Herald-Tribune, Saturday, November 14, 2009
Nevada High School Show Choirs recently took their show on the road, to open on the show for Neal McCoy's show in Branson. Both the Treble Effects and Soundsational Singers performed.
Choir director Wes Morton said that Nevada was asked to return to the Yakov theater after they opened last year for Joe Diffie and Yakov Smirnoff. "That was such a success that we were asked to return again this year. The kids had a blast and so did Neal McCoy. He really played to the audience and to our kids....what a great experience that we all had!"
© Copyright 2009, Fort Scott Tribune
Story URL: http://www.fstribune.com/story/1587189.html
Monday, November 16, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Neal McCoy in Branson means nonstop entertainment.
by Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull published: Aug 20, 2009
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Neal McCoy entertaining the audience up close and personal.
What’s two hours of nonstop fun, action, entertainment excitement, and music presented by one of the most personable entertainers around? It just might be the Branson edition of the Neal McCoy Show at the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre.
Neal has received the Entertainer of the Year award twice, won Video of the Year, has three Platinum Albums, one Gold album and nine number one hits and is one of the legends of country music. Yet, in responding to the question, “What one thing do you want potential Branson audiences coming to your show to know about the show he said, “We want the folks who come to our show to know that we’re here to entertain them. I’m not coming to show you how good I can sing or how good my band is. We’re here to make sure you’re part of the show and that you have enjoyed yourself when you leave.”
In his typical down to earth style he went on to say, “Not everyone is a Neal McCoy fan” and acknowledged that “Not everyone knows who Neal McCoy is so we are going to do something that you are going to like, something that will bring you into our show and once you’re in you are really going to enjoy it.”
That just might be the understatement of the year. From the time the curtain went up, until the show was over about two hours later, it was pure entertainment. The band was excellent, his singing was great, but it was Neal’s innate ability to do just what he said he would do, “bring the audience into the show” and to do it so completely that it added immeasurably to the entertainment experience of the audience.
The audience knows it’s going to be a different kind of show when a two time country music entertainer of the year starts the show off, not with one of his own hits, but with two country classics like “Smile” and “Fly me to the Moon.” Now the more astute reader might say, “But those aren’t country classics.” Exactly and that is the point, “Smile” was a Nat King Cole Classic and “Fly Me to the Moon” is another classic by Frank Sinatra.
In fact the show is so different that Neal and the band don’t really know exactly what will be in it from night to night because there is no play list, the list that most bands use to know what song is coming next. Neal said, “Only the first two songs are scripted” and after that they just go with the flow. It was about ten minutes before show time and I asked, “What will the first two scripted numbers be?” He replied, “I don’t know, we decide just before we go on.”
There was a variety of music for every taste with a lot of Neal McCoy signature songs such as “Wink,” “The Shake,” “They're Playin’ Our Song” and many of his other signature hits. There was also a lot of music covering a wide range of musical interests such as the Eddie Arnold song, “You Don't Know Me,” “I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face,” from the musical “My Fair Lady” and a “rapish style” combination of “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” and “Day-O” to mention a few.
But here’s the kicker, it was not just the fact of the music, it was the entertaining manner in which virtually each piece was presented. It wasn’t just someone sitting up there or walking across a stage singing songs. There was some interaction with the band or audience on virtually each piece. In one case it was the integration of the fiddle player Steve Auburn, into Neal’s performance of “The City Put the Country Back in Me,” for others it was telling a humorous story or joke or bantering with the audience from either the stage or down with the audience.
From his first step on stage until his last number he gives the impression that he is interested in doing nothing else but give the audience a great entertainment experience. It is something that is more easily felt than seen however, it is a wonderful thing to experience and makes the Neal McCoy show the unique, exciting and memorable entertainment experience that it is.
.jpg)
Becky Priest performing a beautiful rendition of "In the Arms of An Angel."
His band is fantastic and consists of Becky Priest, Keyboard; Lester Estelle Jr., Drums; Steve Auburn, Fiddle/Mandolin; Tommy Nash and Darryl Preston, Guitar and Jeremy Worden Bass. They fit right in with the blend and variety of music Neal performs and the way he interacts with them. Some highlights of individual band moments are Tommy Nash’s guitar playing during Neal’s performance of “I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face,” the short duet of “Maidens Prayer” by Tommy and Steve Auburn and the simple eloquent solo presentation of “In The Arms of An Angel” sung and played by Becky Priest.
After seeing the show, Branson Mayor, Raeanne Prelsey described Neal as a “fresh, electric, multi-talented entertainer” and a “great addition to the Branson scene.” Another person who had seen the show said, “He is not only a great entertainer, he really is pretty darn funny!” After seeing the show this writer would agree with those assessments and add, “Neal McCoy is a person that loves what he does, entertaining people, and does it so well he provides an entertainment experience that goes beyond hearing mere music, fun and excitement and touches the heart to be remembered for years to come."
.jpg)
Neal McCoy entertaining the audience up close and personal.
What’s two hours of nonstop fun, action, entertainment excitement, and music presented by one of the most personable entertainers around? It just might be the Branson edition of the Neal McCoy Show at the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre.
Neal has received the Entertainer of the Year award twice, won Video of the Year, has three Platinum Albums, one Gold album and nine number one hits and is one of the legends of country music. Yet, in responding to the question, “What one thing do you want potential Branson audiences coming to your show to know about the show he said, “We want the folks who come to our show to know that we’re here to entertain them. I’m not coming to show you how good I can sing or how good my band is. We’re here to make sure you’re part of the show and that you have enjoyed yourself when you leave.”
In his typical down to earth style he went on to say, “Not everyone is a Neal McCoy fan” and acknowledged that “Not everyone knows who Neal McCoy is so we are going to do something that you are going to like, something that will bring you into our show and once you’re in you are really going to enjoy it.”
That just might be the understatement of the year. From the time the curtain went up, until the show was over about two hours later, it was pure entertainment. The band was excellent, his singing was great, but it was Neal’s innate ability to do just what he said he would do, “bring the audience into the show” and to do it so completely that it added immeasurably to the entertainment experience of the audience.
The audience knows it’s going to be a different kind of show when a two time country music entertainer of the year starts the show off, not with one of his own hits, but with two country classics like “Smile” and “Fly me to the Moon.” Now the more astute reader might say, “But those aren’t country classics.” Exactly and that is the point, “Smile” was a Nat King Cole Classic and “Fly Me to the Moon” is another classic by Frank Sinatra.
In fact the show is so different that Neal and the band don’t really know exactly what will be in it from night to night because there is no play list, the list that most bands use to know what song is coming next. Neal said, “Only the first two songs are scripted” and after that they just go with the flow. It was about ten minutes before show time and I asked, “What will the first two scripted numbers be?” He replied, “I don’t know, we decide just before we go on.”
There was a variety of music for every taste with a lot of Neal McCoy signature songs such as “Wink,” “The Shake,” “They're Playin’ Our Song” and many of his other signature hits. There was also a lot of music covering a wide range of musical interests such as the Eddie Arnold song, “You Don't Know Me,” “I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face,” from the musical “My Fair Lady” and a “rapish style” combination of “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” and “Day-O” to mention a few.
But here’s the kicker, it was not just the fact of the music, it was the entertaining manner in which virtually each piece was presented. It wasn’t just someone sitting up there or walking across a stage singing songs. There was some interaction with the band or audience on virtually each piece. In one case it was the integration of the fiddle player Steve Auburn, into Neal’s performance of “The City Put the Country Back in Me,” for others it was telling a humorous story or joke or bantering with the audience from either the stage or down with the audience.
From his first step on stage until his last number he gives the impression that he is interested in doing nothing else but give the audience a great entertainment experience. It is something that is more easily felt than seen however, it is a wonderful thing to experience and makes the Neal McCoy show the unique, exciting and memorable entertainment experience that it is.
.jpg)
Becky Priest performing a beautiful rendition of "In the Arms of An Angel."
His band is fantastic and consists of Becky Priest, Keyboard; Lester Estelle Jr., Drums; Steve Auburn, Fiddle/Mandolin; Tommy Nash and Darryl Preston, Guitar and Jeremy Worden Bass. They fit right in with the blend and variety of music Neal performs and the way he interacts with them. Some highlights of individual band moments are Tommy Nash’s guitar playing during Neal’s performance of “I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face,” the short duet of “Maidens Prayer” by Tommy and Steve Auburn and the simple eloquent solo presentation of “In The Arms of An Angel” sung and played by Becky Priest.
After seeing the show, Branson Mayor, Raeanne Prelsey described Neal as a “fresh, electric, multi-talented entertainer” and a “great addition to the Branson scene.” Another person who had seen the show said, “He is not only a great entertainer, he really is pretty darn funny!” After seeing the show this writer would agree with those assessments and add, “Neal McCoy is a person that loves what he does, entertaining people, and does it so well he provides an entertainment experience that goes beyond hearing mere music, fun and excitement and touches the heart to be remembered for years to come."
Monday, August 24, 2009
Branson Missouri -- Photo by Gary Groman
Two country music legends and one very funny Russian comedian get together prior to Neal McCoy's Branson Show on August 18. Left to right, Moe Bandy, Neal McCoy, and Yakov Smirnoff.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Neal McCoy Makes an Impact In Branson Mo
Editorial in Branson Daily News August 19, 2009
by Josh Clark,Staff Writer
Ever since I started here at the Branson Tri-Lakes News at the end of May, I have had the pleasure of meeting, interviewing and seeing some of the best performers in the area.
With the notable exception of the Comets who, in addition to being true legends of rock ‘n’ roll, are one of my favorite shows in town, I try not to interject my opinion when it comes to shows.
That was until I got the chance to see Neal McCoy last Thursday night at the Yakov Smirnoff Theater. I was, for lack of a better word, stunned.
Spending the majority of my teenage years in the 1990s, I was very familiar with McCoy’s music. “Wink,” “For a Change” and “The Shake” have always been songs that made me think of a happier time in my life. Being a fan of his music already, I was intrigued when Yakov Smirnoff told me he’d be hitting town this year.
At first I was worried that yet another country star thought performing in Branson would be easy money. It happens all the time. They show up with their big buses, big names and big egos, expecting to do their stage show and knock the crowd dead. More often than not, those acts fall face first.
Not McCoy. He was funny, enduring and without a doubt, put on one of the most fun and exciting shows I have ever seen on a Branson stage. I had a big cheesy grin on my face the entire time, and I wasn’t the only one. People in the audience ranged in ages from 4 to 84, and McCoy was able to entertain them all.
Click here to read the rest of the story:
http://www.bransondailynews.com/story.php?storyID=12955
by Josh Clark,Staff Writer
Ever since I started here at the Branson Tri-Lakes News at the end of May, I have had the pleasure of meeting, interviewing and seeing some of the best performers in the area.
With the notable exception of the Comets who, in addition to being true legends of rock ‘n’ roll, are one of my favorite shows in town, I try not to interject my opinion when it comes to shows.
That was until I got the chance to see Neal McCoy last Thursday night at the Yakov Smirnoff Theater. I was, for lack of a better word, stunned.
Spending the majority of my teenage years in the 1990s, I was very familiar with McCoy’s music. “Wink,” “For a Change” and “The Shake” have always been songs that made me think of a happier time in my life. Being a fan of his music already, I was intrigued when Yakov Smirnoff told me he’d be hitting town this year.
At first I was worried that yet another country star thought performing in Branson would be easy money. It happens all the time. They show up with their big buses, big names and big egos, expecting to do their stage show and knock the crowd dead. More often than not, those acts fall face first.
Not McCoy. He was funny, enduring and without a doubt, put on one of the most fun and exciting shows I have ever seen on a Branson stage. I had a big cheesy grin on my face the entire time, and I wasn’t the only one. People in the audience ranged in ages from 4 to 84, and McCoy was able to entertain them all.
Click here to read the rest of the story:
http://www.bransondailynews.com/story.php?storyID=12955
Branson's Mayor RaeAnne Presley comments on Neal's show:
On Twitter Mayor Presley had this to say about Neal:
“Neal McCoy in Branson. A fresh, electric, multi-talented entertainer. Thanks for a fabulous show Neal. Great addition to the Branson scene”
and Branson Courier Columnist Gary Groman retwitted it with an “Amen” on his Twitter…
“RT @bransonmayor": Neal McCoy in #Branson. A fresh, electric, multi-talented entertainer. ...a fabulous show...." Saw last night, Amen.”
“Neal McCoy in Branson. A fresh, electric, multi-talented entertainer. Thanks for a fabulous show Neal. Great addition to the Branson scene”
and Branson Courier Columnist Gary Groman retwitted it with an “Amen” on his Twitter…
“RT @bransonmayor": Neal McCoy in #Branson. A fresh, electric, multi-talented entertainer. ...a fabulous show...." Saw last night, Amen.”
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Neal McCoy in Branson: Enjoying the small stage
By Joshua Clark
Branson Daily News Staff Writer
Neal McCoy loves to have fun, and more importantly, he likes his audiences to have fun. Now that he is performing in Branson again, he gets to have a different type of fun.
“When we play festivals and fairs, places like that, it is high intensity, high energy,” McCoy said. “Here, we keep the energy level high, but I get to sing again and do some music we don’t normally get to do.”
There are several differences between McCoy’s regular concerts and his Branson show. He brought in a new band for his tenure in Branson.
“I brought this group in so we could do ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ and ‘Straighten Up and Fly Right,’” McCoy said. “People in town appreciate the variety. Plus, playing festivals and other places, we don’t get to do that a lot.”
Another thing McCoy doesn’t have is a set list.
“You will never see the same show twice because I have never done the same show twice,” McCoy said.
Branson Daily News Staff Writer
Neal McCoy loves to have fun, and more importantly, he likes his audiences to have fun. Now that he is performing in Branson again, he gets to have a different type of fun.
“When we play festivals and fairs, places like that, it is high intensity, high energy,” McCoy said. “Here, we keep the energy level high, but I get to sing again and do some music we don’t normally get to do.”
There are several differences between McCoy’s regular concerts and his Branson show. He brought in a new band for his tenure in Branson.
“I brought this group in so we could do ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ and ‘Straighten Up and Fly Right,’” McCoy said. “People in town appreciate the variety. Plus, playing festivals and other places, we don’t get to do that a lot.”
Another thing McCoy doesn’t have is a set list.
“You will never see the same show twice because I have never done the same show twice,” McCoy said.
To read the rest of the story click here:
http://www.bransondailynews.com/story.php?storyID=12922
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Limited engagements enhance variety of Branson entertainment
Gary Groman aka the Ole Seagull did a nice story on the touring shows that come into Branson and he included Neal McCoy. Here's what he had to say:
Known as the live music show capital of the world Branson, Missouri offers great live music and entertainment shows on a daily basis. There is a live show for just about every interest and for every music genre, but the variety of entertainment Branson has to offer doesn’t stop there...
Neal McCoy will be appearing in the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre for selected dates during August, September and October starting on August 4. McCoy said, “I like to entertain and have a great time with the folks. Here in Branson people know how to have a good time! So that’s what we’re planning on doing and you gotta love that.” He is known for his fast-moving shows and fun music. McCoy has received Entertainer of the Year two times and other exciting accolades including five #1 singles, five top 10 hits, 1 Gold album, and many, many others. His hits include “Wink”, “The Shake,”” No Doubt About It,” “You Gotta Love That” and many more.
For the complete story go to:
http://www.bransoncourier.com/issue-81/limited-engagement-Brule--1257.html
Known as the live music show capital of the world Branson, Missouri offers great live music and entertainment shows on a daily basis. There is a live show for just about every interest and for every music genre, but the variety of entertainment Branson has to offer doesn’t stop there...
Neal McCoy will be appearing in the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre for selected dates during August, September and October starting on August 4. McCoy said, “I like to entertain and have a great time with the folks. Here in Branson people know how to have a good time! So that’s what we’re planning on doing and you gotta love that.” He is known for his fast-moving shows and fun music. McCoy has received Entertainer of the Year two times and other exciting accolades including five #1 singles, five top 10 hits, 1 Gold album, and many, many others. His hits include “Wink”, “The Shake,”” No Doubt About It,” “You Gotta Love That” and many more.
For the complete story go to:
http://www.bransoncourier.com/issue-81/limited-engagement-Brule--1257.html
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