Hamner Barber News January 27 2009 It’s very cold and icy here in Branson this week, but things are heating up as Branson celebrates HOT WINTER FUN. Read all about it below.
A reminder that both the Hamner Barber Variety Show and Ricky Boen & Texas Mud will open on February 12th.
Broadway Meets Branson Jim Barber Headlines Hutchinson, Kansas Historic Flag Theatre This Friday If you live in South Central Kansas near the small town of Hutchinson, be sure to head on over to the historic Flag Theatre, this Friday, January 30th for a fun evening of entertainment starring Jim Barber and Friends. The theatre itself is housed in a 1926 movie house, purchased by the Family Children’s Theater Organization in 1994 and renovated for use. The theatre seats 300, and includes a unique, raked festival stage. Advanced ticket purchase recommended! Additional Information
Dave Hamner Is Hot Hot Winter Fun Big Show – Feb 9th A trip to Branson during January, February & March provides the perfect cure for the winter blues. This season, known as "Hot Winter Fun", offers spectacular shows, amazing attractions, fabulous food, super shopping, luxurious lodging, and superb special events. The 15th Annual "Hot Winter Fun Big Show" allows you to sample a variety of performers all in one big show! Our own Dave Hamner and Ricky Boen & Texas Mud will be featured in this years production along with Jim Stafford, Legends in Concert, Roy Rogers Jr and the High Riders, 50′s at the Hop, Tony Roi, Red Hot & Blue, The Baldknobbers, Grand Country Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, Leroy New, Keith "Red" Allen, Cassandre the Voice of an Angel, and many more! The show is Monday, February 9th at the Jim Stafford Theater. Additional Information Fancy Free in Chicago Branson Stars Shine Bright – Feb 10th Jim Barber will be featured at the Fancy-Free Holidays 20th Anniversary Event at the Drury Lane Convention Center in Oak Brook Terrace, Illinois on Tuesday, February 10th. Along with Jim will be Branson entertainers Clay Cooper, Paul Harris, Doug Gabriel and The Rankin Brothers. Fancy-Free Holidays has been offering first class touring and cruising experiences since 1989. They specialize in creating tours for that are a "cut above the rest" and are showcasing these Branson performers to show all of Chicagoland that entertainment is alive and well in Branson, Missouri. Additional Information Rock U Mentally Hip, Educational Adventure For Kids We are proud of our talented cast and crew here at the Hamner Barber Theater. Our lead dancer/choreographer A.J. Heard along with husband Bucky Heard, Kenny Brown (another of our incredible dancers) and a few of their friends have developed a sensational new educational experience for children called "Rock U Mentally." They just released their first CD which is also receiving International airplay on Sirius Satellite Radio. Please check out their website and listen to audio samples of their music on the link below. RockUMentally.com
Please help educate young children on how they can better themselves and our planet by making an online request to Sirius Satellite’s Kids Place to play: "Rock U Mentally" by Rock U Mentally: Link To Request A Song on Sirius Satellite
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Hamner Barber News January 10, 2009 Dear friends, as we welcome in this New Year, we thank you again for your support and wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009.
We’ll be opening both the Hamner Barber Variety Show and Ricky Boen & Texas Mud on February 12th and are now very busy getting the theater ready for this exciting season of entertainment.
Christmas Bonus "Jingle Cats" Featured YouTube Video It was a very "Meowy" Christmas this year as YouTube picked our "Jingle Cats" video as one of a select group of holiday themed videos to be featured on the main page of the popular video sharing website. In less than 3 weeks, the video was viewed by well over one million people and continues to draw an audience. The video was created by Jim Barber and plays during intermission of our holiday themed "Wings of Christmas" show November through mid-December. The music was orchestrated by T.J. Kuenster, musical conductor for Glen Campbell with Jim Barber performing the cat vocals. Watch the 1 Minute Video
Motorcoach Travel A fun and economical way to visit Branson This weekend, Dave Hamner and Jim Barber are attending the ABA (American Bus Association) National Marketplace in Charlotte, NC. Joining them will be Duane Williams, our group travel marketing manager. This is one of the premiere events for tourist attractions across North America to promote themselves to the motor coach travel industry. Each year, the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors a spectacular gala showcase of entertainment that proves time and time again that Branson is without a doubt, the Live Music Show Capital of the World! Jim Barber was featured in this show in 2007, the same day he was invited to appear on the "Late Show with David Letterman" the following month. ABA Marketplace Informational Video
Hamner Barber Honor Purple Heart Recipients Important Veterans Event April 24 – 25 We are excited to announce our participation in a special event to honor our Nation’s Heros… "Hand In Hand." Purple Heart Recipients, Veterans and the General Public are encouraged to attend.
The "Opening Ceremony" is April 24th from 2pm until 4pm at the Hamner Barber Theater and features guest speaker Hermant Thackur Col. M.D. expert on PTSD. There will also be music and comedy.
On April 25th, the day begins with a fishing tournament in the morning and returns to the Hamner Barber Theater for the "Entertainment Show" featuring many Branson entertainers including Dave Hamner and Jim Barber with their spectacular magical, multimedia tribute to all Veterans. There will also be many other surprises and fun. The event concludes that evening with a "Twighlight Ceremony" at the Branson Landing featuring Sergeant Major Tony Rose (ret.) 9-11 Pentagon survivor and Purple Heart Recipient. Mark your calendars now for this very special event produced by our friends at Branson Tourism Center. Additional Information
A Romance Reminder A Love & Laughter Getaway in Branson Come Getaway next weekend to a 5 Star Resort in Branson to Relax, Reconnect and Romance
Your Marriage! On January 17, 2009, Gary Smalley’s Ministry and Woodland Hills Family Church Presents a fun-filled day of laughter, encouragement and fun for couples at the incredible Chateau on the Lake! Guest speakers include our own Jim Barber along with his wife Diane, comedian Paul Harris, Pastor Ted Cunningham, and Dr. Gary Smalley who has published 52 books and videos (11 million sold). His practical, biblical based teaching and humor will refresh and invigorate your marriage! More Information
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Hamner Barber News Thanksgiving Day – November 27, 2008 Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you and your family are having a wonderful Holiday season and wish you the best throughout the year.
The final two weeks of performances for the year are upon us, and we are already working on our 2009 activities.
We are thankful and appreciative to all our employee staff, entertainers, theater patrons, ticket sellers and marketing partners for all you’ve done to make this year a success. Despite the National economic downturn, flooding in the Midwest, hurricanes in the South and an overall slump in tourism across the country… things are picking up in Branson and we are optimistic that next year will bring an improvement for our entire Nation.
Wings of Christmas Final Two Weeks of Production for 2008 The Holiday season is flying by, and on December 13th, the Hamner Barber Variety Show performs it’s final showing for the year of our musical presentation "The Wings of Christmas." Magical toys that come to life, animated memories of Christmas cartoons and singing Santas are only part of the fun. The finale includes a beautiful, original song "The Wings of Christmas," written especially for this production by Glen Campbell’s musical conductor T.J. Kuenster. The Wings of Christmas is a great holiday tradition for the entire family. More Information
Texas Mud Back in ’09 Popular morning show returns to the Hamner Barber Theater The Hamner Barber Theater is proud to announce that Ricky Boen and Texas Mud will return for a 3rd swing’in season in 2009 as the morning show. This marks their 5th season performing in Branson. This incredibly talented group has combined the amazing talents, energy, and drive of the 1983 World Champion fiddler from Odessa, Texas, Ricky Boen, with the Texas Swing group that won the coveted Will Rogers Award, being named Western Swing Group of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists in 2001, Texas Mud. More Information
Branson Gospel Sunday Interdenominational Worship for Visitors Branson visitors and locals are invited to attend "Branson Gospel Sunday Service" held each week at 10:00am at the Hamner Barber Theater. Featured guest performers provide uplifting music while Pastor Dave Hamner delivers an inspirational message. In addition, the Church provides services in the community such as food provisions, supplementing the local Salvation Army with funds for needy families, hospital visitation to the infirmed and directing funeral services when needed. Each week’s sermon is recorded and can be listened to online: www.GospelSunday.com. Take Our Quick Survey Please Help us Improve our Shows and Theater in 2009 We love our theater guests and are continually working hard to improve your entertainment experience at our venue.
We’ve set up a free and anonymous web survey so that you can tell us what you liked or disliked about our shows, performers, theater or staff. The entire survey should only take a couple minutes and we certainly would appreciate your input. If you’d like to participate, please click here.
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Here’s a fantastic money saving special for group tours traveling to Branson. See two of Branson’s most popular shows for only $30.00 (tax included). Applies to groups of 15 or more.
RESERVE BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2008 TO LOCK IN THIS RATE! PRICES GO UP IN 2009.
For more information or to reserve your group today, call us toll free at 1-888-335-2080 and ask for Vance Hebblethwaite.
Download our show schedules and find out more about our great productions below:
Hamner Barber Variety Show (Tues – Sat 8pm, Sunday 3pm) 2009 – 2011 Calendar Card [ front side ] [ back side ]
The Hamner Barber Variety Show appeals to audiences of all ages and features the award-winning illusions of The Hamners as well as the vocal comedy of ventriloquist Jim Barber and a talented troupe of dancers.
As seen on NBC’s "World’s Greatest Magic," The Hamners produce several enormous exotic birds. Their beautiful Macaws and Cockatoos appear amid flying cards, flaming swords, falling coins and jewels and then perform an incredible flight over and around the audience before gracefully returning to the stage. In 2006 the Hamners received their second prestigious Merlin Award from the "International Magicians Society" as International "Entertainers of the Year."
Jim Barber has been featured on every major television network and his incredible vocal abilities as a singer and ventriloquist leave everyone talking. Jim was recently awarded the International "Ventriloquist of the Year" Merlin Award for his unique combination of magic techniques and ventriloquism. His one-of-a-kind characters and original, wholesome comedy have made him an audience favorite. He was a bit hit when he appeared on the "Late Show with David Letterman."
During November and December the shows takes on a holiday theme as "The Wings of Christmas" takes flight. A Spectacular production featuring the best of their regular show plus original new music and breathtaking illusions that appeal to all ages.
Ricky Boen & Texas Mud(Mon – Friday 10am) 2008 – 2009 Calendar Card [ front side ] [ back side ]
When most folks hear the term "swing" associated with music, they think of the "Big Band" sound or era, that is if they’re from anywhere other than Texas and Oklahoma. But folks from around that part of the country immediately think of one thing when they hear the term "swing" – Texas Swing! What’s the difference? Well, like Big Band swing, Texas Swing (or as some call it, Western Swing) is primarily dance music, which is instrumentally driven, and includes some vocals, often from the "front man or woman", plus some harmonies from "side men". The primary difference, however, is that while the Big Band swing sound was driven particularly by woodwind/reed instruments like clarinets and saxophones, along with brass instruments and some strings, Texas Swing is driven by the string sound, predominantly fiddles and guitars. And of course, if you’re talking Texas Swing, you’re talking twin fiddles! But enough of the intricacies of Texas Swing the most important thing to know is that with one trip to the Hamner Barber Theatre to see Ricky Boen and Texas Mud, from that point on the only thing that will come to your mind when you think of Texas Swing is this sensational group of musicians who have brought a hot, upbeat part of Texas culture to the Ozarks!
Little wonder that Ricky and Texas Mud have been absolutely overpowering audiences in Branson for the past four years, and invoking such comments as, "I’ve been coming to Branson for ten years, and this is hands down the best show I’ve ever seen here," or "It’s the best show in Branson…..We liked it so well that we went back the next day!" One barber from Texas commented that, "Everyone who gets in my chair is gonna hear about THAT show!" Why? Simply because this incredibly talented group has combined the amazing talents, energy, and drive of the 1983 World Champion fiddler from Odessa, Texas, Ricky Boen, with the Texas Swing group that won the coveted Will Rogers Award, being named Western Swing Group of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists in 2001.
There are a couple of new wrinkles in the 2008 show that add a real punch. Ten-year old singing sensation, Brooke Hale, is joining Ricky and the boys to bring a little feminine grace and a powerhouse voice to the mix. Also, added to the 2008 show is female comedian Ida Clare, who swears she’s ready for Branson, even if Branson may not be quite ready for her!
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Hamner Barber News November 20, 2008 Hello friends, welcome to our first edition of the NEW Hamner Barber Newsletter! It’s been a very exciting year at the theater and we’ve got lots of news to share over the coming months.
Wings of Christmas Magical Holiday Production Takes Flight On November 1st the Hamner Barber Variety Show transformed to a more festive atmosphere by adding our musical presentation "The Wings of Christmas" to the second half of the show. Magical toys that come to life, animated memories of Christmas cartoons and singing Santas are only part of the fun. The finale includes a beautiful, original song "The Wings of Christmas," written especially for this production by Glen Campbell’s musical conductor T.J. Kuenster. The show plays through December 13th. More Information
Thank You Veterans New Veterans Tribute Gets Rave Reviews After two years of development, our new tribute to Veterans and Active Military everywhere has been added to the Hamner Barber show. This multimedia presentation features exclusive interviews with three survivors of WWII’s Battle for Iwo Jima with historic footage of the actual combat. Dave Hamner, Jim Barber and cast sing "Thank You’s Not Enough," written and arranged especially for the show by Bobby Hamilton. We won’t give away the spectacular magical ending, but will say it leaves the audience on it’s feet in enthusiastic applause. Many local Veterans have expressed that this is the most powerful tribute to American Veterans they’ve ever seen in Branson.
Yucking with Yakov Jim Barber on Yakov Smirnoff TV Show Branson’s Yakov Smirnoff is no doubt the funniest man from Missouri to Moscow. His new TV Talk Show premieres in Southwestern Missouri this Saturday, November 22nd and features some interesting guests including our very own ventriloquist Jim Barber and his wife Diane discussing their unique relationship over the past 23 years of marriage. Read Full Article
Review Our Show Please Help us Spread The Good News They are a blessing and a curse… online review sites are a great way for our fans to tell the world what they love about our theater and our shows. It’s also a way for anonymous competitors with a chip on their shoulder to trash talk. In any case, we think that when a legitimate user shares positive criticism or praise, the reviews can help folks make up their minds about what to see and do on their vacation as well as help us provide you the best entertainment experience possible.
We invite you to take a few minutes to visit the sites below and add your own input, positive we hope. If you have a complaint, that’s OK too, but we’d rather you send it to us directly via email so we can resolve the issue with you personally.
Hamner Barber Variety Show co-star, Jim Barber and his wife Diane Barber, will appear as guests on the new Yakov Smirnoff TV Talk Show which was recently taped at the comedians theater in Branson.
The Barber’s were invited to be part of the show to discuss their unique relationship and to provide insight into the needs of men and women in relationships.
Here is the official press release regarding the show…
New Yakov Smirnoff TV Talk Show
“Law & Order” Pre-empted for “Love & Laughter”
Yakov Smirnoff’s New TV Talk Show to Air on KY-3
Branson, MO (Thursday, November 13, 2008)
Yakov Smirnoff announced today that his new TV Talk Show pilot will air on KY-3 TV on Saturday, November 22 at 9:00 pm.
Yakov’s guests for this episode are ventriloquist & comedian Jim Barber and his wife Diane; author Willard Harley who wrote the book “His Needs, Her Needs;” and an amazing couple, Ray & Irma Ziff, who have been married for over 75 years.
“My new TV talk show is a cross between Dr. Phil and Ellen, where it’s a lot of entertainment and a little bit of information, so you can learn and laugh your Yak-Off,” says Yakov. “My guests were great fun and an inspiration to us all. Tune in on the 22nd and you’ll find out why Law & Order got pre-empted for Love & Laughter!”
Yakov says, “I had the idea to create a television show nearly 10 years ago. Since then it has really evolved into a new type of talk show–one that’s focusing on the important role that laughter plays in healthy relationships.”
Along with his own special brand of comedy, this pilot episode features Yakov discussing Jim Barber’s unique relationship with his puppets as well as his wife. Yakov also delves into relationships during a segment called, “Yakking with Yakov on a Yacht.” During the show audience members interact with best-selling Christian author Dr. Willard Harley. His book “His Needs, Her Needs” provided plenty of animated discussion followed by a hilarious and heart-warming interview with the Ziffs, who recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary and were featured on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Yakov earned his Master’s Degree in Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. He is an adjunct professor at Missouri State and Drury
Universities. The television show has evolved from some of the concepts introduced to his students as well as seminars he has conducted around the world for the past five years.
Yakov asks viewers to visit LoveAndLaughter.com to provide comments on the TV show and to become a part of his Love and Laughter community.
In addition to airing on November 22 at 9:00 pm, the pilot of The Yakov Smirnoff Show will air again on KY-3 on Sunday, November 23 at 1:00 pm.
Yakov arrived in the United States in 1977 with less than $100. In the years that followed, he has found success as a comedian and has come to embrace his new country with contagious optimism. He moved to Branson in 1993, and along with his successful Branson show at his own theater, has continued to amass accomplishments including books, CD’s, movies, TV appearances, a successful Broadway show As Long As We Both Shall Laugh, and is currently working on a humorous self-help book. Yakov is a featured writer for AARP magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine with a distribution of 39 million. Yakov gives readers advice (and a few laughs) in his column titled, “Happily Ever Laughter.”
*Law & Order fans alert…The Yakov Smirnoff Show is only running this Saturday, visit www.KY3.com to see their program schedule.
If you live in South Central Kansas near the small town of Hutchinson, be sure to head on over to the historic Flag Theatre, this Friday, January 30th for a fun evening of entertainment starring Jim Barber and Friends. The theatre itself is housed in a 1926 movie house, purchased by the Family Children’s Theater Organization in 1994 and renovated for use. The theatre seats 300, and includes a unique, raked festival stage. Advanced ticket purchase recommended! 
A trip to Branson during January, February & March provides the perfect cure for the winter blues. This season, known as "Hot Winter Fun", offers spectacular shows, amazing attractions, fabulous food, super shopping, luxurious lodging, and superb special events. The 15th Annual "Hot Winter Fun Big Show" allows you to sample a variety of performers all in one big show! Our own Dave Hamner and Ricky Boen & Texas Mud will be featured in this years production along with Jim Stafford, Legends in Concert, Roy Rogers Jr and the High Riders, 50′s at the Hop, Tony Roi, Red Hot & Blue, The Baldknobbers, Grand Country Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, Leroy New, Keith "Red" Allen, Cassandre the Voice of an Angel, and many more! The show is Monday, February 9th at the Jim Stafford Theater.
Jim Barber will be featured at the Fancy-Free Holidays 20th Anniversary Event at the Drury Lane Convention Center in Oak Brook Terrace, Illinois on Tuesday, February 10th. Along with Jim will be Branson entertainers Clay Cooper, Paul Harris, Doug Gabriel and The Rankin Brothers. Fancy-Free Holidays has been offering first class touring and cruising experiences since 1989. They specialize in creating tours for that are a "cut above the rest" and are showcasing these Branson performers to show all of Chicagoland that entertainment is alive and well in Branson, Missouri. 
We are proud of our talented cast and crew here at the Hamner Barber Theater. Our lead dancer/choreographer A.J. Heard along with husband Bucky Heard, Kenny Brown (another of our incredible dancers) and a few of their friends have developed a sensational new educational experience for children called "Rock U Mentally." They just released their first CD which is also receiving International airplay on Sirius Satellite Radio. Please check out their website and listen to audio samples of their music on the link below.
Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you and your family are having a wonderful Holiday season and wish you the best throughout the year.
When most folks hear the term "swing" associated with music, they think of the "Big Band" sound or era, that is if they’re from anywhere other than Texas and Oklahoma. But folks from around that part of the country immediately think of one thing when they hear the term "swing" – Texas Swing! What’s the difference? Well, like Big Band swing, Texas Swing (or as some call it, Western Swing) is primarily dance music, which is instrumentally driven, and includes some vocals, often from the "front man or woman", plus some harmonies from "side men". The primary difference, however, is that while the Big Band swing sound was driven particularly by woodwind/reed instruments like clarinets and saxophones, along with brass instruments and some strings, Texas Swing is driven by the string sound, predominantly fiddles and guitars. And of course, if you’re talking Texas Swing, you’re talking twin fiddles! But enough of the intricacies of Texas Swing the most important thing to know is that with one trip to the Hamner Barber Theatre to see Ricky Boen and Texas Mud, from that point on the only thing that will come to your mind when you think of Texas Swing is this sensational group of musicians who have brought a hot, upbeat part of Texas culture to the Ozarks!
On November 1st the Hamner Barber Variety Show transformed to a more festive atmosphere by adding our musical presentation "The Wings of Christmas" to the second half of the show. Magical toys that come to life, animated memories of Christmas cartoons and singing Santas are only part of the fun. The finale includes a beautiful, original song "The Wings of Christmas," written especially for this production by Glen Campbell’s musical conductor T.J. Kuenster. The show plays through December 13th.
After two years of development, our new tribute to Veterans and Active Military everywhere has been added to the Hamner Barber show. This multimedia presentation features exclusive interviews with three survivors of WWII’s Battle for Iwo Jima with historic footage of the actual combat. Dave Hamner, Jim Barber and cast sing "Thank You’s Not Enough," written and arranged especially for the show by Bobby Hamilton. We won’t give away the spectacular magical ending, but will say it leaves the audience on it’s feet in enthusiastic applause. Many local Veterans have expressed that this is the most powerful tribute to American Veterans they’ve ever seen in Branson.
Branson’s Yakov Smirnoff is no doubt the funniest man from Missouri to Moscow. His new TV Talk Show premieres in Southwestern Missouri this Saturday, November 22nd and features some interesting guests including our very own ventriloquist Jim Barber and his wife Diane discussing their unique relationship over the past 23 years of marriage.
They are a blessing and a curse… online review sites are a great way for our fans to tell the world what they love about our theater and our shows. It’s also a way for anonymous competitors with a chip on their shoulder to trash talk. In any case, we think that when a legitimate user shares positive criticism or praise, the reviews can help folks make up their minds about what to see and do on their vacation as well as help us provide you the best entertainment experience possible. 
Hamner Barber Variety Show co-star, Jim Barber and his wife Diane Barber, will appear as guests on the new Yakov Smirnoff TV Talk Show which was recently taped at the comedians theater in Branson.
