New Silver Bow Variety Show Open in Pigeon Forge

The new Silver Bow variety show promises amazing displays of archery skill, music and comedy the whole family will enjoy.

“Silver bells, silver bells, it’s Christmas time in the city. Silver Bow, Silver Bow, there’s a big new show in the city!” And ready, set… shoot! Archer Tara Swift has arrived in Pigeon Forge, performing death-defying feats. She shoots her arrows and hits her targets in the all-new Silver Bow variety show in Pigeon Forge. Incredibly, Swift can also proficiently launch her arrows and hit her targets while blindfolded, guided only by the sound of what? “Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,” Yes, you’ve guessed it! Ringing, little silver bells.

“This is a dangerous, thrilling show that will wow audiences of all ages,” said L. T. Britton, co-owner of the Silver Bow Theater. “We have the sharpest crossbow shooter in the Smoky Mountains. She is unbelievable!  In addition, our show is filled with comedy, daring escapes, lively music, powerful singing and a five-piece band. We have a cast of some of the country’s top musicians and singers whose exceptional talents have captivated audiences on stages from Nashville to Branson, Mo.

“From the music to the lighting to the costumes… this show is a must-see experience for the whole family,” Britton said. “We are so excited about this show. It’s amazing!”

Music selections include titles from popular movies, power ballads, country, classic pop and Elvis songs.

Crossbow artist Swift comes to Pigeon Forge from Oregon. She has been shooting arrows since she was five years old, when she started practicing in her own backyard on hay bales. She previously performed in the “Illusionists” touring magic show in the United States, Australia and Canada. 

Throughout the Silver Bow show, Swift consistently displays her skills with a bow. “It’s very rewarding when you go through all that practice and then it pays off and you actually get to perform,” said Swift. “This job is a dream come true. I practice every day honing my skills and I try to hit my targets perfectly every night. 

“I went to college for science, but crossbows are a lot more fun than petri dishes,” she said. “I am loving every minute of it. It takes focus and concentration, especially shooting blindfolded. I like the adrenaline. I have to be very steady and confident. I have to have calm nerves. I can’t have caffeine before a show or I will shake.

 “I love seeing the audience reaction, especially the little children,” Swift said. “The audience is just mesmerized; the kids are in awe and are gasping spectators. They can’t believe what they saw. It is so fun. I love it so much. It is a great adventure.”

During the act, Swift uses audience members and comedic actor, Guy Windsor, known by his stage name “Lucky,” as her assistants. Windsor is also fills in between acts. He previously worked at Universal Studios Hollywood, Walt Disney World and Dollywood. Swift shoots many different inanimate objects with the help of her participants.

The show also presents a tribute to Elvis by Elvis impersonator and lead male vocalist, Michael Chambliss, formerly of the Memories Theater cast. In addition to performing at Memories, Michael has headlined at Elvis events and festivals across the country, eventually winning the 2014 Images of the King Award World Champion award in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis during Elvis Week. He has performed at the Pierce Arrow Theater and at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo., at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and at Gaither Homecomings. He was also a lead singer with the Cumberland Boys gospel group.

Other cast members include lead female singer Kelsie Chandler, nominated as Georgia Country Artist of the Year; Regan Mae Farney, violinist from St. Louis, Mo., who astonishes audiences with a different kind of bow in the show; and singer Bailey Miles. Miles literally grew up in the theater as her father was the drummer and bandleader in the previous show at the theater for the past 25 years. Rounding out the cast is veteran musical theater performer Jonathan Weathersby, who was recently featured in TLC and Investigation Discovery TV shows, but is locally known as the children’s pastor at New Hope Church and for his singing/acting roles in the former Miracle Theater show, “The Miracle.”

The band of Silver Bow includes drummer Matt Duffy; pianist Connor Lafollette; bass guitarist Griffin Pruett; and lead guitarist Kaleb Tussey-Wright.

Silver Bow is produced by L. T. Britton and was conceived by owners L. T. Britton and Isaac and Elissa Larrison of Indiana. Marshall Whaley is the lighting director. The Silver Bow variety show runs at 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Silver Bow Christmas show will begin Friday, Nov. 29 and run through the end of the year. There will be occasional Sunday shows on holiday weekends at 8 pm. The theater is located at 2141 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Tickets can be purchased by calling (865) 366-1159, or online at http://silverbowshow.com, or from the theater’s box office.  Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more.