HOXIE — Since 1992 the Carl Acuff Jr. Variety Showband has become an American institution. The 2018 tour from Branson, Mo., proves to be no exception to the rule with a dynamite show, great costuming, music and comedy. The 2018 show contains all the things that have made Carl Acuff, Jr. and his band so popular over these last 26 years: country, gospel, nostalgic rock ‘n’ roll, Motown and more.
Western Plains Arts Association will host its 49th season opener Sunday, Sept. 16, at 3 p.m CDT at the Hoxie High School Auditorium. Admission by WPAA season ticket or at the gate for $20 adults or $10 students. Adults, student and family season tickets, for up to 16 quality live programs, will also be available for sale at the concert. Adult season tickets are a bargain at only $50 each.
Acuff started playing drums when he was three years old. His first gig at age 12 was with his dad and their family band at a local festival. For nearly a decade, he performed in various venues across Missouri and Arkansas. In 1992, he decided he needed his own variety music show – and it flourished as a theater act in Branson, then as a full-time road show. After 12 albums, five top-ten independent hits, and countless awards, including both the 2011 Ozark Regional Arts & Entertainment Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. The band has performed more than 300 shows in Branson area and hundreds more at cities throughout the United States. Earlier this year the band was nominated for Best Touring Variety Showband.
The Acuff show band encourages audience participation with some members doing comical impersonations. Shows offer a armed forces medley that salutes all of our men and women in uniform from past, present and future that is sure to have you on your feet!
“I believe there is a need for great family-orientated entertainment in this country,” Acuff said. “We have moved away from that. I am just happy I am able to present something that you can bring Grandma to and you can bring your 5-year-old. They are not going to see something they may be offended by and it will be something they will enjoy.”
The Dane Hansen Memorial Foundation, Logan, Kansas, is a major grant provider bringing quality performances to WPAA host communities again this season.
— Submitted
