“Celebrate & Honor.” That’s the motto of Branson, Mo.’s annual Veterans Homecoming Week, and it couldn’t be more appropriate. Though Branson, a city known for entertainment and joyful gatherings, commemorates Veterans all year around, from Nov. 4-11, 2024, it will dedicate itself to celebrating and honoring the contributions and sacrifices of those who serve their country as members of America’s military. The annual gathering includes reunions, celebrations, memorials and other events to show appreciation for America’s military.
That motto also carries a tagline: “The camaraderie you want, the respect you deserve.” That further defines the special nature of this annual event, at which generations of Veterans reunite to share memories, pay tribute to those who came before and receive a grateful nation’s appreciation for their service. The week includes several performances — some by artists who also served.
On Monday, Nov. 4, the newly remodeled Clay Cooper Theatre will host its Veterans Show following its rollicking “Hot Rods & High Heels” 1950s revue; tickets for that 10 a.m. show will reserve seats for lunch and the afternoon veterans show. (While lunch and the Veterans Show are free, seats are not guaranteed without an advance ticket purchase for the 10 a.m. show. For tickets, call 417-879-6060. The theater is located at 3216 W. 76 Country Blvd., not far from the Veterans Memorial Museum — a must-see for visiting veterans.
Homecoming Week kicks off with the free Veterans Celebration Show Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. at the Mickey Gilley’s Grand Shanghai Theater, 3455 W. 76, where a variety of beloved talents will deliver thanks to those who served. Additional opening ceremonies will follow at 5 p.m. at the Americana Theatre, 2905 W. 76 Country Blvd.
The 15th annual Tribute to Veterans show will take place Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Mansion Theatre, 189 Expressway Lane. The preshow begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the main event, hosted by Barbara Fairchild and Roy Morris, at 9 a.m.
Several top Branson attractions also feature proud Veterans. “America’s Got Talent” finalists the Duttons, a three-generation family of musical virtuosos, includes Duttons CFO and rhythm guitar player Dean Dutton, the family patriarch, who was a member of the Army National Guard activated by President John F. Kennedy during the Berlin Crisis in 1961. The Duttons’ high-energy shows take place at their own Dutton Family Theater, 3454 W. 76 Country Blvd. Go to theduttons.com or call 417-332-2772 for tickets and information.
The youngest brother in SIX, the a cappella “orchestra of human voices” that has been wowing Branson audiences since 2006, joins his five siblings during the second half of their wide-ranging music, dance and comedy show to sing a special tribute to Veterans. Army Veteran Charles Knudsen served in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment’s Caisson Platoon, the equestrian unit charged with laying soldiers to rest in Arlington Cemetery. They perform their perennially award-winning show at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, 1600 W. 76 Country Blvd. For showtimes and tickets, visit thesixshow.com or call 877.SIX.SHOW.
Pepsi Legends Theater is also where Legends in Concert pays homage to both late and living musical luminaries like Pat Benatar, Willie Nelson, Brooks & Dunn, Adele, Reba, Elvis, Michael Jackson and many others — including Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, both evoked by U.S. Army veteran Shawn Barker, who served in the Persian Gulf from 1992-94. Barker is renowned for his version of Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag.”
Keith Allynn, star of A Neil Diamond Tribute, one of Branson’s most popular shows, is also a Veteran, as is his entire horn section: trumpeter Jay Daversa, sax player Bill Reder and trombonist Jay Parks. They perform at God and Country Theatre, 1840 W. 76 Country Blvd., with shows Nov. 5-8.
The Americana Theatre is also where Veteran Josh Carroll serves as emcee, vocalist, guitarist and pianist in America's Top Country Hits (with performances Nov. 4, 6 and 9) and as guitarist, vocalist and straight man in CJ Newsom’s Classic Country & Comedy show (Nov. 5, 7 and 9). This busy performer also can be seen in #1 Hits of the ‘60s at Clay Cooper Theatre (Nov. 5, 7, 9 and 10).
Branson proudly serves as a top destination year-round for Veterans and active-duty service members. The city strives to show military members past and present the gratitude and respect they deserve, and honors their service with memorials, museum exhibits, performances and other acknowledgement of their dedication and sacrifices. For more information about Veterans Homecoming Week, visit ExploreBranson.com/Veterans.
コメント