BRANSON BROTHERS:
NEW VENUE, GREAT COMEDY & ENTERTAINMENT
by Nancy Smith, Entertainment Writer
Branson Daily Independent, 7-22-07

The location may have changed to the Hall of Fame Theater at the Branson Mall, but the Branson Brothers have an even better show this year than last.  The show happens to be the reigning Best Variety Show with the help of the reigning Best Comedian, Homer Lee (played by Terry Sanders), along with tons of other talent.

This year, the already-great show includes another wonderful comedian, Harley Worthit (played by Perry Edenburn), and another featured vocalist, seven-time Branson Vocalist of the Year, Doug Gabriel.  Gabriel is still producing his own morning show and the Friday evening Branson Spotlight show, both at the Jim Stafford Theater, and he'll be performing at the evening Branson Brothers shows.  Gabriel adds another dimension to this show as he sings throughout.  He also plays the song Malagena as you have never heard it before.


The Branson Brothers sing a variety of music types, and are made up of three exceptional talents:  Jimmy Ponder, Andre Shepard, and Dee Allen, who combine their voices to make a unified sound.  The show also includes Diana Ponder and her daughter Natalie Nicole for the feminine voices, lovely clothes, and harmonies with the entire team.

Ponder, a North Carolina native, started a gospel group called the Tennessee Valley Boys, evnetually changing their name to the Branson Brothers.  He also started the group Pierce Arrow with Dan Britton and later formed the group New South at the Grand Jubilee.  In this show he sings solos and duets with his lovely wife Diana, as well as singing lead and harmonies with the trio.  Ponder also plays straight man for the comedians.

In his third year in Branson, Andre Shepard moved here from St. Louis in 2005 and was nominated for last year's Vocalist of the Year award.  In 1992 he co-wrote a #1 single (I Got a Thang For You) and has appeared on the Arsenio Hall show, MTV, BET, and Showtime at the Apollo.

Dee Allen, born near Nashville, has music in his genes.  His father, Duane Allen, is a member of the Oak Ridge Boys, and his mother, Norah Lee, is a member of the Carol Lee Singers from the Grand Ole Opry.  Allen is in his fifth season in Branson, having performed previously with his rock band Tall Dark Stranger, and also briefly with the Oak Ridge Boys.

When visitors go to the Branson Brothers Show they will be greeted and taken to their seats by either of the two fantastic comedians, Homer Lee and Harley Worthit.  Together, the two work seamlessly before the show and during costume changes, making the audience laugh and laugh.  In the opinion of this reporter, they are the best comedy team in town.  

As indicated before, the Branson Brothers are performing at the Branson Hall of Fame Theater in the Branson Mall.  Their schedule is Monday through Saturday at 8pm.  If you are interested in seeing this show or finding out more information, please call 417-336-FAME.

Come, have some fun, and hear some great music.