GiGi, Guppy, Danny Yancy and Apple Jack during Hee-Haw segment/
The show’s name “Comedy Jamboree” might give those who haven’t seen the Branson show before the impression that it is only a comedy show. Oh it has plenty of comedy, but it’s so much more and has something for everyone, a great live band, vocals, dancing and a flow and presentation that is two hours of some of the best music, laughter, fun and entertainment in Branson.
The “Grand Band,” is just that and is composed of some of Branson’s finest instrumentalists. They are Tracy Heaston, Piano, who is also the shows Musical Director; Wayne Massengale, Fiddle; Danny Yancey, Steel Guitar and Banjo; Matt Hanshaw, Lead Guitar; Larry Allred, Bass Guitar and Randy Rhea, Drums.
The band’s participation in the opening number “Boogie Grass Band” and its rendition of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” showcase their combined musical ability under the direction of Heaston. Throughout the show their individual skills are featured. Heaston’s piano solo, “Meeting In The Air,” Yancey on the Banjo and Massengale on the fiddle during “Rocky Top” and Massengale’s fiddle feature during “Callin’ Batton Rouge” are three great illustrations of the talents of these musicians.
The shows master of ceremonies duties are handled by the shows lead male vocalist, Todd Bradshaw. Bradshaw does a great job in both roles. The shows other featured vocalists are Justin Tews, GiGi Hutchinson, Jon Drokelman and Jackie Brown with Larry Allred, the shows Bass Guitar player, singing backup.
Wayne Massengale and GiGi Hutchinson performing "If It Aint Love Leave It Alone."
Bradshaw’s rendition of “Rocky Top” and “What Was I Thinking Of;” Hutchison’s stirring rendition of “Is Your Name Written There” and “What I Like About You” by Hutchison and Brown are just a few of the vocal highlights of the show. As alluded to above, in most cases it’s not just a vocal, it is a vocal in combination with something else such as a featured instrumentalist or dancing with matching costume changes.
As one would expect from the title of the show, comedy is a large part of the focus of the show. It is provided by Shannon Thomason, a.k.a. “Apple Jack” and Jeff Jenkins, a.k.a. “Guppy McGee.” From their very first routine to the last, they will “crack” you up and have you “dancing” with laughter not only with their jokes and unique routines, but with their costuming.
To not spoil the fun and surprise of their comedy routines, this review will not go into detail, but suffice it to say that there is good clean family comedy and fun with laughs for everyone. One thing is for sure, when you leave, among other things, you will never have to worry about who the “Kanutzen Brothers” are or experiencing a more unique or funny rendition of the Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty classic “Louisiana Woman Mississippi Man.”
In a review of this show last year this writer wrote, “The show’s Producer and Director, Mike Patrick, has done an excellent job of combining the talents of these musicians and vocalists with the show’s comedy routines into a show that effortlessly moves the audience from one entertaining segment to another.” That has not changed. This is the kind of live show that Branson is all about, live music performed by a great cast and some really funny and unique comedy performed by two very funny guys. It is an entertaining and fun filled show that the whole family should enjoy.
For additional information or tickets for the Comedy Jamboree or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
