Branson Country USA Podcasts

This week we welcome Sarah Marie La Bleu!

This week we welcome Brooks and Dunn! Doug Brewin and Larry Turner are seasoned performers with Legends in Concert. Doug has been performing a tribute to Alan Jackson for Legends in Concert since 2004 and Larry, as George Strait, since 2008. The two met while performing their respective tribute acts at Legends in Branson and a friendship was formed. During one of their gigs together they were discussing Country superstars and found they both had a great respect for the singing duo of Brooks & Dunn. They quickly got together and started the process of forming a tribute act to the duo. Doug and Larry enjoy both the high energy as well as the ballads, singing such Brooks & Dunn classics as My Maria, Neon Moon, Rock My World Little Country Girl, Only in America, Boot Scootin’ Boogie, and Believe. Larry performs as Kix Brooks and Doug performs as Ronny Dunn. Doug & Larry feel it's an honor to pay tribute to the duo who has won the prestigious CMA "Duo of The Year" 14 times. Brooks & Dunn have had twenty number one hits and thirty-nine hits in the top ten. They have outsold every duo in musical history including Simon & Garfunkel. Legends in Concert is located along the famous 76 Strip and has been a part of the Branson entertainment scene over two decades. Two power-packed hours of fabulous entertainment awaits you! This world famous live tribute show features an amazing cast of all-star entertainers assembled on one stage in one of the most sought after productions in the world. Don't miss out on this extravagant concert in Branson. To order tickets or for more information call the Dick Clark American Bandstand Box Office: 417-339-3003 or visit www.LegendsInConcert/Branson

This week we welcome Dennis Stroughmatt! Known today as a master French Creole fiddler, Dennis Stroughmatt was raised with a love for the music of Bob Wills, Ray Price, Tony Booth, Johnny Bush, Spade Cooley, Wade Ray, and Darrell McCall by his father Jack Stroughmatt. Jack was an avid music buff with thousands of records in a collection that dated to the 1930s. When Dennis began to recognize the music that surrounded him, it was the sound of twin fiddle and steel guitar (as well as a driving horn section) that got him excited and bopping in the middle of the living room floor. With time and different moves, Dennis eventually became enamored with the French Creole music that was local to southern Illinois and southeast Missouri...but that Honky Tonk sound was every present, always in the back of his mind and his heart. The chance meeting of the legendary fiddler and singer Wade Ray would rekindle that feeling and remind Dennis that Western Swing was still in him. After the passing of Wade, Dennis would again passionately return to French Creole and then Cajun fiddling as his professional focus....but the sounds of his childhood never let go. Fast forward to the present....Dennis is still enjoying French Creole and Cajun fiddling...but the time to "swing it" is now and his focus on Honky Tonk and Western Swing has never been sharper. Ready to put his study with Wade Ray, Hadley J. Castille, and Buddy Spicher into play....Dennis Stroughmatt, The Honky Tonk Fiddler, is here! Also a strong vocalist in the Ray Price and Tony Booth style, Dennis is ready to hear from you........... For more information, visit his website: HonkyTonkFiddle.com

This week we welcome Ashley Dawn! Ashley Dawn Originally from Buffalo, MO, she grew up singing in church where her dad was the pastor and her mama was the piano player. Singing was always a family affair. She sang in a Southern Gospel trio, “The Prater’s”, with her brother and sister in her teen years. They traveled all over the country, performing about 200 concerts per year. The 135th Army Band discovered her talent and she was contracted to be the lead singer in their traveling band, “Aftershock” for a couple of years. 2019, The Branson Famous Baldknobbers offered her a singing job which she proudly accepted. You can see her performing nightly with the show that started it all in Branson. The community recognized her amazing talent and awarded her “Female Vocalist of the Year” for Branson in 2022! Ashley’s true passion is singing. She loves what she’s doing and is looking forward to where her music takes her next! You can check out the Branson Famous Baldknobbers at their website: Balknobbers.com, or call their theatre at 417-231-4999. You can also visit her Facebook page: AshelyDawnMusic.

This week we welcome Mary Lou Turner! Born in Hazard, Kentucky, Mary Lou Turner began her career as a regular on the famous Wheeling Jamboree radio show on WWVA in Wheeling, West Virginia. She began turning heads in 1974 with her first popular song, “All That Keeps Me Going”. She followed that success with several other songs that reached the top 50 on the U.S. Country Charts, including “It's Different With You”, “Love It Away”, and “Cheatin' Overtime”. Though a star in her own right, she may be best known for the duets she sang with Bill Anderson. The duo teamed up to produce hits in the top 25 on the U.S. Country Charts, including “I'm Way Ahead of You” and “Where Are You Going, Billy Boy”. The pair released “Sometimes” in 1976 which reached Number 1 on the Country Charts. That same year, she and Bill also released “That's What Made Me Love You” reaching number 7 with that hit. Mary Lou has performed in the theaters of Branson, Missouri for many years. She starred with both Boxcar Willie and Buck Trent, before joining the Grand Ladies of Country Music Show. She has a new album “A Sentimental Music Journey” recorded with the Heart Of Texas label. The album has 13 of Mary Lou’s favorite songs including a duet with radio host, Dallas Wayne, of Sirius XM fame. Mary Lou commented, “ I’ve been singing since I was 12. I thought that a sentimental music journey was a good theme with some songs that are my favorites through the years. I also want to thank Tracy and Charla Pitcox for making this CD possible for the Heart Of Texas label. They are true friends to me and all of Country Music.” Mary Lou was awarded the “Living Legend” award during 2021 Branson Terry Awards Show. She and her husband, David, call the Ozarks home. For more information, visit her Facebook page.

This week we welcome The Kendalls! Formed in 1969, The Kendalls recorded an album for Stop Records, from which a single was released in 1970: a cover of John Denver's "Leaving on a Jet Plane" (previously a hit for Peter, Paul & Mary). The Kendalls version narrowly missed the top fifty on the U.S. country charts. The duo signed with Dot Records in 1972, and released an album and two singles, "Two Divided By Love", (a cover version of The Grass Roots' pop hit) and "Everything I Own" a cover of Bread's 1972 hit. Eventually, the Kendalls parted with their record label, before signing with the independent Ovation Label in 1977. Their first single for the label, a cover of Kitty Wells hit "Making Believe", made the lower regions of the charts (Emmylou Harris' version of "Making Believe" hit the U.S. Country Charts around the same time). It was the Kendall's 2nd single on Ovation, a "cheating" song called "Heaven's Just a Sin Away", that proved to be their breakthrough. The song topped the country charts and was also a minor crossover pop hit, and won the 1978 Grammy for Best Country Vocal by a Duo or Group. In 1981, after Ovation Records closed, the duo signed with Mercury Records and continued to have hits with "Teach Me To Cheat" and "If You're Waitin' On Me (You're Backin' Up), which both made the country top 10. More hits followed with "Movin' Train" and "Precious Love," which made the top 20. Their last #1 was 1984's "Thank God For the Radio". The Kendalls had many more Top 20 hits in the 80's and early 90's. The also had a supper club in Gulf Shores, Alabama and a theater in Branson, MO.

This week we welcome Phaedra Marze Clemmons! Phaedra Marze Clemmons was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana and has been singing all her life. She began singing on Ark-La_tex shows, jamborees, festivals and fairs as well as the famous Louisiana Hayride. She has won numerous talent contests, recorded several albums and has appeared on the Jimmy Snow Grand Ole Opry Gospel Show, Ernest Tubb's Midnight Jamboree, Nashville Palace, Jim Ed Brown's Night Life Theater, and others shows across the county. She moved to Nashville, Tn and worked on music and recorded for eight years. She has opened for Tracy Lawrence, Mike Reid, Ricky Skaggs, Kentucky Headhunters, Ronnie Millsap, Joe Diffy, and John Anderson. Phadrea and her husband, who is a Firefighter in Springdale, Arkansas, now live in Huntsville, Arkansas and they have three kids, 17, 19, 20. She has been performing in Branson for the past 12 years. She now currently sings in "The Hits" Show at the Copeland Theatre on Wednesday and Friday at 2:00 pm, which has been nominated for “New Show of the Year”, “New Matinee Show of the Year”, and “Female Vocalist of the Year” from the 2023 Branson Show Awards. She has also been nominated for “Female Vocalist of the Year” from the 2023 Branson Terry Awards. Phaedra also sings at Cowboy Church the first Sunday of every month at God and Country Theater. You can find Phadrea and her talented cast at the Copeland Theater. For tickets and information, call 417- 332-5338; or visit CopleandTheater.com.

This week we welcome Bobby Marquez and Emma Lee Flatness!Bobby Marquez has a charismatic smile and refreshing, heartfelt honky-tonk style that stirs an energy with audiences around the globe. That music has earned the Texas-born singer/songwriter some notable honors with a Grammy considered song, multiple Academy of Western Artists Awards, CMA of Texas Awards and induction into the legendary Wheeling Jamboree. Bobby Marquez has charted songs on the Music Row Chart, Texas Music Chart and several overseas music charts with tours across the U.S., Australia, Ireland and beyond. Bobby Marquez has been seen on national television shows, Larry’s Country Diner, The Penny Gilley Show, Better Nashville, Cheyenne Country, Studio 23 Nashville and Country Fix. His music is heard worldwide on radio. Satellite listeners can tune-in to Willie’s Roadhouse to hear Marquez’s music as well. Marquez’s songwriting has been recorded by everyone from Alan Jackson and Ty Herndon to George Strait, Johnny Rodriguez and Rhonda Vincent. Bobby continues to tour, performing to crowded dancehalls, festivals and large concert stages which hehas shared with Ray Price, Mel Tillis, Johnny Rodriguez, Martina McBride, David Ball, Janie Fricke, Johnny Lee and Lonestar… just to name a few. Bobby is also the host and founder of the annual St. Jude Children’s Hospital benefit, Country With Heart, as well as the Country Campfire Pickin’ virtual concert series. For more information, fans can follow Bobby at www.bobbymarquez.com or www.facebook.com/bobbymarquezmusic.Emalee Flatness is an Ozarks singer and musician who grew up in Willard, Missouri, but now resides in Ridgedale, Missouri. She is dedicated to the preservation of traditional music associated with the Ozarks region, including oldtime and classic country. She is a recent graduate of Missouri State University, with a degree in history, and a minor in Ozark studies. Emalee plays with the Springfield based Honkytonk Renovators, acts in the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama, and is beginning a full time position with the Homestead Pickers at Silver Dollar City in November of 2023. When she is not performing, she enjoys spending time with her husband Jacob and their dog Maggie. For more information, visit SilverDollarCity.com; or Emalee’s Facebook Page.

This week we welcome Mel Barber and Lillie Knauls! Mel Barber is the male vocalist for Ozarks Country! Mel was born in Excelsior Springs, Missouri and grew up performing at local opry’s around the Kansas City area. At age 15 he began performing at Worlds of Fun starring in a country show throughout high school. Following graduation, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee to perform at Opryland USA. While performing there he got to make special appearances on the world famous Grand Ole Opry. 1996 Mel moved to Branson to perform in Silver Dollar City’s Echo Hollow Show. He has starred in various shows around Branson and even produced The Liverpool Legends the year they won the Branson Show Of The Year award.
He also had a leading role in the locally produced movie, Baldknobber. Mel is married to his wife, Kimberly, and they have a son Braylen. For more information, visit his Facebook: Mel Barber "Lillie who?" That's what folks were saying in 1975 when the first gospel recording of Lillie Knauls was released. Since 1975, she has recorded a number of albums of gospel favorites, as well as her original songs. Lillie Knauls To answer the question, "Lillie who?" Here's the answer about this incredibly moving musician. Ms. Knauls was born in Arkansas. Her parents had six girls and one boy. Church was the first place Lillie went in life. When the church doors opened, the Knauls family was there. Lillie can't ever remember not loving the Lord. She asked Him to come into her heart at a very young age. At age 13 her father passed away and the family moved to Seattle, Washington, to live with her Mother's sister. Lillie attended Middle and High school, and began working at Pacific Telephone in 1956. While working at the Telephone Company in San Jose, Lillie took a leave of absence to sing with the Edwin Hawkins Singers in 1970. This was when their song, "O, Happy Day" was Number One on the Gospel charts. It was the first Gospel Song to cross over to Secular Billboard Charts, and sold over a million copies. Ms. Lillie's version can be found on her "Lillie Knauls Past and Present" 2007 Dove Winning CD. They sang all over the United States and Europe, in concert halls and on television shows. Knowing that God called her to a full-time music ministry, she walked away from her job of 22 years at the telephone company. During her farewell luncheon, God gave her a scripture which is still one of her favorites, Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store in barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" God has proven Himself true to His Word! He is faithful and supplies ALL her needs with no regular paycheck. Around the world several times, the "MUSICIANARY" goes wherever the doors are opened. Ms. Lillie ministers in large and small churches, Aglow Fellowships, rest homes, prisons, Christian Women's clubs and major Christian TV programs. In addition, God gave Ms. Lillie the gift of being single. (1Corinthians 7:32) Lillie is a frequent speaker at Single's Rallies where she shares on the subject, "Single and Satisfied." She stresses the importance of singles being involved with families, especially ones with children. Lillie has covered the globe ministering and singing about God's love in all nations, except those under Communist rule. Once in Rio de Janeiro, she sang to 200,000 people and 500,000 in Ghana! Though the times and places change, her musical message remains the same... strictly Christ-centered! Ms. Lillie now lives in California and has covered the globe ministering and singing about God's love. She continues to bless and delight audiences all over the world! For more information, visit her website: MissLillie.com

This week we welcome Casey and the Attaboys as well as Jordan Jensen! Casey and the Atta Boys are celebrating 10 years as a band. The Ozarks premier bluegrass band! Their roots run deep in traditional bluegrass and they like to put their own sound to those songs. They are a talented group of 5, showcasing their writing skills as well as their playing abilities. The group travels all across Southwest Missouri entertaining Bluegrass audiences of all ages. The band is very passionate about Bluegrass and bringing their love of the musi to new people and places. You’ve seen them at Silver Dollar City You will find their show is full of energy and has something for everyone. This is a must-see band! For more information, visit their website:CaseyAttaboys.com

This week we welcome, from The Branson Famous Baldknobbers, Kendall Parrett! In 1959, Mabe brothers Bob, Bill, Lyle, and Jim began performing twice a week in a converted roller skating rink on the Lake Taneycomo lakefront to entertain visiting fishermen at night. The brothers combined popular country tunes with Ozark Mountain music and threw in a dash of comedy to entertain audiences. Their instruments were simple like: the washtub bass, banjo, Dobro, and a mule’s jawbone for rhythm. Little did they know in the late 1950's that they would become the founding fathers of Branson's music show industry. The brothers combined popular country tunes with Ozark Mountain music and threw in great, hillbilly comedy to entertain growing Branson audiences. In 1969, the Baldknobbers, as the brothers called themselves, built a theater on Highway 76, making their act the longest continuously running show in town. From their humble beginnings, they began growing in popularity and size, eventually converting an old skating rink into Branson’s first live- entertainment theatre. Now 63 years later, the big-red curtain raises every night at 8pm to entertain Branson visitors. You can check out the Branson Famous Baldknobbers at their website: Balknobbers.com, or call their theatre at 417-231-4999.

This week we welcome The Branson Famous Baldknobbers! In 1959, Mabe brothers Bob, Bill, Lyle, and Jim began performing twice a week in a converted roller skating rink on the Lake Taneycomo lakefront to entertain visiting fishermen at night. The brothers combined popular country tunes with Ozark Mountain music and threw in a dash of comedy to entertain audiences. Their instruments were simple like: the washtub bass, banjo, Dobro, and a mule’s jawbone for rhythm. Little did they know in the late 1950's that they would become the founding fathers of Branson's music show industry. The brothers combined popular country tunes with Ozark Mountain music and threw in great, hillbilly comedy to entertain growing Branson audiences. In 1969, the Baldknobbers, as the brothers called themselves, built a theater on Highway 76, making their act the longest continuously running show in town. From their humble beginnings, they began growing in popularity and size, eventually converting an old skating rink into Branson’s first live- entertainment theatre. Now 63 years later, the big-red curtain raises every night at 8pm to entertain Branson visitors. You can check out the Branson Famous Baldknobbers at their website: Balknobbers.com, or call their theatre at 417-231-4999.

This week we feature 3rd Power! The Third Power Trio was founded in 2018 and can be seen in Clay Cooper’s Country Express at the Clay Cooper Theatre. The group consists of Jordan Dickison, David Griffin, and Kaylee Riggins. You can hear them sing a variety of genres including rock, country, funk, and gospel to name a few. Come check them out as they are an important part of the Clay Cooper Country Express This high-energy show is filled with singing, dancing, comedy, 24 entertainers on stage, great visual effects, and a variety of music - old and new country, rock, current hits, gospel, and patriotic! Clay shares the stage with the stage with his cast members in a high energy, country music variety show guaranteed to make you tap your toes, stomp your feet, and even let out a holler or two! For more information call 417-337-7123 or visit ClayCooper.com.

This week we welcome The Greater Ozarks Bluegrass Society! The Ozarks Greater Bluegrass Society is a Springfield based organization commited to preserving, and promoting Bluegrass and traditional music in the Ozarks through education and exposure or local Missouri Bluegrass groups. The group coming to perform with us is comprised of: David Maravilla-Giutar, began his pursuit of bluegrass in the late 70's. He assisted in forming the band, Second Wind, whose personnel included Rhonda Vincent, and later, Alison Krauss. Afterward, David was invited to join Alison in her band, Union Station, to enter the 1988 S.P.B.G.M.A International Band Contest, which they won. David is the President of GOBS. Leevon DeCourley-Bass, grew up in rural southeast Missouri near the community of Arab. He attended college at Southeast Missouri State University during which time he worked with bands such as The Men of the Week and Tommy Brown and the County Line Grass. Leevon now makes his home in Crane, Missouri with his wife Kadee along with their son Walker and soon to be DeCourley Baby #2, due in March. Leevon is working to bring bluegrass to the forefront in the Crane area through events such as Bluegrass on the Backstage at the Crane Broiler Festival and other jams and events throughout the area. Leevon is the Vice-President of GOBS. Gil Turk-Banjo, grew up on a farm in the Springfield area, Gil says,I starting playing banjo when I was about 13 and after I discovered Earl Scruggs, I was totally obsessed. I found gobs at about the same time and it was instrumental, no pun intended, in helping me grow as a bluegrass musician. I met so many wonderful people through gobs who helped me a lot, chief amongst those were Roy and Betty Jo Craft, with whom I played in my first band. Gil currently play in two bands, Missouri 65 and Ozark Mountain Five, the former on banjo and the latter on mandolin. Gil is 21 and out of college. Gil currently does landscaping for Ryan Lawn and Tree, but hopes to be a conservation agent soon. Gil is a board member with GOBS. Mark Withers-Mandolin, started playing mandolin and guitar at age 13. He played with his dad Luther and uncle Russell's bluegrass band, The Bluegrass Ramblers, for several years, playing numerous shows with Jim & Jesse, The Lewis Family and Bill Monroe. Mark also fronted his own band for years, and for almost 20 years co-hosted a bluegrass gospel program, Believers Bluegrass, with close friend Gene Reasoner, and was emcee and stage manager at the Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival for 37 years. Mark is the Executive Director of GOBS. Bill Gage-Fiddle, started playing fiddle at 7 but found bluegrass about 20 years ago. Early bands Bill played with include The Roving Gamblers, South 14 and JC Bonds. Bill is one of the founding members of Big Mill and has played fiddle with them for over 10 years. Bill also plays mandolin for George’s Creek. He lives near Harrison AR. Bill is a member of GOBS. For more information, call 417-880-0343 or www.GoBluegrass.org.

This week we welcome Leona Williams! Leona Williams was destined to become a Country Music Entertainer. She landed her first radio show at the age of 15, simply called "Leona Sings" in Jefferson City, Missouri. That journey would take her all over the world and allow her to sing before thousands and thousands of Country Music fans. Leona moved to Nashville in the late 1960s from a small town in Missouri called Vienna, and was soon recording for Hickory Records with such hits as "Once More" and "Yes Ma'am, He Found Me In A Honky Tonk". Since then, Leona has traveled worldwide and opened shows for some of country music's top entertainers and made numerous personal appearances at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Leona later teamed up with Merle Haggard for a top ten duet called "The Bull and the Beaver" and a duet album followed called HEART TO HEART. During this time, she would write some of Merle's biggest hits including "You Take Me For Granted" and "Someday When Things Are Good." Leona, a Missouri native, was inducted into the Country Music Association of Texas Hall of Fame in 1999. She was also honored with the prestigious George D. Hay Award in 2002 and was also inducted into the Missouri Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2011, Leona was awarded "Entertainer of the Year" by R.O.P.E. (Reunion of Professional Entertainers). Whether in a recording studio, dance or concert hall or on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, Leona Williams always gives her very best to her fans and her music. She definitely presents a special class to the world of Country Music. For more information visit her website: LeonaWilliams.com.

This week we welcome Shawn Barker as Johnny Cash! Shawn Barker was born and raised in the metro St. Louis area where like most entertainers, Shawn’s first experience with music was attending church with his family. From singing in church, playing drums in the school marching band or singing in cover bands and coffee houses, music and entertainment has always been in Shawn’s blood. In 2004, Shawn auditioned for the part of Elvis Presley in the Broadway production of “Million Dollar Quartet”. The Director, Floyd Mutrux, (“Dick Tracy” & “American Hot Wax”) recognized Shawn’s unique talent and requested Shawn to submit an audition for the part of Johnny Cash. Shawn agreed and was instantly cast in the part with Mutrux saying, “We have 100 people who can play Elvis, but we only have one that can play Johnny Cash.” Since then, Shawn has performed his unmatchable tribute to Johnny Cash all over the world touring in Australia, Europe, Canada and across the United States. Shawn has performed as Cash in the world-famous tribute shows “Legends in Concert” and “One Night in Memphis,” the four-part show paying tribute to Sun Records recording artists Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. He has also been the star of the long running Brown Production, “The Man in Black Show.” Shawn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada and continues to bring his tribute to Johnny Cash to fans around the world. Legends in Concert is located along the famous 76 Strip and has been a part of the Branson entertainment scene over two decades. Two power-packed hours of fabulous entertainment awaits you! This world famous live tribute show features an amazing cast of all-star entertainers assembled on one stage in one of the most sought after productions in the world. Don't miss out on this extravagant concert in Branson.
 To order tickets or for more information call the Dick Clark American Bandstand Box Office: 417-339-3003 or visit www.LegendsInConcert/Branson

This week we welcome Presley Puig and Bob Davidson! Presley Puig, 23, from Lake of the Ozarks, has been singing and playing music her whole life. Recently graduating in 2023 from MSU with a bachelor degree in Journalism she now fully pursues music with her band “Presley.” Starting her career off young she had performed all around Missouri and ended up getting cast as a lead singer on Main Street Music Hall from 2019 to 2021. There, she met fellow and current band members Sandy Gumm, Mark McPheeters, and Chris Libby. She is also a songwriter writing 7 of the 10 songs on her album. After recording a studio album in Nashville in 2019, she had 2 songs on the Kentucky Bluegrass Jamboree charts, one staying #1 for 12 weeks. Now she tours all around Missouri singing a mix of country, bluegrass and rock. For more information visit her Facebook: Facebook.com/presley.puig/

This week we welcome the Million Dollar Quartet! THE BOYS ARE BACK IN BRANSON! The fan-favorite Rock ’n‘ Roll show “The Million Dollar Quartet” is back in Branson in the Playhouse Dinner Theater at Shepherd of the Hills. This smash hit, based on the Tony award- winning production, takes you back to 1956 to the studio of the Father of Rock n Roll, Sam Phillips at the Sun Records Studios when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis actually came together for the greatest jam session in music history. Million Dollar Quartet takes you behind the scenes and puts you in the middle of the action as these four musicians, who became legends, returned to the studio of legendary producer, Sam Phillips, the man who invented Rock ’n’ Roll. It is equal parts stage drama and foot-tapping live performance with hits like “Great Balls of Fire”, “Hound Dog”, “I Walk the Line”, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, and more. We’re serving up a delicious dinner while enjoying an unforgettable night of Rock’n’Roll! Shepherd of the Hills Homestead has been a favorite of Branson visitors for decades. The Ozark Mountains caught Nation's interest in 1907 when Harold Bell Wright’s novel, The Shepherd of the Hills, was published. Wright’s characters in the novel are based on people he met during his visit to the Ozark Mountains in the late 1800’s, and the places he describes are on or surrounding the Shepherd of the Hills property of today.
While visiting, you can take a Historic Farm Tour and experience the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama, which bring Wright’s timeless tale to life. You can check out their website: www.TheShepherdOfTheHills.com. Or call: 417-334-4191.

This week we welcome The Bretts! The Brett Family is a powerhouse family of creatives, musicians, and entrepreneurs based in Branson, Missouri. Led by Tom and Andrea Brett, the family includes their daughter, Briahna Brett Perkins, and sons, Brydon and Garon Brett. Their exceptional harmonies and electrifying performances have captivated audiences worldwide. The Brett Family's shows celebrate love, unity, and family, and have become a beloved staple in Branson's entertainment scene. Alongside their musical success, the family has transformed into a brand and platform, expanding their legacy with collective and individual ventures. One of their latest endeavors here in Branson is The Nest -- an intimate music venue that fosters the expansion of the original songwriting community in Southwest Missouri. For more information, to buy tickets call: 417-336-4222; or visit BrettsFamily.com

This week we welcome Pam Setser and Kensley Medrano! Pam adds to her musical memories with the current lineup of groups she performs with; The Pam Setser Band, Apple & Setser, Leatherwoods, and Ozark Granny Chicks. She also performs as a solo artist. And today, Pam's newest album, “Now”, reflects her life in music. It is an Americana mix of folk, bluegrass, gospel, 1930s swing, and country. It all began with her family. "I started singing when I was 5 years old," Pam recalls. "My dad was already playing some guitar; mom played some autoharp...so we started playing as a family band, The Simmons Family." She feels blessed to have been able to play music with her parents. "I am the youngest of four children, so music was a great outlet for me to see places I wouldn't have experienced otherwise," Pam says. "We had lots of fun and adventures together, and I treasure those memories." Pam also sang in church. "My grandpa was a Baptist preacher," Pam says, "so the church was and still is a part of my life." Pam learned to play the autoharp when she was 8. "I would lay it on my lap to play so I could use my left hand for strumming" recalls the left-handed musician. She describes how "my mother tried to teach me on a right-handed mountain dulcimer, but I was having trouble..."; so "Lynn McSpadden, the maker, said, 'Let me make her a left-handed dulcimer.' And that was what I needed." At 15, Pam took up spoons. "I saw someone play them and just thought how neat," she remembers. "I want to do that!" By the time she was 23, it was time to learn guitar and upright bass. "Most of my guitars have been specially ordered," Pam says. "Not every music store carries lefties. My latest guitar is a Red Gibson J200. We looked for it for three years and finally found it at a store in Texas called Southpaw." She plays upright bass, by the way, right-handed. Of all these instruments the mountain dulcimer is her favorite. "It has such a sweet sound, and I have such wonderful memories playing duets with my mom." While rearing her two children, Pam says, "my income from my music was our fun money...money was tight then." "Most of the songs on Crooked Ridge are more familiar songs," Pam says, "whereas on Now, most of these songs are first-time recordings." Pam enjoys a diversity of Americana music, and that is reflected in the 13 songs on Now. But at the end of the day, it is all about the song. "I didn't pick the songs thinking about genres. I picked the songs because I liked the words and melody. When we recorded them, each song took its own direction." Pam is now with Valerie Smith's Bell Buckle Records. Valerie is also acting as Pam's creative marketing director. Pam continues to make her musical memories with her records, performances with her bands while living in Mountain View, Arkansas, the place where she grew up and still calls home. Like many musicians, Pam has been performing on Facebook because of the pandemic. "I feel God has given me my talent, and I always hope my music blesses those who listen," Pam says. "I feed off an audience that gets into your performance. No matter what is going on in my life, when I get on stage, it's like all is OK." For more information visit PamSetser.com. Kensley was born to sing. She has a natural ear for all things music and finds great joy in using her God-given talent. At 12 years of age she has performed in many vocal competitions, school events, and has even performed on Branson stages. The old saying, “the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree,” is very appropriate. Kensley is the daughter of former Grand Jubilee female vocalist, Callie (Agler) Medrano. Callie started singing with Grand Country in 2006 in both Comedy Jamboree and Grand Jubilee. She moved back to Kansas in 2012 to raise her family. Kensley has been a vocal student of longtime Branson vocalist, Nicole Starling. Last year Mike Patrick got to see Callie and Kensley and told them to find a date when they would be in Branson for a vocal recital and he would find a guest spot for her on Branson Country USA. The magic happens this Friday night. This little lady is so talented! Never short on a smile and great attitude, this girl will go far! You will enjoy her performance.