Disneyland Band at the Plaza Gardens, February, 1977
If you're like me, you've never liked the incessant, juvenile caterwauling of rock and roll and pop music. Give me a brass band any time (or an accordion as a last resort)! If it ain't John Philip Sousa, I don't want to hear it (was he the Taylor Swift of 19th Century?). I believe that the gentleman leading the band is Stan Freese, according to Wikipedia he started at Walt Disney World and transferred to Disneyland in the Spring of 1974.
Here's a bit more info about Mr. Freese (not Mr. Freeze): As leader of the Disneyland Band, Freese modernized the band's repertoire, giving the musicians more variety. In 1983, Freese became a talent booking director at Disneyland—auditioning and hiring musicians and bands for work in the park and special events, as well as forming bands and musical acts based on operational needs. Freese continued as a talent booking director for most of the rest of his Disney career, except for temporary assignments. He also served as a show director and entertainment producer at both Disneyland and the Queen Mary (Disney operated the Queen Mary for a short period in the 1980s and 1990s). In 1990, Freese returned to leading the Disneyland Band for two years, until Art Dragon was selected as the new leader. Freese was also instrumental in forming Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, a fan-favorite bluegrass band that performed at Disneyland from 1987 to 2014. In 2001, Freese became the talent booker and show director for the Downtown Disney shopping complex at the Disneyland Resort, organizing the atmosphere entertainment program. Perhaps our friend Bu knew Stan Freese?
3 comments:
Hmm, you know something strange is afoot when the bandleader is the youngest member of the band. All these 'seasoned' musicians being led by Peter Brady. Maybe Mr. Freese uses Grecian Formula and isn't as young as he appears.
I gotta say, the band looks real snazzy in their red uniforms, with Mr. Freese himself in red and white; matching the color scheme of the Plaza Gardens. I wonder if that red and white trashcan was unique to this location?
"Freese modernized the band's repertoire". I'm guessing songs such as Madonna's "Like a Virgin" and Wham!'s "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" were added to the playlist?
Colorful pics! Thanks, Major.
Major, I’m with you on music. Anything but rock and roll, please.
Good info on Mr. Freese, he had quite a career. And I bet Bu could tell us a bit more.
Thanks Major!
JG
JB, I wonder if all the old-timers in the Disneyland Band resented that young whippersnapper? “I was playing trombone when he was still wearing diapers!”. I kind of think you are right about that red and white trashcan being unique to the Plaza Gardens! Yes, Freese added Madonna and Wham!, but he also loved the Ramones and the Sex Pistols, sometimes the dance floor got pretty violent.
JG, hey, rock and roll has MANY great songs! My buddy Mr. X is no fan either, however. I hope we hear from Bu today.
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