IMAX Entertainment Complex

Written by BobC

My wife and I had been visiting Branson from Louisiana on a regular basis since 2003, both for planned vacations and for unplanned hurricane evacuations. This year, after moving to the area, we realized how foolish we were for not visiting the IMAX Entertainment Complex earlier. Only since moving here in April, 2006 did we find ourselves going to the IMAX on an increasingly frequent basis. It wasn’t intended that way - the first visit was to eat at McFarlain’s Restaurant. Of course while we were there we had to stroll through the mall and look at all the display items from the various shops. We found ourselves coming back to see the Hank Williams Gospel Hour at the Little Opry Theater. That led to a return visit to see the Hank Williams Revisited Show. We were so impressed with that, we found ourselves getting into a routine every Sunday. Start the morning with the Hank Williams Gospel Hour and then take in the breakfast buffet at McFarlain’s. Great breakfast and great price. After breakfast we take in the CrossTies Country Cathedral for an upbeat bluegrass gospel adventure. Following that, we tour the mall again and maybe pick up a snack at the food court or watch the fudge makers create their fudge and entertain onlookers while we wait for the New’s Country Show to begin at 2:00PM. On days where we don’t have the breakfast buffet we have lunch at McFarlain’s (can’t beat the fried green ‘maters and their old fashion chicken fried steak. Then we have to make room for pecan or banana cream pie). During the week we go back to the IMAX to see a movie at the Elite Cinema or one of the features on the giant IMAX screen. Then we find ourselves going to another show. So far we have seen Smoke on the Mountain (great musical play with humor throughout), Hank Williams Revisited (authentic portrayal of Hank and his music and a great show for any country music fan), New’s Country (excellent musicians and singing of classic country), Dean Church Variety Music Show (outstanding music and vocals with variety from bluegrass and country to Broadway and classical). My wife has bought quilts, clothes, gifts, cookbooks, you name it, at the IMAX complex and we have both enjoyed the top-notch talent at the Little Opry Theater shows. This place is big. There have been many times when we literally spent the full day without setting foot outside the complex until returning home in the evening. This is a clean, wholesome, family oriented place. I just wish we had discovered it when we first began visiting Branson. We are grateful such a fine facility exists that offers both locals and vacationers so much under one roof. We are now looking forward to seeing Keepin’ It Country when it returns in September 2006.

Bob Cort
Forsyth, MO

REVIEW: IMAX Entertainment Complex

Written by BobC

CrossTies Country Cathedral

This is a must-see for bluegrass fans who are in Branson on Sunday morning. Some of the finest old-time bluegrass gospel music you’ll ever hear anywhere is at the Little Opry Theater in the IMAX complex at 11:00 AM every Sunday. And some of the best songs you will hear during this one-hour show will have you wondering why you don’t remember them from years past. The answer is simply that Jim and Karina Glaspy are exceptionally talented songwriters who write many of the songs they perform live and include on their CDs which are also available at the Little Opry Theater. Of course the old-time favorites are included and performed with precision.

Jim is the reigning flattop guitar picking champion for the State of Texas. He is equally talented on the 5 string banjo and upright bass. He is a gifted bluegrass singer whether singing lead or backup harmony. Karina has a rich and powerful voice that is ideal for bluegrass gospel music. Each note is crisp and clear whether singing lead or backup harmony with her daughter, Katey. Katey plays the upright bass, sings harmony and occasionally sings lead. She sings some of the sweetest harmony you’ll ever hear - you know, the kind that is not overwhelming yet just dominant enough to give you goose bumps when you hear it blend perfectly with the other voices. Rounding out the bluegrass sound is Dennis Pritchard playing the fiddle (or rhythm guitar when Jim plays the banjo). A special treat during the show is when 11-year old Hunter Glaspy comes out and plays the spoons with the group. He captures the hearts of everyone and dazzles them with his talent. There is no doubt he is the youngest spoon player in Branson but I have never heard anyone play the spoons as fast as this young fellow can. Bluegrass can get pretty fast but Hunter is always up to the challenge. This kid has got rhythm.

Jim provides a short bible-based message each Sunday with emphasis on what the scriptures mean to our daily lives and our ongoing relationship with the Lord. Jim and Karina are both ordained ministers and you can see their joy and sincerity during each performance. As sincere as they are about their purpose in this life, you will see a lively, fun-loving family doing what they love. And there is no stuffiness about this group. You may even see Katey kick off her shoes while she’s playing the bass; sometimes it just feels better that way. As Jim says at the beginning of the show, “We’re kind of laid back and want you to be too.” Then Karina adds, “Don’t need anybody coming in hear looking like they had pickles for breakfast. Just pretend you’re in our living room, except we ain’t gonna serve you Krispy Krème’s and coffee.”

You’ve gotta love this family; and I’ll guarantee, if you like bluegrass, you’ll love what you hear at the CrossTies Country Cathedral. All it took was that first visit for my wife and me and now we find ourselves going back each week. Our house is full of all kinds of music CDs but the only thing you ever hear playing now (and I might add, loud) is bluegrass by CrossTies. My wife and I are not affiliated with CrossTies in any way but we have always loved going to bluegrass festivals in California and Louisiana. Now that we are in Missouri, we found our favorite place to hear great bluegrass gospel music thanks to the Glaspy Family and CrossTies Country Cathedral.

Bob Cort
Forsyth, MO