Ray's Branson Experience

In order for Ray to truly experience the Ozarks, a trip to Branson was inevitable. Our first stop was the "2 for 1 Tickets" store to find tickets for a show.

Rays only criteria for the show was "no country" which may sound easy but this is Branson, not Vegas. There are about 300 shows to choose from, most of which are related to country music. However there about 6 rock-n-roll shows so we chose one called "Road To Rock".

We had a few hours before the show so we drove around to find something else to do to pass the time. The girls had a hard time containing themselves, they love Branson.

We decided to check out the newly opened "Branson Landing" which is basically an area on the local lake that is an outdoor mall area.

We started out at the Disney store and found this clown making kids balloon characters.

Neleha wanted a "kitty"....

Molly wanted a flower....


The mall in Springfield does not have a Disney store so the girls were very thrilled when they learned that Branson had one.


We stopped in a high-end electronics store and Kristy and Molly enjoyed the very expensive massaging devices.

Branson Landing is a very awesome place, a wonderful addition to the other many attractions in the area.

The girls found the water fountains and did their best to play in them without getting wet... they like pushing those lines between wet and dry.

We had great weather that made the day so enjoyable.

There were many street performers throughout the landing and this particular musician sang Johnny Cash songs almost as good as Cash himself.

Joe's Crab Shack provided a play area for kids rather they ate in their restaurant or not. The girls loved playing on the boat.

There is a free trolley that carries patrons up and down the entire landing, so Kristy decided to take the girls for a ride. We followed the trolley for a very long way until we finally caught up to it and they jumped on.

Ray and I followed behind and watched as it would stop at some of the vendors so they could explain what goods they were selling.


One street artist caught the attention of Ray. It was a couple of young men beating on paint buckets. Their music was unusual but pleasant all the same.


Before the show we grabbed some ribs at a place called Odee's Bar-B-Q. Not exactly worth writing about, we are still searching for that perfect rib place.

It was finally time for the show. We were all excited!

The show basically depicted the development of rock-n-roll through the context of the actual up and coming band "Tusk". This band actually portrays the many icons of rock. Any history of rock-n-roll always has to start with the King. Elvis took the stage first and wiggled his hips and rocked the stage.

The girls were not as convinced with this show when compared to the Legends show, but they still enjoyed it all the same.


Elvis is Elvis, what they lacked in costumes they made up in music. Tusk did a wonderful job actually singing the songs during the entire show. Their costumes could use some work however.

The angel of Rock was our host and helped us understand how things in Rock-N-Roll turned out like they did. It was an entertaining part of the show.

The road continued with the Beatles, an interesting Beatles, but the Beatles all the same.


Then a white version of Henrix hit the stage, the guy could play the guitar well, but his looks was a stretch.

Their depiction of Led Zeplin was actually pretty good. It was a highlight of the show, but they zoomed through it very quickly.

Their depiction of Lynyrd Skynyrd was also very entertaining. Another highlight of the show.


Then they finally hit the 80's and 90's with Bon Jovi and other bands from the era. It was interesting to watch as the history of Rock-N-Roll that I personally remember flash past us on the stage. I started to feel a little old.

Even Gene Simmons stopped in, a much larger Gene than I remember but a close depiction all the same. They didn't have the other members of Kiss represented but it was cool to have at least one of them up there. It took me back to my childhood in 1991 when my Uncle Scott took me to my first concert in Portland, Maine. It was Kiss's "Hot in the Shade" tour. A wonderful memory from my childhood.


After the show Molly stood in line for autographs from the band. It was a good show, we certainly got our money's worth.

The next morning Ray and I attended services at a local Catholic cathedral, I had to attend another faith service for school and so I thought it would be cool to do so with Ray. After the service I made some chimichangas and jalapeno poppers for a healthy send off for Ray. Then before we knew it, Ray was back on the road headed for Texas.

Although he wasn't able to stick around for too many days, we sure got to do many things. We really enjoyed his company and will miss his presence. It was so nice being able to share our Missouri experience with someone.