Branson, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/05/2016 -- "Last year, we produced almost 500 shows in the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center and Theater, and this next year will be an even more exciting season, with more artists and production shows than ever before," said Jimmy Osmond, the youngest member of the renowned Osmond Family and owner of the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center and Theater. "We're welcoming back our main shows that are familiar and loved by our regular Branson visitors, and this year, we've added an array of hot contemporary talent for our new Celebrity Weekends that will appeal to the ever-changing, younger audiences who are bringing their families to the live entertainment safe haven in Branson. As we announce our lineup for 2016, we're looking forward to meeting new friends this season as well as welcoming back our loyal patrons and friends."

Osmond is excited, too, that the name of the venue has been expanded and is now "The Andy Williams Performing Arts Center and Theater." The name change comes as Osmond commits to mentorship programs with area universities and to making the space as attractive as possible to top acts.

The lineup for the new season includes:

-Jennifer Nettles on April 8. CMT and Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Jennifer Nettles will be performing as part of the "CMT Presents Jennifer Nettles with 2016 Next Women of Country Tour." The sought-after ticket will include Brandy Clark, and special guests Lindsay Ell and Tara Thompson. The tour is an extension of CMT's Next Women of Country campaign, an effort that seeks to give more attention and airplay to female country artists.

-Travis Tritt on April 22. With two Grammy awards and four awards from the Country Music Association, he has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1992.

-LeAnn Rimes on April 29. An American country and pop singer, she rose to fame at 13 years old and has since won two Grammys, three ACMs, a CMA, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and one American Music award.

-Ray Stevens on May 14. An American country and pop singer/songwriter and comedian, he has worked as a producer, music arranger, songwriter, television host, and solo artist. He has been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, and the Christian Music Hall of Fame.

-Don McLean and Judy Collins on September 24. Don McLean's beloved classic songs are as American as, well, "American Pie." Judy Collins is a folk singer, songwriter, and social activist who has been a part of pop culture since she released her debut album in 1968.

-K.T. Oslin on October 15. Her first RCA single, "Wall of Tears," made number 40 on the country charts. It was followed by "80's Ladies" which went to number 7 and won Oslin the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Grammy Award for Song of the Year, as well as the number 1 hits "Do Ya" and "I'll Always Come Back." In between these two singles, she was also a duet vocalist on Alabama's number 1 hit "Face to Face." "This Woman," her second RCA album, includes the number 1 hit "Hold Me" which also won Grammy Awards for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Song of the Year. Oslin's third album, "Love in a Small Town," was released in late 1990.

-Loretta Lynn (with EmiSunshine as the opening act) on October 22. "The Coal Miner's Daughter" herself has won multiple gold albums as an American country music singer/songwriter. For 60 years, she has been receiving awards and recognition for her contribution to country music.

-Bill Engvall on Nov 5. The thing that makes any entertainer successful is the ability to connect with an audience. It's the quality of sharing the humor in everyday situations that has made Bill Engvall one of the top comedians today and among the best in the business. Come hear Bill's comedic routines like "Here's Your Sign" that helped make the Blue Collar Comedy Tour one of the most successful comedy tours of all time and turn Bill into not only a hit stand-up comedian but also a television star featured on "Dancing with the Stars" and "The Bill Engvall Show," among others.

-Rick Thomas from March through October. He's a premier illusionist who now calls Branson home and has completed five world tours covering over 50 countries. He's earned high honors including the coveted "Magician of the Year" by the Academy of Magical Arts and "Stage Magician of the Year" by the World Magic Awards.

-Moon River and Me from April through October. In this tribute to Andy Williams, Jimmy Osmond sings the songs that made his mentor and friend so beloved by millions. The youngest member of the Osmond family is joined by special guest "Britain's Got Talent" singing sensation Charlie Green, the hilarious comedy of Chipper Lowell who was voted two-time comedy magician of the year, and the Moon River Band. Jimmy will be performing some of his chart topping hits as well as songs that he and his brothers made famous.

-The Lettermen from May through December. The beautiful voices of the singing trio have been blending as one since 1961. Their beautiful harmony truly is timeless, and their many hits make this show a Branson favorite.

-"A Maxine Christmas" from November 1 through December 10. For nearly 30 years, tell-it-like-it-is Maxine has been one of Hallmark's most popular characters. Now she'll star in a live-action musical version of "A Christmas Carol" when she arrives in Branson.

-The Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza from November 1 through December 6. Branson's most popular Christmas show is back in 2016! The Legacy continues...starring the Osmond Brothers and the Lennon Sisters, with award-winning illusionist Rick Thomas, plus all the variety that made Andy's show so spectacular. The Christmas Extravaganza also includes the Lennon granddaughters, the Andy Williams Ballroom Champions, the Moon River Band, and much more…all performing your favorite holiday songs.

"There will be more big-name celebrity weekends to be announced soon, so stay tuned," Jimmy Osmond concludes. "As always, it is truly an honor to continue to produce and present this wide variety of entertainment at my theater, and I'm so pleased to announce that we're expanding our offerings as we continue Andy Williams' legacy."

Buy tickets at the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center Box Office in Branson. Call 1-800-MOON-0694 or 417-334-4500, or visit andywilliamstheatre.com.

To schedule an interview with Jimmy Osmond, contact Icy Wyatt at 417-334-4626 or email icy@andywilliams.com.

About Andy Williams Performing Arts Center and Theater
Andy Williams personally designed and helped to create the Moon River Theater. He visited Branson and later planned to return to build a $12 million state of the art theater he eventually named the Andy Williams Moon River Theater. Moon River opened its doors on May 1, 1992. The name of the venue has recently been expanded to: Andy Williams Performing Arts Center and Theater.

Andy had become the first non-country performer to open a theater in Branson. And thanks to his ground breaking decision, other non-country performers and theme shows began to move into the tiny town that would soon be known as the live music capital of the world.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

IN BRANSON, MO

Branson, MO -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/24/2015 -- CMT and Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Jennifer Nettles will be performing in BRANSON at the ANDY WILLIAMS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER on April 8, 2016 at 7:00 PM as part of the "CMT Presents Jennifer Nettles with 2016 Next Women of Country Tour."

The sought-after ticket will include Brandy Clark and special guests Lindsay Ell and Tara Thompson. The tour is an extension of CMT's Next Women of Country campaign, an effort that seeks to give more attention and airplay to female country artists.

Nettles has racked up over 22 million in worldwide record sales since exploding onto the music scene in 2004, amassing eight #1 hits and countless accolades and awards. She recently embarked as headliner on the "Playing with Fire Tour" with Brandy Clark and Ryan Kinder. She's also a vocal supporter of females in the industry.

Jimmy Osmond, Andy Williams Performing Arts Center, shared:

"I am so happy to have Jennifer Nettles along with Brandy Clark, and special guests Lindsay Ell, and Tara Thompson playing at my theater here in Branson. Jennifer leads the way this season, and she's the first of the new and exciting and contemporary big names that will be playing Andy Williams Performing Arts Center. More big names are on their way. Look for our new Celebrity weekend to be announced soon along with all of our other shows."

Tickets go on sale to the general public on December 4 at 9:00AM. Buy tickets at the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center Box Office in Branson. Call 800-MOON-0694 or 417-334-1800, or visit andywilliamstheatre.com.

To schedule an interview with Jimmy Osmond, contact Icy Wyatt at 417-334-4626 or email icy@andywilliams.com

To schedule an interview with Jennifer Nettles, all interview requests and on site media requests should go to:

Jennifer Nettles' publicist: Kristen Foster Kristen.foster@pmkbnc.com Kristen.foster@pmkbnc.com

Please contact ashley@girlillamarketing.com for all digital marketing needs including Facebook promoted posts and social advertising.

Brandy Clarks' publicist: Ebie McFarland ebie@ebmediapr.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Branson, MO -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/23/2015 -- The second season of the all-new MASTERS OF ILLUSION Premieres Friday, July 10 on the CW Network, and features even more great escapes, fascinating sleight of hand, large scale illusions and award-winning comedy magic, all performed before a live studio audience.

Among the impressive line up of top magicians scheduled to appear on multiple episodes this season's series will once again be Chipper Lowell, "Two Time Comedy Magician Of The Year." Chipper currently guest stars with country legend Collin Raye in Branson's summer family fun show "THE HITS" at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre in Branson, MO through mid-September.

Chipper has also appeared on the Tonight Show, Disney Channel, MDA Telethons, America's Funniest People, and 2015's new TV series "Don't Blink!" on the "POP" Cable Network which is a joint venture with CBS and also begins airing in July of 2015.

The Los Angeles Times calls Chipper's unique blend of comedy and magic "Frenetic, Feverish and Hilarious!"

For Ticket Reservations, call Andy Williams Moon River Theatre in Branson at 800-MOON-0694 or 417-334-4500.

About the Andy Williams Theatre
Andy Williams personally designed and helped to create the Moon River Theatre. He visited Branson and later planned to return to build a $12 million state of the art theatre he eventually named the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre. Moon River opened its doors on May 1, 1992.

Andy had become the first non-country performer to open a theatre in Branson. And thanks to his ground breaking decision, other non-country performers and theme shows began to move into the tiny town that would soon be known as the live music capital of the world.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

WITH 4 EMMY AWARD WINS!

Branson, MO -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/17/2015 -- Filmed before a live audience in the historic and stunningly opulent Grand Opera House in Belfast, The Music of Northern Ireland made a clean sweep with 4 Emmy Awards at The 37th Annual Emmy Awards Gala held on June 13, 2015 at Motor City Sound Board Theater in Detroit, Michigan. The evening started out on a grand note with the show's producers, Eamonn McCrystal and Elizabeth Travis, taking home the award for Best Overall Arts/Entertainment Performance. Eamonn once again received the highest honors with Best On-Camera Talent/Performer. Nigel Wright (producer for Andrew Lloyd Webber and Simon Cowell) won for Best Musical Arrangement and John FD Northover won for Best Director - Live or Recorded Live Event.

"Doors have opened for me that should've been walls, doors I never imagined for myself," says the 27-year-old Irish tenor, entertainer, and now a quadruple Emmy Award winning performer and TV producer, Eamonn McCrystal. The victorious evening was crowned with the surprise attendance of the McCrystal family who flew in from his homeland to show him their support.

The Music of Northern Ireland stars the Irish-born vocalist, Eamonn McCrystal, and features a wide array of music that originates from Northern Ireland as well as internationally renowned talent all originating from Northern Ireland: including artists such as Brian Kennedy, Rachel Tucker, and Keith and Kristyn Getty.

The acclaimed traditional pop artist, TV personality and radio host, Eamonn McCrystal, made his music debut at the age of nine and recorded his first album at age 13. Eamonn has collaborated with major artists/producers including Walter Afanasieff, Kristen Chenoweth, and Randy Travis. Eamonn will appear beside Whoopi Goldberg, Ashley Judd, and Patrick Wilson in the movie "Big Stone Gap." Eamonn McCrystal will take "The Music of Northern Ireland" production across the United States in select theaters including The Andy William's Moon River Theater in Branson, Missouri on November 2 - 9, 2015 (reservations 1-800-MOON-094).

Eamonn McCrystal's The Music of Northern Ireland is now available on DVD or downloads at Amazon.com or iTunes.

For more information about Eamonn McCrystal log onto eamonn.net.

"I am thrilled to bring this world class act to our theatre in Branson. Eamonn is not only an amazing talent, he is a man of faith and the kind of entertainer Branson audiences will truly embrace," says Jimmy Osmond, Andy Williams Moon River Theatre owner.

About the Andy Williams Theatre
Andy Williams personally designed and helped to create the Moon River Theatre. He visited Branson and later planned to return to build a $12 million state of the art theatre he eventually named the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre. Moon River opened its doors on May 1, 1992.

Andy had become the first non-country performer to open a theatre in Branson. And thanks to his ground breaking decision, other non-country performers and theme shows began to move into the tiny town that would soon be known as the live music capital of the world.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

In BRANSON, MO on September 26, 2015

Branson, MO -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/09/2015 -- Top Comedian BILL ENGVALL will be performing in BRANSON at the ANDY WILLIAMS MOON RIVER THEATRE September 26, 2015 at 8:00 PM. ENGVALL, one of the best and the busiest in the business, has the unique quality of sharing humor in everyday situations - enabling him to connect with audiences all across the country. He was part of the enormously successful "Blue Collar Comedy" concert films, which sold more than 9 million copies and are some of the most watched movies and specials in Comedy Central history. Bill has hosted numerous television shows, including the game show "Lingo" for GNS, "Country Fried Videos" and "Mobile Home Disasters" for CMT, as well as several award shows. He had a three episode arc on the TNT show "Hawthorne," narrated a documentary for the Speed Channel on Darrel Waltrip, and starred in the Hallmark Channel movie "Kiss at Pine Lake." A star of the big screen as well, Bill has appeared in several films including "Strawberry Wine" with Christina Ricci, "Bed & Breakfast" with Dean Cain, and "Delta Farce" with Larry the Cable Guy.

A native of Galveston, Texas, Bill moved to Dallas and worked as a disc jockey with plans of becoming a teacher. While in a nightclub one evening, Bill decided to try his hand at stand-up comedy and quickly found that making people laugh was truly his forte. Soon after, he decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue television opportunities. First there was a Showtime special, "Pair of Jokers" with Rosie O'Donnell, followed by hosting A&E's "Evening at the Improv," and appearances on both "The Tonight Show" and "The Late Show with David Letterman." In 1992, Bill won the American Comedy Award for "Best Male Stand-up Comedian." After appearing in episodes of "Designing Women," Bill went on to portray Buck Overton on the ABC sitcom, "Delta," starring Delta Burke. Bill also starred in the NBC series, "The Jeff Foxworthy Show," where he played Jeff's best friend.

About the Andy Williams Theatre
Andy Williams personally designed and helped to create the Moon River Theatre. He visited Branson and later planned to return to build a $12 million state of the art theatre he eventually named the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre. Moon River opened its doors on May 1, 1992.

Andy had become the first non-country performer to open a theatre in Branson. And thanks to his ground breaking decision, other non-country performers and theme shows began to move into the tiny town that would soon be known as the live music capital of the world.

Ask about the Bill Engvall Platinum VIP Experience or Gold VIP Experience when you call 800-MOON-094 for information and tickets!

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

On September 12, 2015 8:00 PM

Branson, MO -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/05/2015 -- One of the most popular novelty artists of all time, Ray Stevens enjoys a remarkably long career with an amazing stretch of charting singles and major hits spanning four decades. However, Stevens' knack for sheer silliness translated across generations, not to mention countless compilations and special TV offers. Stevens, a skilled singer and producer, also performed straight country and pop, scoring the occasional serious hit. But, in general, hilarious novelty songs were his bread and butter.

Stevens was born Harold Ray Ragsdale on January 24, 1939 in Clarkdale, GA where he started piano lessons at age six and formed a band at age 15 called The Barons. At 17, he moved to Atlanta and worked with radioman Bill Lowery's music publishing company where one of his songs, "Silver Bracelet," got him a shot at recording for Capitol subsidiary Prep.

Stevens attended Georgia State University and studied classical piano and music theory while he continued to record for Lowery's NRC label. Stevens stint on the radio show, "The Georgia Jubilee," led Ray to Mercury Records as a session musician, arranger, and A&R assistant. In 1961, he landed his first Top 40 hit with the novelty song "Jeremiah Peabody's Poly Unsaturated Quick Dissolving Fast Acting Pleasant Tasting Green and Purple Pills."

After joining the Mercury staff, Ray recorded several more novelty singles including "Ahab the Arab," released in early 1962. It was a smash hit, reaching the Top Five on the pop charts. Stevens then concentrated more on learning the ropes in the studio -- working with artists like Brenda Lee, Patti Page, and Brook Benton, and sometimes singing with the Jordanaires. In 1963, he played with Elvis Presley on the sessions for the "Fun in Acapulco" soundtrack. Stevens wound up with the Monument label, where he signed on as a producer and arranger and worked with a young Dolly Parton, B.J. Thomas, and producer Bill Justis, best known for his Sun Records classics.

An appearance on Andy Williams' variety show led to Stevens' signing with the singer's Barnaby label in 1970. He had a hit immediately with a straight pop song, the relentlessly cheery "Everything Is Beautiful," which displayed his heretofore unseen sentimental streak. "Everything Is Beautiful" was an enormous hit, climbing to number one on the pop charts and winning Stevens a Grammy.

Over the next few years, he gave us songs like "It's Me Again, Margaret," "The Mississippi Squirrel Revival," "The Haircut Song," "I Saw Elvis in a U.F.O.," and "Squirrel," all in the country Top 20, and they became audience favorites and signature songs. "He Thinks He's Ray Stevens" reached number three on the country charts, and the 1986 follow-up, "I Have Returned," actually hit number one. Both went Gold. In 1991, Stevens opened his own theater in Branson and played there until 1993. Most recently, Stevens has presented us with a new top tune called "Taylor Swift Is Stalkin' Me." As always, he is keeping his fans in stitches with the hilarious style only he can achieve.

About the Andy Williams Theatre
Andy Williams personally designed and helped to create the Moon River Theatre. He visited Branson and later planned to return to build a $12 million state of the art theatre he eventually named the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre. Moon River opened its doors on May 1, 1992. Andy had become the first non-country performer to open a theatre in Branson. And thanks to his ground breaking decision, other non-country performers and theme shows began to move in to the tiny town that would soon be known as the live music capital of the world.

*For information and to make reservations, call Moon River Theatre Box Office at 800-MOON-094 or 417-334-4500.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

June 1 through September 19, 2015. Special Guest CHIPPER LOWELL, Two Time Comedy Magician of the Year.

Branson, MO -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/03/2015 -- COLLIN RAYE delivers one of the finest True Country Music concerts of our generation as he headlines the SUMMER VARIETY FAMILY FUN "HITS" SHOW at the ANDY WILLIAMS MOON RIVER THEATRE in Branson, MO performing the much requested #1 HITS that made him famous in main line country music. Collin's Branson show includes Love Ballads, Inspiration, a moving tribute to the songs of Glen Campbell called "STILL ON THE LINE" as well as a giant helping of his own classic "get down, kickin' country fun" tunes ~ many of which he personally penned. His solo debut album "All I Can Be" was the first of four albums to reach Platinum certification in the USA for sales of one million copies each. To date Raye has enjoyed 16 #1 hits and has 24 Top Ten Hits to his credit.

Collin grew up in a musical family in Arkansas with his Mother Lois's being a successful musician, serving as an opening act for several recording artists including Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Collin and his brother, Scott. also performed as back up harmony in those days. This led to the brothers' forming a country rock band which eventually signed with Mercury Records.

Collin's Branson HITS show includes "That's My Story," "Little Rock," and "Love Me" along with many of his hot country hits. Raye is also known for dealing with social issues in his writings. He is passionate and persistent in his efforts to help in recoveries of those who suffer from alcoholism, child abuse and many other children's causes through his music.

Collin expressed enthusiasm about performing in Branson:

"I am so excited to be in Branson this summer! A great destination of fun and entertainment for American fam¬ilies. Our show at the Moon River Theatre will be like nothing my fans have seen before. A variety of music, in a place where God and country still rule the day."

Jimmy Osmond, Andy Williams Moon River Theatre Owner, shared:

"I'm so thrilled that Collin is playing our Theatre in Branson. I've been a fan and a friend of Collin for some time, and I know it will be great for his fans to treat their families to the award winning HITS of his great Variety Show ~ along with the hilarious comedy of Two Time Comedy Magician of the Year Chipper Lowell."

About the Andy Williams Theatre
Andy Williams personally designed and helped to create the Moon River Theatre. He visited Branson and later planned to return to build a $12 million state of the art theatre he eventually named the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre. Moon River opened its doors on May 1, 1992. Andy had become the first non-country performer to open a theatre in Branson. And thanks to his ground breaking decision, other non-country performers and theme shows began to move in to the tiny town that would soon be known as the live music capital of the world.

*For information and to make reservations, call Moon River Theatre Box Office at 800-MOON-094 or 417-334-4500.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm