Email this page  Print this page

Here's One for the Boys

A common sight in Branson is a nightly tribute to men and women in uniform. Here are a couple of the best.

Courtesy Dixie Stampede

The rousing ode to America that sends off every showing of Dixie Stampede.

Promotional Article

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede

1525 W. St. Hwy. 76, 800-520-5544, dixiestampede.com

In truth, there’s not a lot about Dixie Stampede that isn’t a tribute to Americans who have served their country. But unlike the Civil War itself, Dixie Stampede’s tribute is entirely good-natured, as teams of riders, horses and even pigs compete for the grand prize and braggin’ rights. Even the waiters get into the fun!

But at the end of the show, things do turn dramatic as Dolly Parton herself sings a “thank you” song to the American veterans in the audience. The “blue” and the “gray” uniforms are dropped in favor of sparkling red, white and blue outfits and a whole herd of American flags carried on horseback. The tribute is just the right note to go out on, and is a wonderful reminder that in history—as in life—we are one and depend on one another, no matter what our past conflicts might be.

The Liverpool Legends

The Mansion Theatre, 189 Expressway Ln., 417-239-1333, themansiontheatre.com

George. John. Paul. Ringo. Their names are better known than the first four American presidents (heck, maybe the last four presidents). And just as the Beatles were the pinnacle of rock and roll, The Liverpool Legends are the pinnacle of Beatles tribute acts.

But just because the Beatles were a British rock act doesn’t mean the Legends don’t pay homage to American veterans. According to Marty Scott, who portrays George in the show, the Fab Four salute U.S. servicemen and women during the song “In My Life” every evening at the end of the first act. It’s a fitting song, and a moving moment.

About the Liverpool Legends: A little more than five years ago, Louise Harrison—George’s sister—set out to put together the all-star team of Beatles tribute bands. Shortly after her brother died in 2001, Louise had connected with Marty Scott, a longtime George impersonator who greatly reminded Louise of her late brother. Marty introduced Louise to her “John Lennon”, Kevin Mantegna (who is the spitting image of the late “Imagine” scribe), whom Marty had known for years. Soon they had their “Ringo” (Greg George) and settled on a “Paul” (Bob Beahon, who stuck after another Paul started with the group) and the “Magical Mystery Tour” began.