The Heartland Network, Luken Communications’ country music and lifestyle offering, has added two new series featuring legends of country to its programming lineup. Branson Jubilee, a half hour series, will air on Tuesdays at 4 p.m., Fridays at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Gilley’s Place, hosted by country chart-topper Mickey Gilley, is scheduled to air immediately following each episode of Branson Jubilee. Both series are set to launch on Heartland Friday.
Branson Jubilee, a musical variety series taped in that Midwestern hub for family-style, country-themed entertainment, is hosted by Jimmy Osmond. Each episode features performances by guest artists such as Glen Campbell, John Schneider, Crystal Gayle, Restless Heart, Tony Orlando and Lee Greenwood. The entertainment doesn’t stop with just music; comedians, dance troupes and other acts are also included.
Gilley’s Place is filmed at Gilley’s Texas Café, also located in Branson, in front of a live studio audience. Each episode boasts celebrity appearances, live performances and “Mickey’s Musical Moment,” taking viewers on a journey documenting Gilley’s life and rise to fame. The series is co-hosted by Branson entertainer and recording artist Dalena Ditto.
"The Heartland Network is the perfect home for Branson Jubilee and Gilley's Place,” said Van Shotwell, COO of Launch 360 Media, Inc. “I am sure that the Heartland's viewing audience will appreciate the legendary performances and great interviews from these outstanding entertainers."
Terri Coyle, Luken’s director of Programming, said, “At Heartland, we recognize that country has many different sounds. From Nashville to Austin to Branson, we pride ourselves in showcasing all of the many sounds country music has to offer. These two new series direct from Branson are the perfect complement to that mission.”