Amber and I wanted to say thank you for your show. We had an amazing time and were greatful for your tribute to the Armed Forces. That tribute will stand out as one of my favorite memories of Branson. Thank you! Your Christmas show was great and will be the only Christmas type activity that my wife and I will get to share on our first Christmas! God Bless you and your family this holiday season and thank you again for your kindness!
Sincerely, Adam and Amber Detwiler – US Army

I wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU. I brought my group to the theatre Friday night, November 7th. Wow! What talent David Hamner and Jim Barber have. The group thoroughly enjoyed the show. I also wanted to let them know how much I and my group appreciated the fact that David Hamner does not leave Christ out of Christmas or the fact that our country was built on belief in Him. Too many feel they have to be “politically correct” and leave out completely what should come first. They also appreciated the personal time they spent by coming to the buses.

I also wanted to compliment you, Vance, and the group sales staff at how efficient everything is run and taken care of from ticket sales, the moment the bus was greeted, the group was seated and the quick response on the refund of two tickets. I was highly impressed and will pass it on to other group leaders. It’s always such a plus for the leaders when everything is handled flawlessly and they don’t have to worry about anything or “fix” something. So, again thank you.

Please share my thoughts and compliments to those at the Hamner Barber Theater.

Wishing you all a very blessed Christmas Season!
Brenda Eaton – Elite Advantage Club Director
Hawthorn Bank

I want to thank you 2 awsome men for a outstanding show. I am a Jeff Dunham fan also, so Mr. Barber you are 2nd in my favorite Comedian puppets performer. I just loved when the dog and you sang Chicki Chicki Boom Boom and the cute little Baby also. I just laughed my head off. I hope you will bring your awsome talents to Wichita. We were the Arc of Sedwick County and we thank you guys for everything.
Sincerely, Theresa Poling

I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the show. From the magic to the comedy, my family and I just loved it! Along with the chinese sticks my son purchased, he now goes along trying to talk without opening his mouth! Those little blue eyes on the hand are going to drive me crazy! Thanks for the memories of a wonderful vacation. P.S. Mr. Hamner, we really enjoyed the church service you offer on Sunday morning! Thank you!
Sincerely, Tonja Green Pasadena, Tx

My wife and two sons (10),(8), went to your show over the weekend and just wanted to let you know that we had a blast. What you did with that first act was incredible and very funny all at the same time. And your voice came as a complete shock, it was incredible!!! We have told all our friends to come to your show and expect to be wowed.
Thanks Again, Shawn Radant

Dear Jim, saw your show a second time and we sure enjoyed it! We love to laugh too! Ha Ha, HaHah! Am I mistaken or did you drop “Bright Side” to do that one? Please bring it back and do ‘em both. When we asked our daughter, Tatiana, what show she wanted to see it was Hamner and Barber of course. We’ve watched Hamner’s illusions twice now and to his credit still haven’t figured out how he does them but we’re determined to catch him in the act. Judy hasn’t been able to stop singing “Banana Phone” since we got back and I even find myself whistling it when a lighthearted thought pops up in my head. Our family thinks the world of you and your talent, and we look forward to our next visit to your show.
Jim, Judy, and Tata

NOW BOOKING FOR 2009 & 2010

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 ]

Additional Info & Music

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!

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 

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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.

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]]> http://grouptobranson.hamnerbarber.com/2008/11/20/hamner-barber-newsletter-11-20-2008/feed/ 0 http://grouptobranson.hamnerbarber.com/2008/11/14/jim-barber-yuks-it-up-with-yakov/ http://grouptobranson.hamnerbarber.com/2008/11/14/jim-barber-yuks-it-up-with-yakov/#comments Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:30:19 +0000 Hamner Barber Groups http://www.grouptobranson.com/?p=10 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.

Contact
Amy Hietter, marketing@yakov.com, 417-336-3838 ext 276
Cindy Merry, tomerrys@interlinc.net, 417-739-4925

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