I thought that one article would be sufficient to cover all the musical offerings at Disneyland, but I was happily mistaken. Last month I covered the Dapper Dans, the Disneyland Band, and the daily Flag Retreat that features both of these bands (Dapper Dans currently have Monday and Tuesday off while the Disneyland Band plays daily).
How to Find the Bands
As I have mentioned before, the Entertainment Times Guide is a great way to find your favorite show times, parades, and bands. The only problem with the guide is that it does not list all of the bands that Disneyland has to offer. The information booth in Tomorrowland could not tell me when the non-listed bands were playing, and instead sent me to the main information booth in the hub. They told me their computer was down but I could check at City Hall and apologized for the long lines there. So instead I went over to the Mark Twain Riverboat to hear the Royal Street Bachelors and the cast member that was greeting people pulled out a complete list of all of the bands and shows at Disneyland including the non-listed groups. Now why the information booth with computers down did not have such a list is beyond me.
I tried out the information booth in front of the Haunted Mansion to inquire where Jambalaya Jazz would be playing since the Entertainment Times Guide only lists New Orleans Square. They told me they either play at the French Market or the Train Station and didn't seemed too concerned whether I found them or not. Jambalaya Jazz has never played at the French Market; the Royal Street Bachelors did but have since been relocated. When I got to the train station to hear Jambalaya Jazz the cast members there were also a little short with me and said that the band could be anywhere in New Orleans Square, but might play here at the station. I was asking more to see their response and see if they were going to send me somewhere else, but the band came out shortly after that terse answer.
Jambalaya Jazz poses for a photo at the train station. Photo by Todd Pickering.Since each number they play features solos, the songs are a lot longer and therefore they only play three. They were all solid and having a great time. There was quite an audience for this band, and they could easily be heard in the French Market restaurant. I think it is really nice to take advantage of spending time in the train station since the train is parked here for the year. Again if your group isn't into the music you can enjoy while everyone explores the train station.
The Royal Street Bachelors
This band plays jazz in New Orleans Square and on the Mark Twain, with Tuesday and Wednesday off. They are also listed in the guide. They play standard jazz with lots of solos, so only play three numbers per set. I recognized two of the songs as the classics “Up the Lazy River” and “After You've Gone.” They had a guitar instead of a banjo, their set up on the Mark Twain included a piano. The band leader played the piano and also the saxophone and clarinet to boot. There was an amazing bass player also in this group.
The Royal Street Bachelors are a very tight group and put on a good show. Photo by Todd Pickering.
I really enjoyed the Bachelors' banter; they seemed more like a show than a group just playing songs. They used to play in the French Market so I think this is why they are more loquacious. They sometimes perform with a singer called Queenie, but she was not singing with them when I saw them. I do find it a little strange to have two groups that play jazz in the same land, but perhaps it is very popular. They are both fantastic, but if time and variety is of the essence you can choose to catch just one of these groups.
The Bootstrappers
The Bootstrappers are a pirate band that plays all around New Orleans Square. They are listed in the Entertainment Guide and currently have Saturday and Sunday off. They can play anywhere around the Square so you have to keep an eye out for them. They always have many players and lead singers, and play the parts of pirates very well (so hide your doubloons). One of my favorites is a redheaded woman who has a lovely low alto voice.
The Bootstrappers regularly perform in New Orleans Square. Photo by Todd Pickering.
Keeping to the pirate band theme, they sing drinking songs and sea chanties. You may even hear a particularly recognizable “Yo-Ho, Yo-Ho, A Pirate's Life for Me.” They ask folks to sing along and with the repetitive nature of these tunes it is easy to learn the chorus quickly. Specialty instruments include a mandolin, squeeze box, fiddle, and some great tin whistles. They tie in my opinion with the Dapper Dans for a must see. I mean where else do you get to hear an entire set of seafaring folk songs? When they are done playing I always fancy a nice rum or grog. Arr.
A solo Pirate sings a quick song while roving from guest to guest on a Saturday. Photo by Todd Pickering.
Disneyland Band in Frontierland
I want to mention that currently the Disneyland Band is only playing one set in Frontierland, and it is so much fun. They all gather in a circle around the flagpole by the entrance of Frontierland and play “Ballad of Davy Crockett.” Then they march over to the Golden Horseshoe where they play “Dig a Little Deeper” from The Princess and the Frog, and end with the theme from Zorro, which makes me want to run out and swashbuckle. It is a real treat to hear these perfect songs for Frontierland.
You can also find the Disneyland Band in front of Frontierland. Who knew? Photo by Todd Pickering.
Some people are not happy to see the band off of Main Street, but there are photos of the band playing there in the past and the uniforms blend well with the land. I just love their musical numbers, and I highly recommend catching this set.
The Pearly Band
This band is not listed in the Entertainment Times Guide (but is listed on line), and plays in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle with Mary Poppins and Bert. This time the Information Booth had their computers working and were able to tell me the times of the performances. The band plays all Mary Poppins tunes, so it's easy to sing along. This is a great band to watch with the little ones; they invite kids to march around with them for “Step in Time.” If the jazz over in New Orleans doesn't appeal to your little ones, maybe this will be their cup of tea (with lots of sugar if you please).
You may also catch the Pearly Band just inside the castle in Fantasyland. Quite a treat and of course not listed. Photo by Todd Pickering.
Hook and Ladder Company
If you are a jazz lover then you have come to the right place. There are three bands at Disneyland that play jazz. The last time I caught these volunteer firemen turned jazz band they really had an energetic set and played some good ol' tunes like Duke Ellington. A little more standard tunes than their New Orleans Square counterparts, and with more room in this locale, the band leader walks through and interacts more with the crowd. I even saw a couple of people swing dancing.
Hook and Ladder Company plays jazz in front of the fire house on Main Street. Photo by Todd Pickering.
Ragtime Piano in front of Coca Cola Corner.
Grabbing a snack and listening to some serious ragtime is always a great relaxing idea. These men have serious flying fingers and watching is just as entertaining as listening. They invite people to sing along and even play one set with the Dapper Dans. Sometimes they are chatty as they play.
Grab a Coca-Cola and listen to some good ol' ragtime. Show times may be posted on the piano. Photo by Todd Pickering.
Other Bands
The Straw Hatters(not listed anywhere) play jazz on Main Street USA. I have most recently seen the Straw Hatters entertaining guests waiting for the parades. I think they may also help out on extra busy days so keep your ears tuned for some terrific tunes. The Silver Dollar Six (listed online only) play one set of Western-style music on the balcony of the Golden Horseshoe. They might be comprised of Jambalaya Jazz and/or members of other bands.
Walt left a legacy of entertainment in not just audio animatronics but in live music as well. I think the Bootstrappers are just as important as Pirates of the Caribbean but if the crowds diminish they will cut the former group of pirates. Make time to hear at least one of these amazing groups on your next tour and you might find that you stop and see one or two more. Your ears and tapping toes will thank you.
