BRANSON Mo. —
Rex Burdette thinks it’s important to embrace international culture and entertainment.
“It just makes the world a little smaller,” said the longtime producer of World-Fest, Silver Dollar City’s annual celebration of international relations and relationships. “Everybody gets the opportunity to experience the way others people’s cultures and heritage work. (World-Fest) just makes the world a little smaller and makes us live in a little bit bigger box.”
For more than 25 years, Burdette’s imported hundreds of international acts to the Ozarks. He scouts performers, produces the festival, directs shows and handles international clearances and immigration paperwork for dozens of performers each season. He spends some time on the road and the phone.
“So many people never get the chance to travel and meet people from different countries,” he said. “World-Fest is a chance for people to visit and become friends. They write letters and e-mails to people and performers they meet here.”
Through May 6, thousands of visitors will make World-Fest and See the World in Branson the Tri-Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s nod to the Ozarks immigrant heritage a destination. Dozens of Branson theaters, restaurants and other businesses participate by celebrating an international culture.
“We all came from somewhere,” said Lynn Berry, the CVB’s director of public relations. “For me, it’s those Irish roots.”
During See the World, Berry said families can experience the costuming, history, culture and learn a little about their heritage.
“(See the World is) a great reminder of all of the international talent in Branson,” she said. “On Highway 76 many of our theaters, attractions, restaurants and lodging are really in the swing of things with an international flair.”
International line-up
About 60 percent of the shows each season are new to the festival, Burdette explained. He said he still gets excited talking about the season’s lineup, which includes acts from Italy, Mexico, Peru, Russia and Ireland. The United States gets international recognition, too.
“We’ve got a Hawaiian show,” he said. “It’s not American country music, it’s Hawaiian country music. They are great pickers. If you haven’t heard ‘Wipe Out’ played by two ukuleles, you just haven’t been to a Hawaiian show.”
Rounding out the lineup of entertainers new to the festival are The Mariachi Divas, a Grammy Award-winning group of Central and South American female performers, Peruvian Scissor Dancers and Kenyan acrobats.
Acts returning to the festival include a master yodeler, the Russian Academic Band, Irish harpist Dearbhail Finnegan and the Slovenian Polka Party.
In the Red Gold Heritage Hall, La Bella Musica highlights Italian tenor Aaron Caruso.
“It’s all new this year,” Burdette said. “Aaron Caruso. What better name can you have for an Italian show.”
The show includes soprano Melanie Goerlitz and Cory Pesaturo, an award-winning accordion player.
Viva Italia performs in the courtyard out side Red Gold Hall. Italian flag throwers, living statues and stilt walkers draw crowds to the colorful show.
“The flag throwers are back from Italy this year,” he said. “There are about 15 of them who play trumpets and drums and throw flags. People always enjoy them.”
Best of Branson
Related Photos
-
Acrobatic Italian flag throwers entertain crowds during Viva Italia, World-Fest's salute to Italian culture. Courtesy | Silver Dollar City
Discussion
International acts to perform in Branson
- Best of Branson
-
-
Dave Woods: Exotic animals provide adventure in Branson
I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into Branson’s Wild World. Neither did Denita Brooks.
-
Branson recovers from tornado, loss of stars
Branson officials say they are cautiously optimistic about this year’s tourist season, despite a tornado in 2012 and the loss of two star attractions.
-
Raised voices: Trio brings energetic, spiritual show to Branson
From singing in church and at their mother's bedside following her near-fatal accident, Michael, Avery and Nadia Cole, the Voices of Glory, have had an effect on people.
-
Live comedy, country music on theater's menu
At the beginning of each weekly installment of “Larry’s Country Diner” on RDF-TV, Larry Black is introduced the same way.
-
Airline’s first passengers mark historic moment
It was a moment a dozen years in the making.
-
New gallery features toys, pictures of Titanic's youngest passengers
Jamie Terrell said she feels honored to have the chance to tell the stories of the children who sailed on RMS Titanic's maiden voyage.
-
Branson resort offers fishing, relaxation
Phil Lilley is no stranger to the lakes surrounding the Branson area. He loves the lakes for their Ozarks beauty, outdoor activities and the people. And the fishing isn’t bad either, he said.
“We moved here because we like people and like Branson,” said Lilley, a native of Parsons, Kan.
Lilleys’ Landing Resort and Marina, Phil’s family-friendly resort and marina, has been his home for more than three decades. -
Dave Woods: Guided fishing excursions fun for novices and pros
Bill Babler spent the majority of last year fishing with fellow anglers on the lakes that surround the Branson area.
-
Annual preview show provides plenty of variety
For almost two decades, Branson's best performers have been showcased in the Hot Winter Fun Big Show on the first Monday in February. This year's show will be held at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theatre on the Highway 76 strip.
-
Dave Woods: Favorite holiday just around the corner
We all have our favorite holiday.
For some, it’s Christmas and Easter because of their spiritual significance.
For others, it’s getting together with old friends and family — like ’em or not — around a crowded table topped with holiday fare.
Deviled eggs, anyone? - More Best of Branson Headlines
-
Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital
Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings
Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident
Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains
Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria
RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado
Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
AP CEO: Records Seizure 'Unconstitutional'
Fatal Hot Air Balloon Accident in Turkey
Tornadoes, Storms Strike Midwest
'Babyland': Camp Lejeune's Toxic Legacy?
Raw: Heavy Tornado Damage in Shawnee, Okla
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
