At 6:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24, many Branson residents were either still asleep or just beginning their morning.  But dancers Stephanie Drey, Jamie Curry and singer/dancer Darcy Jones grabbed some Starbucks and headed to the Branson Landing.  Normally such an early hour is unheard of for these entertainers but this particular morning was very special as Al Roker, weather anchor for the Today show on NBC, was preparing for a live broadcast from Branson, Missouri.

Roker began his day at the Branson Landing to meet and greet area residents and entertainers.  Branson personalities including the Lennon Sisters, Mickey Gilley, Andy Williams and Yakov Smirnoff provided performances and interviews.  A large number of area residents and entertainers showed up with signs and crazy attire hoping to have their fifteen seconds of fame.  Despite the large crowds, Roker was very down to earth and dealt well with all of his fans ( one of which was Stephanie Drey, who even got a photo with him!).

The whole event was a great way to bring the community together.  Drey, Jones and Curry even connected with some tourists who were standing nearby.  The couples bought breakfast for the three of them in thanks for their warmth and hospitality, and later came to see the Legends In Concert show.

After the matinee that day, Blues Brothers Bucky Heard and Justin Clark buzzed across town in the Bluesmobile to do a televised presentation for the Great American Pie Contest.  It was a much anticipated moment as Heard and Clark took the stage, (sunglasses, briefcase and all,), and announced the semi-finalists.

Legends in Concert is very excited to have been a part of such a fun and unique event and would like to thank Al Roker and the Today show for bringing such a wonderful experiences to the Branson area.

Legends In Concert hosted the 3rd annual Branson Elvis Festival and Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater on April 17-19.  The contest was presented by Legends In Concert and sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.  Contestants included Randy Love, Mark Anthony, Brad Boice, Thomas Murphy, Frank Werth, E.J. Sharp, Andy Ash, Erock, Matt Joyce, Ted Torres, Bobby Simkins, Caleb Brown, Victor Trevino, Jr. (pictured below), Chris Wright, Gino Monopoli, and Danny Minze.  Third place and $200 was awarded to Mark Anthony from Adelaide, Australia.  Second place and $300 went to Gino Monopoli from Toronto, Canada.  The winner of $1,000 and the opportunity to compete in the finals during Elvis week in Memphis was Victor Trevino, Jr. from Denton, Texas.

 The Elvis Festival included some new and exciting events this year, such as an Elvis Meet and Greet Dinner at Dick Clark’s Grill and Elvis Karaoke at Club 57.  There was a showing of “Speedway,” starring Elvis Presley and Nancy Sinatra , on the Legends In Concert stage. A few contestants performed at the Grand Old Gospel Hour on Sunday morning .  Our Elvis Vendor Village was a huge hit and included items ranging from Swarovski studded Elvis robes to a new line of Sun Records merchandise now available in the gift shop.  Congratulations to all of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winners and best of luck to Victor Trevino, Jr.(pictured below) as he moves on to compete in Memphis.  A huge thanks to all who made this amazing event possible!

Victor Trevino, Jr.