July 2006 (Branson, Missouri) -

The Baldknobbers Jamboree, the longest continually running show in Branson, is now in its 47th season as "Branson’s First Show." Established in 1959 by the Mabe family, The Baldknobbers Jamboree show continues a tradition of family entertainment that now spans I've decades and three generations.

Originally performing on the lakefront for fishing enthusiasts, the successful family show drew increasingly larger crowds and gained national publicity, creating a demand for a larger facility. In 1968, The Baldknobbers Jamboree moved to its current location on Highway 76. Through the years, the theater has seen several renovations and now seats 1500 people.

Second generation family member Brent Mabe, son of Lyle and Betty Mabe, plays bass and serves as Band Director for the show. Brent and his wife, Shelli, were high school sweethearts born and raised in the Nixa/Ozark area. They have two children, Caleb and Abby. Brent’s father, Lyle, created the show’s comedic character George Aggernite, playing the washtub bass until his retirement in 1991.

"Growing up around the show was all I knew, so my earliest memories are associated with it," Brent relates. "When I was a baby, mom and dad would put me in a guitar case to sleep during the show." Brent started playing the guitar at the age of 10 and eventually joined the show’s cast. "I got to work with my dad, and now with my cousins, so this is a great job because of all we get to share," Brent says. "In our spare time, we play golf, fish and hunt together."

The family tradition at The Baldknobbers Jamboree is destined to continue for many years to come as the torch is passed from generation to generation. "I believe Grandma and Grandpa Mabe would be happy to see how they instilled a love of music and the strong family ties we all share today," Brent says. "If we could talk to our grandparents today, I think they would say good job, well done."