Bob Anderson | Branson Magic News

The 2nd Annual Branson Gong Show will raise funds and lots of hearty laughter this Wednesday, February 23rd at 6:49pm at the Jim Stafford Theatre.

Tickets available at the Jim Stafford Theatre Box Office the day of the event!

Hamner Barber Theater’s own Jim Barber will return as this year’s Master of Ceremonies along with his sidekick, famed illusionist Dave Hamner, who is also returning to judge the great and not-so-great acts that will be competing.

Last year’s Gong Show was a smash success, but how could it not be with the volunteer efforts of several fearless performers, three wacky judges, two beautiful “hoopa” girls, one sparkling scorekeeper, a wonderful warm-up man, and a crazy comedian host.

Branson Gong Show Producer Harry Watterson

Harry & Carolyn Watterson are the producers of the Branson Gong Show and together, they have created one of the most entertaining benefit shows ever to reverberate the Live Music Show Capital of the World.

Christine Thompson, Director of the Branson Senior Center for whom the charity event is staged, reported that last year’s show was a huge success not only for the great audience turnout, but also for the “Meals on Wheels” program that they sponsor. The 2010 Branson Gong Show netted around $4,000 with proceeds going to the various programs through the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging.

“We had such a great crowd, it was just awesome. It was sort of like a wedding in that we did all this planning and practicing, and it was over in a flash. Those funds will help so many programs for seniors, not only in this area, but all over Southwest Missouri.”

Christine Thompson – from Branson Tri-Lakes News Article

Branson Gong Show Host: Jim Barber

Celebrity host Jim Barber will keep things flowing and sooth the fragile emotions of the unfortunate performers who may hear the smashing of the gong, generously donated for use at the event by Reliable Toyota of Springfield, Missouri.

Speaking of Jim Barber, the guy did a smooth job of keeping all the zanies at bay and keeping the show moving at a good pace. We had thought the show would run long, however, after beginning at 6:49pm, the Gong Show concluded about 9:15pm.

Ronnie Page – Entertainment Editor – Branson Daily Independent

The other two celebrity judges returning to join Dave Hamner are the amazing impressionist Bob Anderson, and the multi-talented singer, guitarist and impersonator George Trullinger from Legends in Concert.

Jim Barber with Branson Gong Show Judges: George Trullinger, Bob Anderson & Dave Hamner

Those judges by the way… had an unenviable task of judging and gonging some of the acts. Don’t ever ask this writer to be a gong show judge. I just couldn’t do it. Incidentally, the “gong” used for the show was donated by Reliable Toyota. Barber was quick to point out that when the gong was hit, it just kept on going.

Ronnie Page – Entertainment Editor – Branson Daily Independent

Mi Foo Ling

The beautiful Branson area entertainer and comedy ventriloquist Patty Davidson will be keeping score as one by one, the talented (and not-so-talented) performers take their turn on stage. The incredible vocal impressionist Jeff Brandt will be serving as this year’s celebrity announcer.

Last year, the winners clearly stood out from a few of the strange and wonderful gong-worthy acts. At times, the crowd jeered the judges to take a swing at even some of the better acts, yet when the smoke cleared there were three winners. This year’s competition promises to be even bigger and better.

Be sure to put this event on your MUST DO LIST for this Wednesday evening in Branson!

Sarah Rackley