Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Gonzalez Trio & Rainbow Ridge, April 1962

Here's a fun, lively portrait of The Gonzalez Trio in Frontierland (where else?). I never got to see 'em in person, but they radiate happiness. There's nothing much cooler than a girl with a guitar! Were these three musicians siblings? Or did they just like the sound of "The Gonzalez Trio"? In any case, they add a dash of early California flavor to the Land.


Now for a view of the same general area as seen from the deck of the Mark Twain... there are rustic shady areas for guests, whether they want to sit and rest or wait in line to ride a Pack Mule. Rainbow Ridge and a bright yellow Mine Train dominate this panorama, while the shopping area known as the Zocalo Marketplace is beneath the trees to our right.

12 comments:

  1. A fine group of pics Major. I remember them well. They were very good entertainers.

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  2. Well I certainly would have liked to be there to enjoy their music and just to be there in that neat setting. What a place to hang out. :)

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  3. What is the white gazebo type structure near the exit to the Mine Train? I don't remember seeing pics of that before. It looks like there might be a covered piano inside of it.

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  4. TokyoMagic, we've seen that bandstand before:

    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/bananaphone5000/GORILLLAS/bandstand4-1962.jpg

    I think it moved around the park, but I've seen at least a couple of other photos with it in front of Rainbow Ridge.

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  5. This is actually the "phase" of Frontierland I like best: while it's a stylized version of the old west, it's still pretty close to "reality", like the naked party lights overhead and the wild-looking bougainvillea arbor.

    While I have great respect for the present styling in Frontierland, it's a little too "precious" for my taste.

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  6. Great Pics, Ditto what Katella said - what's not to like about a "wild-looking bougainvillea arbor"?

    Man these are really sharp photos, NICE - Thanks Major!

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  7. Major, according to The Wonderful World of Disney Television (1997), the Gonzalez Trio was composed of Arturo G., Camelita, and Roberto. I know Gonzalez is a common surname, but I have to believe they were related! They performed in the 7/21/1962 television show "Fun in Frontierland" (also Grad Nite 1963, if you have your time machine handy).

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  8. That had escaped my memory....thanks for jogging it, Major!

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  9. very cool! we have seen a group similar to this in recent years on the bend between BTMRR and the entrance to the Big Thunder Ranch

    that picture of Rainbow Ridge is so nice....it is/would have been one of my favorite places in DL

    thanks for posting these beauties! :)

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  10. Thanks for the nice comments as always, everyone!

    Jason, that info is awesome! It's great to finally know the names after seeing their photos for years. I sure hope that they went on to continued success after Disneyland...

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  11. Ah, this is the Frontierland that I most recall - love the Rainbow Ridge shot. How 'bout lunch at Casa de Fritos, or maybe just a bag of chips from the Frito Kid?

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  12. Vaughn9:50 PM

    in the words of Wynonna Judd: "Girls with guitars! What's the world coming to?"

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