Baldknobbers Events

Smithsonian Donation Ceremony

2011-03-02T09:59:00.001-08:00

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History received a collection of objects from the Baldknobbers. The donation documents the long and rich history of the Baldknobbers Jamboree show and its place in American entertainment culture.

Baldknobbers to Donate Artifacts to Smithsonian

2011-01-27T11:45:00.000-08:00

Pioneering Variety Show from One of America’s Entertainment Capitals— Branson, Mo.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History today received a collection of objects from the Baldknobbers, a variety show based in Branson, Mo. The donation documents the long and rich history of this variety jamboree show and its place in American entertainment culture.

Senator Roy Blunt, Tim Mabe & Brent Mabe

The group was formed in 1959 when brothers Bill, Jim, Lyle and Bob Mabe began entertaining visitors on the Taneycomo lakefront with “The Baldknobbers Jamboree.” The Baldknobbers were named after an Ozarks vigilante group from the 1880s and are considered Branson’s first country music-and-comedy show.

Tim Mabe, Brent Mabe & Eric Jentsch (Curator of Arts & Culture, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution) signing of the deed of gifts.

The Mabe brothers performed with folklore instruments: washtub bass, banjo, Dobro guitar, washboard and a mule’s jawbone to provide rhythm. The performances were an instant hit with visiting tourists and local fishermen. The band became so popular that it outgrew its original location and moved into an old skating rink, converting it into Branson’s first live-entertainment theater. The group continued to expand and today The Baldknobbers Jamboree Theatre seats 1,500 people in the heart of Branson’s entertainment district.

“This donation tells an interesting story about a homegrown genre in American entertainment,” said Brent D. Glass, director of the museum. “The collection expands on the museum’s country-music holdings.”

The donation includes Jim “Droopy Drawers” Mabe’s stage costume, hat, washboard and glove; Lyle “George Aggernite” Mabe’s costume and washtub bass; Bill Mabe’s red-and-gold fringe stage shirt and boots; plus brochures, souvenir books and pamphlets. Ed Snowden donated a Dobro guitar on behalf of the late Dennis Mabe (Bill Mabe’s son).
“It not only means a great deal to our family to have these items included in the Smithsonian collections as a tribute to my dad and uncles who started the show in 1959, but it also is a tribute to all the entertainers who perform in Branson,” said Tim Mabe of the Baldknobbers.

Tim Mabe, Brent Mabe and Senator Roy Blunt discussing the artifacts

Although three founding Mabe brothers are now deceased, the Baldknobbers continue to be a family affair and the group has grown to include 16 musicians, vocalists and comedians.

The National Museum of American History collects, preserves and displays American heritage in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. The museum shines new light on American history after having been dramatically transformed by a two-year renovation. To learn more about the museum, visit http://americanhistory.si.edu. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000, (202) 633-5285 (TTY).

Baldknobbers Offer Families Lots of Fun at One Great Price

2010-04-26T13:01:00.001-07:00

Longtime Baldknobbers' fans and new fans alike appreciate the Baldknobbers' family tradition of delivering everything from traditional country to today's #1 hits and lots of hilarious comedy. That is one of the things that have made the Baldknobbers popular from generation to generation.

With that in mind, the Baldknobbers announce they will continue their popular FAMILY PASS for the 2010 season.

"Our show has always been about our family entertaining your family! What better way to show how important families are to us than to have a family pass ticket designed to make it affordable for all families to see our show," said Tim Mabe, show producer and comedian "Droopy Drawers, Jr.".

"Mom, Dad and up to four kids can come 'laugh out loud' at the Baldknobbers new show for just $69," said Tim. Families with two adults and up to four children/students 18 and under are eligible for this pass.

"When our kids were growing up, we never just had our kids with us. We always had their friends going along with us. That is thought behind our family pass," Tim explained.

"Our show appeals to everyone from age 2 to 92. The Baldknobbers have always been known for great traditional country music, but we also add a lot of today's #1 hits. Our variety appeals all ages!" said Brent Mabe, musical director and second generation Baldknobber.

"We have the best comedy team in Branson. Stub Meadows, Hargus Marcel and Droopy Drawers Jr. make all of us laugh every night. Sure they have a script, but you never really know what they are going to do," Brent said.

"Bring your kids to the show, we do!" Tim added.

The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show-"The Show That Started It All"-is located on the famed 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson, Missouri, with performances Monday through Saturday at 8 PM beginning in March and running through mid-December. For tickets and to confirm show times and dates go to www.Baldknobbers.com or call toll free 800-998-8908.

Be Part of the Legend With Branson's First Show The Baldknobbers in 2010

2010-03-02T13:38:00.002-08:00

March 5, 2010 (Branson, Missouri) - The Baldknobbers began the family entertainment phenomenon in 1959, when the four Mabe brothers began entertaining fisherman on the downtown Branson lakefront. Today, over fifty years later, the second and third generations of the Mabe family continue that family tradition of combining your favorite country classics, with hot-new country hits and hilarious country comedy into a fast paced show. It's the songs you know and comedy everyone (even the kids) can relate to.

The Mabe brothers adopted the name of an old Ozarks vigilante group that held their meetings on a treeless hilltop or "bald knob". So when the Mabe brothers started Branson's first show, it was just natural to take a regional name.

Second generation and producer, Tim Mabe, known to many as Droopy Drawers, Jr., says, "My dad and uncles founded the hillbilly humor of the Baldknobbers on the adage of the city slicker who comes to town to take advantage of the old hillbilly. And the hillbilly always gets the last laugh. The jokes are different but over 50 years later, it still holds true."

Tim goes on to say, "We are one of the few shows that do an all new show each year. That means all new comedy, new music and even new costumes. And our show is completely live with some of the best singers and musicians in the country."

"The Baldknobbers show is entirely a group effort. Every cast member gets to put their stamp on our new show each year. The Baldknobbers don't have a star, the show is our star," Tim said.

Second generation Baldknobber and bandleader Brent Mabe says, "All of us play at least a couple of instruments and almost all of us sing---yep even the comedians. It is a pleasure to work with such a great group of professionals, but more than that we have lots of fun. We all love what we do and even if you're not related to us, you're still family!"

Longtime Baldknobbers' fans and new fans alike appreciate the Baldknobbers' family traditions. It's the great music and side-splitting comedy that have made this show popular from generation to generation. Come celebrate over 50 years of family fun with The Baldknobbers Jamboree!

The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show-"The Show That Started It All"-is located on the famed 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson, Missouri, with performances Monday through Saturday at 8 PM beginning in March and running through mid-December. For tickets and to confirm show times and dates go to www.Baldknobbers.com or call toll free 800-998-8908.

March 5 is Opening Night for Branson's First Show

2010-03-02T13:38:00.001-08:00

March 1, 2010 (Branson, Missouri) - Friday night the curtain goes up on the 51st year of the show that started it all in Branson, The Baldknobbers.

Tim Mabe, the show's producer and comedian "Droopy Drawers, Jr." anchors the funniest comedy team in Branson of Stub Meadows and Hargus Marcel.

"We have added three new faces to the Baldknobbers stage. With the addition of Megan, Dean and Robbie to our already talented cast, this year's show will be lots of fun!"

New to the Baldknobbers stage is female vocalist, Megan McCombs, originally from Pella, Iowa, on steel guitar and dobro is Dean Holman and on drums is Robbie Blackwood. Go to The Cast page at Baldknobbers.com and find out more.

Tim goes on to say, "We are one of the few shows that do an all new show each year. That means all new comedy, new music and even new costumes. And our show is completely live with some of the best singers and musicians in the country."

Brothers Bill, Jim, Lyle and Bob Mabe began Branson's first live entertainment show in 1959 by mixing gospel, country, and blue-grass music with zany comedy. The original Baldknobbers Jamboree created the prototype for shows in what has become the live entertainment capital of the world.

Now over fifty years later, the Mabe Family continues their family legacy of great country music and hilarious comedy as the 2nd & 3rd generations carry on the family tradition of great country music and hilarious comedy. Six members of the Mabe family are joined by eleven other dynamic singers, musicians, comedians, and entertainers who perform your favorite Country Classics, Hot-New Country Hits, and Lots Side-Splitting Comedy. Life Magazine said, "Branson is the Baldknobbers!"

The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show is located on the famed 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson, Missouri, with performances Monday through Saturday at 8 PM. For tickets call 800-998-8908 or www.Baldknobbers.com

The Baldknobbers Announce Past Cast Party!

2009-06-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Baldknobbers Jamboree, the legendary original Branson show is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in the Ozarks town that has become known as the "Live Music Show Capital."

On Friday June 19, the Baldknobbers are inviting the entertainers that have performed in their show over the past 50 years to their show for a special night.

"We have always talked about our Baldknobbers family and we want them to join us on a special night where we recognize them and say thank you for their part in our history," says Tim Mabe, producer, comedian and second generation.

"You would think that since the Baldknobbers have been performing for 50 years that the list of our past cast would be huge, but really it's not. My dad and uncles always had a great cast that continued to perform with the Baldknobbers for several years. Turnover has never been a problem," says Tim Mabe.

Tickets are available to the June 19, 2009 show. Fans who would like to be a part of this special night can call the box office or go on line to Baldknobbers.com.

"All of us are excited to see old friends," says Tim.

Join the Mabe family and the entire cast of the Baldknobbers for the year-long 50th Anniversary celebration in 2009. The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show-"The Show That Started It All"-is located on the famed 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson, Missouri, with performances Monday through Saturday at 8 PM.

For tickets call 800-998-8908 or www.Baldknobbers.com

At The Baldknobbers, Branson's First Show, The Hillbilly Gets the Last Laugh!

2009-06-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

In 1959 four brothers calling themselves The Baldknobbers began entertaining visitors to Branson, Missouri. They called their show the Baldknobbers Jamboree. Fifty years and four generations later, The Baldknobbers are still entertaining audiences with country music and their own distinctive brand of hillbilly humor.

Although the comedy evolves and routines change, there is always a common thread of what makes it work. Hillbilly humor encompasses universal subjects that everyone knows and experiences: happiness, sadness, love, marriage, car trouble...every aspect of daily life.

It was their hillbilly humor that first gave the Baldknobbers popular recognition outside of Branson. Baldknobbers co-founder Lyle Mabe's comic character "George Aggernite" did television commercials for Empire Gas, which aired at 6:12 PM, during the weather portion of the evening newscast. People from Springfield to Joplin and all over the Ozarks tuned in just to watch the hilarious commercials. Aggernite's rubbery face, his trouble with pronunciations, and other antics intrigued the audience. The commercials also featured takeoffs of television shows and other commercials, keeping it current and keeping the audience tuned in. Viewers became fans of The Baldknobbers even before they saw the show.

In 2009 Baldknobbers comedians are still adding to the merriment and high spirits that audiences enjoy at the show. Straight-man Bob Leftridge has fresh reactions every night to Stub Meadows's unbelievable stories and antics. And when "Droopy Drawers, Jr." and "Hargus Marcel" get in on the act, anything can happen, and often does. The band and vocalists don't escape the zinging comedy arrows either and seem equally surprised and entertained by the zany hi-jinx.

Tim Mabe, Droopy Drawers, Jr., is the son of Jim and Katie Mabe. The late Jim Mabe was one of the four founders and the original Droopy Drawers. Tim Mabe and other second- and third-generation Mabes are part of the 19-member cast of The Baldknobbers Jamboree. The show is an excellent mix of old and new country music, laced with a sidesplitting, generous dose of hillbilly humor.

Every brand of humor has various common themes. Understanding what makes people laugh, and why a particular subject or story is funny, is a talent, and one that has served this show well. The Baldknobbers brand of comedy touches something in everyone and has the unique ability to let people laugh at just about anything.

Some of America's favorite humor is physical and the Baldknobbers hillbilly humor scores big in this category. The wild outfits the comics wear contrast to the band's handsome jackets and the female vocalists' beaded and sequined dresses. Costume changes were certainly not part of the original show. Outlandish hats and shoes, oversized, too-short britches, crazy plaids mixed with bright patterns and too-long, too-wide ties are a perfect backdrop for Stub's rubbery-faced expressions and Hargus's sorrowful look as he relates his latest woes. The expressions on Droopy's face match his comic getup.

Longtime Baldknobbers fans and new fans alike appreciate the Baldknobbers' family traditions. Great music, excellent comedy, and honoring God and country make their show popular from generation to generation. Come celebrate 50 years of fun with The Baldknobbers Jamboree!

Join the Mabe family and the entire cast of the Baldknobbers for the year-long 50th Anniversary celebration in 2009. The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show-"The Show That Started It All"-is located on the famed 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson, Missouri, with performances Monday through Saturday at 8 PM. For tickets call 800-998-8908 or www.Baldknobbers.com

Several Generations Will All Enjoy The Baldknobbers, Branson's First Show

2009-05-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

(May 19, 2009) Branson, MO - Four generations of visitors to Branson, Missouri, have enjoyed great country music and hillbilly humor at The Baldknobbers Jamboree. This legendary original Branson show is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in the Ozarks town that has become known as the Live Music Capital of the World.

There are families who have been traveling to Branson to see the Baldknobbers for generations. Multiple generations are represented on stage as well as in the audience. Second-generation entertainers Tim and Brent Mabe recalled a recent guest who told them, "My grandmother used to bring me to see your show. Now I bring my family."

Brent goes on to say, "People tell us all the time they remember Tim and me and all the cousins playing baseball in the parking lot with a crushed-up soda cup, while our dads were on stage in the theatre.

Tim Mabe adds, "And I remember we could earn a dollar for putting bumper stickers on cars."

In a time when families often live many miles or several states apart, traditions take on even more importance. The Baldknobbers Jamboree is an experience families can share, whether traveling together to Branson or reuniting there with family.

One of the many reasons the Baldknobbers Jamboree has remained so successful and will continue to entertain future generations is the universal appeal of country music and hillbilly humor. Stories that everyone can relate to, whether told in song or with comedy, are timeless. Themes of love and happiness, troubles and sadness, and everyday life situations can be poignant in a song or funny in a comic's tale.

The sad song brings a tear to a grandmother's eye, while a comedian in outlandish, oversized overalls has a grandson laughing out loud. The Baldknobbers show is a fast-paced, energetic production starring 19 talented musicians, singers and comedians, some of the best and funniest on stage anywhere. Just one more reason for the Baldknobbers' continued popularity!

It was 1959 when four Mabe brothers began entertaining visitors to Branson. They put on a music and comedy show in the evenings for an audience made up mostly of fishermen and their families. They had fifty folding chairs and the Mabe wives sold tickets. If they sold twelve tickets, there would be a show.

In 1959 the theater was on the Taneycomo lakefront; today the theater seats 1500 people and is a state-of-the-art facility on Highway 76, "The Strip." Visitors to Branson still enjoy the Baldknobbers and fishing, as well as other shows and attractions, world-class hotels and resorts, more lake activities, 12 championship golf courses, shopping and much more.

Things have changed in 50 years, but in 2009, as the Baldknobbers Jamboree celebrates its 50th Anniversary, many things remain the same. The show continues to deliver excellent family entertainment to enthusiastic audiences. Come celebrate with the Baldknobbers Jamboree, the "show that started it all!"

Join the Mabe family and the entire cast of the Baldknobbers for the year-long 50th Anniversary celebration in 2009. The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show-"The Show That Started It All"-is located on the famed 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson, Missouri, with performances Monday through Saturday at 8 PM. For tickets call 800-998-8908 or www.Baldknobbers.com

The Baldknobbers Announce Golden Anniversary Comeback Party!

2009-04-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

Branson's First Show--the Baldknobbers--reaches out with an opportunity to welcome their first fans to see the show again!

"We invite anyone who saw the Baldknobbers in 1959 to come to the show on either May 15 or 16, 2009 and celebrate our golden anniversary with us for a great price at our Come Back Party! We want to hear the stories from folks who saw my dad and uncles perform early on in their careers," says Tim Mabe, second generation Baldknobber, producer, and comedian Droopy Drawers Jr.

Guests who saw the Baldknobbers perform in 1959 are eligible for half price tickets at these two shows on Friday, May 15 or Saturday, May 16, 2009.

"To be 50 years in any business is remarkable and to do it in show business is completely incredible. All of us in the Mabe family wanted to find a way to say thank you to those first fans that helped the Baldknobbers get started," says Tim Mabe.

In 1959 the four Mabe brothers began entertaining visitors Branson in downtown on the Taneycomo lakefront. Today, second and third generations of the Mabe family along with a talented cast of singers, musicians, comedians and entertainers continue to wow audiences with a variety of great country music and lots of side-splitting comedy.

Second generation Baldknobber and band leader Brent Mabe says, "Our show today is still country music and comedy. This year's all new show salutes the best of 50 years of Baldknobbers entertainment with a great variety of country music. Plus, the comedy of Stub Meadows, Hargus Marcel and Droopy Drawers is still unmatched in Branson."

If you saw the Baldknobbers in 1959, you can call the Baldknobbers Box Office at 800-998-8908 for special show tickets that are ½ price, $15.00 for adults and $8 for kids. These tickets are only good for May 15-16, 2009 and ticket price does not include applicable taxes. These tickets are only available by calling the box office.

Known as the "Show That Started It All" in Branson, Missouri where celebrating American entertainment is a family tradition. Show times are 8:00 P.M. Monday ~ Saturday. The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show, is located on the famed 76 Country Music Boulevard. For tickets call 800-998-8908 or Baldknobbers.com. Join the Baldknobbers in 2009 as they celebrate their golden anniversary and be part of the legend!

Branson's First Show Turns 50!

2009-03-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

March 2009 (Branson, Missouri) - Branson's entertainment industry turns 50! And 2009 also marks the 50th anniversary of Branson's first show, The Baldknobbers.

In 1959, when the Mabe brothers started entertaining visitors to the lakes in downtown Branson, they did not know they would start a tradition that would later become the "Live Music Capital of the World".

Calling themselves the Baldknobbers, brothers Jim, Bill, Lyle, and Bob Mabe decided the fisherman needed something to do in the evenings. Using the great American entrepreneurial spirit, they donned hillbilly costumes and used homemade instruments to play country and hillbilly music. Those instruments included a washtub bass, washboard for rhythm, dobro or flat top guitar, acoustic guitar and the jawbone of a mule in lieu of drums. Although the instruments have changed, the focus on family entertainment has not.

Today's Baldknobbers feature the children and grandchildren of the original brothers plus a dynamic cast of singers, musicians, and comedians who continue to showcase a variety of country music. Guests enjoy great country classics, hot new country hits and some of the funniest comedians anywhere.

"I believe our best quality is that we entertain everyone from the age of 2 to 92," said Tim Mabe, producer and comedian Droopy Drawers Jr. "Our 2009 show is going to be fantastic! We have been working on this show for over a year. Each year we feature new songs, new costumes, and lots of new comedy. For our golden anniversary we will touch your heart and leave audiences thoroughly entertained."

"In addition to a fantastic show, we will have events all year long to mark this milestone in Branson's entertainment history," Mabe said. "We will update www.Baldknobbers.com, our website, each time we add a new event."

Join the Mabe family and the entire cast of the Baldknobbers for the year-long 50th Anniversary celebration in 2009. The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show-"The Show That Started It All"-is located on the famed 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson, Missouri, with performances Monday through Saturday at 8 PM. Click Here for Baldknobbers Show Tickets or call 800-998-8908.

Branson Springtastic Show Spree 2009 (Press Release)

2009-03-03T12:12:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, March 3, 2009 (Branson, MO) – Spring will have a very special ring to it in 2009 when show goers have one extraordinary week to enjoy ten of the top shows in Branson, Missouri for just one hundred and twenty-five dollars.

Sponsored by The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers (The Branson Show League), the Springtastic Show Spree is the week for show lovers from across America to converge on this small Midwestern town, known as the “live music show capital of the world”. Shows, shows, and more shows, for just a fraction of their normal cost.” says Lizhi Zhao, owner of the Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus. The 2nd annual Springtastic Show Spree begins May 11 and runs through May 17, 2009.

Springtastic Show Spree passes are for sale only on-line at the official website of The Branson Show League, ShowsInBranson.com, and are limited to purchase by individuals. Mickey Gilley, of the Mickey Gilley Theatre, believes this is “hands down the greatest show ticket value you will see all year in Branson.”

The Springtastic Show pass allows fans to see ten of their favorite shows in Branson on a first come, first served basis during the Springtastic Show Spree week. Shows include productions such as Jim Stafford, Yakov, Mickey Gilley, Twelve Irish Tenors, Legends in Concert, Baldknobbers Jamboree, New Shanghai Circus, The Hughes Brothers, The Haygoods, Magnificent Variety Show, and many more. For a complete list visit ShowsInBranson.com and click on Springtastic Show Spree.

The ten shows amount to less than 10% of the possible live shows you can currently enjoy in Branson. “Day or night, our little town just may hold more stars per square foot than anywhere else in the universe,” says popular ventriloquist Jim Barber of the Hamner Barber Variety Show and Theater. Much to the approval of the estimated seven plus million visitors who converge each year on the Ozark Mountain town of little more than 6,000 residents, Branson's stars can be spotted each morning, afternoon and well into the evening in almost every type of live theatrical performance imaginable. Pop, gospel, blues, rock 'n' roll, western, acrobats, magic, Cajun, swing, big band, Motown, and Broadway have become as important to Branson visitors as its country and comedy roots. “Only in America can a Russian and a Japanese own a theater in the middle of the Ozarks. What A Country!” says famed Russian comedian and theater owner Yakov Smirnoff.

This special preview week will whet your appetite to come back again and again to enjoy the variety of ALL of the shows the town has to offer. “If you see your first ten shows during the Springtastic Show Spree, you’ll have to come back more than ten times just to see all the shows in Branson once,” says Michael Horn of Circle B Supper Show.

“In 2009 we’re celebrating 50 Years of Live Music Shows in Branson and this a great way to celebrate,” said Tim Mabe, Producer for the Baldknobbers Jamboree. “Branson’s biggest shows are participating, and it really is a dream ticket for truly ardent show fans.”

“This is going to be about as much fun as you can have in one week!” said the Magnificent Variety Show’s Joe Tinoco. “If you are a live show fan, a music lover of any sort, the Springtastic Show Spree is the ticket for you.” The limited amount of Springtastic Show passes are available only through May 1 or when the passes sell out, whichever comes first. Visit ShowsInBranson.com for more details.

About The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers
The League works to increase the success and well-being of the theatrical industry in the “Live Show Capital of the World”, Branson, Missouri. With over 100 live shows featuring music, comedy, magic, dancing, acrobats, theatrical plays, and more, the diversity and variety of choices of live shows make Branson a unique and fun-filled family vacation destination. The League strives to increase interest in Branson shows and show attendance, increase profitability for the Branson show community, and to promote communications between shows, as well as throughout the Branson community. In 2009, Branson is Celebrating 50 Years of Live Music Shows!