The Baldknobbers Jamboree, Branson's first country music and comedy show, started a tradition that goes back to 1959 when brothers Bill, Jim, Lyle and Bob Mabe set up 50 folding chairs in Branson’s old City Hall and began entertaining visitors. Advertising consisted of Katie and Joyce (wives of Bill and Jim) donning country dresses and walking around Branson’s small downtown area with signs announcing the show.

Named after an Ozarks vigilante group from the 1880s and performing with washtub bass, banjo and dobro, plus an old washboard and the jawbone of a mule for rhythm, The Baldknobbers were an immediate hit with fishermen and tourists drawn to Lake Taneycomo.

Outgrowing the original location, the Mabes moved their show into an old skating rink, converting it into Branson’s first live entertainment theatre. Expanding again, The Baldknobbers Jamboree Theatre was built on 76 Country Boulevard in 1968. Now the oldest show in Branson seats 1,500, Branson’s fame as America’s live entertainment capital is worldwide, and The Baldknobbers started it all!