While Michelle Obama hobknobs with Kings and Queens in Europe we're here in the heart of the USA vacationing with the "Real America."
And you can't get much more American than Branson, Missouri.
This holiday boom town nestled in the Ozarks is a big draw for typical American families who want to catch some fun times but don't have a lot of dough.
Branson boasts fresh, clean and economical lodging, natural attractions and tons of great shows featuring entertainment for the whole family.
Branson has more than 50 live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, 12 championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums, an historic downtown district, a whole new lakefront mecca, shopping galore and a full range of dining options.
And here's the best thing about the many live shows: Tickets range from about $20 to $50 per person and children are admitted free to many of the shows. Plus, if you have children, there is not a show in Branson that is inappropriate for them.
Last night we took in the Shoji Tabuchi Show and it was absolutely dazzling.
Shoji Tabuchi was born April 16, 1944 in Daishoji, Japan. When young Tabuchi turned 7 years of age, his mother encouraged him to learn how to play the violin under the Suzuki Method. Shoji Tabuchi always loved American country music and promised that one day he would make it to America.
When Roy Acuff, of the Grand Ole Opry, took his act to Japan, Tabuchi attended his concert then met him after the show. Acuff told Tabuchi that if he was ever in Nashville to look him up. Shoji eventually traveled to America with his violin and $500. After spending some time in San Francisco, Kansas City, and Louisiana for 11 years, he eventually made it to Nashville to meet Acuff. Acuff was true to his word and arranged an appearance for the young Japanese fiddler on the Grand Ole Opry radio variety show. Tabuchi later made numerous appearances on the Grand Ole Opry.
Around 1980 Tabuchi arrived in Branson, Missouri and after performing successfully for a few years he took a gamble and built one of the most elaborate theaters in Branson. Tabuchi has never produced a recording on a major label, but Japanese-born fiddler Shoji Tabuchi ranks as among the most popular musicians in the United States creating a multi-million dollar entertainment empire. He employs about 200 people at his elaborate 2,000 seat theater in Branson, Missouri, where he performs two shows daily during most of the year, often selling out the shows.
We're looking forward to enjoying lots more of Branson and environs this week and we'll be reporting to you as we move along.
So, let Barack and/or Michelle hop around Marbella, Mahhthahh's Vineyard, the chic side of Chicago and other so-called "swanky" spots.
We'll enjoy ourselves at a fraction of the cost and with no expense to the taxpayers.
BTW: Last night's show ended with a star-spangled salute to America, complete with pyrotechnics. Isn't that what summer is really all about?
1 comment:
It's great to hear that you enjoy Branson so much! You're right about the affordability, you can vacation for a fraction of the cost of other similar destinations and it's one of the most family-friendly spots in the country!
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