bransonglobe.com LOCAL • RUBY ROOM Continued from page 1 self from the music industry but just from a life on the road.” “I was always on the curious side why they called Branson the ‘show capital’ or ’live capital of the world,’ when I performed in all of the major music capitals in my lifetime,” he said. The two did their research, trying to decide “hey, where would be a good place wherein I can still do my thing musically, without having to go on the road?” They drove from Denver to Branson, rented a cabin and took in some shows. “On our way back home we both agreed that Branson spoke to both of us because of the ‘hospitableness’ of all the locals here,” Ventura said. Ventura performed with the Hot Hits Theater in downtown Branson from 2016-2018. Originally hired as one of the singers, he was offered a show when it was learned he had been with The Drifters. And in 2018 his “Doo Wop and the Drifters” show won Best Male Vocal Group at the 2018 Branson Awards Show. But, he put things on hold in 2019. “It gave me time to do road shows – not that many – to keep the group fresh,” and gave him time to look at local theaters. A friend put him in touch with the owner of the MajesDerek Ventura and his wife/business partner Kay talk about how their new venue The Ruby Room became a reality. ( Photo by Marshall Meadows) DANICA: is a 10 month old female. She and her brother were owner relinquished because the owner had too many cats. This is one beautiful tuxedo. She loves to be cradled like a baby and is very quiet. This girl needs a forever home where she will share her love. tic Theater, who was able to provide the space Ventura was looking for. Around the start of 2020, Ventura had found his space. But the neglected third floor needed work. “So we decided that we could do something with this and turn it into our vision for a theater,” he said. Kay designed the interior, and Ventura’s in-laws not only helped prepare the theater, his brother-inlaw was the prime contractor. “Everything you see was kind of a family affair,” he said. Ventura sings first and second tenor and baritone in both shows. The show’s other members include Earl Lee, tenor and baritone, originally from St. Louis; Ditannual “Doc” Hutchinson, a longtime Branson performer and originally from Detroit, sings second tenor, baritone and bass; and Andre Shepard, a long time performer in Branson as well, sings first and second tenor and baritone in the Motown Revue. Eventually Ventura plans to add a jazz Sunday brunch with live jazz musicians and has plans for a “blues night” with live blues musicians. “Those two styles of music all encompass rhythm and blues, and so I want this to be recognized as the showplace that Branson has for all types of music in the rhythm and blues genre,” he said. For more information go to website, https://www.therubyroomatthemajestic.com/, or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rubyroombranson/. WHISKEY: is a 1 year old male Catahoula Leopard mix. He was found running the streets with his friend Patty. He does good on a leash and loves people. He is good with other dogs. Come by the shelter and meet this handsome dog. June 19-20, 2020 • 3 Pets of the Week Tri-Lakes Humane Society, Reeds Spring Call (417) 272-8113 or visit www.tri-lakeshumanesoc.org
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