Photo by Kevin Flynn
Disneyland Park has a new musical entertainment offering, Mickey’s Soundsational Parade, led by drumming group Percussion Kings.
“I’m loving it; it’s a different experience; I never thought I’d be working with or for Disney,” says Pop Price, leader of Percussion Kings, former performer in the “DRUMLine Live” stage show and drumming double for Nick Cannon in the 2002 film “Drumline.” “Everyday that we go out, it’s more smiles and more cheers and more laughing. They’re rooting us on, and they love it, and we’re excited that they love it.”
Percussion Kings is a group of former “DRUMLine Live” performers that got together between the first and second tours. Many are Historically Black College and University marching band alums.
One of “DRUMline Live’s” directors works for Disney Parks and Resorts and helped the Kings get the gig leading the parade. The snare drum line marches in front of Mickey’s float, where the mouse himself plays along on a full Yamaha drum set.
But this collaboration almost didn’t happen for the Kings, who were formerly based in Florida and Atlanta, and finished up with “DRUMLine Live” in March. “It was almost a train wreck; we had less than a month to get out here,” Price says. “We had to find places to stay, see how we would get here, who was going to come. I came out here with a suitcase, a bag and one suit.”
The six performers rehearsed and choreographed their trick stick routines and choreography with the Disneyland entertainment department for a month, with the parade’s premiere in late May.
Price hopes that someday Percussion Kings could have their own featured show in a Disney park, cruise ship, or a touring theatrical production like “DRUMLine Live”—but for now is just enjoying the ride.
“It’s the experience of a lifetime; we’re elated to have this opportunity,” Price says. “Look forward to someday seeing Percussion Kings in a city near you.”