Tour the World at Silver Dollar City... April 17 - May 5

It’s that time of year again when milky white dogwood petals peek through the budding hardwood forests of the Ozarks and countries from far-flung corners of the globe knock on Silver Dollar City’s doorstep. Each country sends representatives to entertain and educate at World-Fest, the largest international festival in America. No passports required to take a one or two-day tour—or several tours between April 17 and May 5. No hassles with crossing borders or exchanging currency; just pleasant strolls along the sidewalks of the reproduction mining-village-turned-theme-park to soak up the culture, music, and food of other lands. No matter that we speak different sounding words. Humor and music are universal components of life, traversing the common ground of all people.

For World-Fest 2013, expect to see a high energy blend of drums, dancing, and comedy in Amamos Argentina. The Los Pampas Gauchos drummers share the Opera House stage with the gravity-defying spectacle of dancers taking the tango to new heights with aerial choreography and a new interpretation of this classic Argentinean art form. Originated by Argentinean national folk dancing champion Andres Sosa, Los Pampas Gauchos has performed and thrilled audiences around the globe.

At Riverfront Playhouse, Island Fire presents World Fire Knife Champion Anelu Iakopo in a breathtaking display of dancing flames. The dramatic showmanship of Iakapo is accentuated when he reveals that one end of his fiery baton is a sharp knife. Talented singers, dancers, and musicians add the traditional songs and dances of South Pacific islands including Samoa, Fiji, and Hawaii. This interactive and educational show is enhanced with colorful authentic costumes and set designs that transport the audience to a Polynesian paradise. The show shares the wonders, culture, and beauty of the cast’s native Samoa and Polynesian Islands while it entertains and amazes at the same time.

Trio Voronezh, named for the conservatory where they trained in Voronezh, Russia, performs at Dockside Theatre with a virtuosity and artistic innovation that alters the way audiences experience classical, folk, and contemporary music. Discovered playing Bach in a Frankfurt, Germany subway station, Trio Voronezh has since made several tours of the United States, and earned audience and critical praise. The Trio presents a diverse repertoire, including works from Bach, Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Strauss and Stravinsky to Russian folk songs, gypsy dance music, and popular songs by Gershwin. Their concert material is arranged by the trio’s members and performed entirely from memory on traditional Russian instruments: the double-bass balalaika, the domra and the bajan. A balalaika is the three-stringed Russian national instrument with a triangular body made of fir. A domra is a three-stringed short-necked ancestor of the mandolin, often heard in the Ozarks. A bajan is a chromatic-button accordion with various registers.

The trio made its American debut at the 1996 Oregon Bach Festival. Over the past 17 years, the musicians have toured the United States, beginning with a featured spot on American Public Media's “A Prairie Home Companion” with Garrison Keillor. The trio went on to perform at Houston's Society for the Performing Arts; the cities of Ann Arbor, Chicago, Portland, and St. Louis; and the Universities of Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, and Los Angeles; as well as Amherst, Dartmouth College, New York's Rockefeller University, and Stanford. Their orchestral debut came with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra in a highly successful collaboration with Doc Severinsen. Since that performance the trio has performed throughout the United States with major orchestras. Now for World-Fest 2013, they are gracing the Dockside Theatre stage at Silver Dollar City.

The haunting melodies of Dearbhail Finnegan's Irish Harp have captured World-Fest audiences for numerous years. While Dearbhail (pronounced Derval) and her husband, Robin Slater, a multi-talented vocalist and emcee, come from Ireland, they have performed throughout Ireland, Europe, and the United States. Dearbhail Finnegan grew up in a family steeped in traditional Irish music. Since 1996 she has combined a busy solo performance career with her role as director of the Meath Harp Academy, a center for learning Irish harp which has a student base of forty harpers. Dearbhail has recorded as a member of the Grammy-winning Belfast Harp Orchestra and appeared on the soundtrack of the animated feature film "Nim's Winter Tale." She once performed before former President Bill Clinton in the Whitehouse, Washington, DC, during the 50th anniversary of NATO, for seniorities at The House of Commons, London, and for President Barrack Obama during his visit to Ireland in 2011. Dearbhail has released four of her own recordings and more recently, recorded a track on "Masters of the Irish Harp" CD. She has also published a book of Irish Harp arrangements. At World-Fest, she also performs at the Dockside Theatre.

At the Gazebo on Silver Dollar City’s Town Square during World-Fest, sunlight filters through the budding green leaves of towering trees, welcoming springtime to the Ozarks. The returning refrains of Ecuador Manta’s panpipes carry imaginations to South American mountains. A favorite act of World-Fest for many years, Ecuador Manta preserves and presents the music of the Andes on traditional Andean instruments including the zampona, a bamboo wind flute, the quena, similar to a recorder, the charango, a small 10 string guitar made from armadillo shell, and the bombo, a goat-skinned drum. The group also weaves other Latin rhythms, melodies, and instruments into their unique performances.

Streichmusik Alder, a new act to World-Fest 2013, brings the traditional music of the Alps to the Ozarks. Founded in 1884, Strechmusik Alder has been performing for four generations, sharing Alpine folk music with audiences around the world. Their performances are complete with traditional instruments and their own special style of yodeling. Streichmusik Alder alternates performance times with Ecuador Manta at the Town Square Gazebo.

Back by popular demand in the Red Gold Courtyard, Viva Italia entertains and fascinates visitors as they make their way to see Spettacolo Musicale in the Red Gold Heritage Hall. The entire courtyard  comes alive with the Italian-inspired, interactive entertainment experience of living statues and trees, exquisitely costumed stilt walkers, lavishly dressed street characters, a comedic three-piece band, and a live music box ballerina.

Plan extra time to take in World-Fest’s Little Italy at the Red Gold Courtyard.

Inside the Red Gold Heritage Hall, Spettacolo Musicale features classically trained tenor and recent Carnegie Hall performer Aaron Caruso, Sicillian soprano Cristina Carollo, and the nine-piece Gondolier Band in a musical journey through Italian and Italian-American classics.

When world travel creates an appetite, the Frisco Barn sets out “Tastes of the World.” Traditional global specialties include French Crepes, Greek Antipasto Salad, Scotch Eggs, and Italian Calzone, as well as various flavors in nachos and international sandwiches. From Old Mexico, there are soft-shell tacos and chicken fajitas. Tastes of the world must include spaghetti and Italian meatballs and bratwurst, smoked sausage, kielbasa and frankfurters. For dessert, visitors sample German apfel dumplings with cinnamon ice cream and French éclairs.

In previous years, World-Fest has hosted Africa, China, Bulgaria, Belgium, the Canary Islands, Germany, Ukraine, Japan, Russia, and Australia—to name a few of the countries performing in the spring-time international festival. Those countries and more will likely return in future years. In the meantime, World-Fest 2013 affords interaction with folks from other countries and cultures, continuously emphasizing that underneath our skins, we are the same... each person carrying joys, fears, hopes, problems, and pains. Across the world—and at Silver Dollar City on a warm spring day—we stand on common ground.

Kirby VanBurch Completes Tour of Branson Theaters

Many entertainers climb aboard their buses and take months-long tours around the country. Some even go across the ocean to entertain in different venues. But internationally-known entertainer and illusionist Kirby VanBurch jokingly claims that he is one of the only entertainers in Branson too actually tour Branson. After playing in at least nine theaters in Branson, he announced in early February 2013 that he has signed for permanent residency at a theater on the entertainment town’s world famous West 76 Highway.

Not that Kirby VanBurch has never done world tours. He has traveled 37 countries in Europe and Asia to be exact, including three Royal Command Performances. The Princess of Thailand bestowed upon him the title of “Prince of Magic,” a moniker he brought home as a headline for his performances in both Las Vegas and later, in Branson.

Although not born into royalty, Kirby developed his passion for magic at the age of a young prince. As a third grader in Houston, Texas, magic captured—and also wounded—his little boy heart. In a school assembly, a magician performed tricks. He asked for a volunteer to join him onstage. Kirby’s hand waved in the air. But the magician would only choose a fifth grader. At the end of the assembly, the magician handed each fifth grader a book that Kirby was certain contained the secrets of magic. He left school heart broken and so distraught that his mother drove him straight to a magic shop where Kirby purchased his first set of illusions. He learned every trick in the set and performed endlessly for his parents—and later for neighbors and children’s birthday parties. By the time he reached eighth grade, Kirby has so many bookings to entertain at birthday parties that he could not do them all. At that point, with the wisdom of an eighth grade adolescent, he determined he no longer needed to pursue his education.

Kirby’s psychiatrist father, practicing tough love, told him that if he quit school, he had to also leave their home. So Kirby did. He moved into a dirty little apartment in a bad part of Houston, got a job in a magic shop, somehow managed for a vehicle, and continued performing at birthday parties. After a time of getting by, he decided to load his car and head for Las Vegas. He landed a job in a small casino and started building his reputation as an entertainer. Progressively, he moved on to bigger venues. Kirby was the youngest star in the famous downtown "Glitter Gulch.” After creating the successful production "World of Magic" even greater recognition followed as Kirby VanBurch became the featured performer in the Thirty Million-Dollar Spectacular "Jubilee" at the MGM Grand Hotel. Charming audiences and management alike, he soon starred in the Reno, Nevada, extravaganza "Hello Hollywood Hello," the largest production show in the world.

The Reno/Sparks Nugget Hotel recruited the master of illusion, resulting in the highly successful show, "Alakazaam." To celebrate the opening of the Nugget’s new 20-story tower, Kirby drew national attention with a dazzling, death-defying stunt. Hoisted over 200 feet in the air by a giant construction crane, Kirby suspended himself upside down in foot shackles and a straight jacket, held aloft by a flaming rope. His successful escape eclipsed even the great Houdini. This amazing "Great Escape" later resulted in Kirby VanBurch being inducted into the "Ripley’s Believe It Or Not" museum collection.

About the time Kirby performed at The Dunes in Las Vegas, talent scouts from Branson saw his show. They invited him to open in Branson—a place totally unknown to the young, but internationally-recognized illusionist. However, he took a chance on their offer and fell in love with the nation’s live music show capital, with its people and its audiences. Once the featured illusionist on NBC’s “World’s Greatest Magic IV,” Kirby performed his signature 35-foot Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter Appearance in less than four seconds. He brought that illusion to his stages in Branson. His show has been called one of “America’s Best Magic Shows” by the Travel Channel and “Best Branson Show and “Best Branson Magic Show.” Kirby has also been voted “International Magician of the Year,” “International Entertainer of the Year,” and “Entertainer of the Year,” and “Magician of the Year” (multiple times) by the International Magicians Society. At the 2008 World Magic Awards he received the title: "World’s Best Illusionist."

Through the years, he has developed a following, especially among families who love to see both his small and grand illusions and his exotic animals, including Royal White tigers. He says, “To be able to say now that I’ve found my permanent Branson home in what was previously known as the Music City Centre is exciting. I’m ready to settle down with my cats and my other furry (and not so furry) friends.”

Located at 1835 West 76 Country Boulevard, the sign goes up announcing the Kirby VanBurch Theatre. “This theater is perfect for my show, giving an intimate setting in which I can interact with my audience.” Kirby adds, “The space allows me to do up close and personal magic and, at the same time, pull off some big illusions.”

Kirby’s show also includes mind-reading, assistants cut in half, and a girl in a cage changing into a tiger. He seamlessly moves from small illusions such as tearing a newspaper into tiny bits—and then in an instant restoring the full-page print—to the huge helicopter appearing onstage. Also starring in the Kirby VanBurch Show is Bambi VanBurch, the Princess of Magic, and the most awarded female magician of the decade.

“We’re in the process of doing some remodeling on the stage and should be able to open for shows on March 5, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.,” says Kirby. “Along with the remodel we’re adapting the illusions to the new stage. Luckily, we’re quite familiar with the theater as  Bambi was once signed to do her own show there for three months in 2009. We created special illusions for her for that engagement.”

Tickets are on sale now for the 2013 season and may be purchased by calling the theater at 417-544-9075. For more information about Kirby VanBurch, his show, and the theater go to KirbyVanBurch.com

New at Hughes Brothers Theatre: AYO with Voices of Glory

“Ayo” starring Voices of Glory kicks off its first season in Branson at the Hughes Brothers Theatre on Monday, March 18, 2013, at 3:00 pm. The new show stars siblings, Michael, Avery, and Nadia Cole, who together are known as “Voices of Glory.”

The trio’s unique style of harmonies, their pitch perfect sound, and their shining personalities have led to amazing successes from landing in the top five of “America’s Got Talent” in 2009 to touring internationally, performing at the Annual Gospel Music Association’s (GMA) Dove Awards, the 2010 and 2011 Inspirational Country Music Awards (ICM), and being a featured act in Andy William’s 2012 Christmas Show in Branson.

Their most recent international appearance took them to Germany for Weihnachtszauber. Of their many charitable and recording projects, their most current project, a new album called “Send-A-Miracle,” includes some of their original music.

The youngsters have inspired millions with their personal story of singing to their mother for months in 2007 when she was in a coma following a head-on car collision with a drunk driver. Their mother came out of the coma, but they continued to visit hospitals, singing for others who were in need.
“Ayo” (Yoruba for Joy) is co-produced by the Hughes Brothers who are known for their creative productions including the show “it” and the “Hughes Brothers Christmas Show.” “it” features over 50 award-winning singers, dancers, and musicians, together with the Hughes Brothers and their families.

Nadia Cole notes that their show, “Ayo,” adds another level to the Branson mix. She says: “While “Ayo” features our original music, and of course our gospel favorites, it also reaches out to visitors of all ages with current and familiar songs that speak to the musical soul.”

In producing the show, Jason Hughes says, “‘Ayo’ takes the audience on a journey of joy using song, dance, lights, and the personalities of Michael, Avery, and Nadia, backed up by a live band.”

Michael Cole enthusiastically adds, “We love the music and we love what music can do for people. In ‘Ayo’ we want the audience to feel what we feel when we sing–a pure call to joy!”

Avery Cole also says, “Ayo is a slang term for ‘Hey you’…and we’re hoping that just like that term reaches out and grabs your attention…that ‘Ayo’ will reach out and grab your heart!”

Jeff Topper, Director of Sales for the Hughes Brothers Theatre says, “All of the shows at our theater are designed for today’s audiences. At the Hughes Brothers Theatre we’re already open with our hit show ‘it’ and we’re excited about adding another upbeat production like ‘Ayo’ to our theatre line-up.” The management team of “Voices of Glory,” the singers’ parents Michael and Felicia Cole, and their Uncle Gerard, state: “We believe the Hughes Brothers Theatre in Branson is the perfect fit for the ‘Voices of Glory.’”

The Hughes Brothers Theatre is located on Highway 76 in the heart of the entertainment district of Branson, Missouri. The 1,100-seat theatre features balcony dining during the trio of shows. The historical theatre, formerly the Roy Clark Theatre and a stage for numerous nationally-known country artists, hosts three shows daily January through December, 10:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. For schedules, tickets, and other information call 417-334-0076 or visit www.HughesBrothersTheatre.com. More information about Voices of Glory is at www.thevoicesofglory.com