A Family Affair

From the very beginning, the music in Branson has been about family, both onstage and in the crowd.

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There’s no denying Branson’s family mission. Just as visitors are encouraged to come as a family unit (almost every show has a comedian or other humorous portion), the city has come to be known as a great place for families to perform, as well. Here are a few groups who specialize in “keeping it in the family”, whether it’s a mom/dad/kids group, husband-wife tandem, or a band of brothers. And you can see them all before year’s end.

Hamner-Barber Variety Show

Hamner-Barber Theatre, 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Expwy., 888-335-2080, hamnerbarber.com
Talk about a magical couple! Dave and Denise Hamner form one half of the Hamner-Barber Variety Hour. Their amazing illusions, coupled with the comedy of Jim Barber, make this one of Branson’s can’t miss shows.

The Hamners have received the prestigious “Magic Masters Award” from their magical peers in Las Vegas, and have twice won the International Magician Society’s “Merlin Award” for “Best Manipulation,” and “Entertainers of the Year.” None other than Siegfried and Roy personally honored the Hamners by presenting them with their “Bronze Lion Head Award” for performance excellence. The Hamners are best known for their one-of-a-kind act in which they produce several beautiful Macaws and Cockatoos that appear amid flying cards, flaming swords, falling coins and jewels. The birds then perform an incredible flight over and around the audience before gracefully returning to the stage.

Join Doug Gabriel for Family Fun

Jim Stafford Theatre, 3440 W. St. Hwy. 76, 417-337-8300, douggabriel.com
The Doug Gabriel Show is Branson’s 8th longest running show and is considered one of the most popular shows in town. Doug has been voted Branson’s best male vocalist seven times and his show has won best morning show six times. The show offers a variety of music styles such as: country, pop, ‘50s, easy listening, rock, gospel and patriotic. Doug’s powerful voice and talents on guitar and piano will amaze you. Doug, along with his family—wife Cheryl, sons Josh (23) and Jordan (18), and daughter Jasmine (11)—and cast, deliver a show packed with music, comedy and fun for everyone. Much like the Presleys and Baldknobbers, The Doug Gabriel show is a tradition with Branson visitors. Experience the show 10 a.m. at the Jim Stafford Theatre. Call 417-337-8300 for tickets.

The Gatlin Brothers/Debby Boone

The Mansion Theatre, 189 Expressway Ln., 866-707-4100, themansiontheatre.com
Family acts are one of the main attractions at the Mansion Theatre this fall and during the holiday season, as The Gatlin Brothers and Debby Boone (who had a famous family member of her own, as you may know) are The Mansion’s special guests from November 4 through December 2. The Gatlin Brothers will also make a special Labor Day weekend appearance this fall, September 3-5, on the same stage.

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