Branson Jubilee musical special coming to PBS

'Branson Jubilee' musical special coming to PBS



Want to watch?
Branson Jubilee, a two-hour music special, will air on Ozarks Public Television at 5 p.m. and midnight Saturday. For more details, visit www.bransonjubilee.tv.


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Kathryn Buckstaff
News-Leader

BRANSON — A two-hour music special taped in Branson will air twice on Ozarks Public Television on Saturday. Locally and nationally known entertainers will be featured.
Over the next two months, "Branson Jubilee" will be shown in more than 100 television markets in 29 states including New York, Florida and California. The exposure is expected to bring new visitors to Branson and could lead to a weekly variety series, said Debra Moreno-Lowther, who produced the show with her husband, Springfield attorney Jerry Lowther.

This project has been the focus of Moreno-Lowther's efforts for more than two years. About 500 hours of entertainment has been taped and 10 shows are completed with more editing to come, Moreno-Lowther said.

That PBS is airing the program indicates television is ready for a wholesome, family-oriented variety show, she said.

"After 9/11, people started realizing we need a little kinder, gentler programming," she said.

Moreno-Lowther has a long resume of performance onstage and in films and television. She came to Branson in the mid-1990s to perform in "Blondes, Blondes, Blondes," a show she wrote and produced in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

She's also known for her support of veterans and has co-produced and performed on Tony Orlando's Yellow Ribbon Salute to Veterans for several years.

The special hosted by Jimmy Osmond includes performances by Mickey Gilley, Ray Stevens, Jim Stafford, Tony Orlando, Doug Kershaw, Les Brown Jr., Glen Campbell, Crystal Gayle, Restless Heart and Jake Simpson. It was produced by the Lowthers' Branson Entertainment LLC, Bel Air Productions in Los Angeles and WLIW-TV in New York.

"Branson Jubilee" also will showcase the area's diverse attractions, she said.

"It's about the region, the beauty of the Ozarks," she said.

And the show's Web site offers vendors a chance to market Branson-related products.

Arlen Diamond, general manager of Ozarks Public Television, said "Branson Jubilee" is among shows being offered by PBS to its stations during the current membership drive.

"She pulled together a lot of performers who appeal to the segment of the public TV audience age 50 and up," Diamond said. That demographic also is among public television's most generous supporters, he said.

In some markets, "the Branson name may not be the draw, but the performers are universal. If you like Glen Campbell, it doesn't matter where you live," Diamond said. PBS stations also may use a DVD of the show as a thank-you gift for those who pledge.

If the show pulls in pledges, it could lead to a series, Diamond said.

"They're testing the waters," he said. "It's a good-looking show."

"Branson Jubilee" could become a "big deal" for Branson, said Ross Summers, director of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

"It will introduce people to what we have to offer," Summers said. "The quality of the production is outstanding, and the talent is very good."