Lessons before Music

We woke this morning to rolling thunder coming in over the hills and what looked like an all day rain. It was time to put our socks back on and get our coats out of the car. We will have to make the most of this day.

This little itty bitty town of 7000 attracts 7 million people every year to 100 glitzy shows in 49 theatres on its own neon-studded “Strip”. Since 1959 when the Baldknobbers, a four brother band started playing country tunes in a converted roller-skating rink, the entertainment options have exploded. The Baldknobbers Hillbilly Jamboree is Branson’s longest running show but in the 80’s, big name entertainers started to come in. Tired and burned out from gruelling tours they discovered that if they built theatres in this beautiful setting, their audiences would come to them. They were right.

It looks like every style of music is available. Country, rock ‘n roll, Jazz, Cajun, gospel, big band. I am sure I missed something. If it’s not music you are looking for there are comedians, magicians, dancers, and tribute artists. Of course there is a theme park, “Silver Dollar City” a re-creation of an 1880’s mining town still in its original location.

You may be asking, why are we here? We love live music and on a previous trip enjoyed going to The Opry in Nashville. We knew this would be the opportunity to stop and take in a Show on this return route home. But first we had somewhere else to go.

Moonshine Tasting! After my Bloody Mary last night I wasn't too sure but Tony was keen. A flight of four unflavoured to flavoured. Moonshine was originally a slang term for high proof distilled spirits usually produced illegally but now in some countries it is legal. The recipe is corn meal, sugar, yeast and water. The first 80 proof, was clear and pure, the second cinnamon, third apple pie, the fourth Pecan, 50 proof. Tony and I enjoyed the pecan one, smooth and not so harsh. A lot of the tasters liked the first, what a kick it had. We did not pull out our wallets.

We left for our show, one we chose from home, just took a chance! At the theatre we were again reminded that people carry guns, same experience in Texas. Needless to say, it is a bit unnerving.

The show was fantastic. The Haywood's are a family, seven brothers and a sister who grew up in the Ozarks. They have been performing for 26 years. I think the oldest has not yet hit forty. You name the music genre they did it, you name the instrument, over twenty including the harp, they played it, and the "tap" dancing with their boots was incredible, brought the house down. Their harmony is tight, they are innovative, energetic and with special effects and pyrotechnics you are wowed. They are funny, full of fun and obviously enjoying what they are doing. They are current and cool. The night was awesome. Two solid hours of action. The theatre was packed with many new folks but many returning. Apparently they change their show every year. The line up was long as people waited for autographs, and a quick visit. Who knows when the theatre doors closed?

Tomorrow we are on the road, a hint....Kincaid, Camel's and Bridges?