If you have spent any time in and around Branson, the Live Entertainment Capital of the Midwest, chances are you have probably heard of Shoji Tabuchi. His stellar fiddle playing has graced shows like the famous Baldknobbers, and has also earned him the title ‘King of Branson.’ Shoji now plays in his own theater, the Shoji Tabuchi Theater, and entertains hundreds of guests each year.
Born on April 16, 1944 in Daishoji, Iskikawa, Japan, Shoji was introduced to music at an early age. When he was seven years old, his mother encouraged him to play violin. Shoji studied under the Suzuki Method of violin; during his musical studies, he became enthralled with American country music. He was so taken with it, in fact, that he vowed to one day make it to America and become a famous performer there.
When Shoji was a sophomore in college, he learned that Grand Ole Opry star Roy Acuff would be coming to Japan for a concert. Shoji attended the show and was able to meet Roy backstage after the performance. Roy told Shoji to look him up if he ever got to Nashville. This offer inspired Shoji to pursue bluegrass music, and he formed a band called The Bluegrass Ramblers while he was still in school. This band won a national music contest in Japan; after this big step, Shoji decided to head to America with a mere $500 and his violin. After living in numerous big cities across the country, Shoji eventually made it to Nashville, where he met up with his old friend Roy. Roy got Shoji his first spot of many on the Grand Ole Opry, and from there Shoji’s career only went upward.
In 1980, Shoji wound up in Branson, Missouri, after many successful performances around the country. He decided to take a chance, and invested in one of the most elaborate theaters the town had ever seen. The theater was completed in 1990, and he began performing The Shoji Tabuchi Show, which features not only country music, but gospel, Cajun, rock and even a little bit of rap! The show was an instant hit, and has been running for more than twenty-five years. Shoji has about two hundred employees at his 2,000-seat theater. His show schedule is twice daily throughout most of the year, and tickets tend to sell out.
Shoji has a loyal fan following in Branson, and one trip to his show will make it easy to see why! Don’t miss an opportunity to catch this talented performer at one of the most famous theaters in Branson.
