Branson Gong Show Returns This Wednesday Night

It’s Branson’s Funniest Fundraiser!

New Fantastic Acts! More Hilarious Fun! All For A Great Cause!

YOU’LL GONG YOURSELF IF YOU MISS THIS GREAT EVENT!

The Branson Gong Show benefits Branson’s Homebound Senior Meal Program!

  • Place: Hamner Barber Theater
  • Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2013
  • Time: 6:49pm (doors open at 5:45pm)
  • Ticket Donation: $15.00, $5.00 (10 and under)

Tickets can be purchased the day of the show or in advance by visiting the Hamner Barber Theater Box Office (417-334-4363) or the Branson Senior Center (417-335-4801). Cash or personal check with verification accepted. No credit cards.

Is Food Available? Yes, the refreshment stand will be open serving a variety of cold and hot drinks, fresh popcorn, nachos, roasted nuts, and an assortment of candy bars and other snacks.

The Hamner Barber Theater is proud to host the 4th Annual Branson Gong Show with Jim Barber returning once again as Master of Ceremonies along with the following celebrity judges…

  • Joseph Hall (as Elvis)
  • Dalena Ditto (as Wonder Woman)
  • Terry Wayne Sanders (as Joan Rivers)
  • Brydon Brett (from the Brett Family Show)

Our celebrity guests have the important task of judging the great and not-so-great talent that will be competing in this year’s show.

This event has been a smashing success each year due to the efforts of several fearless performers, four wacky judges, the talented Gong Show Band, two beautiful “hoopa” girls, one sparkling scorekeeper, a wonderful warm-up man, a crazy comedian host, and an energized audience who came for a great evening of fun and laughter!

This year’s show is once again under the direction of respected musician and show producer Bogie Bohinc, an accomplished guitarist who grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a major studio recording artist for many years in Los Angeles, and has worked with hundreds of the top names in the music industry in Las Vegas, Reno, Tahoe, and Atlantic City. In Branson he has served as guitarist and musical conductor for many headline artists including Andy Williams, Tony Orlando, Ann Margret, and the “Ragin Cajun” Doug Kershaw. He is married to City of Branson Alderwoman, Chris Bohinc.

Christine Thompson, with the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging is the Director of the Branson Senior Center for whom the charity event is staged. She feels the past year’s show have been a huge hit not only for the audience but also for the “Meals on Wheels” program that they sponsor.

“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

Jim_Barber_GongShow.jpg

Branson Gong Show Host: Jim Barber

Branson ventriloquist and celebrity host Jim Barber will keep things flowing and sooth the emotions of the unfortunate performers who may hear the sound 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

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

The Fair Family – 2011 1st Place Winners

Ozark Eddie

Sarah Rackley

Mi Foo Ling

Each year, the winners clearly stand out from a few of the strange and wonderful gong-worthy acts. At times, the crowd jeers the judges to take a swing at even some of the better acts, yet when the smoke clears there will be three winners. Be there to share in the fun and excitement yourself!

Happy New Year: Branson Show Events For 2013

2013 Branson Show Events

As we welcome in the New Year, we wish thank everyone who attended our New Years Eve Fiesta last night (a full house!!), as well as the thousands of other visitors and families from across America and around the World who have enjoyed our popular variety shows here at the Hamner Barber Theater in Branson.

Celebrating Ten YearYears!

2013 marks our 10th year of providing world-class music, magic and comedy entertainment right here at the Hamner Barber Theater. We are looking forward to another busy year with some great new additions, including our exciting new morning show RED – Tom Mullica’s award-winning tribute to Red Skelton.

Here is a preview video, showing some of the featured events that will take place at our theater this year.  We hope you’ll make plans to attend at least one of these terrific Branson shows.

Happy New Year from your friends at the Hamner Barber Theater!

Branson Gong Show Benefits Homebound Seniors

The 3rd Annual Branson Gong Show is back for another hilarious evening of comedy and excitement this Wednesday evening (February 22nd) at the Hamner Barber Theater. The show begins at 6:49pm sharp, and all ticket proceeds go towards funding the Branson Senior Center’s “Meals On Wheels” program benefiting homebound seniors in the Branson area.

Jim Barber, who serves as the Master of Ceremonies for the fundraiser, paid a visit to the “Ozarks Local Live at 4pm” TV show at the KOZL studio in Springfield, Missouri today along with another celebrated Branson entertainer, “Joan Rivers,” aka Terry Wayne Sanders.

Terry will be one of four celebrity judges who will share the important duty of deciding who will win the talent competition, and who might have to endure the wrath of the “gong.”

Click here to see the full six minute interview with KOZL TV hosts Shannon Fox and Jamie Warriner who asked the Branson comedians to describe some of the exciting aspects of the Branson Gong Show.

For more information on “Branson’s Funniest Fundraiser”, please visit BransonGongShow.com.

Branson Gong Show Benefits Homebound Seniors

The 3rd Annual Branson Gong Show is back for another hilarious evening of comedy and excitement this Wednesday evening (February 22nd) at the Hamner Barber Theater. The show begins at 6:49pm sharp, and all ticket proceeds go towards funding the Branson Senior Center’s “Meals On Wheels” program benefiting homebound seniors in the Branson area.

Jim Barber, who serves as the Master of Ceremonies for the fundraiser, paid a visit to the “Ozarks Local Live at 4pm” TV show at the KOZL studio in Springfield, Missouri today along with another celebrated Branson entertainer, “Joan Rivers,” aka Terry Wayne Sanders.

Terry will be one of four celebrity judges who will share the important duty of deciding who will win the talent competition, and who might have to endure the wrath of the “gong.”

Click here to see the full six minute interview with KOZL TV hosts Shannon Fox and Jamie Warriner who asked the Branson comedians to describe some of the exciting aspects of the Branson Gong Show.

For more information on “Branson’s Funniest Fundraiser”, please visit BransonGongShow.com.

Branson’s Funniest Fundraiser Is Back!

New Fantastic Acts! Hilarious Fun!

The Branson Gong Show benefits Branson’s Homebound Senior Meal Program!

  • Place: Hamner Barber Theater
  • Date: Wednesday, February 22nd
  • Time: 6:49pm (doors open at 5:45pm)
  • Ticket Donation: $15.00, $5.00 (10 and under)

Tickets may be purchased the day of the show or in advance by visiting the Hamner Barber Theater Box Office (417-334-4363) or the Branson Senior Center (417-335-4801). Cash or personal check with verification accepted. No credit cards.

Is Food Available? Yes, the refreshment stand will be open serving a variety of cold and hot drinks, fresh popcorn, nachos, roasted nuts, and an assortment of candy bars and other snacks.

The Hamner Barber Theater is proud to announce that they will host the 3rd Annual Branson Gong Show with Jim Barber returning once again as Master of Ceremonies along with the following celebrity judges and guest stars…

  • Joseph Hall (as Elvis)
  • Dalena Ditto (as Wonder Woman)
  • Terry Wayne Sanders (as Joan Rivers)
  • Brydon Brett (from the Brett Family Show)
  • special guest Reggie (from Jeerk)

Our celebrity guests have the important task of judging the great and not-so-great talent that will be competing in this year’s show.

This event has been a smashing success each year due to the volunteer efforts of several fearless performers, three wacky judges, the talented Gong Show Band, two beautiful “hoopa” girls, one sparkling scorekeeper, a wonderful warm-up man, a crazy comedian host, and an energized audience who came for a great evening of fun and laughter!

This year’s show is under the direction of respected musician and show producer Bogie Bohinc, who helped developed the annual event since it’s inception with Harry & Carolyn Watterson.

Bogie is an accomplished guitarist who grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a major studio recording artist for many years in Los Angeles, and has worked with hundreds of the top names in the music industry in Las Vegas, Reno, Tahoe, and Atlantic City. In Branson he has served as guitarist and musical conductor for many headline artists including Andy Williams, Tony Orlando, Ann Margret, and the “Ragin Cajun” Doug Kershaw. He is married to City of Branson Alderwoman, Chris Bohinc.

Christine Thompson, with the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging is the Director of the Branson Senior Center for whom the charity event is staged. She feels the past year’s show have been a huge hit not only for the audience but also for the “Meals on Wheels” program that they sponsor.

“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

Jim_Barber_GongShow.jpg

Branson Gong Show Host: Jim Barber

Branson ventriloquist and celebrity host Jim Barber will keep things flowing and sooth the emotions of the unfortunate performers who may hear the sound 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 new slate of judges for the 2012 edition of the Branson Gong Show are busy practicing their swings so they can compete with past celebrity judges: magical illusionist Dave Hamner of the Hamner Barber Variety Show, amazing impressionist Bob Anderson, and the multi-talented singer, guitar player and impersonator George Trullinger.

Branson_Gong_Show_1.jpg

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

The Fair Family – 2011 1st Place Winners

Ozark Eddie

Sarah Rackley

Mi Foo Ling

Each year, the winners clearly stand out from a few of the strange and wonderful gong-worthy acts. At times, the crowd jeers the judges to take a swing at even some of the better acts, yet when the smoke clears there will be three winners. Be there to share in the fun and excitement yourself!

See many more photos of the 2nd Annual Branson Gong Show courtesy of Meadows Images.

Big Year Ahead For Branson & Hamner Barber Theater

Congratulations Branson Tri-Lakes News

The very first issue of the Branson Tri-Lakes News for the new year of 2012 featured a cover story entitled 100 years, a look back in which staff writer Tyler Franke reports that the Branson area newspaper has just reached its 100th year of continuous publication. The Branson Tri-Lakes News is the local newspaper covering Branson, Taney County and Stone County in Missouri, and traces its roots to the oldest publications in Taney County. Read the full article here.

Hamner Barber Show Featured on Branson Tri-Lakes News

This historical milestone comes just a few months before the city of Branson celebrates it’s Centennial in the traditional grand style of the Ozarks. Branson Tri-Lakes News Publisher and part-owner Michael Schuver has announced they will release a special publication in March celebrating the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the city.

Happy New Year, Baby!

Considering the historical importance of this particular issue of the newspaper, it was a surprise honor for the Hamner Barber Variety Show to have been selected as one of the featured photos on the front cover of the centennial edition.

Taken amidst a packed house at the second annual Hamner Barber New Year’s Eve Fiesta on December 31st, the photo shows comedian Jim Barber in a routine where he imitates “Huston Towers” as part of a comedy game show segment. The newspaper photo is captioned as follows…

JIM BARBER, a comedian and ventriloquist in Branson, does is impression of movie character Austin Powers during the “Hamner Barber New Year’s Eve Fiesta” Saturday night.  Hundreds attended the four-hour celebration, which included Mexican food, fiesta games and an extended presentation of the “Hamner Barber Show.”

- Tyler Francke | Branson Tri-Lakes News

What’s NEW in 2012 at Hamner Barber Theater?

There will be many news worthy events and updates on tap at the Hamner Barber Theater this year.  Among them are the addition of several brand new routines and illusions in the Hamner Barber Variety Show, celebrating it’s 9th season in 2012.  There will also be several guest artist performances and fund-raising events for Branson area organizations in need of assistance during the year.

In addition to a full season schedule of the Hamner Barber Variety Show, popular country music singer Dalena Ditto will return for her 11th season in Branson with a series of 59 concerts at the Hamner Barber Theater throughout the year beginning March 29th. More information on the Dalena Ditto Country Variety Show can be found here. On Friday April 27th at 2pm, the Branson Magic Bonanza will once again present it’s Magic All-Stars Show featuring magicians Greg Wilson, Tom Burgoon, Jason Hudy and Levent, along with another surprise guest performer.   The Plummer Family will return with their 6th Annual Reunion Show on Saturday, May 6th. Information on all these shows will be released closer to the events.

Fundraising events at Hamner Barber Theater this year include the 3rd Annual Branson Gong Show to raise funds for the Branson Homebound Senior Meal program of the Branson Senior Center.  Auditions for the show will be held on Monday, January 23rd from 5-8pm at the Branson Senior Center. Mark your calendars to attend the Branson Gong Show on Wednesday, February 22nd.  More information will be released soon, but you can read about last year’s event here.

In May (date to be determined) we will also be hosting our 9th Annual Vietnam Veterans Assistance Show.  This is always a powerful and highly entertaining event where many of the top Branson stars gather together at the Hamner Barber Theater in benefit of our local area Veterans who are in need of assistance.

More information on this great benefit concert will be released soon, and information regarding last year’s event can be read here.

Finally, the Hamner Barber Theater is proud to once again team up with Branson.com to present the annual Hand-In-Hand, Branson Honors Purple Heart Veterans event April 26, 27 and 28th. Since it’s beginning, Hamner Barber has hosted the opening ceremonies, public entertainment show, and closing ceremonies throughout the three day event. This year’s event promises to be the biggest and best ever, and the public is invited to participate in the activities free of charge. More information will be available at the Veterans Galleria on Branson.com.