time and highlight some of the important things that make up the little city of Hollister, Missouri. Hollister was first a settlement for pioneers who settled around the banks of Turkey Creek. One of the
The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette first settlers was Melinda Fortner who established her claim on a 120-acre tract in 1867. This became the first crossroads settlement that was established through the 1880’s. Near the turn of the century Rueben Kirkham established a general store in the area and applied to the Post Office Department for a Post Office to be established and suggested the name Hollister. In 1904 the name of the Ozarks settlement was established. When the Railroad came to the area it was opened to new expansion. The area achieved tremendous agricultural development. Berries, veg-
etables, grape vineyards, orchards, cotton and tobacco flourished and the amount, variety of stock and produce shipped from the station in the early years was phenomenal. W.H. Johnson and Professor J.W. Blankenship platted and started the major development of a beautiful English style village which attracted visitors from all over the world. Johnson’s dream resulted in the row of quaint Elizabethan structures that is now Downing Street. His son W.W. Johnson built the historic Ye English Inn in 1912 and it became a stopover for travelers with special trains
bringing visitors to a then remote area. Hollister is noted for bringing to Taney County the first major influx of tourism. It had the first iron bridge in Taney County that still spans Turkey Creek, the first paved street, electric lights, movie house, the first registered pharmacist and modern steam heated hotel. T o d a y , Hollister is a melting together of history and commerce that makes the area a great place to live and visit. There are many things that a person can plan part of their vacation around
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The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette and relax and enjoy this beautiful little city.
that will take place September 24th. The Festival is a celebration of the community and is a fabulous time for the whole family.
If you wander down Historic Downing Street you will get a glimpse of the past while being able to take advantage of great shopping, food, and attractions that Hollister is known for. When you make plans to come to Branson I would recommend taking in a bit of what Hollister has to offer as well. Every second Saturday Pat Lambert and Brushstrokes Gallery sponsor the Historic Hollister Art Walk. The Art Walk features several local artists whose art reflects the beauty and history of the Ozarks. They also bring in a special artist from somewhere outside of the
When you come to Hollister you can
area to do a demonstration which is always something to take in. I have enjoyed this event, and I always look forward to the next Art Walk. When you return to the Ozarks in the fall you have to check out the Hollister Grape and Fall Festival
stay at the newly remodeled Ye Olde English Inn and relax in timeless beauty beautifully blended with timeless historical elements. Perhaps you’d like to sip a glass of wine and enjoy some quiet times with your friends at Vintage Paris, or catch a great meal at Little Hacienda. There are so many nice experiences in Hollister you will want to return again and again. To find out more about Hollister please visit www.cityofHollister.com on The Web. You will be glad you took the time to visit this great little town. Be careful, you might find out why this city is the third largest growing city in Missouri. They would love to add you to their population.
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Laughter and Legends, Great Music … The Mansion and Oak Ridge Boys theaters by Linda Burlingame A wide variety of shows and styles of music headline these two beautiful theaters. Beatles music; the comedy of Red Skelton; opera with a big dose of comedy; The Cleverlys — comedy, country and bluegrass; special guests like Johnny Mathis and Tim Conway; and more!
At The Mansion: Liverpool Legends … close your eyes and you’re back in the
The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette 60’s! Beatle George Harrison’s sister Louise put this group together. They look like the Beatles, they sound like the Beatles! They perform live with no added background tracks. Their clothes, the sets — the yellow submarine! T h e music is lege n d ary; as Louise says, “ T h e underlying message is that we are all part of the human family …
all need to love and be loved … and Come Together.” One of my favorite shows, tell Marty (“George”) I said hello! 3 Redneck Tenors … when we first meet these three, they are “good ol’ boys” and you’re pretty sure not all their paddles are in the water. By the end
The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette of the show, after lots of “down home laughs and big city music,” you realize they are professionally trained opera singers. These finalists from NBC’s America’s Got Talent, do everything from TV themes to Elvis music to Broadway with a heapin’ helpin’ of hilarious hijinx! The “Colonel” discovers them and takes them from the trailer park to Broadway. The trip is fun and full of wonderful music, even a little opera. Tom Mullica’s Red Skelton Tribute … Red Skelton was an American icon, and Tom Mullica’s tribute to Red amazes audiences. His voice and movements are incredibly like Red’s. I love this show! The
lovable characters Skelton created are renowned. Gertrude and Heathcliff, Clem Kadiddlehopper, Freddie the Freeloader … if you
July/Aug 2011 Edition Page 11 don’t know them, you need to meet them! Next time I’ll tell you more about the Johnny M a t h i s Christmas S h o w and also Christmas with the G a t l i n Brothers and Debby Boone! Over at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre, audiences are enjoying Paul Harris and the World-Famous Cleverlys. First let me say, the show’s musi-
cians are some of the finest anywhere and you’ll hear some great music. The rest is just really hard to explain. When you see this comically dysfunctional “family” you’ll know what I mean! The Cleverlys have become a YouTube sensation; they’ve performed at the CMA Festival and around the country. Of course, check the schedule for The Oak Ridge Boys! If you haven’t seen their live show, you haven’t heard their music! TheMansionTheatre.com for schedules and more information on special guests and shows in both theaters.
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Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction
(pigs?), from fast and furious to light and elegant, the show is fantastic, laced with friendly North-South rivalry, audience participation, lots of music and fun. Barrel racing, a Roman rider jumping through a ring of fire, Southern bells, pig races … what fun!
Fun for the whole family! by Linda Burlingame
And yes, like Dolly says, it’s a fun place to eat! You’ve seen photos of the beautiful horses and heard about the great show. But let me just say the dinner truly is delicious. I love the creamy vegetable soup (buy it in the gift shop!) and those herb-roasted potatoes. You’ll enjoy hickorysmoked pork loin, tender whole rotisserie chicken, homemade biscuits, corn on the cob and a flaky apple turnover served for dessert. But about the show …
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A cast of gifted singers and dancers and 32 amazing horses bring Dixie Stampede to life. Appaloosas, Belgian draft horses, quarter horses, paints, pigs
Stampede of the Buffalo, six tons of American bison, what a production! Another number returning in 2011 is Belles of the Ball. With four waltzing couples and the featured dressagetrained (“airs above the ground”) American Show Horse, the precision and elegance of this number is beautiful. Plan your arrival an
hour or so before show time to enjoy the Horse Walk and pre-show. The horses are gorgeous, their stalls beautiful and roomy. (They’ll be watching you, too!) Audiences love the physical comedy in the Comedy of Lucas Pre-show in the Carriage Room, You’ll think, “How does he do that?!” From beginning to end, Dixie Stampede is a wonderful experience, for people of all ages … have fun!
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The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
Kirby VanBurch … Come see what’s new!
up, intimate illusions is tearing a newspaper into pieces then unfolding it as one piece. Really. Whether working with paper, big cats or Some call it illusion … helicopters, his skill is spellbinding. I call it magic! Kirby is an award-winning magician. He was named International by Linda Burlingame Magician of the Year and received the Merlin Entertainer of the Year Kirby VanBurch mesmerizes audiAward more than once. That’s the ences; his show is always a favorite of “Oscar” for magimine. I wouldn’t cians. have thought Kirby could top Famed magician last year’s show Doug Henning but wait until was a friend and you see the 2011 gave Kirby the show. Kirby dramatic Mystery always amazes! of King Tut illusion. Flambé My Whether Kirby Way is anothis doing elaboer showy and spectacular piece. rate, extravagant illusions or “simple” Perhaps the smaller illusions are sleight of hand, his performance is easier to “explain.” Like disappearastounding. Sands of the Nile is fasciing/appearing bottles — Kirby has nating to me; the illusion is more than so much fun with this one! But 3000 years old, changing the color of switching motorcycles, up in the air, sand … in water! Cutting two girls from one side of the stage to the in half is quite an attention-getter. other? Making a helicopter appear And when he puts them back together “out of nowhere?!” Or the big cats wearing different outfits, well, all I — Kirby can’t put one of them “up can say is, “How does he do that!” his sleeve.” The Big Cat Tour after Kirby has a charming stage presence. the show is wonderful. It’s remarkHis impish grin says, wait ‘til you see able to see these beautiful cats up this! close. They are so regal, and as playful as our pets. Royal Bengal Tigers and other big cats are part of Kirby’s marvelous, I’ve begged Kirby to share magical show. One of his closea secret or two with me; I’ve thought about working as a stagehand, to learn something. But maybe it’s better not to unravel the mystery. Just enjoy the suspense and keep wondering, “How’d he do that?!” Enjoy!
The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
*Show and Attraction Guide*
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SHOW
LOCATION
PHONE
SHOW/ATTRACTION
LOCATION
PHONE
A Christmas Snow
Starlite
417-337-9333
Legends in Concert
Dick Clark Bandstand
417-339-3003
#1 Hits Of The 60’S Absolutely Patsy
Acrobats of China
Always, Patsy Cline Amazing Pets
Andy Williams Ann-Margret
Barbara Fairchild Show & Diner Bill Haley’s Comets
Branson Scenic Railway, Inc
Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours Brett Family Singers Brule
Buck Trent
Buckets n’ Boards
Butterfly Palace & Rainforest
Cassandre’ The Voice of An Angel Cat’s Pajamas
Christmas with the Lennon Sisters Cirque Montage
Caravelle
Branson Mall
New Shanghai
God and Country Grand Country
Moon River Theatre Moon River Theatre Victorian Village ICON Theatre
Old Downtown Branson Wolfe Creek Station
Dick Clark Bandstand RFD
Clay Cooper Clay Cooper
Butterfly Palace
New Americana The Duttons
Moon River Theatre Starlite
Haygoods
Hollywood Wax Museum Hollywood’s Christmas Spectacular Hooray For Hollywood Hughes Brothers Show
IMAX Entertainment Complex Inspiration Tower Jeerk
Jim Stafford
Joey Riley Comedy & Music Review Joseph Hall’s Elvis Tribute Kirby VanBurch
Lee Greenwood and Louise Mandrell
Moon River Theatre
IMAX Entertainment Complex
417-334-4500 417-335-3533
417-335-2484
Liverpool Legends - Beatles Tribute The Mansion Theatre
417-239-1333
417-334-4500
Osmonds
417-336-6100
417-336-4266
Paul Revere & The Raiders
417-561-2500
Presleys’ Country Jubilee
417-332-2282
Red Hot & Blue
417-337-7123
Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley
417-339-4663
Roy Rogers Jr
417-334-4500
Shepherd of the Hills Christmas On the Trail
417-334-4500
Noah the Musical
Sight and Sound
417-336-4718
Ozark Mountain Jubilee
Grand Country
417-334-6110
Pierce Arrow
417-336-3100
Rankin Brothers
417-337-7123
Ride The Ducks
417-332-2231
ROCKIT presented by Jim Stafford
417-332-2772
Shake Rattle & Roll
417-337-9333
Caravelle
Moon River Theatre Pierce Arrow Presley’s
Mickey Gilley’s New Americana
Ride The Ducks Starlite
Jim Stafford
Mickey Gilley’s
Branson Variety
Shepherd of the Hills
800-377-1277 417-335-2484 417-334-4500 417-336-8742 417-334-4874 417-334-3210 417-339-4663 417-334-3825 417-337-9333 417-335-8080 417-334-3210 417-334-2500 417-334-4191
Shepherd of the Hills
417-334-4191
800-954-8554
Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights
Shepherd of the Hills
417-334-4191
417-332-2772
Shoji Tabuchi
417-334-4363
Silver Dollar City
White River Landing
417-334-7469
417-332-2772
Showboat Branson Belle
Shoji Tabuchi
417-336-7180
417-339-4663
SIX
Silver Dollar City
417-337-8277
Sons of the Pioneers Dinner Show Pavilion - Shepherd
Branson Variety
417-334-2500
Titanic
Hughes Brothers
417-334-0076
Dixie Stampede
Hamner Barber Variety Show
Little Opry Theatre
Shepherd of the Hills Old Mill Theatre Drama
Dixie Stampede
George Dyer
417-334-6806
Lennon Sisters Christmas Show
417-335-2396
417-334-4191
Grand Country
Dutton Family Show
417-336-8888
White House
Shepherd of the Hills
Comedy Jamboree
Doug Gabriel Show
417-334-5412
Legend of Kung Fu
Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead Tour
Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express Clay Cooper Dalena Ditto Variety Show
417-336-6100
Hamner Barber
Music City Centre Dutton Family Dutton Family
Hamner Barber New Americana
Hollywood Entertainment Complex Branson Variety
417-337-7123 417-335-2484 417-334-4363 417-336-7971
417-334-2500
Texas Tenors
Starlite
Todd Oliver and Friends
Jim Stafford
417-335-3533
Tony Orlando -Great American Christmas
The Shepherd of the Hills
417-334-4191
Twelve Irish Tenors
Jim Stafford
417-335-8080
IMAX Entertainment Complex Hughes Brothers Mickey Gilley’s
New Americana Kirby VanBurch Welk Resort
417-334-0076 417-334-5100 417-339-4663 417-337-7140 417-337-7469
Hughes Brothers
Titanic
Welk Resort
417-338-8174 417-334-0076 417-334-4191 417-337-9333 417-334-9500 417-335-8080 417-337-7469
Tony Roi the Elvis Experience
Moon River Theatre
417-334-4500
Veterans Memorial Museum
Veterans Memorial Museum
417-336-2300
Branson Variety
417-334-2500
Vigilante Extreme ZipRider
Shepherd of the Hills
417-334-4191
World’s Largest Toy Museum
Toy Museum
417-332-1499
White Water
Yakov Smirnoff
Yakov’s Dinner Adventure
White Water
Yakov Smirnoff Yakov Smirnoff
417-339-6806 417-336-3838 417-336-3838
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The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
Silver Dollar City Events
May 12 - 30, 2011 “Silver Dollar City reaches hundreds of thousands of fans each year making it one of the most significant and vital presenters of live bluegrass music anywhere in the world.” – Dan Hays, Executive Director of the International Bluegrass Music Association.
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The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
Church Directory All Visitors Welcome Call for Service Times
Assembly of God First Assembly of God 600 West Main, Branson 417-334-3803
Episcopal Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal 107 Walnut, Branson 417-334-3968
Baptist First Baptist Church 400 South Sunshine, Branson 417-334-7437
Foursquare Branson Foursquare Church 2287 Fall Creek Rd., Branson 417-339-5911
Calvary Baptist Church 625 Truman Dr., Branson 417-336-3475
Full Gospel River of Life, Church Alive! 1307 Bird Rd., Branson 417-334-8287
Skyline Baptist Church 949 State Hwy 165, Branson 417-334-6729 Bible Church Branson Bible Church 533 Branson Landing Blvd. Branson Ph: 417-334-3678 Fellowship at Cross Creek T Hwy. - T10 417-335-8008 Catholic Our Lady of the Lake Vaughn Dr., Branson 417-334-3350 Christian Branson Christian Church 213 S. Commercial, Branson 417-334-3453 Church of Christ Church of Christ Hwy. 165 (near Welk), Branson 417-336-3120 Church of God Church of the Apostolic Faith 100 East Main, Branson Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church Road, Branson
Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Hwy. 65-70, Branson 417-334-5507 Lutheran Faith Lutheran Parnell & Malone St., Branson 417-334-2469 Peace Lutheran Church ELCA 350 State Drive Hollister, MO 417-334-1499 Methodist United Methodist 1208 W. Hwy. 76, Branson 417-334-3423 Non-Denominational Salvation Army Church 1819 W. Hwy. 76, Branson 417-339-4434 Unity of the Hills 4868 Hwy. 248, Branson 417-334-6224 Pentecostal Old Branson Pentecostal 600 West Main, Branson 417-334-3803 Presbyterian FIrst Presbyterian 420 West Main, Branson 417-334-3468
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The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
Local Flavor – Uncle Jack’s BBQ Sauce Uncle Jack’s Enterprises
Ozarks
By Dirk Myers Recently I came across a great company and BBQ sauce that I felt was way too good to keep a secret. I just can’t resist talking a b o u t s o m e thing that really makes an impression on me; especially when it’s a good one. The reason why I chose to feature Uncle Jacks BBQ sauce and their company was because it is truly a reflection of what is good about the Ozarks. In every way, Uncle Jack’s Ozarks Enterprises LLC is promoting the values and qualities we hope the rest of the world thinks of when they think of Branson and the Ozark Mountain region. I will tell you a little about Uncle Jack and perhaps you will see what I mean. Andrew Jackson Harris (Uncle Jack) was born in Tennessee in 1891. With a large family and
“too many mouths to feed” he left home as a teenager, ending up in the Badlands of South Dakota as a cowpoke and living in a sod house. (The image on our label is from a rare photograph taken of a young Uncle Jack in front of
the sod house.). Years later, destiny would bring him to the Ozark Mountains of Southwest Missouri where he married and carved out a living while he continued to teach himself to live off the land. The Ozark’s ruggedness simultaneously attracted settlers and discouraged the most hearty, but Uncle Jack adapted and thrived. With no formal education, Uncle Jack earned the respect and recognition of the University of Missouri with awards for “Balanced Farming” as college classes toured his farm
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showcasing his success of managing a variety of animals, pasture and organic produce.
In the early 1970’s, Uncle Jack was commissioned to help build a scale model replica of the John Boats used by the Owen Boat Line for a local museum and it is preserved and cherished today by the Asselin family who owned the museum and operated Sammy Lane Boat Dock on Lake Taneycomo.
untouched and in the family since his passing in 1985. The farm and memories of Uncle Jack served as motivation to bring awareness of this pioneer and to perpetuate his ethic. The concept and creation of Uncle Jack’s Ozark Enterprises and our Original Ozark BBQ Sauce recipe was born in the very place where Uncle Jack made his home and flourished.
Uncle Jack’s land has remained
This brings us
During the 1940’s Uncle Jack served the Jim Owen Boat Line in Branson, MO as a fishing guide and builder of the famous John Boats. These White River float trips served to draw national attention to Branson and the Ozarks.
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to the sauce; I got the opportunity to meet Uncle Jack’s Owners Lindsee and Milo, and they introduced me to Uncle Jack’s BBQ sauce. I brought a jar home to my family and we decided to use it with chicken that we were having for lunch a few days later. I knew my wife would be interested because it wasn’t full of High Fructose Corn Syrup that seems to be filler in most sauces. The flavor was hearty and tangy. It was all of the things I like in a good BBQ sauce. I don’t like a sauce to be too sweet; I mean, who wants a sauce to taste like ketchup or syrup?
It’s also nice to know that all of their ingrediants are natural. My seven year old son simply said, “Dad, bring more of that home.” I honestly can’t imagine this BBQ sauce being unsuited for anything on the grill. I can also say it makes a great sauce to dip in as well. Many specialty stores in the Ozarks feature the sauce, Kitchens on the Branson Landing comes to mind as one of them. You can also learn more about the sauce on www.UncleJacksBBQ.com or call Lindsee directly at 417-372-2957; just tell her Dirk sent you. Uncle Jack’s BBQ sauce is delightful and I know there are other items coming soon featuring a Dry Rub and a spicy sauce. I know I can’t wait to taste more of what Uncle Jack’s has to offer. Life is too short; kick back with Uncle Jack.