The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show

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4-20-06 Jami Asselin: Hello friends and welcome to Branson Critic! We are going to HAVE to keep meeting this way - after all - how else are you to REALLY know what to do when you come to Branson. You have the upper edge by being informed ahead of time! The kids and I had a night out and took in a show. Be sure to check out the Kids Corner and have your kids read what other kids are saying about Branson.

The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show was a shot of nostalgia for me. The format of the show reminds me of the shows I would see in Branson when I was young. Good old-fashioned, down-home entertainment. The Baldknobbers had the very first show in Branson back in 1959 right down on Lake Taney Como.

Back then the lake was a big draw for Branson. The fishermen would come from all over so the Mabe family decided to put a show together and entertain the families staying on the lake. In 1968 the show moved to the location they are at now on Highway 76.

Naturally, they have renovated the theatre several times throughout the years, however it still has kept its' historical charm seating 1500 people. The Mabe family now 5 decades and 3 generations later has grown larger and has continued to pass down their love for music and entertainment. Now here they are in their 47th season and the legacy continues on.

This year the Baldknobber Show has added the next generation- A trio of male musicians and vocalists. They added some new tunes sure to please the young at heart. Of course, the Baldknobbers are big on tradition so they reach back in time and perform some golden oldies that will satisfy those that are - let’s say- aged to perfection (is that politically correct enough?).

In fact, the start of the show had an interesting little twist. Large screens drop from the ceiling where they show clips of the show from years ago. While everyone is watching the screens, the stage curtain opens where the band stands ready. They take you right from the song on the screen to playing the rest of it live on stage. Pretty original intro! It “worked” and the crowd loved it.

After that it was one incredible act after another.

The female vocalists were wonderful. Each talented enough on their own to woo the crowd with their solo performances but when they sang together the harmonies were rich and very well blended. They even added some dance to the stage. These girls could do it all.

Now it’s the guys turn. Dennis Mabe, let me just start out by saying that you are one powerhouse of pipes! You can belt it out and be right on at the same time. (Of course Joy was right there with you especially during your duets). I was impressed! As for the rest of the guys – each of them had their very own unique style of singing. They utilized their styles with the choice of songs they performed and really added a lot of musical variety to the show.

The band was extremely versatile. Several played different instruments and would even add vocals. They were tight as if they have been playing together for many years. They didn’t miss a lick.
 

Now, of course, I have to mention Stub and his sidekick Droopy Drawers Jr. along with Willie Make It- the comedians of the show -

All you have to do is just look at them and you bust up laughing. They are just naturally FUNNY, and with one hilarious skit after another, they had the crowd in tears. My kids love them! They interact a lot with the audience even shooting balls out into the audience. Bryce, my 10 year old, caught one and threw it back on stage.

We also had the pleasure of meeting Jaiden a courageous 7-year-old who was sitting by us. He chose Branson as the place he wanted to go when the Make-a-Wish Foundation asked him, and he must have picked the Baldknobber show as one on his list to see. As a parent, myself, that says a lot about the show and the appeal it must have for our young ones.

Of course the band acknowledged Jaiden and mentioned him from the stage during the show which I am sure made him feel pretty special. In just the short amount of time I spent around him there could be nothing more true. We wish you the best, Jaiden!

So friends, in short, after seeing the show tonight I can see why it is Branson’s longest continuous running show. The Baldknobbers set the precedent for the many shows that followed and has stood the test of time. A show your entire family is sure to love.

 

Be sure to keep bransoncritic.org just a click away so you can catch my next show review, and don't be shy, I’d love to hear from you whether you have a show review request, an opinion of my pasts reviews, or just want to say ‘hey’. It is all welcome. Contact me at bjasselin@yahoo.com

-Jami Rader Asselin, Branson Critic Senior Music Editor

The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show, “The Show That Started It All” is located on the famed 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson, Missouri, with performances Monday through Saturday at 8 PM. For ticket and additional show information you can contact them at- 417-334-4528. Baldknobbers Jamboree can be found in our directory also.
 

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