February, 2012 Branson Events

Location: the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater, 1600 W Highway 76

Time: 7:00 pm; VIP Party with the Stars at 5:30 pm

Fundraiser: Branson Arts Council and Branson Center for the Arts

Tickets: TBA (admission was $10 in 2011)

All for a great cause, come to see local celebrities paired with some of the area's top dancers.

The stars & pros you'll see:

• Chuck O'Day (Hollywood Wax Museum) & Stephanie Richardson (singer/dancer at Legends)
• more to be announced

Celebrity judges:

• Tony Orlando
• Steve Willoughby - Home Town Radio
• Michelle Willadsen - Midwest Dance Revolution

Special appearances by:

• Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley
• Dance Branson - Vagabond Stage Co
• Midwest Dance Revolution - Premiere Dance Academy
• Nedgra Culp

The 3rd Annual Dancing With the Stars of Branson is a television-style community fundraiser. A regular citizen from the Branson area community dances with a partner from Branson's professional dance community. Each couple performs one number, LIVE on stage. Vote with your dollars! It's a "Dollar per Vote" fundraising event and the winner is the couple that raises the most money. This year's beneficiaries are the Branson Arts Council and Branson Center for the Arts.

The winners receive their very own Mirror Ball Trophy. There is also a special Judges Cup Trophy awarded to the couple that "Most Tickles the Judge's Fancy."

After the event, Branson Vacation Channel will air the show in its entirety. Viewers can support the Arts again by calling in VOTES through phone or text. The couple that receives the most call-in votes receives the "Viewers Choice" award sponsored by The Vacation Channel.

Big Cedar has cozy cabins (with fireplaces and Jacuzzi's) for overnight stays...plus:

• Room Service for 2: Enjoy a four-course meal with champagne in the comfort of your own room. Call for dates available. $155 per couple.
• Valentine's Day Bingo for Lovers: A special Valentine's Day BINGO (age 21+) will be held on February 14th starting at 4:30pm. Located in Cedar Creek B.
• Chocolate Making and Champagne Tasting: A class just in time for you to pick up a few tricks to share with someone special on Valentine's Day. Learn the perfect way to make those chocolate-covered treats. February 11 or 14, 2012 
• Meals for Two & Champagne Tasting: Watch Big Cedar chefs as they introduce you to a couple of new recipes made especially for two. February 18, 2012
• Not-So-Newlywed Game: Couples come together for a fun time on Saturday, February 11, 2012 in Cedar Creek B from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm. Sign up at Guest Services or call ext. 7107 or ext. 4002. Couples only, ages 21 and up. Popcorn will be provided.

Or try these two events that don't require staying on property. Just go:

• Valentine's Day Dinner at Worman House: Join them in the classic Worman House and enjoy selections off of the regular menu or try a special Valentine's Day four-course menu with wine pairings. Call 1-800-BCLODGE for reservatiohs.
• Carriage Rides: Do something out-of-the-ordinary and take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the grounds of the resort.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Joseph at Sight & Sound Theatres is holding auditions for Minor Male Performer roles.

Deadline for submission is February 13, 2012.
Registration is required to participate at the auditions.

Audition Date: Saturday, February 18, 2012
Location: Sight & Sound Theatres, Branson, MO

Casting Requirements for Younger Role: Ages 7-9 years old. No taller than 4'10". Small to Average build.
Casting Requirements for Older Role: Ages 10-12 years old. No taller than 5'2". Average build.
All Roles: Must be in good physical condition. Must not be allergic to animals or afraid of heights. Must have acting skills and willingness to uphold the mission of Sight & Sound Theatres.

Please Prepare: One-minute memorized monologue and One 32-measure ballad song of your choice.

Applicants ages 15 and younger must have proof of Entertainment Work Permit.

Please visit sight-sound.com for a casting application

Email or call for more info: centralcastingbr@sight-sound.com or (717) 983-2112  x4246

The 18th Annual 2012 Hot Winter Fun Big Show is scheduled for Monday, February 6, 2012 from 7:00 - 10:00 pm at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater. (snow date Feb. 15, 2012)

It's one stage. It's one theater. It's one exciting evening. But it's not just one performer...it's a virtual sampler of the wide variety of Branson performers and shows. It's the Hot Winter Fun Big Show!

The 2012 emcee is Bob Leftridge of the Baldknobbers Show. He welcomes a wide array of talent. Performers include:

• Baldknobbers
• Buck Trent
• Comedy Jamboree
• Doug Gabriel
• Grand Country Jubilee
• Haygoods
• Hughes Brothers
• IT from Hughes Brothers Theatre
• Jim Barber from Hamner Barber Variety Show
• Joseph Hall's Tribute to the King
• Legends In Concert
• Leroy New
• Paul Harris
• SIX
• Todd Oliver and Friends
• Tribute to Marty Robbins
• and more!

All proceeds go to marketing Branson's Hot Winter Fun season for the months of January, February and March.

Ticket info here

At The Titanic Museum Attraction, 3235 W Highway 76, Branson, MO

Saturday, February 4, 2012 and Sunday, February 5, 2012

The US Nationals of the National Ice Carving Association (NICA) are being held in Branson for the first time ever. This is the preliminary competition for competitors to advance to the city of Sochi, Russia. It is one of the premier stops on NICA's International Tour Champions Ice Carving Competition Circuit, currently the largest circuit in the world.

Event time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; the official NICA Judging Panel will announce the competition winners

Admission is FREE to watch The National Ice Carving Association's ice-carving contest

The event features ice carvers from around the world competing for a chance at the title of the National Ice Carving Association's U.S. Nationals Champion. You'll be amazed as 250-pound blocks of ice are transformed into fantastic frozen creations.

It takes place at the outdoor entertainment center at The Titanic Museum, located at Highway 76 and Gretna Road, Branson, Missouri.

You can:

• view sculptures in-progress
• talk to the artists
• learn the secrets of Championship Ice Carving from the experts
  

A FREE family event in the parking lot of The Titanic

Reservations call 800-225-6343 (two dates again this year!) Reservations are required. Space is limited.

An event for wine lovers!

• February 3rd & 4th, 2012 features Robert Mondavi Winery and Winemaker Rich Arnold
• March 2nd & 3rd, 2012 features Rodney Strong Vineyards

Featuring:

• Welcome reception with wines from the host winery and winemaker
• Cooking stations with hors d'oeuvres carefully chosen to highlight the nuances of each wine
• The winemaker from the featured winery will be present to share his expertise and answer questions
• The Big Cedar culinary team will give more tips on pairing food with wine
• Silent auction where you can bid on special vintages, stemware, wine tools and apparel from the host winery and Big Cedar's own specialty boutique. All proceeds from the auction go to charity

Saturday:

• culinary demonstrations
• wine seminars
• wine tastings
• The Wine Lovers Reception and Dinner - a multi-course menu that follows the opening reception created by Executive Chef Andy Hampshire to pair perfectly with the finest wines of the weekend. Enjoy the magic created when food and wine bring out the best in one another. Visiting winemakers will address the room and each table throughout the evening.

Pricing:

• Varies depending on event and ranges from complimentary cooking demonstrations to $35 wine tastings to $185 for the wine lovers reception and dinner.  Please contact Big Cedar Lodge for full pricing information. Reservations required.
  

It's a month-long celebration and a tribute to romance onboard The Titanic Museum Attraction!

Would you like to renew your wedding vows on the stunning Grand Staircase? This is the perfect month to do it. Call early, though, because the reservation times fill up quickly. Every ceremony is presided over by the ship's captain.

Interesting fact: In 2008, 1948 couples renewed their wedding vows at The Branson Titanic; and in 2009, over 1800 couples participated!

By the way, it would also be a beautiful and romantic spot to "pop the question." And, yes, they do weddings.

Romance on the original Titanic when it set sail on April 10, 1912: Fourteen couples traveling on Titanic were on their honeymoon, nine in first-class. There were also young brides-to-be sailing to America to start a new life.