A brand-new cowboy show has galloped onto the stage at The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. I sat in the audience for their opening night. Wow, oh wow!! They not only did some great cowboy songs, but they also put some classic song sounds and rib-tickling comedy into it.
The supper bell rings at 4:30 p.m. You will be served up with a heapin' full of good ol' chuckwagon grub that consists of potato soup, smoked brisket, BBQ pulled pork, corn on the cob, peach cobbler, yeast roll and a beverage choice. You will go away from this show full of song, memories, new friends and full bellies.
This show has some of the best talented musicians, singers and a comedian. You will have a knee-slapping good time. You will hear songs ranging from the Sons Of The Pioneers, Riders In The Sky to Willie Nelson, Gene Autry and even the Swing sounds of Bob Wills. And a surprise every so often.
Shows started May 13, 2024, and will continue through January 3, 2025. They will do their regular shows through October 25. Then they will switch wagons into their Cowboy Christmas shows.
Now let's meet them, the Old Trail Wranglers:
Host, rhythm guitar player and lead vocals - Shannon Thomason
Fiddler, harmony vocals - Miss Hannah Farnum
Upright bass, tenor vocals - Randy Plummer,
Lead guitar, baritone vocals - "Cowboy John" Fullerton
Comedian - "Cookie" Mike Tilden
I asked real questions that inquiring minds want to know.
Who was an inspiration for you growing up?
Shannon: I really loved all the old comedians—Justin Wilson, Jerry Clower, etc. I wanted to be like those folks because they made my dad laugh. I love to make people laugh. The cowboy love also came from my dad, as we watched westerns together all the time when I was growing up, and he still does every day now on the Encore Channel on satellite.
Hannah: My fiddle teacher, Ricky Boen. He really pushed me to be the best that I could be. And I'm so grateful that he never gave up on me even when I didn't think that I could do it.
John: My inspiration was when I was old enough to operate the record player by myself - at the whole age of 3. The Statler Brothers were the first harmony group that I fell in love with. Then in 1985 at the age of 7, everything changed when I saw the Sons Of The Pioneers for the first time. A couple of years went by and then I knew that I wanted to be a performing member of the Pioneers. I made that my mission from then out.
Randy: There are several, but to narrow it down, after Jesus, it would be my mom and daddy, then Lorretta Lynn and Chet Atkins.
Cookie: I loved watching Jerry Lewis, Abbott and Costello, and Danny Kaye. I still laugh out loud watching their movies.
What made you want to get into show business or theater?
Shannon: Playing cowboy music at fifty-three years old and learning new skills on the guitar. I am so very proud to be making a living doing what I love.
Hannah: Well, I played music with my family for many years, and we traveled around a lot. Then Clay Cooper messaged me last year telling me he was in the market for a fiddle player, so I auditioned for him and he hired me the next day. I was so excited to be able to do that because my Grandma Irma used to work in his box office. She would take us to see his show and the other shows performing in his theater.
John: Watching the western films, especially those that featured the Pioneers. It had a huge impact on me deciding to make that my career. The musicianship was top notch, but their acting skills were wonderful, too, especially on the young me. Then in high school, I was determined to showcase that on stage at a talent show. I was definitely hooked then. I've had my own bands and been doing this professionally for 29 years now.
Randy: Being around my folks and their influence of them already having been in entertainment by the time I was born. My talent was a gift of God. Something that I wanted to do from early on. I loved being able to sing and play music with my folks. In the ‘60s when we started performing as a family, the love for music just grew and grew. Then the opportunity to come to Branson opened up in 1972. Our family started the third show here in Branson. I knew that music was all that I wanted to do.
Cookie: I was in a play in the fourth grade. I enjoyed it so much that I knew that I wanted to be a performer/comedian when I grew up, so here I am now and loving it very much.
What has been a big accomplishment that you are proud of?
Shannon: My daughter's legacy on and in this world.
Hannah: My biggest so far was placing third place at the Walnut Valley Festival in 2012. I won a fiddle and then I went back several times over the years. I didn't win, but it gave me experience.
John: My list is long, but the most awesome start was marrying Luanna at our Cowboy Christmas Wedding on Dec. 18, 2010. I would repeat it yearly if I could. Watching our son Montie walk her down the aisle to me, she looked like a scared rabbit. Dustin Rogers, who ministered our wedding, whispered in my ear, "Houston, we may have a problem!" Anyway, she made it to me, and I took her onstage to make her my beautiful Cowboy Christmas Bride. What a wedding, being joined by many family and friends. It was a special evening. I was joined by two of my Pioneer heroes, Tommy Nallie and Gary LeMaster when I sang one of our songs to her. Since then, many of those in attendance have since moved to the great roundup in the sky. I am a very blessed to have gained such a beautiful family of kids and grands when we married, and we have had more added since then. I give praise to the Lord above for so many wonderful adventures and opportunities.
Randy: Being able to perform, live and have fun in Branson for fifty-one years now.
Cookie: Honestly, my biggest accomplishments have been my three awesome children, and my wonderfully talented fiancé Vicki. All of whom I love and adore very much.
Shepherd of the Hills was purchased in 2017 by business partners Jeff and Steve and they are upgrading and implementing new ideas often. The “Shepherd of the Hills” novel published in 1907, put this historic place on the map. A book wrote on site and finished off site by Harold Bell Wright was the essence of Mutton Hollow. The impact of this novel helped birth Branson, MO as we now know it. Old Matt's cabin is the original homestead of Matt and Anna Ross, who befriended Harold Bell Wright. Old Matt's Barn would become the gift shop in 1946. In 1949, a wooden tower was constructed on Inspiration Point. On August 6, 1960, the Old Mill Theatre welcomed its first guests, and 1990 brought the building of the now concrete/steel Inspiration Tower, the start of the Trail of Lights and the Vigilante Zip Rider off the tower. And so much more has been added, but you just need to come and check out everything in person. Different seasonal events, tours, shows and dining in the restaurant can all be done here. Come and enjoy your time. You'll be glad that you did.
Check them out online at https://theshepherdofthehills.com/great-american-chuckwagon. Phone 417-334-4191; address is 5586 West 76 Country Blvd.
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