THE BALDKNOBBERS

The Bald Knobbers were a group of vigilantes in the Ozark region of southwest Missouri during the period 1883–1889. They are commonly depicted wearing hoods with horns, a distinction that evolved during the rapid proliferation of the group into neighboring counties from its Taney County origins.
The group got its name from the grassy bald knob summits of the Ozark Mountains in the area. The hill where they first met is called Snapp's Bald, located just north of Kirbyville, Missouri.
The Bald Knobbers, who for the most part had sided with the North in the American Civil War, were opposed by the Anti-Bald Knobbers, who for the most part had sided with the Confederates

The start of Branson-area tourism began with the 1907 publication of Harold Bell Wright's The Shepherd of the Hills, which features generic Bald Knobbers as the story's villains. Later, the Mabe family began a local country and western comedy revue called "Baldknobbers" (one word, and named solely for the humorous quality of the name rather than for any historical purpose); the Mabe family attraction started the music-show presence for which Branson has become famous.

Because they were the first show in Branson, Mr. W decided he wanted to see their show.  Take my word for it, don't go! The show was not good.  It wasn't awful, but it wasn't good.  One of the Mabe sons, the younger one, sang a Marty Robbins song and I'm sure Marty was turning over in his grave.  This boy could not stay on pitch to save his life.  Momma Mabe sang and her first song was not good.  She did get better as the show went on, but nothing to write home with.  The older Mabe son was the emcee and he did a good job of being the emcee and he could stay on pitch.  His fiancée was voted "Top Female Vocalist" in Branson this year.  The first song she sang, I'm thinking who in their right mind voted for her! However, the other songs she sang were great and she did have a great voice.  One of the other Mabe sons is the music producer or coordinator or something along those lines and now I'm wondering what the heck he is thinking picking these songs for these people.  The comedian was pretty funny and thank goodness he had a big part in the show.  I would have been tempted to leave at intermission if he hadn't. 

The musicians were good.  Their lead guitarist was excellent and their saxophone player was very good. But, I think the talent has run out of this family.  They wore cute costumes. (You know I would have an opinion about that!) But, they really should be looking for day jobs.  Back in 1987 when I visited Branson, I saw a show called The Plummer Family and they were also one of the first families in Branson.  They have been gone for a long time now.  They had a group called The Texans that were part of the show.  We happened to see a couple of The Texans this year when they came to our RV resort to perform.  Awful.  That's what happens when you keep trying to perform when the performance time and talent have passed you by. Have I convinced you to not waste your money on this show?  I sure hope so.  Mr. W does NOT get to pick anymore shows.

I did take some pictures because it was easier to take pictures than sit there and listen.  The first half of their show was their regular show.  The second half was their Christmas show.  I will give them credit for specifically saying that the real reason for Christmas is the birth of our Savior, Jesus. 

Pics from first half

Pics from second half