For the Love of Branson: International Branson

     A Japanese fiddle player, a Russian comedian and a Greek Piano virtuoso known as the Christian Liberace. What do all these entertainers have in common? Well, Branson of course! You see, as much as Branson gets pigeon holed as just being the Home of Country Music in the Ozarks, our stages have been graced over the decades by talent from all over the world.

     Shoji Tabuchi, a student of the Suzuki method, actually made his mark in the Country Western style and was first brought to Branson by legendary show producer Chisai Childs. Yakov Smirnoff, on the other hand, left the Soviet Union with his parents in his early adulthood and gained national acclaim in the post Cold War era before making the Ozarks his forever home. And Dino Kartsonakis fit right into Branson’s Faith, Family & Flag persona long before he became famous for his delicious carrot cakes.

     But beyond those Branson Boom era legends, our theatres and music venues have continued to host international talent to this day. I think of the many troops of Chinese acrobats that have performed here or the British Isles showcase that takes place every evening at the Kings Castle Theatre. And of course, the global heritage of the various entertainers has been an important characteristic of the Branson shows as well. Bobby Vinton carried the torch for every love struck Polish immigrant in this country and Glen Campbell never missed an opportunity to highlight his Scottish heritage complete with bag pipes and a kilt! Roy Clark, despite just being a good ole white boy from Virginia became known for the Spanish guitar epic “Malagueña” and a Mel Tillis Christmas show wasn’t complete without his rendition of “Mele Kalikimaka” to celebrate a Hawaiian Christmas.

     See, Branson is about as American as it comes and yet we throw our arms open to the whole world. You wouldn’t believe how many international students want to witness the authentic version of an Ozarks Hillbilly. And perhaps the most beautiful aspect of our international flavor is the amount of American patriotism displayed on the stages of our international performers.

     Yakov’s show for example is just as much a celebration of America as it is a comedy performance. The whole show opens with legendary radio show announcer Paul Harvey delivering one of his “the rest of the story” addresses in which he talks about the mural Yakov painted after 9/11 to hang over ground zero. And if you can get through the closing number of his show where he ballroom dances with Lady Liberty “come to life” without crying, then you are stronger than I am.

     Overall, Branson will continue to represent the best of this country while keeping our doors open to the rest of the world. We don’t call ourselves “The Most Patriotic City in America” for no reason. And yet the songs of every nation abide. God Bless the USA and remember that Jesus loved all the children of the world.