Branson Show Awards winners announced

By K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

The Branson Show Awards’ annual awards presentation was held on Sunday.

With a new location at the Nashville Roadhouse Theater, show producer Michael Wackerly and his team rolled out the red carpet for the Branson celebrities, who arrived via limousine for the spectacular evening.

The Branson Show Awards, started by Gary Wackerly in 2004, is the area’s longest-running entertainment awards and pays tribute to the best of the best in Branson. This year’s production—the 18th annual—featured entertainment from some of Branson’s top talent, including Faith’s Journey, Ozarks Gospel, George Dyer, Jarrett Dougherty, Matthew Boyce, Anthems of Rock, James Sibly, Dalena Ditto, Jamie Haage and Stevie Lee Woods and his Nashville Roadhouse Live Band.

Emcees for this year’s show were James Kast and Michelle Folce.

The 2022 Branson Show Award winners are listed below.

• Band of the Year: Nashville Roadhouse Live—Nashville Roadhouse Theater

• Bass/Upright Player of the Year: Camby Henson—Clay Cooper Theatre

• Comedian of the Year: James Sibley—Pierce Arrow Theatre

• Comedy Show of the Year: Matt Gumm and Company— Clay Cooper Theatre

• Dance Troupe of the Year: Hot Rods and High Heels— Clay Cooper Theatre

• Drummer of the Year: Matt Gumm—Clay Cooper Theatre

• Duet of the Year: George and Clarisse Dyer—Americana Theatre

• Emcee of the Year: Mike Patrick—Grand Country Music Hall

• Entertainers of the Year: Nashville Roadhouse Live— Nashville Roadhouse Theater

• Evening Show of the Year: Grand Jubilee –Grand Country Music Hall

• Family Show of the Year: Jesus—Sight and Sound Theater

• Female Entertainer of the Year: Dalena Ditto—IMAX Little Opry Theater

• Female Vocalist of the Year: Sarah Marie La Beau—King’s Castle Theatre

• Fiddler of the Year: Shoji Tabuchi—IMAX Little Opry Theater

• Gospel Show of the Year: Ozarks Gospel—Grand Country Music Hall

• Illusionist of the Year: Rick Thomas—Moon River Theatre

• Impressionist of the Year: Matt Gumm—Clay Cooper Theatre SEE BRANSON SHOW AWARDS, PAGE 23

• Instrumentalist of the Year: Catherine Haygood—Clay Cooper Theater

• Keyboard Player of the Year: Lee Hendrix—Majestic Theater

• Kids Choice Award: Rick Thomas—Moon River Theatre

• Lead Guitarist of the Year: Jacob Nelson—King’s Castle Theatre

• Male Entertainer of the Year: Dean Z—Clay Cooper Theatre

• Male Vocalist of the Year: Barry Arwood—Majestic Theater

• Matinee Show of the Year: #1 Hits of the 60’s—Clay Cooper Theatre

• Morning Show of the Year: Doug Gabriel—Branson Famous Theater

• New Show of the Year: Elvis, Story of a King—Americana Theater

• Patriotic Salute of the Year: Hamners’ Unbelievable— Hamners’ Variety Theater

• Steel Player of the Year: Michael Hermsmeyer—Nashville Roadhouse Theater

• Tribute Artist of the Year: Dean Z—Clay Cooper Theatre

• Tribute Show of the Year: Liverpool Legends—Moon River Theatre

• Vocal Group of the Year: Dancing in the Streets, The Sounds of Motown—The Ruby Room at the Majestic Theater Talented and popular Branson entertainer Doug Gabriel, star of the Doug Gabriel Show, received a prestigious honor when was inducted into the Branson Show Awards Hall of Fame. The award recognized Gabriel’s contributions to the Branson entertainment scene and acknowledged him as the most awarded entertainer in Branson.

“A big thanks to the Nashville Roadhouse Theater and Stevie Lee Woods for letting us use your theater,” said Michael Wackerly. “Without you, there would not have been a show. Your support in lighting, sound, video and tickets was greatly appreciated. A truly successful production, however, involves more than what is presented on stage. It should not only be an artistic learning experience, but a personal one as well. The Branson Show Awards is especially proud of the cooperation and mutual respect that has been demonstrated by everyone involved in the level of commitment and the teamwork involved in putting the show together.”

Wackerly continued, “A special thanks to Veterans of the Ozarks for their participation in presenting and retiring the colors for our show. Thanks to Silver Spur and Classic Creations and more. To the Hughes Brothers for letting us be a part of your Song and Stage Bootcamp program. What a great experience for young people to learn and develop their talents. The Branson Show Awards would also like to extend their gratitude and thanks to the entertainers who gave of their time and talents to perform in our show.”

“We would like to thank all the theater owners and entertainers in Branson for allowing us to do what we love doing, in support of live entertainment in Branson,” Wackerly added.