New Show in our Theatre this year!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

International sensation JEERK to perform in Branson, MO!

Rhythm Artist Group takes the stage at Hughes Brothers Theatre

Branson MO (Wednesday, February 24, 2010) JEERK, international sensation and Sweden’s top Rhythm Artists, kick off their action-packed show in Branson on March 22, 2010, at the Hughes Brothers Theatre. Known world-wide for their innovative and thrilling one-of-a-kind stage show, JEERK adds another exciting twist to the outstanding Branson show mix.

Jeff Topper, Director of Sales for the Hughes Brothers Theatre says, “From the Hughes Brothers Show to SIX and now JEERK our theatre is showcasing cutting edge entertainment. JEERK is a new breed of entertainment – versatile, unexpected, innovative and very hip.” The ingredients of the JEERK show include tap dance, percussion, singing and humour mixed together by five brilliant performers – Nikke, Reggie, Xet, Bobo, and Tymac. Swedish news Ystads has this to say, “These five young men can do anything that can be done on a stage, and they do it magnificently.”

The JEERK show is a world of rhythms where the performers transform anything into a musical instrument; a plastic barrel, a hockey stick, a walking chair…and mix this with playful humour. Topper adds, “JEERK’s personal touch is endearing to the audience. Their clever combinations of dance are fresh and versatile while reminiscent of the fun antics we’ve always enjoyed from the dance greats.” Lanstidningen County Chronicle says, “The incredible show with JEERK gets top grades. The late Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly must be happy in heaven when they see something like this.”

JEERK, finalist in the Big E Awards for Best Show, has stomped across the stages of Sweden as well as Istanbul, Frankfurt, Basel, Milan and Bucharest. Their TV credits include the opening ceremony of the European Athletics Championship, the Eurovision Song Contest and the popular dance show Dansez Pentru Tine in Romania. Their international success brought them to the United States for their first appearance last year. At Silver Dollar City JEERK discovered Branson and American fans discovered JEERK. Now fans will be able to see JEERK on the world-famous 76 Highway, fondly known as “the strip”. As Bobo says, “The crazy Swedes are back in Branson!”

For schedules, tickets, and other information call 800-422-0076, 417-334-0076 or visit http://www.hughes-brothers.com/ Learn more about JEERK at http://www.jeerk.com/

About JEERK
This award-winning Rhythm Artist Group brings a whole new twist to the Branson Show Scene. After sweeping Europe with their original brand of entertainment, JEERK brings their extraordinary mix of tap dance, percussion, singing, and humor to the Hughes Brothers Theatre. JEERK transforms anything into a musical instrument and sings, plays, taps, and drums it into a personal demonstration of impressive musicality. It’s an unexpected explosion of dance with a hip and modern twist, delighting visitors of all ages -- just like the fresh and versatile antics of Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Sammy Davis Jr., and other dance greats. As the County Chronicle said, “The incredible show with JEERK gets top grades. The late Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly must be happy in their heaven when they see something like this.” JEERK consist of five talented young men – Nikke, Reggie, Xet, Bobo, and Tymac. http://www.jeerk.com/

About the Hughes Brothers Theatre
Hughes Brothers Theatre located on Hwy 76 in Branson, Missouri features three unique and cutting-edge shows – JEERK, SIX, and the Hughes Brothers Show. Shows are performed February through December, 10:00am, 2:00pm, and 8:00pm. The 1,000 seat theatre also features a Bistro serving soup and sandwiches, as well as balcony dining in the theatre. The historical theatre (originally the first theatre in Branson owned by a national star) has recently been renovated and sits in the heart of Branson’s theatre district. http://www.hughesbrotherstheatre.com/

“Love Remains” as Hughes Brothers provide a unique uplifting Branson entertainment experience

February 24th, 2010 by Gary J. Groman

Hughes Brothers on stage.

The term “Keep it in the family” takes on new meaning at the “Hughes Brothers” show in Branson, Missouri. It means you will see Branson’s largest performing family with, depending on factors such as health, etc., 30 plus members performing during each performance. Just as important however, from an entertainment perspective, is it means laughter, great harmonies, excellent music, dancing, variety and just plain fun as, for a brief moment in time, your family becomes part of their family.

From the shows warm up and humor by Jason Hughes to the shows finale “Love Remains,” the Hughes Brothers show is an amazing quality entertainment experience that is unique in Branson. The way the show is produced, choreographed, presented and particularly the way the talents of the various family members are integrated into the show results in a performance that is a true joy to experience with something for everyone and “then some.”

Want humor, well you get it from the “get-go” with this show. Jason Hughes provides the comedy lead from his warm up performance as he interacts with the audience and provides constant comedy interaction with his brothers throughout the show. It’s a warm subtle comedy that warms one’s heart while at the same time tickles the funny bone.

How about amazing vocals? Although, in the truest sense of the words, this is a family show that shares the amazing talents of the whole Hughes family, the main thread throughout, is the five Hughes Brothers Marty, Jason, Adam, Ryan and Andy and their dynamic harmonies and vocals. The music they sing covers a wide range of styles from their opening number “Brand New Day,” through a “Doo-Wop Medley” to “Danny Boy” and “How Great Thou Art” with lots more in between. These guys together, and individually, do a wonderful job not only singing, but adding their own unique style of presentation to each number.

Jason and Mara dancing to her original compositon "The First Dance."

A few personal favorites were “Goodnight Sweetheart” with solos by Ryan and Jason, “Chain Gang,” with a solo by Marty, and “Danny Boy,” with solos by Andy and Ryan. To say the least, it is also doubtful that anyone will every hear a rendition of “Old McDonald” and “The Saints Come Marching In” that’s any more memorable or funny than the performance they will witness and hear at this show.

One of the highlights of the show for this writer was the way the rest of the Hughes family was worked into the show. It starts early on as the wives of the brothers, Cindy, Mara, Vikki, Carina, and Becky are introduced and perform during the second number of the show “Hey Good Looking,” a wonderfully choreographed and performed number. As important however, to the overall entertainment experience for the audience, is the fact that it establishes the entertainment and professional standards which the audience can expect from the rest of the family outside of the brothers.

As illustrated by the beautifully choreographed performance of Jason and Mara to “The First Dance,” an original waltz Mara wrote; the violin or drum performances described later in this review; “I Want to Be A Cowboy Sweetheart” performed by Jessie or the performance of “Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Joseph, Jacob and William, the performances by other members of this talented family fit in wonderfully with the overall entertainment experience of the show. Just to see this family performing together the way they do is a joy and an uplifting experience that all members of your family will not only relate to, but enjoy. The presentation of “Little Hands,” an original song written by Marty and all the “little hands” that help perform it is another example of just how special this show is.

This show has a great live band consisting of Ray Harris, Music Director, Keyboards, & Trumpet; Randy Luna, Music Arranger & Keyboards; Don Shelton, Guitar; Stanislav Chesnokov, Bass Guitar and RJ Jacob, Drums. In addition the Hughes family has some pretty accomplished musicians.

The perfect illustration of "Love Remains." The Hughes family together at the show's finale.

Adam does a great job playing a medley featuring “Maleguena” on the classic Spanish acoustical guitar. Sixteen year old, Kristina Hughes, did a simply beautiful performance of “Meditation,” on the violin. The violin and fiddle playing of Kristina, Aaron, Dallin, Derek, Jacob, William and Hannah, ages 16 down to 8, as well as the drum solo by Branson’s youngest professional drummer, 12 year old Jacob Hughes, were not only exceptionally done and entertaining, but is another example of the amazing talent this family has been blessed with.

This is a special show that has variety, music and humor presented in a unique and extremely entertaining manner by a wonderful cast. Yet, it is so much more, it is a living breathing testimony to a family spirit where “Love Remains” that is as uplifting to the audience as the entertainment of the show itself. It is a wonderful unique Branson entertainment experience.

For additional information or tickets on the “Hughes Brothers Show” or any another Branson show, attraction or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). It is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show tickets, attraction tickets and lodging and can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Quinoa with Veggies and Tofu (recipe)

Sorry it has taken me so long to post this recipe. I forgot to take a picture of it but no picture needed. This is an easy and tasty way to try Quinoa. I brought this to the theatre and everyone liked it, including a few kids that didn't like quinoa when they tried it before. I have had several requests for the recipe so...here goes. OH, this recipe is vegan. You can always add meat if you want to but, why bother? It won't kill ya to have one meal without meat!

1 1/2 cups uncooked Quinoa
3 cups water or veggie stock
1 package extra firm tofu
2 T soy sauce
1 T oil
2 T water
8 cups vegetables - I used broccoli, carrots, onions...use what you like
Flax oil or oil of your choice
Nutritional Yeast
Soy Sauce or Sea Salt

Preheat oven to 350 F. Place Quinoa in small pot with 3 cups of water or stock over high heat. Bring to a boil and then lower heat to a simmer, cover and cook until liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

Cube tofu and place in a small bowl with soy sauce, oil and water. marinate for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Place tofu and marinade on baking tray and into the oven for 15 minutes.

Chop up your veggies and steam. If you have a steamer basket - add 1 inch of water to medium sized pot with the steamer basket inside. Turn heat to medium-high and cook for 8 minutes to until tender.

Put quinoa into a bowl and top with veggiesand tofu. Season with oil, nutritional yeast and soy sauce or sea salt.

ENJOY!

First Attempt at Making Pizza

Tonight I decided to try to make pizza for the first time, from scratch. I found a recipe for Whole Wheat dough that used honey instead of sugar and decided to give it a go. Pretty simple, thank goodness! Mix ingredients together, let it rise, knead, let rise, knead and then roll it out. Ok....so I didn't exactly succeed at making a circle. In fact, I failed miserably on that count but hey...first try! For toppings I put a thin layer of olive oil, pizza sauce that we canned last summer from our YUMMY tomatoes, caramelized onions, bell peppers and mushrooms. NO CHEESE. Wowza...so yummy! You would never know it was healthy for you and vegan....um except for the honey.

I will admit to one stupid mistake. I forgot to put oil or cornmeal on the pizza stone. DOH! Adam had to work pretty hard to scrape those pieces of pizza off the stone. Hehe

I have a dough ball in the freezer that I'll use later this week. I can't believe I've never done this before! I'm planning on pizza at least twice a month.

Bomb Scare in Branson

We had a little bit of excitement in Branson today. Bomb Scare!!! Here is an article that was written about it.

Second bomb found at Branson Landing after two suspects arrested

By Kathryn Wall

Two bombs were discovered at the Branson Landing early this morning at two separate locations.

Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms out of Warrensburg will be arriving soon to remove a vehicle from a parking garage north of the Hilton Promenade Hotel on the Branson Landing, said Jerry Adams, public information director for the city of Branson .

Officers found a suspicious device inside the vehicle during the investigation of the two people thought to have placed the first bomb near the fountains at Branson Landing.

A 35-year-old male from Florida and a 34-year-old female from Missouri were arrested early today in connection with the first bomb left inside a backpack near the ATM in the center of the Landing, Adams said. They have not yet been formally charged.

Adams said the female suspect told police they had parked their car in the garage near the Hilton, where they had been staying - she did not mention a bomb. When officers found the car, they spotted a suspicious device inside and called ATF.

The first bomb was discovered around 12:30 a.m. at the ATM near the fountains in the center of the Landing. The Springfield Fire Department’s bomb squad was called to the area to dispose of the bomb.

Springfield Fire Marshal Kevin Binam said the bomb was similar in design to a pipe bomb and looked to be made by someone who had made bombs before.

The bomb squad used a robotic arm to remove the bomb from the area, and disarmed it in a nearby parking lot just south of Bass Pro.

Binam said the bomb would have caused significant damage to nearby structure or people, but not enough to bring down a building.

Adams said Branson police were alerted to the first bomb when the male suspect tried to break in to the ATM and was discovered by security. He ran off, leaving the backpack behind. When the security officer looked in the bag, he found a suspicious device and called police.

Personnel from the Hilton hotel later provided the security guard with hotel security footage, with which the guard was able to identify the male suspect, Adams said.

Adams confirmed that people staying in the hotel were moved for their protection.

The streets in the area - Branson Landing Boulevard, Main Street and Commercial Street - have been blocked off for the time being, he said.