GOLDWING EXPRESS - RED, WHITE, AND BLUEGRASS!

7-15-06: Branson, being hailed as the Entertainment Capital, is widely reputed for offering a variety of activities and musical talent. Perhaps one of the best kept secrets in Branson is a group playing regularly at the Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theatre. Goldwing Express is a family that gets back to basics--bluegrass, country, gospel--more like the down-home culture that Branson was founded on.

You can't get any more American than this group comprised of three half Creek Indian brothers and their Irish daddy. The show opens with Paul, Steve, and Shawn all in buckskin and head-dress. The first two songs, "Halfbreed" and "Totonka", pay tribute to their proud heritage.

Following is a good hour and a half of the hottest bluegrass around, feel-good country, and old-time gospel. Added to the mix is just the right amount of tongue-in-cheek humor, quips, and rib-tickling stories from Daddy Bob, lovingly referred to as "Pop". In this multi-talented family, it is apparent that "Pop", the mandolin player, runs the show.

All the instruments played in the show are acoustic. Each of the members sing lead as well as back-up vocals. While they each have outstanding individual voices, they are exceptional when they harmonize.

Paul, 37, smokes on the lead guitar and sings high tenor. He does a remarkable job nailing the high, lonesome notes that are a trademark sound in bluegrass. Steve, 35, is the emcee for the family. He sings baritone and plays the banjo and dobro with expertise. Steve does an amazing job on "Whoa Mule Whoa". He adds a special touch to the number by playing the "chimes" on the banjo. Shawn, the youngest at 31, anchors the group with the bass fiddle and sings bass as well. He does an excellent rendition of Conway Twitty's "I'd Love to Lay You Down". Shawn also does an awesome sound effect of a train whistle. Talk about breath control--this boy would have made Boxcar Willie proud!

A song done in tribute to the boys' deceased mother, "I'm Gonna Live Forever" is one of the most beautiful heart-stirring numbers I've ever heard. You never know what to expect during a Goldwing Express show. They like to mix it up a little. I've been to their show four times. Each time, except for a few basic songs, there was something different. The last time, they sang a gospel song accapella by request. Their blend of voices was superb! Another thing I really like about these guys is their way of showing respect. Every time they sing a gospel number, they remove their hats. I found that impressive.

The sound system is handled by Leisha, Shawn's wife. Running the lights is done by Joyce, Bob's wife. These women deserve a lot of credit for assisting and doing a great job of it. This is just one more point to show how family-oriented this group is.

If you would like to eat before the show, you have the option of feasting on a sumptuous BBQ dinner. This is available for $9.95. Serving begins around 4:15 p.m.. That's just enough time to enjoy a great evening meal before the show starts.

The theatre is handicap accessible. It affords some of the most comfortable seating I've experienced. There is a concession stand available where you can get popcorn and drinks during intermission. You can also use that time to browse the Goldwing Express booth where they offer CDs and t-shirts for purchase.

Goldwing Express can be seen at Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theatre located on the Strip at 3425 West Highway 76 in Branson. Phone numbers are 417-336-3688 or 800-422-0076. You can check out their website at www.goldwingexpress.net . Although you should check their schedule for show dates, Goldwing Express is appearing most Mondays-Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. Cost of tickets is $24.00 plus tax.

If your heart yearns for the far-away echoes from the hills and you long to return to your roots, or if you just want an evening of great family entertainment, I recommend you check out Goldwing Express. You'll be glad you did.

Editor Kathy Bennett

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