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New Year in the Live Music Show Capital of the World with Three Performances

Program Number: 15699RJ
Start and End Dates:
12/28/2012 - 1/1/2013;
Duration: 4 nights
Location: Branson, Missouri
Price starting at: $754.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Holidays
Meals: 11; 3 Breakfasts, 1 Brunch, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Low Salt    

Take a nostalgic Branson journey through mid-20th-Century America, recalling significant events and pop culture icons in movies, music, and more that defined an era. Take a look at the roots of Rock-and-Roll, recall the early days of television, examine important influences on teenage attitudes such as “American Bandstand” and ring in the New Year with fun and excitement!




Highlights

• Led by experts, examine social and political phenomena of the past century and their continuing impact today.
• Trace changes in popular musical tastes presided over by Dick Clark, from the wholesome world of sock hops to the exciting beats of rock-and-roll.
• Attend three performances in the “live music show capital of the world” including a New Year's Eve celebration at world famous “Legends in Concert ”— a live tribute show featuring an amazing cast of all-star entertainers.



Activity Particulars

There is minimal standing and walking on this program.



Coordinated by Ozark Adventures.




Branson

Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains on the shores of Lake Taneycomo, Branson is a popular tourist destination, famous for its many live music theaters, clubs and other entertainment venues, as well as its historic downtown and surrounding natural beauty.
Accommodations
Newly remodeled hotel with indoor pool, hot tub, fitness room.
Meals and Lodgings
   Grand Plaza Hotel
  Branson 4 nights
 Grand Plaza Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: This hotel offers 200 luxiously appointed rooms, newly remodeled in April 2005. The facility features interior corridors, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness room, and a game room for all ages. A restaurant and lounge are located on the ninth floor, featuring delicious cuisine and a spectacular view of Branson's famous highway 76 Strip. Other amenities include in-room coffee makers, hair dryers and irons/ironing boards, elevators, guest laundry and complimentary parking and wireless internet service.
  Contact info: 245 North Wildwood
Branson, Missouri
Branson, MO 65616 USA
phone: 417-336-6646 xor1800850666
  Room amenities: See unique features above.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Contact Ozark Adventures Participants wishing additional nights should contact Ozark Adventures (417-239-0203) for best available rates.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Contact Ozark Adventures Participants wishing additional nights should contact Ozark Adventures (417-239-0203) for best available rates.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4pm, Branson, Missouri. You will be staying at Grand Plaza Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
11am, Branson, Missouri. You will be staying at Grand Plaza Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Plenty of parking exists at the hotel
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Branson
  Nearest city or town:  Branson, Missouri
  Nearest highway: Highway 65
  Nearest airport:  Springfield, Missouri
  From End of Program
  Location: Branson
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Springfield, Missouri

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Branson Coach
phone: 417-339-4888
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Check with shuttle service.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour from Springfield 
   

PLEASE CHECK WITH LOCAL BRANSON AIRPORT FOR TICKETS BEFORE CONSIDERING THE SPRINGFIELD-BRANSON AIRPORT! They can be found at flybranson.com. In addition, while not required, we recommend to rent a car for your time here. This will assist you in getting around to other locations during free time. Normally, participants call when they make airline reservations, then confirm a day or two before flight.
 

Branson, MO

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
phone: 417-332-CABS x2227

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$8-10 per car on average
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 Minutes 
 

Distance:

 

10 Miles
   

While it is not required, we advise renting a car to help with travel during free time opportunities. Unfortunately the hotel does not offer a shuttle service for the airport.
 
Driving Directions
  Any Regardless of your direction of arrival, (from the north if from Springfield, or the south if from Arkansas) exit onto MO Highway 76 at Branson. To get to the Grand Plaza, proceed west for about two and a half (2.5) miles then turn north at the Branson Variety Theater (this is just across from the Grand Palace) and proceed down the hill approximately one/fourth mile. The Grand Plaza can be easily seen once you make this turn. The Grand Plaza is located at 245 North Wildwood. It is easy to find.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check In, Registration, and Orientation to the Program. Get to know each other games and activities.
(Friday, December 28)
   
 Dinner: Arrival time for the program is 4:00 p.m. The first evening includes an introduction of the sponsoring personnel, an orientation to the program, dinner, and get-acquainted activities. Please be aware that program activities and schedule times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of any changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding! We will prepare for an exciting trip down the 1950s memory lane looking at all aspects of this amazing decade - social, political, economic, and media. Sleep well tonight as it is a wonderful journey of history and fun!
   
Accommodations: Grand Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Lecture on History and Music of the 50s, the Rock and Roll Revue show, a 50s trivia contest, and a trip thru the Branson Area Fesitival of Lights display!
(Saturday, December 29)
   
 Breakfast: A very fine continental breakfast at the Grand Plaza Hotel.
 Morning: 2nd Lecture: Survey of the Fifties. Historical review of the amazing Fifties and the decades affects on national / global events, politics, and evolving technology. Review of major social events including the effects of the Cold war, the Civil Rights Movement, the growth of Suburbia, and the birth of the Baby Boomers. Presenter: Dr. David Dalton, History Professor. College of the Ozarks
 Morning: 1st Lecture on The Story of Branson. What, how and why of Branson and its growth to modern day. Find out how this sleepy little town turned into the 'Live Entertainment Capitol of America'. Lecture notes on tourism growth / information and overview of the local entertainment industry. Presenter: Sarah Klinefelter, Local Historian and Professor
 Lunch: Lunch served in the hotel at Jack's with a 9th floor view of the area.
 Afternoon: Lecture/Sock Hop. The Music of the Fifties. A historical survey of the rise of Rock ‘n Roll, the Crooners of the decade, the Motown/Soul sound. A study of performers ranging from Bill Haley and Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lee Lewis to the Crooners like Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, and Dinah Shore. How was music such a mass culture phenomenon? Listen and Dance to the music at our Sock Hop. Presenter: Sarah Klinefelter and Matt Duncan, Artistry Entertainment
 Afternoon: Round I of the "Fifties Trivia Pursuit" Contest. Put on your thinking caps and see if you can win this contest for great prizes and lots of fun!
 Dinner: Great dinner at the Grand Country Buffet!
 Evening: Show in Branson: Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue, Branson Mall Theater Top 10 Rock & Roll Revue is a hot new show that brings the greatest times of rock and roll to the stage. From 50's Do Wop to classic 70's, this is a guaranteed good time filled with favorite songs for all age groups. Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue features "Marvelous Marvin Short", 6 time sax player of the year. Who can forget Marvin’s crazy hair!!! Also featuring Darrell Croy, with his incredible tribute to "Jerry Lee Lewis”.
 In Transit: Along our trip we will stop off and see the amazing Branson Area Festival of Lights for a great drive thru experience! Every year people the country over grow in anticipation at having to wait for holiday light displays to be put up, and every year Branson, MO makes sure the wait was worth it with the Area Festival of Lights. From snowflakes to the gifts given in the Twelve Days of Christmas, more than ten million lights are used to create the displays that help make this special event possible.
   
Accommodations: Grand Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Lecture on the values of the 50s and their affect on Branson and the pop culture of the 50s. Drive thru tour of Branson and the area. Attendance at the famous 'Maginificent Variety Show'.
(Sunday, December 30)
   
 Breakfast: A great breakfast at the Grand Plaza Hotel.
 Morning: Lecture on Branson Values. How the current values of the Branson Entertainment scene were shaped by the performers and performances of the Fifties. The advent of the television show program formats which influenced the shows in Branson. The performers of the 50’s who made Branson. Development of recurring themes of Family, Religion, and Patriotism in our shows. Presenter: Sarah Klinefelter, Local Historian
 Morning: Board a luxury bus for a drive by tour of Branson and the area. Included: The Lakes, the Chateau, Point Royal Housing (where the Branson stars live), College of the Ozarks, Downtown Branson. Ending at 'The Landing' for a meal and a self guided tour.
 Lunch: A great meal on the Landing with a view of Lake Taneycomo.
 Afternoon: Lecture/Discussion. Pop Culture of the Fifties. Shared anecdotes from the past. Analysis of art and architecture. Impact of suburbia, and fashion and fads. Topics will include hair styles, poodle skirts, crinolines, and saddle oxfords. Presenter: Dr. David Dalton, History Professor, C of O Participants are asked to bring pictures, artifacts, clothing and memories reflective of the era.
 Afternoon: Tour of the Branson Auto Museum featuring over 100 cool cars inside and 15-20 outside from the 40s till modern day. Located inside is the Old Toys and More toy store with an incredible display of rare and unusual toys, pedal cars, trains and many more.
 Dinner: We'll have an excellent meal at McFarlans Restaurant!
 Evening: Attend 'The Magnificent Seven Variety Show New Year’s Celebration'. Seven Decades of Music featuring the music of the FIFTIES and the SIXTIES. A stand out cast of singers and dancers that lead you through 75 Production numbers from the 1940’s thru today. With over 300 Costume changes! You get to see and hear ALL of your Favorite music! Country, Big Band Swing, 50’s and 60’s Rock n’ Roll, Disco, Motown, Broadway, Gospel, Comedy, a rousing tribute to our Veterans and Current Armed Forces - All together bringing you the Ultimate, Action-Packed, two hours of non-stop First Class Entertainment
   
Accommodations: Grand Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Lecture on the influence of TV and film on the decade. The final round of trivia. Viewing of Vertigo. The huge New Year Eve celebration with the world famous 'Legends in Concert'!
(Monday, December 31)
   
 Breakfast: An excellent breakfast at the Grand Plaza Hotel.
 Morning: Round 2 of the 50s Trivia Pursuit and the nail biting conclusion! Winners announce on the last day at brunch.
 Morning: Lecture/Demonstration: The Rise of Television. A review of the birth of television and its influence on society. Program listings, discussion, and viewing of program clips. An analysis of the clash of cultures that tv promoted. Presenter: Dr. Robert McGill, Local Historian
 Lunch: An excellent lunch in the Plaza View restaurant with a spectacular view of the area.
 Afternoon: Viewing of “Vertigo”, Alfred Hitchcocks classic horror film. Discussion following on why it is the number one psycological horror film of all time.
 Afternoon: Lecture/Discussion: Film History of the Fifties. Discussion of the developments of film technology, the major directors, landmark films, and the impact of the Star System of the Fifties. Viewing of significant exerpts. Top lists from the American Film Institute. Presenter: Sarah Klinefelter, Media Professor, C of O
 Dinner: A private dinner and social hour in preperation for the big celebration!
 Evening: Attend the 'Legends in Concert' show at the Dick Clark's Theater for a two power-packed hours of fabulous entertainment. This world famous live tribute show features an amazing cast of all-star impersonators assembled on one stage in one of the most sought after productions in Branson. See such stars as Buddy Holly, Marilyn Monroe, George Strait, the Blues Brothers, Elvis and many more of your favorite stars. Culminating in the Welcoming in of 2011 with champagne and balloon drops and other grand festivities.
   
Accommodations: Grand Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Fantastic brunch and the trivia contest awards! Say good byes to new friends...
(Tuesday, January 1)
   
 Brunch: SLEEP IN!!!!!!!! Luxury New Year’s Day Brunch, Special Gourmet Menu at the Plaza View Restaurant
 Lunch: FIFTIES TRIVIA CONTEST AWARDS Conclusion of the program and say good bye to new friends. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!!!
   
Meals Included: Brunch
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Insiders' Guide to Branson and the Ozark Mountains


Author: Dr. Fred Pfister


Description: For more than twenty years, the Insiders' Guide® series has been the essential source for in-depth travel and relocation information—from true insiders whose personal, practical perspective gives you everything you need to know. With more than forty theaters on and around its famous Strip, Branson is proudly called the Live Music Capital of the World. But there's more to this year-round vacation destination than its shows and stars: World-class golf, theme parks, and historic sites are all within easy reach. This authoritative guide shows you how to navigate the glitz and glitter of Branson as well as the natural beauty of the scenic Ozark Mountain country. • Countless details on how to live and thrive in the area, from the best fishing holes to the lowdown on real estate • The inside scoop on the top shopping, seasonal festivals, and live entertainment offerings • Comprehensive listings of restaurants and accommodations • Sections dedicated to children and retirement



The Bittersweet Ozarks at a Glance


Author: Ellen Grey Massey


Description: The Bittersweet Ozarks at a Glance is a beautiful and unique photograph collection that portrays the Bittersweet Ozarks, collected by Ellen Gray Massey and her students, more than thirty years ago. Had the students not researched and recorded, the information from the 494 men and women they captured in words and pictures most would be lost forever for most of them have died. From 1973 until 1983, the young people published 482 articles and features in 40 issues of Bittersweet, the Ozark Quarterly.




What’s included in this Road Scholar program?



Except for the occasional meal on some programs, Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive. That means there are no extra “options,” no passing the hat for tips and no surprises. From lectures and field trips to gratuities and accommodations – the price you pay up front is the price you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:


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