Arty J

BransonBeatsBreakdown isn't only about Branson but 

also local bands in the 417 area including Springfield, MO.

This Thursday December 6th I went downtown to

Springfield's newest night club

Instinct.

This particular evening the soundtrack for the night was being

provided by Arty J.

Originally from St. Louis, celebrity DJ

Arty J gave the crowd plenty of entertainment with a collection

of the newest hip hop, rap, and pop songs

all with a special twist from the DJ booth. 

Arty J also provided live vocals over the tracks and on several

occasions coming down from the DJ booth

to the dance floor to interact with the crowd while performing.

Arty J put on a good performance with great music and for these reasons I give him

5 stars *****

The Kraken

Lead Singer Dean Zeligman is a natural born entertainer

not only in his profession as an Elvis impersonator

at Dick Clark's Legends in Concert

in Branson, MO but also

when he's off the clock performing with The Kraken.

I had seen The Kraken perform awhile back at Dean Z's

Club 57 which happened to be located downstairs in

the Legends in Concert Theater. 

More recently I was able to see them this Halloween 

at Time Out Sports Bar & Grill.

The Kraken is an extremely high energy and fun band to watch live.

Performing mostly covers of the greatest songs from

years past which encourages crowd participation

because everyone can sing along.

Check out my Facebook group for a video of The Kraken 

performing a cover of "Blister in the Sun."

https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/364339950307248/

I give The Kraken 5 Stars *****

Blue Holiday

I got to hear Blue Holiday while spending

another great evening at the Outback Pub in Branson, Missouri.

Blue Holiday consists of Larry Holiday and Gina Phillips.

I had seen the duo before several years back at Dean Z's

Club 57 but didn't know who they 

were until recently at the Outback.

Blue Holiday is an acoustic duo that does 

mostly cover with some original. 

Vocalist Gina Phillips even does a great

rendition of Britney Spears'

"Womanizer"

Blue Holiday took time to talk to the crowd between songs 

as well as take requests.

I give Blue Holiday 4 stars ****

The Dysfunctional 4

The Dysfunctional 4 are a riot! They are known as the house band for the Rowdy Beaver Restaurant & Tavern in Branson. They play several nights a week at the 76 mainstay, much to the delight of patrons and tourists alike. 

The Dysfunctional 4 is known for singing classic country combined with some gospel and putting a spin on the songs by changing a few words to make it more comical. 

Requests are always taken and interaction with the crowd

is always the center of their performance.

I have rated The Dysfunctional 4 with 4 stars ****

Members Only

      Members Only is an outrageous 80's cover band based out of Springfield, Missouri.

Members Only has held several performances at the Branson Landing as well as Dean Z's Club 57. Members Only is the areas only strictly 80's cover band. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWcbsgLN6Ps

This much-loved band is known for performing some of the most well-known hits from the 80's, and has garnered a huge local following. The guys are based out of Springfield and play shows not only in Missouri, but around the nation as well.

Their image evokes the best, and worst, fashions from the decade, and the females especially seem to love their hair-metal look. If you are at a Members Only show, chances are you find yourself on the dance floor enjoying the best tunes of years past.

Having been to one of their live shows, I can attest to the fanatical following Members Only has received. Not only is the show a visual feast, but the band delivers on a technical level, playing the best hits from over 20 years ago better than the originals. The only factor keeping this band from achieving 5 stars is the fact they do not perform any original music. I have rated this band 4/5 stars.

Harvey Stone

     Harvey Stone is a band I've had several opportunities to see, mostly at the Outback Pub in Branson, MO and I have to say that I am a fan. The band performs a playlist with a mix of cover songs as well as original songs.

 

   One thing I like in particular about Harvey Stone is the stage set. They turn off all overhead lights and set up with some green and dark blue which kind of gives the venue a different and more intimate feel.

   Harvey Stone has a really mellow vibe to their music which is nice when you are just wanting to relax with some friends and not have to yell over a DJ's bass pumping music.

   Harvey Stone plays covers like Simon & Garfunkels "Mrs. Robinson" and Sublime's "Santeria" just to give you an idea of the kind of flavor Harvey Stone has.

   Overall I would have to give Harvey Stone 4 stars ****

Michelle McBride Review



      Local musician Michelle McBride has been a favorite of mine for about a year now. Not only is she beautiful and have the perfect image for the genre of music but she has the perfect voice for it as well.   

      I have seen Michelle McBride and her band several occasions now and am always pleased with her performance. She is completely centered around her crowd which is important for any musician because without the audience, the musician has no purpose.

    Michelle is always open for requests and always pausing between songs for  a comedic insert or some crowd interaction. A signature move of Michelle's is the "Holler and Swaller" where she insists on the audience raising a drink, hollering, and taking a swallow.

    Michelle's sound is a sweet acoustic one. She puts her country style on popular songs such as "Strokin'" and "Gold Digger" which is fun for everyone.

Here is one of Michelle McBride's music videos as well as some live videos of my own.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeYCAs-yfW4