Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater

Full concert schedule and information for Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater closed in 2009. Information below is for historical reference.

Some of you may remember the Boyd’s Bears Country at the south end of Pigeon Forge or may have seen the building (it was the enormous red barn at the end of town closest to Gatlinburg just past the Log Cabin Pancake House). If you have never been, you missed your chance as it shut down and has now been turned into Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. I imagine locals will call it something creative…like…big red barn (not to be confused with the Comedy Barn). Pigeon Forge became home to a brand new music venue with some popular artists performing in concert. They had a handful of artists lined up to perform that appealed to a broad range of people.

Other areas of this new music complex will be a tribute to Dick Clark (most likely a museum-style area with the story of his life with memorabilia) and a restaurant. It’s definitely going to be a great place to stop if you love music of any era. This would even be a great place to bring the kids or grandchildren to show them what you listened to when you were their age. The goal is to keep this a very family-oriented venue so that people of all ages can visit and go to the concerts.

Black Bear Jamboree Dinner Show

An insider’s review and tips of The Black Bear Jamboree in Pigeon Forge Tennessee. Save money with discounts and Black Bear Jamboree coupons and have a great time at this excellent dinner show in Pigeon Forge!

The Black Bear Jamboree Dinner Show is Now the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. Information below is for historical purposes.

What They Say

Are you hungry as a bear and want to see a great show too?

Then don’t miss the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner and Show Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! The 10 million-dollar theatrical extravaganza includes extraordinary sets, elaborate costumes, state-of-the-art lighting, colorful lasers, surround sound and a large award-winning cast. The show tells the story of the Legendary Black Bear Jamboree. It is said that once a year, all the black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains gather together in a secret mountain cave, where they celebrate with food, dance and song.

Black Bear JamboreeJoin these amazing creatures for a fabulous Country feast and fantastic variety show as you watch the Black Bear Jamboree‘s ultra-talented cast of actors, singers, dancers and musicians entertain the bears. If you listen closely, you can hear their favorite music from High-flying Country to Bluegrass, as well as Gospel, 50’s and Broadway tunes all while enjoying a fabulous country feast in Pigeon Forge, TN.


What The Insider Says
I drove by the Black Bear Jamboree in Pigeon Forge for three years until I finally decided to go to this Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge one evening. I had this vision of Chuck E. Cheese and entertainment suited for children and was never interested in going. Fortunately I was very wrong as this Pigeon Forge Dinner Show ended up being one of my favorites! What I like about this dinner show is that it provides an “experience” more than anything. As you enter the building, you hear bluegrass music along with birds chirping and even a flowing waterfall inside. Before you enter the actual theater, they take your picture in front of a “green screen” and then place you into a mountain scene that fits the season. They take your picture for free, so why not do it? It may end up being your favorite picture of you and your family in Pigeon Forge!

As you enter the Black Bear Jamboree Theater, you’re seated at your reserved table by a friendly host or hostess. At this point, you can stay parked in your seat for the entire dinner show (2 hours) as the staff takes care of everything! Unless of course you need to go to the bathroom…then you’re on your own. Your waiter or waitress immediately takes your drink order and brings hot rolls…followed by an incredible vegetable soup…followed by a plate full of ribs, chicken, green beans, potatoes, and corn on the cob…and finally followed by a chocolate dessert. If you don’t eat meat (gasp) you can request their vegetarian plate. You’re missing out though! The food is amazing!

As you eat your meal, the Black Bear Jamboree Band plays some tunes you’re likely to know. They are a talented group that gets the evening started off on the right foot. Just about the time you finish dinner, the band wraps up and you’re given a 15 minute intermission to do whatever you do when you finish eating a huge, tasty meal. Once intermission is over, the show begins!

As I said, I was expecting a show geared towards children, but there is literally something for everyone in this show. There are the bears for kids, a good-looking & talented cast, a story line, and music from the 50’s, broadway, country, gospel, and more. I don’t want to give everything away, but this show would please the entire family from grandchildren to grandparents. The food is excellent and the show is icing on the cake as it is my favorite among Pigeon Forge Dinner Shows. Do not miss this one! Also, they tend to give discounts to their other shows such as The Comedy Barn when you purchase tickets, so be sure to ask if they have any specials or coupons!

If you’re going to see any Dinner Shows in Pigeon Forge then make this one of them! The Blackbear Jamboree Dinner Show is located right beside WonderWorks.

Good for ages

3 & up

The Miracle Theater

The Pigeon Forge Insider reviews The Miracle Theater and shares tips, discounts, coupons, and more! Find out exactly what this amazing Christian show in Pigeon Forge Tennessee is all about!

*Now the Smoky Mountain Opry

Information below is historical, as The Miracle Theater is now the Smoky Mountain Opry.

Description of The Miracle Theater

The Miracle in Pigeon Forge, TN is an awe inspiring epic musical production about the life of Christ featuring a huge cast of actors, singers, and dancers, along with live animals. Angels take flight to proclaim the birth of Jesus. Majestic kings in regal attire ride camels through the crowd. Roman Centurions on horseback maintain order. The sights, sounds, celebrations, and drama of 2000 years ago are masterfully recreated in remarkable detail. Experience the unforgettable glory of The Miracle!

What the Insider Says

The Miracle TheaterLet me begin by saying that I am a Christian and that my review is from that perspective. I’m always interested in new and engaging ways to share the Gospel with the world and so I was excited to see The Miracle Theater come to life in Pigeon Forge, TN. This town has historically had very few productions with Christian stories, so The Miracle was a breath of fresh air from the rest of the entertainment in town.

When you first pull in to the parking lot, you’ll notice Roman centurions on horseback, large camels available to ride, shephards tending to lambs, and other characters fully costumed to make this an incredibly unique experience. It’s so entertaining just to watch childrens’ eyes light up when they see these people. It really is an amazing experience that families won’t forget.

The theater is formerly the Louise Mandrell Theater and it has been completely renovated from the lobby all the way back to the back of the building where an “arena” has been built to walk the live animals that are used in the show.

The Miracle TheaterAs far as the show goes, I don’t want to give too much away, but it centers around the life of Christ and the Miracles He performed throughout His life. The Miracle is a two and a half hour production (which includes a 15 minute intermission) that covers Creation (Genesis) and jumps straight into the Birth of Christ and then weaves a completely engaging journey through the New Testament. The Miracle is a Broadway-style production with original songs & music (there are only a couple of songs you will recognize), an enormous cast, special effects (flying angels, smoke, fire, rain, and more!), live animals, and so much more. Much like The Passion of the Christ (the movie), The Miracle is a profitable production rather than a mission. It has the same bottom-line as any other theater or show in town, but it delivers a message that is so much more powerful and beneficial.

The Miracle TheaterOne of the things I noticed while watching The Miracle is that children and adults alike were asking questions to people around them as to what character was speaking, what was going on, and why things were happening the way they were. It became an opportunity to witness to numerous people and gave them many topics to discuss after they left the theater. There’s no doubt in my mind that at least one life is positively changed after each show. It truly is an amazing experience.

The biggest question that people have seems to be the price of admission. An adult ticket is $34.95, which leads many people accustomed to Pigeon Forge shows thinking that it includes dinner! The Miracle is honestly unlike any other production in town. It features so much more for your money and is on such a larger scale than arguably any other show in the area. Also, children under 12 are free! For a great idea on how to save money, read the tips below.

Insider Tips

  • Eat before you go! There are shows at 2pm and 8pm, which is just after lunch or after dinner. Alabama Grill is next door, so you can eat there and just walk straight over!
  • Sit as close to the center of the stage as possible. Also, sit at least 5 rows back…it’s easier to see everything going on than if you’re in the front row catching sweat off the performers!

Prices:

(For updated, official prices visit the Miracle Theater website)
Adults – $38.95
Children under 12 – Free (1 per paying adult)

Musick’s Mountain Theater

If you’re coming to Pigeon Forge to be entertained, there is no shortage of great venues to choose from whether you’re wanting to see a show, a musical, a dinner show, or whatever may be appearing at that time. One place you may want to circle on your visit list is Musick’s Mountain Theater in Pigeon Forge, especially if bluegrass is your thing.

Musick’s Mountain Theater puts on a great show featuring bluegrass, gospel, and old time mountain music performances from some of the area’s most talented musicians.  The theater just opened it doors in November with a grand opening performance by bluegrass legend Dr. Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys. Throughout the rest of December, Nathan Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys performed as the host band at Musick’s to rave reviews.

Expect much of the same for 2013. The theater is scheduled to close for the months of January and February before opening back up in March. The theater will be doing some major marketing for the house show and will open back on March 1 with a show called The Bluegrass Express featuring the band Mountain Glory. There will be special guests scheduled every night.  The list of Artist that will be performing at this theater is very impressive. Check out their web site at www.musicksmountaintheater.com for the most up to date schedule.

Musick’s Mountain Theater
140 Showplace Blvd.
Pigeon Forge, TN 37876

The Smoky Mountain Opry

Ever wish you could find a bit of Nashville in the Smoky Mountains? Maybe? Well, while you can’t supplant the Music City in the Smokies you can definitely see a few of the great shows that Nashville is known for. One place to see those shows is the new Smoky Mountain Opry, located on the parkway in the former Miracle Theater location.

The Smoky Mountain Opry boasts a completely renovated stage area that really sets off the atmosphere of the theater. Compared to most, it’s an eye-popping . The new band cart alone has over 10,000 LED lights on it that move and change color! There are also two new “step-out” sections on each side of the stage where the performers will actually be above the audience. Add the new laser light systems to the flying rigs, surround sound and digital projection system and this show is amazing!

The Smoky Mountain Opry is the biggest production show in the area and features music from the 1940’s through today. And it is not just country! We will feature all different styles of music with tributes to the Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, Sinatra, Elvis and Michael Jackson (we saw some “Thriller” costumes!), and music from such greats as Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles and Janis Joplin. Classic rock and roll, oldies, disco, gospel, as well as old country, new country and a foot-stomping patriotic segment round out the show. There really is something here for everybody!

Smoky Mountain Opry
2046 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(800) 768-1170
www.smokymtnopry.com

Biblical Times Christmas Feast

If you are looking to find the true meaning of Christmas in the SMokies then it might be worth your time to pay a visit to the Biblical Times Christmas Feast.  This brand new show in Pigeon Forge strives to give each and every visitor a taste of the true Christmas spirit and a taste of a 7 course Christmas feast at the same time.

The Show

Few shows in the Smoky Mountains are dedicated to telling the true story of Christmas.  The cast wants to be part of your families Christmas memories.  Here are the guiding purposes highlights of the show:

  • An original inspiring Christmas production for the entire family
  • Performed by world class peformers dedicated to the true Christmas story
  • Original inspirational music as well as traditional Christmas music
  • State of the art special effects never before seen in the Smoky 

What this means is that you are in for something entirely new and entirely different at the Biblical Times Theater.  Original Christmas music and traditional music mix together to highlight the voices of the cast and warm your soul as you watch the tale unfold.

The Food

The menu at Biblical Times Christmas Feast is as big as the show and the spirit of Christmas itself.  A full 7 item smorgasbord laid out before each and every person.  Each ticket adult gets:

  • Smoked Turkey
  • Grilled Pork Fillet
  • Grilled Chicken Fillet
  • Herb Garnished Red potatoes
  • Baked Beans
  • Tossed Salad
  • Cheddar Cheese Biscuits
  • and for dessert – Christmas Caramel Cream Cake
And of course, along with all this food you get a great show.  Talk about getting lots of bang for your buck!

The Biblical Times Christmas Feast is brand new and they are starting of the Christmas cheer with a great show.  They are located right on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge so they are easy to find.  If you are driving through Pigeon Forge, headed to Gatlinburg, look for traffic light #2 and take a left.  You will find yourself on Teaster Lane.  The theater is right there on the corner so it is impossible to miss.  Step inside and get your family in the Christmas mood.  Experience the joy and the feeling of the holiday season.  Let the cast pass their love for Christmas on to you and your family.

Biblical Times Christmas Feast
2391 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-908-3327
www.biblicaltimestheater.com

Memories Theater Re-Opens at Original Site

Memories Theater Re-Opens at Original Site on the Parkway next to Country Tonite Theatre.

The Memories Theatre in Pigeon Forge is starting over right where it began. In fact, it’s the place where most remember the Memories Theatre for over two decades.

After closing the original venue when The Titanic Attraction was looking to expand, Memories Theatre owners announced recently that they were moving back to their original location (140 Showplace Blvd) when those plans were scraped.

According to Memories Theatre owner Dee Gallon, the theatre is building itself back up again.

“It was totally gutted,” Gallon said. “We had nothing, and even more to our surprise when we came in nothing that was left could be used. It all had to be discarded and start over again.”

Everything from the stage to the seats were replaced before re-opening Thursday for their first performance in their sort-of-new place. Although, just because they’re in new digs, doesn’t mean everything is new. Many of the same performers people have come to know and love are back, including Elvis. I mean, what would a show at the Memories Theatre be without Elvis?

The second half of Memories’ show Elvis and Friends features one of the biggest stars in the Smokies: Lou Vuto as Elvis. Lou has been performing in Pigeon Forge for more then 15 years, and most of that time has been spent at the Memories Theater. Lou brings the King back to life atwith each and every performance. From the first note, Lou captures the warmth, power and charisma that was the King of Rock and Roll all the way down to the soles of his platform boots. The audience gets to take in the hours of research that Lou has put in learning about Elvis’ habits on stage. He has studied the movements and vocalizations of Elvis Presley to the point that he can reproduce them to the delight of Elvis fans from all over the world.

Meanwhile, the Friends section of the show first also remains the same. During the first half of the show, celebrity tribute artists from all over the country take the stage to entertain visitors. From Conway Twitty and the other Outlaws of Country Music to the Blues Brothers, the celebrity tribute artists that take the stage throughout the season are remarkable and give you the ability to see some artists that have passed on and some that you wouldn’t get to see in this more intimate setting. Can you imagine seeing Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw on the same stage… you still can at Memories!

Additionally, owners with the Memories Theatre signed a lease that should keep them in their new location, which seats 500 guests, just off the Parkway for the next 16 years. If you look at things in a landmark sort of way, that means they should be right beside Country Tonight Theatre for these next 16 years.

Call toll free for reservations:
1-800-325-3078 or (865) 428-7852

Country Tonite Theatre

The Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge features performances by some of the areas most talented artists as well as country music stars.

If you love concerts, especially those featuring country music artists, you might want to take in a show at the Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge sometime soon. The venue and its performers have taken home numerous awards over the years including a recent Reader’s Choice award for best show in the Smokies.

Country Tonite is a show for all ages in Pigeon Forge featuring production numbers you would regularly see at a major concert series or awards show. Country Tonite employs some of the best singers, dancers and musicians in the business. And it’s not just country artists either. Country Tonite now features hilarious comedy acts, is one of the only venues in the Smokies to feature youth performers, as well as gospel singers. Guests at a Country Tonite performance also get to witness a special patriotic salute to U.S. veterans  during the show.

Along with their “Best Show in the Smokies” notoriety, Country Tonite has also garnered recognition for “Best Live Country Show in America”, and “Country Music Show of the Year” from various outlets. Once you see a show, it’s pretty easy to see how they win all these awards.

The Country Tonite Theatre is located along the parkway in Pigeon Forge. In all, it’s a 1,500-seat multi-million dollar facility equipped with state-of the art sound and lighting, as well as two giant video screens.

The 2012 celebrity concert series features performances by such renowned artists as Merle Haggard, Aaron Tippin, Joe Diffie, Sammy Kershaw, Ronnie McDowell, T. Graham Brown, Jimmy Fortune, Mel Tillis, George Jones, Mickey Gilley, Don Williams and Ray Stevens.

The holiday season features an all new set of shows beginning November 1. Come see renditions of Christmas favorites combined with beautiful choreography, brightly decorated holiday sets and colorful costumes. Enjoy and sing along to a number of holiday classics that bring back memories of Christmases past. You’ll also be privy to some special guest performers during the Christmas season that don’t come around except for this time of year in Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, and everyone’s favorite ballerina in the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Concert-goers will notice as their favorite toys come alive to such holiday classics as “Where are you Christmas”. Bring the whole family to this magical Christmas presentation and set the mood for a wonderful holiday season at the Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge.

For a schedule of show times, visit the Country Tonite Theatre’s show page here.

Show times are subject to change and children 12 years of age and under are FREE with a paying adult.

Country Tonite Theatre
129 Showplace Blvd.
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Toll Free: 1-800-792-4308
Local: 865-453-2003

Memories Theater

Elvis & Friends!

What do you say to seeing Elvis, Conway Twitty, The Judds, Willie Nelson and the Blues Brothers all on stage together?  There is a show in Pigeon Forge that allows you to have this kind of experience all under one roof:  Memories Theater in Pigeon Forge!

The show at Memories is called Elvis and Friends.  Let’s take a look at the Friends section of the show first.  During the first half of the show, celebrity tribute artists from all over the country take the stage to entertain visitors to the Smoky Mountains.  From Conway Twitty and the other Outlaws of Country Music to the Blues Brothers, the celebrity tribute artists that take the stage throughout the season are remarkable and give you the ability to see some artists that have passed on and some that you wouldn’t get to see in this more intimate setting.  Can you imagine seeing Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw on the same stage… you can at Memories!

Then in the second half you see one of the biggest stars in the Smokies:  Lou Vuto as Elvis. Lou has been performing in Pigeon Forge for more then 15 years, most of that time has been spent at Memories Theater.  Lou brings the King back to life at each and every performance.  From the first note to the patriotic climax, Lou captures the warmth, power and charisma that was the King of Rock and Roll.  The audience gets to take in the hours of research that Lou has put in learning about Elvis’ habits on stage.  He has studied the movements and vocalizations of Elvis Presley to the point that he can reproduce them to the delight of Elvis fans from all over the world.

If you are looking for the home to the tribute artist in Pigeon Forge, look no further then Memories Theater.  This theater is located on Showplace Blvd.  If you are headed down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, driving toward Gatlinburg, Showplace Blvd is on the left hand side of the road.  When you see Country Tonite, move into the turn lane and head up the road beside Country Tonite.  Memories will be on the right hand side of the road at the top of the hill (if you continued up this road you would come to Zorb Smoky Mountains).

Next time you are going to be in Pigeon Forge, take in a show.  Call ahead or go online and find out which tribute artists will be performing at Memories Theater.  Get your ticket early, sit up front, get ready to be entertained.  Get ready to see celebrities from yesterday and today. Get ready to see the King of Rock and Roll:  Elvis Presley!

Memories Theater
140 Showplace Blvd
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-428-7825
Web

Miracle Theater Responds to Kathy Griffin

The Miracle Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN responds to Kathy Griffin’s Emmy acceptance speech in which she made remarks about Jesus Christ and the faith that The Miracle Theater shares.

The Miracle Theater Pigeon Forge TNYou may have already heard or read the comments made by Kathy Griffin during her Emmy acceptance speech in which she made some controversial remarks that caught the attention of Christians nationwide.

The Miracle Theater in the USA TodayNeedless to say, the comments stirred up numerous Christians to speak out and stand up for their beliefs. The Miracle Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN took their voice to the next level and put a full-page ad in the USA Today on Monday, September 17. The ad will run once again on Friday, September 21. One thing that The Miracle Theater wants to make clear is that this is not an attack at Kathy Griffin. It is about standing on a national podium at a similar level that she had and making a statement to praise the very person and the faith that she denounced. You can click on the image to the left to see The Miracle Theater’s full-page article in the USA Today.

During her acceptance speech she proclaimed,

“A lot of people come up here and thank Jesus for this award, I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus. S**K it, Jesus. This award is my god now!”

The article in the USA Today reads:

Dear America,
We are the actors, singers, dancers, crew and managers of The Miracle Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We are proud to stand on stage every night and use our God-given talents to portray the life and the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We, along with thousands of other Christians in the entertainment industry, know our talents do come from God, and we take offense when His name is battered and bruised by people through the media.

Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus was mocked and few stood up for Him. We at The Miracle Theater consider it an honor to stand for Jesus today. We may never win a national award. We may never be household names. We may never be seen in Hollywood. Although others may choose to use their national platform to slander our God, we are honored as professional entertainers to stand for Christ.

First of all, many will argue that she had the freedom of speech. True. This isn’t about that. The Miracle Theater is not seeking legal action against her nor are any Christian organizations, entertainers, or other people. She can say what she wants and legally get away with it. This isn’t about the law. It isn’t about people coming after her with pitchforks or even being angry at her. It’s about the faith she downgraded to being less worthy than an emmy trophy not letting her comment pass through the nation without sharing another point of view. They’re simply using their freedom of speech to share their message.

Second, people will complain about the cost of running the ad in a national magazine whereas the money could have been spent for “humanitarian” purposes. If The Miracle Theater could have made such a national proclamation as quickly for less money, I guarantee they would have! In order to get the Christian message out as quickly as possible, they chose the USA Today…at a price. This has stirred such conversation, though, that if one single person is brought to the salvation that The Miracle Theater shares, then it was worth it. Why? Because that’s priceless to Christians.

The Miracle Theater received numerous comments from Christians wanting to join the cause and stand up for their belief. In response to this, they have created a petition in which people can sign online.