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Black Oak Shed Reopens
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The 7,000-capacity shed, formerly known as Swiss Villa Amphitheatre, is about 30 miles southwest of Branson and offers major touring acts another option, according to GM Steven White of Clear Skies Entertainment.
“Whenever I go on the radio and talk to people, I always say there’s no reason for people at the Ozarks to go to Kansas City or St. Louis or Tulsa,” White told Pollstar. “I feel like we’ve got the premier venue for live outdoor concerts right here.”
He also said his goal, with booking and consulting help from John McEuen of
“I’m excited about the lineup John and I have put together this year. There’s nothing going on like this in Branson,” White said. “People go to Branson to see the Presleys or Jim Stafford, ride go-carts and play on the lake.
“I’m offering what I feel is a different level of entertainment. Some of these bands have never been here before.”
The amphitheatre, originally opened in the 1980s, hosted a variety of rock bands including Ozzy Osbourne and Lynyrd Skynyrd until it was closed in 2000. In 2007, the venue’s stage was damaged by fire when a large trash barrel was left burning near it.
Venue upgrades include a larger stage, new roof, state-of-the-art sound and lighting and other amenities.
Black Oak Mountain Amphitheatre kicks off its summer concert season May 30 with John Michael Montgomery and Lee Greenwood.
Also on the books through Sept. 4 are Travis Tritt, Leon Russell, Dr. John and Marcia Ball, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar, Foghat and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Buddy Guy and B.B. King, and George Jones.