Shows - Branson Critic

Branson, MO - With hundreds of fans participating in this year’s 2006 Branson Critic Awards right to the finish, Branson Critic closes it’s contest with a bang! Editors were up past midnight of September 30th to tally up the votes made by review by the fans! Doug Holland said, “It was exhausting for us this last month of the voting period, but we are so happy for the winners!”

Doug Holland, who created www.BransonCritic.com in 2004, said he’ is so glad to see so many fans participate this year, for they are the catalyst to bringing Branson past it’s physical limits via the Internet – indeed to the world.’

“This city does not just ‘host country music’ as so many believe,” mentioned Doug.

It amazes Doug how many people who live in nearby cities, such as St Louis, think Branson is a hick town. 20-year-olds who surf the net, think of coming to Branson quickly discover little is presented for their interest and look to cities such as Las Vegas for fun. Doug continues, “I wish they could see this is a diverse city of music and entertainment like no other in the world. Where else can you see a Hillbilly show, next to Hard Rock, next to Elvis tribute, next to Modern Country, next to Andy Williams? This city has everything a family could want as regards live entertainment (ahem - without the filth) and has many shows that would appeal to the newer generation.”

It was quiet a struggle for Doug and his wife, who sometimes questioned why they had involved themselves in so much volunteer work on the behalf of so many they do not know. “Each year, when the winners are picked a sense of pride is felt by us and with the support of so many others who want to see the BC awards continue. It makes it all worth it,” says Doug.

The quality of reviews this year was at its peak and the fans poured out their hearts like no other year. Some spent an entire week to write one review.

Branson Critic Online uses a unique method for voting during the voting period. Fans must demonstrate that they have seen the show, have knowledge of its format, and be willing to express their support in a form of a review.  Branson Critic does not claim that their awards represent all of the people of Branson.  “That would be ludicrous since there are 7,000,000 people who come to Branson each year.  It’s just what it is, the fans site,”  explains Doug.

Some have criticized this, saying it is ‘overboard’, and leaves out those who are computer-illiterate. However, Doug responds with, “this is the only sure way we know they have seen the show and that their opinion for a vote comes from a foundation based in experience. Anyone can push a vote button. Even American Idol expects you to have a phone!”

As regards the Internet handicapped Doug responds with, “Everyone can find a friend, a grandson or a partner to help in creating a review. Some have handwritten a review and given it to friends who then translate it to a digital format. This is 2006 and technology is the future we must all adapt to. Most of the shows use computers to sell tickets and to run stage and lights so computer voting is understandable. This year the new Branson Critic Chat (forum) has arranged separate clubs for each show so individuals can help other fans to create and finish reviews on behalf of their show.”

The winners of the 2006 Branson Critic Awards are as follows:

The 2006 Editor’s Choice Must-See Show Award – The Haygoods

The 2006 Editor’s Choice Best New Show – Liverpool Legends

The 2006 Editor’s Choice Best Variety Show – The Branson Brothers

The 2006 Editor’s Choice Best Magic Show – Kirby Vanburch: The Prince of Magic

The 2006 Best Comedian – Terry Wayne Sanders

The 2006 Best Morning Show – Doug Gabriel Show

The 2006 Best Musician – Kelly Black

The 2006 Best Band – Liverpool Legends

The 2006 Best Singer – Tony Roi

The 2006 Best Performer – Tony Roi

The 2006 Best Show – Elvis Experience with Tony Roi

Already, some of the performers and shows have responded with gratitude for what the fans have done on their behalf.

Doug Gabriel, who won Best Morning Show 2006 posted, “I am more than thankful for the honor of being voted Best Morning Show for the 2006 Branson Critic Awards. I thank Doug Holland for adding the Morning show category this year and for the help he gives all the shows in town. I also would like to thank Mary Kellogg from the Titanic for sponsoring the awards. I want to say to my fellow morning show friends, You all are the best and I am proud to share the morning market with you. I realize that each of us offer something different and so the label of Best Morning show is taken with sincere gratitude. With the talents of Clay, The Brett’s and Tom Mullica, I was honored just to be in the running. I thank all the fans and everyone who supported me and my show and am more than thankful for this award. The good Lord is the one who gets the glory and I am thankful for all of the blessings he has given me.”

And Tony Roi followed with, “Words cannot express my extreme gratitude toward Branson Critic and my fans. I am speechless! I humbly accept these awards from the fans and from Branson Critic. What an honor it is to be recognized through the eyes of the fans and the critics. Congratulations to all other winners and nominees! Way to go!”

And finally, “On behalf of the Liverpool Legends, we would like to thank BransonCritic.com for recognizing the lads as the Best New Show in Branson and especially want to thank all of their fans for writing so many heartfelt reviews. Being chosen as Best Band in Branson is truly a great honor!
We look forward to having Doug and crew at the show on October 12th. As a special thank you to all our fans and for those who have not yet seen the show, The Liverpool Legends and The Caravelle Theatre have designated October 10-14 as Fan and BransonCritic.com appreciation week! All tickets will be $10 for the entire week for everyone!”

With the involvement of the 2006 sole sponsor, Mary Kellogg (the owner of the Titanic Museum) and thousands of show fans, it looks like Branson Critic is making award history.

Branson Critic also has a unique way of presenting the awards. Just go to the show on the dates listed for presentation at the show, and enjoy!

Doug Holland

BRANSON CRITIC MAGAZINE