Posted: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 4:45 pm
By Joshua Clark Entertainment Editor for Branson Tri-Lakes News

Last week, I attended Jim Stafford's show, which has always been one of my favorites.

In addition to being one of the most talented musicians in the area, Stafford has always been one of the funniest personalities.

I saw the Christmas show last season, which was great, so I was a bit curious to see exactly what Stafford had in store for his guests this season. There were some bits that were old and some that were new and the show really played like a "Greatest Hits" package.

Since Stafford is celebrating his 21st year in Branson, he has a plethora of material to choose from. "Spiders and Snakes" and "Cow Patty" are still highlights of the show, along with the 3-D video he shot and produced himself several years ago.

"We shot that here and then went to the house to edit it, so we're pretty much self contained," he said. "We also do all of our brochures and commercials, which is great because it gives me the chance to fool around with it and it's fun. We're also working on a new 3-D portion of the show too."

It is also a very big thrill to see how the Stafford children, Shea, 17, and G.G., 13, have grown, not only into young people, but accomplished musicians. Shea still plays the piano and fiddle and sings a few tunes, while G.G. also plays piano and harp. Stafford sees the entertainment business as a viable option for both children, but for G.G. especially.

"Ever since she was a small child she has been very aware of her surroundings here at the theater," he said. "She knows what goes on out front, she knows how things work backstage and she also knows how to put a show together. I think she could run a theater."

Stafford said there will be a new portion of the show featuring the children debuting very soon.

"They're both in the process of learning a stand-alone piece to add to the show," he said, "no other musical accompany or anything. Just them playing, which is always nice to have in the show."

Even though Stafford is an accomplished musician on many different instruments, he has been known more for his comedy than anything else. I asked him if if he ever thought it was a "backhand compliment," and he gave me a very interesting reply.

"I've always been a big fan of Roy Clark, and it always seemed natural for him to be funny and play very well," he said. "I was always a fan of that type of performer, so I really appreciate the compliment."

Stafford is also in the process of recording his instrumentals and posting them on YouTube.

"That way I can at least have them archived," he said. "Most of them I've never played in public. I just work them up for myself."

Now 66, Stafford is showing no signs of slowing down.

"The people that seem to last the longest in showbusiness are the ones that do comedy, and I think about people like Milton Berle, George Burns and Victor Borge, who died when he was 92 and his family had to cancel performance dates because he was still touring," Stafford said. "I don't have any plans to retire because I'll probably have to be run off. Someone told me once I retired I'd have to find something to do for four or five hours a day and I told them that I must already be retired."

For more information on Jim Stafford, as well as his show, visit jimstafford.com.

Labels: 3D, branson shows, branson theaters, Christmas, comedy, family, guitar, jim stafford, music, special effects