Barrage at Disneyland, Intro

Barrage at Disneyland
Page 1 of 4

by Kaz Liput and John Frost
December 23, 1999
An interview with the unique violin group Barrage and a look at their Disneyland show. Barrage has also played at Walt Disney World.

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A "Barrage" of Talent at Tomorrowland Terrace

Barraged
This holiday season at Disneyland be sure to catch the most fun loving, energetic, not to mention talented cadre of Canadians this side of the border. Now through December 29th at Tomorrowland Terrace enjoy Barrage and their wonderful collection of world music.

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Barrage was formed in Calgary, Canada by Dean Marshall and tours all over the world wowing audiences with their music. Fronted by seven fiddlers, the band combines varied techniques and blends musical styles to create their sound. If there is a method to get sound from a fiddle, they take advantage of it.

If this sounds familiar to you, it is because Barrage has visited Disneyland before. Last June the band rocked Tomorrowland Terrace for two great weekends. Each show drew a larger crowd as the word of mouth spread about this great band.

In this anticipated return, the group brings some new songs, a few improved arrangements, some old standards, and a couple pieces that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Roxanne Leitch plays a moving solo in What Child Is This? and the whole stage jumps with an upbeat version of Jingle Bells. Both of which you might have seen on the UPN Disneyland Christmas Special

In addition to the festive fare, Barrage serves up their usual array of eclectic music. Some of my favories include: a great number called Chopstickin, which is, as the band calls it, an asian jazz fusion number; Seven Wicked Reels which features a mean tempo and an Irish step dance section; Sing Sing Sing a fun rendition of the swing era classic; and a new arrangement of the Irish Blessing (Until We Meet Again) spotlighting the lovely voice of Lynae Oliver.

The backup band for the seven fiddles includes a Guitar, Bass, Drums, and Percussion. Each of which is featured at various points throughout the show. In fact, part of the group's appeal involves letting every member of the band share the spotlight. This leaves no room for weak links and makes the music that much stronger.

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Barrage usually plays four 30 minutes sets a day (check your Disneyland Today or with guest relations at (714) 781-4560 for exact times). If you like their music as much as I have, you can pick up a CD for $20 at the Premier shop. Then bring it down to the last two shows of the day when members of Barrage have been making themselves available for autographs.

If you can't make it to Disneyland before December 29th make plans to be at Walt Disney World from March 17-April 24, 2000. They're scheduled to play at the The American Garden Theatre at EPCOT.

23 second video of Barrage (520K)

63 second video of Barrage (1.4Megs)

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