The Duttons

The Duttons are an extremely talented family from Branson, Missouri, who are international touring and recording artists. They are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They specialize in performing bluegrass to classical music, but also everything in between.

As their family has received more attention and fame for their astonishing talent, they have been able to open up two Dutton Theaters. One of their theaters is located in Branson, Missouri. Next to their Dutton Theater in Branson there is also a hotel, restaurant, and a gift shop – all owned by the Dutton family. Their second theater is located in Mesa, Arizona, where they usually prtform December through April. People from all over travel to their theaters, as well as to places where the Duttons are on tour, to experience the incredible show of a family joining together to make music and have a good time.

Something that is unique about this family and sets them apart from other musicians and musical groups is that they connect with their audiences. They believe that if you want something done right, you do it yourself! In their theaters they are actively involved with their audiences, not only during, but also before the shows. The family members can be found around the lobby before the show starts, selling their products — especially their well-known fudge. More than five tons of their delicious, mouth-watering fudge is sold each year. The Duttons are also the ushers of their own show.

Their show features a variety of instruments, including violin, guitar, bass, viola, banjo, mandolin, keyboard, harmonica, and drums, among others. The Duttons have acquired awards and recognition in national fiddling contests, classical violin competitions, and are recognized and awarded for being studio musicians.

One might think, "How can one family make up a whole musical performing group?" Well, Dean and Shelia Dutton, the parents and starters of this all, have seven beautiful children: Tim, Jonathan, Amy, Ben, Abby, Jenny, and Josh. With their seven offspring, it wasn’t hard to be recognized for their talent and uniqueness as a family group.

What is truly amazing about The Duttons, however, is that Dean and Shelia were not professional musicians and they didn’t start out learning and performing music to receive a lot of attention or to become famous. Sheila Dutton, the matriarch of the Dutton family, said in an interview, “We didn’t start our kids out on music to make them musicians. We started them out on music to teach them discipline. Spending time with your children doing something creative and productive is the best gift you can give them.” As they began to realize that music started to define who they were as a family, they embraced it.

In 1991, the Duttons made the decision to pursue music as a career. They had their first tour, which was nine months long, that same year. Since that tour they have not looked back. As their family continued to grow and receive national attention, they have enjoyed performing more and more. One of their many huge accomplishment’s was trying out for Season 2 of America’s Got Talent and making it all they way to the finals. They have now been performing together for more than three decades.

One of the daughters in the family, Amy Dutton Arambulo, said of their music, “The best way to present your art is to be yourself.”

Timothy Dutton, a son in the family, said, “I get to work side by side with my wife and my children. I might sometimes take that for granted but when I think about it, it is an amazing opportunity that brings me a lot of happiness that I don’t have to be apart from them.”

The Dutton success is truly all about family. They express their faith through their love and focus on family, and are examplars to everyone who experience their performances, from young to elderly, whether in person or online.

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