The Strand Theater Brings 'Branson' to Zelienople

What do you get when you bring together a fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, upright slap bass, rhinestone costumes and hilarious comedy?

If you answered Branson On The Road, you’re right on the money—and they’re coming to a theater near you.

The group will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at

Branson On The Road has more than 20 years of experience performing at the top theatres in Branson on the famous 76 Country Music Boulevard (known as "The Strip") and is the first national touring show named for the famous city.

Their show delivers the Branson traditions of good, clean, family fun wherever they go, according to Ron Carter, president and executive director of the non-profit Strand Theater Initiative.

"We couldn't be happier to bring a show like Branson On The Road  to The Strand," he said. "What could be better than bringing the fun and flavor of a genuine Branson show right into our backyard? It's going to be a fantastic program!"

In the same tradition as the traveling road shows that took place during the glory days of the Grand Ole Opry, the Louisiana Hayride and the first Branson music shows, Branson On The Road keeps the audience tapping, laughing and smiling, Carter said. Those seeing a Branson On The Road show also can expect plenty of hilarious comedy.

“We reside in the live music capital of the world, Branson, Mo.,” said Debbie Horton, co-host of Branson On The Road, “And realized that there are many people who will never have a chance to visit Branson personally, and with the economy the way it is today, we decided to bring our Branson stage show directly to them.”

An accomplished songwriter and former deejay, Horton holds the distinction of being the only woman to have played lead guitar for Johnny Cash. She hosted her own show at the old Boxcar Willie Theater in Branson and has performed on the famous Louisiana Hayride and Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree in Nashville.

By her side is Donnie Wright, a sought after and well-respected musician and arranger. He also is versatile on many instruments, including fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo and bass. He has been part of the Branson music scene for 40 years and provides a good deal of the comic relief on the show with his mischievous antics.

Among his long list of credits are performances at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, The Presley's Show in Branson, The Pine Mountain Jamboree in Eureka Springs and a long-standing run at The Golden Nugget in Las Vegas.

As for Brian Capps, he plays upright bass and sings songs reminiscent of Marty Robbins and Hank Williams.  Brian's latest recording reached the Top 10 on the Americana Charts and is part of the music rotation on XM Radio. 

Reserve seating for the shows is $35. Call The Strand for group rates for 10 or more. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office directly at 724-742-0400 or by visiting The Strand website at www.thestrandtheater.org. For more information about Branson On The Road visit www.BransonOnTheRoad.com.

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