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Thread: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

  1. #1

    Default Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    ...Why is this? Yes, I know there is (very) occasional BG music at Silver Dollar City. For example, their Bluegrass And Barbeque event over Memorial Day weekend. But what about the other 95% of the year? Branson seems like the perfect venue with the perfect demographic for a LOT more BG music. You would think there would be a club/s offering BG music full time, year around. It just seems like such a glaring and obvious void. What say you?


    Tom

  2. #2
    Site founder Scott Tichenor's Avatar
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    I can sum the correct answer up in one character:

    $

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    Registered User Mike Snyder's Avatar
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    Better look into the Peterson family band. One show is a quantum leap over what bluegrass in Branson used to be. Not that I'd spend a dime in the schock-glitz capital of the mid-west. Some shows play some quasi-bgrass, I'm told, but you can bet that it's be packaged in the same smarmy shobiz plastic way it has been for decades. Compton Ridge campground used to have a fiddlers convention, there's the bgrass and BBQ festival and Harrisonn Ar. is having a great fiddlers convention March 22,23,24 which I never miss.
    Mike Snyder

  4. #4

    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    Why would bluegrass want to be in Branson?

  5. #5

    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    Why would bluegrass want to be in Branson?

    Well...why wouldn't it? Educate me...seriously, maybe I'm being naive? I live about 5 hours to the north, just across the Iowa line. To me, it seems like there is a huge need to be addressed.
    Glitz or no, Branson is a great place to vacation with all the outdoor activities, world class fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, etc. I don't care for a lot of the glitz theaters either, but a lot of the same people who enjoy the glitz also really like BG music.
    And, Scott, I'm not sure what you mean by "$"? Do you mean there isn't money in it for BG bands? I'm talking about bringing in "big name" BG groups through an agency on a regular basis with a local opening act...perhaps once a month or even once a week in an appropriately sized venue. Like I said, maybe I'm naive, but it just seems like a no brainer to me. I think there would be room for both local and "name" acts. If not Branson (in the Midwest) on a regular basis, then where? The Southeast has BG venues galore. Why not the (lower) Midwest? Seems like a natural fit to me. But then...I like liver and onions.


    Tom
    Last edited by MikeEdgerton; Mar-13-2012 at 3:55pm. Reason: fixed quote syntax

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    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    I could see a few of the larger acts buying a theater and basing themselves in Branson but if they haven't done it by now, I doubt they are going to. I mean, if the late Boxcar Willie could make it in Branson then I would think Rhonda Vincent could make it in Branson. I'm thinking you have to want to be there.

  7. #7
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    You do realize there is probably no one here who has what it takes to start up a theater devoted to bluegrass in Branson and keep it afloat long enough for it to catch on. So anything anyone says about this subject will be speculation. Including my opinion. But yes, I agree with you - I would think there is room and a market for a venue devoted to bluegrass in Branson, and it is a glaring and obvious void. Unless there is a an insurmountable gap between fans of country and bluegrass, it does seem reasonable that with all the people with all that money going there every day of the year, SOME of them would be interested in hearing some bluegrass. I think a venue that is not so glitzy would be a welcome alternative to all the razzle-dazzle. Seems like a no-brainer to me - but as I said, or implied, what do I know? The only thing I can think of is there may not be any big name band willing to set up residency there - though I doubt that is required. I mean, as much as it is customary for bluegrass bands to tour the country to bring their music to their fans, one would think there would be enough willing to spend a week or two in the Country Music Capitol of the World (or however they call themselves) and let the fans come to them. Heck, the notion of spending a week's vacation in beautiful Missouri and catching Rhonda Vincent of whomever a couple-few times while there sounds downright appealing. But if they have to be based there most of the year, that is probably going to be a deal-breaker.

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  8. #8

    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    Well, I hope you find a backer and can turn this into a real happening place.

    Er, uh, well, uh...ANY BACKERS OUT THERE???


    Tom
    Last edited by MikeEdgerton; Mar-13-2012 at 5:19pm. Reason: again I fixed the quote syntax

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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    About three years ago I was talking to some of the "Boys" in the Bluegrass Band called "Gold Wing" and they said they had plans to build a theater and put on shows in Branson...As yet I haven`t seen anything that resembles that in Branson....I do know that some of the theaters that were in the process of being built were closed down due to no money to pay the builders....Most of the mainstays there are performers that don`t want to travel all over the country now days so they set up shop at a central location, also some of the performers that tried staying put in one place at Branson have changed their minds and are back to touring part of the year and leasing out there buildings....

    I believe that a lot of the theaters could offer bluegrass as a side line a few times just to see how it would go over, The TV channel RFD-TV has a theater there now and they have put on some bluegrass bands within the last 1-1/2 years, some were Ronnie Reno, Cumberland Highlanders....

    Maybe start a petition to get some brought in....

    Willie

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    It does make you wonder. But around here the folks that like country HATE Bluegrass. I mean with a passion. But it's interesting that the folks who like classic country don't hate Bluegrass and for the most part don't care for what passes for country now. So I could see how it would be problem. And for me, I don't like Las Vegas so I'd probably not like Branson, it's all so confusing.

  11. #11
    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    If you're ever in Branson you're close enough to somewhere that Big Smith is playing. Check them out. You'll be glad to be out of Branson and listening to the real thing.

  12. #12

    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    Doesn't Branson have the reputation as a place where fading "country" bands go to die?

  13. #13
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    You guys in the US seem to go in for a multiplicity of places with the same name,so which Branson did Bill Monroe compose his tune "Dancin' in Branson" about ?,
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    The album I have lists the tune as Dancin' in Brancin'. I thought that maybe it was a typo for Dancin' 'n' Prancin'.

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    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    According to this site, there are plenty of acts appearing there as a limited engagement - as differentiated from a residency. So someone is booking touring performers. Stands to reason someone could be convinced it is worthwhile to do the same for bluegrass. Didn't see any, BTW. Looking at what are the most popular shows I can see why this might be an uphill struggle of Sisyphean proportions. And according to this site, which features 169 entertainment possibilities - well, I'll just say it seems the emphasis here is on quantity, not quality. BTW, I got the billing wrong earlier - it's the "Live Music Show Capital of the World," so that ain't even just country. Looks like when you go to Branson you have to check your good taste with your gun before you enter.

    Ivan - I am reasonably certain Big Mon was NOT talking about this Branson.
    Last edited by journeybear; Mar-14-2012 at 5:03am.
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    poor excuse for anything Charlieshafer's Avatar
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    Scott's observation of "$" was dead on, unfortunately. The costs required to run a venue are huge, even in profitable times, and it takes just one slip-up to wreck the cash flow. There aren't enough bluegrass fans to fund that kind of enterprise and keep it going on a night-in-night-out basis over the course of years. It's not a question of liking or not liking bluegrass, it's a question of how many busloads of folks will show up at the door every day, every night, 365 days a year. You need a lot of buses to make it work.

    And yes, fading country stars work great for that. The casinos up here book roughly 80% of their shows with fading rock stars, fragments of bands, fragments of pop stars, nostalgic pop heroes from 30-50 years ago, as they're the big money makers.

    This doesn't bother me in the least; in fact I'm glad the music I enjoy is such a small niche that the money guys won't come around and mess with it.

  17. #17

    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    I'm not necessarily talking about big theaters as venues. Perhaps smaller venues that would provide for a less costly, more intimate setting, yet large enough to bring in enough numbers to pay the bills.
    Obviously, I don't know squat about the business end of BG music, but it just seems to me that Branson and BG fans could benefit tremendously from a smaller-ish BG oriented venue sort of on the order of a Station Inn but maybe a little larger. I know, I know, The Station Inn is a well established, BG promoting, venue...arguably the most famous BG club in the world. But I do think most country folk/fans do like BG music. And I'm talking fans of real deal country music, not the country influenced rock and roll of today that is being passed off as "country music". Anyway, Branson (to me anyway), has the very real potential to be a true stronghold of BG music. Even if we're talking about a small venue with local acts and an occasional "big name".
    I was in Branson over the Labor Day holiday last Fall and saw Cody Shuler and Pine Mountain Railroad and The Isaacs. Cody performed 2 shows and The Isaacs 1 show. They were all completely packed. Not sure, but I think The Isaacs sold out. This was in Silver Dollar City. Even the venues with small stages and local acts such as The Petersons were full up. Not sure if that's an indication of what other BG acts would bring in but I think it's safe to say there is a definite need that is not being met.
    I guess I could see myself taking a week to go to Branson, do some fishing at Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals, etc., do some shopping, eat out, and go see a/some BG acts. Too bad the first thing many people think of when you mention Branson are the "glitz theaters". The area has so much more than that to offer. Add some BG and you have a pretty darn nice vacation spot. My 2 cents anyway.


    Tom

  18. #18
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    I just Googled Bluegrass in Branson. It's kind of amazing what popped up. This is just one of them.

    Bluegrass and BBQ

    Anybody looking for Bluegrass in Branson might want to just Google it. It appears that it is there already.

  19. #19

    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    Mike,


    Respectfully, read my initial post. I mentioned the Bluegrass And Barbeque fest at Silver Dollar City. It only spans a very short time. If you want to see a "name" BG group any other time of the year you pretty much have to go to a BG fest somewhere else. Except for a very occasional local group at Silver Dollar City you won't find it in the Branson area. And, Branson being such a country music oriented environment, you would think BG might have a niche there. It doesn't. BG fans are basically thrown a bone. And that's about it. As a BG musician, there seems to me to be a tremendous amount of undeveloped potential for BG music in the Branson area. I'm being redundant but...I mean, am I the only one here to see this? Maybe there aren't that many BG musicians on this forum? I'm simply dumfounded by the Branson area being so devoid of BG music. But, what the heck do I know about it?


    Tom

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    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    Quote Originally Posted by drbluegrass View Post
    Well...why wouldn't it? Educate me...seriously, maybe I'm being naive?
    Ohh man. How do I say this...

    Bluegrass is a niche music which most people don't like.

    Branson is going after the the mainstream, (where most of the money is), without scaring folks with music perceived to be too esoteric.
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  21. #21

    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    Quote Originally Posted by JeffD View Post
    Ohh man. How do I say this...

    Bluegrass is a niche music which most people don't like.

    Branson is going after the the mainstream, (where most of the money is), without scaring folks with music perceived to be too esoteric.

    Jeff, I think maybe I am being naive, LOL. It just seems like Branson would be a "logical" place to promote BG music. I think I'm beginning to understand.


    Tom

  22. #22
    John Amann jamann's Avatar
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    Tom, I'm with you regarding Bluegrass in Branson. I live in the surrounding Branson area and would love to see more bluegrass in our area. Maybe not right in Branson but in the surrounding area, say Branson West, Reeds Spring, Kimberling City. Most locals avoid Branson with all it's traffic, etc. and I think a venue that catered to the local community would be very positive. A small venue that has local acts along with big name acts. Something similar to Station Inn would be great. I have been seeing more interest in bluegrass the last few years. Every other Saturday night there's a free bluegrass show put on by the local businesses in Kimberling City (small Table Rock lakeside town near Branson). So far it's only been one local act Missouri Boatride (with Dean Webb, mandolin player from the original Dillards) playing there and it always draws a big crowd. In the warmer months they play outside on a old Chevy flat bed truck. I'd love to see this grow into something bigger. Not so sure it would be packed though if they charged admission. I'm sure money is the biggest issue as to why there isn't more bluegrass in our area. It's a tough one to crack. Anyway I've thought about it as you have and would love to see it catch on more.

  23. #23
    Highly Lonesome Marty Henrickson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    I woke up in the middle of the night a few years ago with what I thought was a brilliant idea to have a TV network that would equate to "Bluegrass TV" (though I was going to think of a much more clever name). The network would feature coverage of major festivals around the country, along with some regionally popular (yet little-known) music events, traditional music-related movies and concert DVD's, occasional musician interview specials, and maybe even some type of instructional show. I'm sure that my network would've had dozens of subscribers!

    If there is any leftover cash from the Branson Bluegrass Theater project, this is a great opportunity for someone to get in on the ground floor of this potential goldmine!
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    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    Quote Originally Posted by Marty Henrickson View Post
    ... I'm sure that my network would've had dozens of subscribers!..
    And that pretty much sums it up. I like bluegrass music. I go to bluegrass festivals but I go mainly to jam not to hear the acts on the stage.

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    Default Re: Glaring Void Of Bluegrass Music In Branson...

    From what I'm reading Branson has the BG&BBQ and if that were really successful the commercially astute promters surely wouldn't be long developing something off the back of that. So the first, least risk, option would be to promote the heck out of that to the extent where a small spin-off concert series became too good a chance to miss. Maybe run-up or follow-up concert evenings around the existing event.

    If it's not happening it could indicate something about the BG&BBQ event needs tweaking first.
    Eoin



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