One of the more popular bands that play at the Disneyland Resort, Phat Cat Swinger, ended its run for Disney Festival of Holidays on Saturday night. They have been playing in front of Paradise Bay Wednesday-Saturday throughout the entire holiday season at the Disneyland Resort, as weather allowed. This energetic group brings incredible happiness, enthusiasm, kindness, and awesome musicianship to each of their performances. On Saturday night, things went up a notch.
The night really began with the soundcheck about a half hour before the first set of the evening. Before the soundcheck had begun, already over 60 people were eagerly waiting for the night’s performances. The soundcheck might as well have been the first performance as people began to stream into the area while the band performed I Wanna Be Like You from Disney’s The Jungle Book. As soon as it was over, one person could be heard saying, “When do they play again!?”
The first set began at 6:00 PM and started with It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. The set was full of energy and the entire area was packed with viewers enjoying the music and dancing along. The performances were even more energetic as the band fed off the energy of the audience. When the moment for the nightly selfie came, things were done a little bit differently than usual. This time, instead of “Happy Festival of Holidays” the band and the audience shouted, “Together, we are Phat Cat Swinger!” After they finished their set, the band came out and chatted with fans. Guests stood around and chatted with the band and each other until the next and final set began at 7:15 PM.
The second and final set for the season was at 7:15 PM. The set began with I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas. Paradise Gardens Park was once again packed as guests came to experience the final Phat Cat Swinger set of the season. People danced to the music as the night got cooler. However cool the night got, the energy in the area kept spirits warm. As always is the case during the holiday performances, Run Run Rudolph was the finale. During the extended version of the song, the band was introduced. Once it was finished, the crowd continued to cheer even after the stage lights were turned off. Guests once again made their way to the stage area to chat with the band as the area was prepared for the upcoming performance of World of Color.
Phat Cat Swinger has been performing together for twenty years. The band was started in a garage with band leader Marco Palos and Will who is affectionately known as “The Sherrif.” The band has grown and evolved through the years and now often has Marco Palos and crooner Mark Kopitzke fronting this little big band.
More information about Phat Cat Swinger can be found at PhatCatSwinger.com. Daps Magic will continue to follow this band and provide updates on when they play at the Disneyland Resort and beyond in the future! Below are more videos of Phat Cat Swinger during this season of Disney Festival of the Holidays at Disney California Adventure. What do you think of Phat Cat Swinger and this year’s grand finale for the season? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
