A red carpet night for the 48th Annual Branson Terry Awards

Oh, what a fun evening for all! So many awards for so many deserving people. Once again Terry and Liz Beene and all of their board threw another wonderful event. Bringing a bit of glitz and glamor to the Ozarks, who could've imagined? All the work that goes on behind the scenes to pull off something of this magnitude has a lot of different components working together. 

This year's house band was under the direction of Mark Pearman, fiddle; Michael Hermsmeyer, steel; Mike McAdoo, guitar; Bob Roth, bass; Paul Oney, drums; and Michael Davis, piano.

The evening began with a welcome and prayer by Dan Jensen, and the National Anthem was sung by Ashley Dawn. We all took a moment to watch a remembrance video dedicated to those who have recently passed in the music industry, including performers in the Branson entertainment community.

Live entertainment segments were presented by Matthew Boyce, Melody Hart and Dillon Massengale, Tommy Hooker, SIX, Jay McManus, Jamie Haage, The Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel, Pat Blackstock, Barbara Fairchild, The Old Trail Wranglers and a multi-person grand finale.

The winners are listed below:

·       Lead Guitar Player of the Year: Jacob Nelson, Anthems of Rock

·       Drummer of the Year: Rob Blackburn, Grand Jubilee 

·       Keyboard Player of the Year: Jim Garstang, Ozark Country and Gospel 

·       Steel Guitar Player of the Year: Greg Moody, Down Home Country 

·       Fiddle Player of the Year: Louis Darby, Sons of Britches

·       Bass Player of the Year: Steve Leach, The Duttons 

·       Instrumentalist of the Year: Dominic Haygood, The Haygoods 

·       Band of the Year: Garth Tribute Band, A Garth Tribute 

·       Comedian of the Year: Jamie Haage, Grand Jubilee

·       Female Vocalist of the Year: Kathy Pearman, Pickin' Porch Band

·       Male Vocalist of the Year: Jay McManus, Anthems of Rock

·       Vocal Duo of the Year: Jonathan and Deanna Edwards, Absolutely Country - Definitely Gospel

·       Vocal Group of the Year: The Old Trail Wranglers, Great American Chuckwagon Dinner Show at Shepherd of the Hills

·       Tribute Show of the Year: Johnny Cash & Friends, The Showroom

·       Gospel Tribute Show of the Year: New South Gospel, Grand Country Music Hall

·       Morning Show of the Year: Melody Hart & The Allstar Band, The Showroom

·       Matinee Show of the Year: #1 Hits of the 60's, Clay Cooper Theatre

·       Show of the Year: Dean Z - The Ultimate Elvis, Clay Cooper Theatre

·       Production Show of the Year: The Haygoods, Clay Cooper Theatre

·       Entertainer of the Year: Clay Cooper, Clay Cooper Theatre

The following were honored with special awards:

·       Living Legends Award: Moe Bandy

·       Humanitarian Award:  Bryan and Amy Stallings

·       Lifetime Achievement Award: Jay Daversa

·       Pioneer Award: Mike Coffelt Sr. 

The evening completed with a gathering for all at the Clarion Hotel for great food, photo opportunities and conversations.

Terry and Liz Beene say a special "Thank-You" to the following:

·       Hughes Brothers Theatre and staff

·       Branson's Famous Baldknobbers

·       All Access Branson

·       Clarion Hotel

·       The Terry Award staff

·       All sponsors

·       Roy Morris and Barbara Fairchild

·       Charles and Beth Turner

·       Dan and Bobbie Jensen

·       David and Candida Carter

·       Debbie McEwen 

·       Brightheart Designs

·       Bill and Jeannette Nichols

·       Chuck and Cynthia Hancock

·       Connie Hawk

·       Darren and Andrea LaValle

·       Butch and Sue Ramlins

·       Tara Story

·       Rick McEwen, producer

·       Denny Yeary, master of ceremonies

·       Jamie Haage, host

·       Barbara Fairchild, co-host

·       Jamie Layton, backstage wrangler

·       Special awards presenter, Mike Patrick

·       Trophy awards girl, Lakoda White

·       And all of the presenters of awards 

Congratulations to all winners, nomination holders, recognition awards and to all the people who make this possible for our enjoyment and acknowledgments. Looking forward to the 49th Annual Branson Terry Awards next year. Stay in touch through the media online at terryawards.com and Facebook at Branson Music Terry Awards.