Matsuriza drummers final performance today at EPCOT

Mar 15, 2020 in "Matsuriza"

Forum Forums Tweet Share Tweet Share

Gallery / 11 Photos
Matsuriza performance

See all 11

Posted: Sunday March 15, 2020 8:05am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Today will be the final day for one of the long-standing EPCOT World Showcase shows - Matsuriza.

The Japanese drummers have been performing at the Japan pavilion for 25 years and have announced on Facebook that March 15 will be their final day at the park.

Matsuriza performance

We’re deeply saddened to announce that tomorrow, Sunday 3/15/20 will be Matsuriza’s last day performing at Epcot indefinitely. We had a fantastic 25 year run on the pagoda stage working with some of the best managers and tech team on property. Performing at the Japan Pavilion has been an honor, representing our heritage and culture to millions of guests from all over the world. It really has been a dream come true and we’re very heartbroken to see it come to an end so suddenly. We are beyond grateful to the Walt Disney World Co. for giving us the most amazing opportunity of a lifetime. And to our fans, YOU are what we will miss the most. Thank you for all of the love and support you have have given us throughout these years. It is our biggest hope that one day Disney will bring us back. Until then, sayonara. Domo arigatou gozaimashita. Otsukaresamadeshita.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

TrainsOfDisneyMar 18, 2020

The person who made it will most likely be laid off soon. You don’t need entertainment managers / coordinators if there is no live entertainment after all.

Tink76Mar 18, 2020

What a sad day to read that the drummers are gone indefinitely. This was my husbands favorite! No matter where we were in WS if he heard them start to play we had to race over to see them perform. The performers were part of the appeal as you strolled from country to country. I can hear my husband mumbling now that this place s-cks and what’s the sense in coming here. A bad decision and whoever made it should be fired.

SirwalterraleighMar 17, 2020

Yep...keep the faith! 🤪

TrainsOfDisneyMar 17, 2020

One thing I thought of, when things open up again maybe Sergio could end up at the boardwalk. Likewise if Epcot really stays closed longer than other parks perhaps Voices could perform in Liberty Square alternating shows with hall of presidents (that’s how voices performed in California). The chair stacking chefs certainly could create a show for one of the other parks. All wishful thinking on my part not based in reality I know.

SirwalterraleighMar 17, 2020

Good advice...I’m in.

TrainsOfDisneyMar 17, 2020

As a humble guest, may I request you take political discussion to the applicable thread. Would be nice to keep this on the topic of entertainment.

jt04Mar 17, 2020

I do think you may not see the unintended consequences due to your dislike of corps. Sometimes justified. But we are on a very slippery slope here. Don't add grease.

SirwalterraleighMar 17, 2020

Nobody said that... I’m not suggesting political or economic theory...I’m using a practical small example to illustrate what WAS hypothetical days ago and now is very real.

jt04Mar 17, 2020

As if nationalizing the economy would improve things. Not. But 'here is a thousand dollars to show we come in peace'. Not. Sick.

SirwalterraleighMar 17, 2020

Of course they are...dog eat dog world and we’re all wearing milkbone underwear. So if a GM makes say - $1,500 a week...and they cut him/her...now their income goes to unemployment? $600? What does that do to everything they support? Money never “trickled down”...but the lack of it resonates outward like a shockwave. Ok...off economics now 🤪

LilofanMar 17, 2020

Marriott Hotels Corp nationwide are putting on furlough, thousands of staff from housekeepers to general managers.

SirwalterraleighMar 17, 2020

I agree...but we’re going there. It’s going to happen. We are about 72 hours into the scare - for all intents and purposes. Right now, business are mostly saying the right thing. But it won’t last. I have been in touch with friends and co-workers who already have been or know people canned as of yesterday/today. I’m talking bankers, engineers, architects, financial planners. The ugly underside of this is already starting to move.

OG RunnerMar 17, 2020

This is true, but have you ever had to apply for unemployment? It is not a pleasant experience and even if you can do it on-line now, I would not wish it on anyone.

TrainsOfDisneyMar 17, 2020

I get what you are saying but I’ll make a few points - #1 I was never a fan of Off Kilter. But I knew that the reason they were let go wasn’t good. They let go long time cast members and replaced them with short term 3rd party groups. That’s not the quality that I expect and desire from Disney. The circus group they brought in was wonderful. But it still represented Disney lowering their previous high standards. #2 Both Sergio and The Drummers were culturally correct. #3 have you seen the flag twirlers and Ziti Sisters? Oddly enough the ziti sisters were Disney equity and the show was terrible. I stopped to watch cause I recognized some super talented comedy warehouse cast and the show was still painful. Sergio is a wonderful performer, if Disney wanted him to update his show, I’m sure he has other things can do. (I know for a fact he’s a unicyclist!). I would think asking an existing, entertaining act to update the show is a better idea than getting something “fresh and new.” Look at the quality of the German bands they have brought in.... some are ok... some are not. Is that the quality we want from Disney? Did anyone see the “reindeer round up” band during the Christmas parties.... compare them to banjo brothers and bob. And now... in the words of the recently laid off drummer... “I’ve spoken for too long, I must get back to selling my dolls”