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Tune in to 99.5 THE STAR on TuneIn for the best country music, shows, weather, and promotions to start your vacation—and look for our OZARK STAR FIVE STAR GOLD STANDARD brochure series distributed throughout the region and MO, AR, KS, OK, IL, KY, TN: discover our Editor's recommendations, and get the best bang for your buck with exclusive promotions for Branson's hotels, restaurants, shows, attractions, shops, experiences, and more! Plan your vacation and experiences in style!
Ian Munsick is continuing his ascent as one of country music's most distinctive voices, unveiling the genre-bending new track "Medicine Man" as the latest preview of his highly anticipated fourth studio album, The Mountain Goat, arriving August 21.
Ashley Cooke is giving fans another intimate glimpse into her highly anticipated self-titled sophomore album, ashley cooke, with the release of two emotionally rich new tracks, "famous to frances" and "johnny 'n june." Arriving ahead of the album's August 14 release via Big Loud Records/Back Blocks Music, the pair of songs showcases Cooke's gift for transforming deeply personal experiences into universally relatable Country anthems.
Nashville's next generation of singer-songwriters has found a compelling new voice in Ava Claire. With the release of her debut EP, Honestly, the Belmont University student delivers a deeply personal five-song collection that showcases the kind of introspective songwriting that has become a hallmark of Music City's finest storytellers.
Kenny Chesney is inviting fans behind the curtain of his next creative chapter. The country superstar will return to TalkShopLive on July 30 at 7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PDT for his first in-depth conversation centered on his forthcoming album, Silver Sands Marina, giving No Shoes Nation an inside look at the stories, inspirations and pivotal life moments that shaped the project.
Fifteen years after his breakout victory on American Idol, Scotty McCreery is looking back on one of modern country music's most consistent careers with the release of 15, a new retrospective collection available now via Triple Tigers Records.
There was a time when Americana wasn't a trend, it was simply a feeling. Denim faded by summer sun. County fairs. Friday night football. Pickup trucks draped in flags. A chorus sung with one hand over the heart before the first pitch. Today, however, even the most familiar symbols of American identity can become lightning rods for debate. Somewhere between social media, politics, and an increasingly polarized culture, patriotism itself has become one of the country's most complicated conversations.
The roundup of the most important stories from Ozark Star Branson and Ozark Star Experiences newspapers.
When the doors swing open for the 32nd season of Dolly Parton’s Stampede on February 27, it won’t take long for guests to understand why it’s known as “Branson’s most fun place to eat.” For more than three decades, this one-of-a-kind dinner attraction in Branson has blended heart-pounding equestrian stunts, musical storytelling, comedy and a hearty four-course feast into an unforgettable family tradition, and 2026 promises even more magic.
The Haygoods latest single “Long Time Coming” is a powerful, autobiographical anthem that tells the true story of six siblings who have spent their lives grinding it out together—on the road, on stage, and in harmony. Built on tight family vocals, acoustic instrumentation, and a fearless country-rock edge, the track reflects years of hard work, reinvention, and persistence, capturing the sound of artists who’ve earned every note.
Silver Dollar City | Photo: Branson CVB
From the glittering marquees of Branson to the sun-soaked stages of Florida, Rick Thomas brings his spectacular brand of magic on tour—inviting audiences into a world where imagination takes center stage. Known for his grand illusions, cinematic storytelling, and family-friendly sense of wonder, Thomas has built a career turning dreams into breathtaking reality.
In a career defined by chart-topping hits, blockbuster films, theme parks, bestselling books, and a compassion-driven philanthropy, Dolly Parton has forever redefined what it means to be an entertainer and entrepreneur. Now, the Queen of Country is tuning a new string in her extraordinary legacy with a venture that feels less like an investment and more like a love letter to Nashville, the city that helped shape her story.
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When the doors swing open for the 32nd season of Dolly Parton’s Stampede on February 27, it won’t take long for guests to understand why it’s known as “Branson’s most fun place to eat.” For more than three decades, this one-of-a-kind dinner attraction in Branson has blended heart-pounding equestrian stunts, musical storytelling, comedy and a hearty four-course feast into an unforgettable family tradition, and 2026 promises even more magic.
For The Haygoods, success has never been about shortcuts. It’s been about miles logged, harmonies earned, and a family staying locked together through every high and low. With the release of their new single, “Long Time Coming,” the six-sibling band isn’t just delivering a song to country radio—they’re opening the door to the real story behind decades of perseverance.
From the glittering marquees of Branson to stages across the country, Rick Thomas has long stood as one of live entertainment’s most captivating illusionists. But in a town that understands the value of heart, craftsmanship, and family-centered storytelling, Mansion of Dreams feels less like a tour stop and more like a homecoming.
99.5 THE STAR delivers Branson and the Ozarks’ top country hits, along with up-to-the-minute tourism news and weather updates, engaging interviews, exciting competitions, exclusive deals, discounts and local promotions. We centralize what’s happening now and shape what’s coming next, connecting listeners to the best of Branson's experiences, music, and stories that define the Ozarks.
As the region’s premier music and lifestyle station, we keep listeners informed, entertained, and connected to everything happening in the Ozarks. Broadcasting from Ozark Star Studios and streaming nationwide on iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and through Alexa Skill, just say "Alexa, play Ozark Star" or "Alexa, play Ozark Star Ninety-Nine Five THE STAR."
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Get the latest country music and tourism news from the Nick Smith Breakfast Show to plan your day in Branson.
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On Sunday evening, music royalty descended in full regalia for the 68th annual Grammy Awards—an evening where spectacle and sound shared equal billing. The ceremony unfolded as a celebration of ambition and artistry, culminating in a historic album of the year win for Bad Bunny.
Country music has always been a study in contrasts—heritage and rebellion, rhinestones and restraint—and the 2026 Grammy nominations read like a love letter to that tension. This year’s slate is less about a single dominant sound and more about a conversation across generations, aesthetics, and emotional registers.
Jelly Roll accepts the award for Best Contemporary Country Album for "Beautifully Broken" onstage during the 68th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for the Recording Academy®
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards weren’t just a celebration of music’s top creators on February 1, 2026—in Los Angeles, fashion brands, luxury houses, and global partners turned Music’s Biggest Night into a strategic stage for collaboration and cultural influence.
When the Grammy nominations land without a single country artist in the Academy’s four all-genre crown jewels—Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist—the absence reads less like a footnote and more like a cultural moment. For 2026, it’s a conspicuous one.
99.5 THE STAR is dedicated to amplifying everything worth knowing and experiencing in Branson and the Ozarks region. We pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive lifestyle news, promotions, reliable weather updates, interviews, and thrilling competitions!
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JUNE 12 | Branson, MO
99.5 The Star is proud to fund-raise for the Fashion Minute Film Festival’s production hub—an exciting new initiative that unites filmmakers, designers, musicians, and media creatives to collaborate on a dynamic slate of one-minute films. As part of this initiative, we are hosting a special charitable red-carpet screening of DISCLOSURE DAY on June 12, 2026, in Branson, MO.
This special screening supports the Fashion Minute Film Festival’s signature events and boldest initiatives.
October 17 - 19 | The Mansion Theatre, Branson, MO
The Fashion Minute Festival is a vibrant cultural celebration organized by Ozark Star Media that brings together music, film, fashion, and community energy into a lively multi-day experience. It pairs the dynamic live showcases and red-carpet moments of the Fashion Minute Film Festival—where cutting-edge style and storytelling meet on screen—with immersive panels, creative performances, and interactive experiences that thrill attendees. Throughout the festival, guests enjoy insightful film screenings, fashion-focused events, and engaging live entertainment that build excitement and anticipation for the culminating Ozark Star Awards ceremony, where standout achievements in entertainment and creative arts are honored in a glamorous finale.
October 18, 2026 | The Mansion Theatre, Branson, MO
The Ozark Star Awards are an annual celebration presented by Ozark Star Media that honor excellence in country music and spotlight the people, places, and experiences that make the Ozarks region shine. These awards highlight standout local artists, businesses, and community figures who have made notable contributions to the cultural life and entertainment scene in the area, with winners often chosen based on community input and curated selections. The event reflects regional pride and celebrates those who inspire, lead, and uplift the Ozarks through their achievements.
November 28-29 | BVLGARI Hotel & Cinema, London (UK)
As London Fashion Week prepares to electrify the city this September, the Bvlgari Cinema will transform into a sanctuary of style and storytelling for the upcoming Fashion Minute Film Festival premieres. Set against a backdrop of bespoke interiors and jewel-toned velvet seating, designers, editors, actors, influencers, and industry tastemakers will gather beneath warm lights to celebrate fashion through the art of film.
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After you have enabled the Skill, listen to our station just by saying “Alexa, play Ozark Star." Now you can use the same invocation with Google Home and listen to our station through our partners!
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