Disneyland Opens First Black-Themed Park Ride

Disneyland courtesy photo

By Darlene Donloe 

 Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the first Black-themed ride in Disneyland’s history, finally opened to enormous fanfare on Friday, Nov. 15. 

The long-awaited new amusement park ride is the first time Disneyland’s diverse fan base has been able to see itself mirrored in one of the park’s rides. 

 The day before the opening, a host of Disney executives, fans, and celebrities, including Jenifer Lewis (Black-ish), who voices Mama Odie, Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls), who voices Princess Tiana, and Michael-Leon Wooley (AJ and the Queen), who voices ‘Louis,’ on the ride, were all on hand to christen Disney’s latest attraction and the next chapter of ‘The Princess and the Frog’. 

Lewis called the opening, ‘historic,’ while Rose called it ‘phenomenal,’ and ‘amazing.’ Charita Carter, executive creative producer of Tiana’s Bayou, and Carmen Smith, sr. v.p., creative development, Walt Disney Experiences, who both oversaw the development of the attraction, were on hand and called the ride a ‘fantastical journey.’ 

Tiana's Bayou Adventure is a log flume attraction at Magic Kingdom in Florida, and Disneyland in California. It is based on Disney's 2009 film, ‘The Princess and the Frog.’ 

The experience begins with an outdoor float-through that leads to indoor dark ride segments, with a climactic steep drop followed by an indoor finale. The drop is 52.5 feet (16.0 meters). 

The attraction, which replaced Splash Mountain, opened on June 28, 2024, at Magic Kingdom and on November 15, 2024, at Disneyland. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set in New Orleans, circa 1927, as Tiana, who is now a restaurateur (Tiana’s Foods) is preparing to throw a Mardi Gras party. 

The water attraction has Tiana and her alligator friend, Louis, going into the bayou to find a band for the celebration. Tiana and Louis need help finding the new crew. Guests meet 19 new critters along the way, including a turtle, raccoon, bears, and more. They also run into Mama Odie and her pet snake Juju. 

The attraction, which has a carefree, cheerful feel, takes place in a land called Critter Country and takes riders on a musical journey through the Bayou with Tiana and her friends. It reportedly serves as a celebration, boasting a statement about the communal power of music and a narrative that serves as an American success story. 

One of the opening scenes has Tiana welcoming guests to the bayou while Louis plays the trumpet, frogs croak, and a band of critters plays zydeco music on various objects. Lighting up the scene are water lilies and fireflies. 

The ride features multiple songs from The Princess and the Frog, including “Down in New Orleans,” “Almost There,” “Gonna Take You There,” and “Dig a Little Deeper.” 

True to the Louisiana culture, the music, food, spirit, and flair of New Orleans are proudly on display, including murals by Louisiana artist Malaika Favorite on the building outside of the ride. While ‘Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’ is an incredible experience, the real magic comes from seeing a Black Disney Princess as the star of her own Disney Parks attraction for the first time. 

For some, that truly makes it ‘The Happiest Place On Earth’.

'King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones' Doc, Produced By Quincy Jones and Debbie Allen, Has North American VOD Release

Gangster for some, philanthropist for others, who was really Edward Jones? In the 1930s and 1940s, this descendant of slaves becomes one of the richest men in the United States thanks to the Policy business, an illegal numbers game, that ultimately became the modern state lottery, now played by millions nationwide. It’s estimated that Edward Jones made amassed a fortune  $25 million in the Policy business (numbers game),  and put money in the pockets of Black folks who didn’t have many economic opportunities. But in these times of segregation, his success and unfailing support to the African American community are a problem. In conflict with both the mob and the Feds, he is eventually forces into a life on the run!

Exploring the rise and fall of the most famous Policy King of all times -- Edward  Jones, nicknamed the “King of Kings” --  his filmmaking granddaughter uncovers an unparalleled story, while showing the lasting repercussions of his untold story, both within her family, and for Chicago’s South Side where he once embodied the American dream. 

Love, success, violence, revenge, mafia, murder, betrayal, prison, kidnapping. . . Edward Jones’s story holds all the best ingredients of gangster movies. Add segregation and you have a very explosive cocktail! 

 KING OF KINGS | 98 minutes runtime 

Director Harriet Marin Jones and the legendary Quincy Jones.  
Photo by Emmanuel Guimier

 

Curtis Haywood Has An Emotional 'Last Dance'

 

 

As his mother valiantly fought brain cancer in the final two years of her life, soul/jazz saxophonist Curtis Haywood struggled to let her go. But he knew he had to let go if only to relieve her of the crippling pain she endured. In that moment of clarity, he imagined dancing with her one final time. Haywood captured that intimate and emotional moment on “Last Dance,” the newly released single that he wrote. Billboard chart-topping guitarist Steve Oliver produced the track and is featured playing on the Megawave Records release which is among the most added new singles on the Billboard radio chart. 

 

While the poignant backstory may seem somber, Haywood’s “Last Dance” is a joyous celebration of life’s transient beauty. The soulful interplay of Haywood's soprano saxophone and Oliver's guitar creates a rich, downtempo R&B groove inviting listeners to dance. 

The accompanying video, below, mirrors this vibrant energy, showcasing the track’s infectious spirit.

“‘Last Dance’ is about recognizing the necessity of releasing what no longer serves us, opening ourselves to new beginnings and brighter futures. This powerful message resonates throughout the song, making it a perfect anthem for anyone facing life’s inevitable transitions,” said Haywood who shot the video during a summer residency in the Hamptons.

 

The Brooklyn-born and based Haywood is a saxophonist and steelpan player who attended the Berklee College of Music. He has released three albums incorporating classic R&B, soul, jazz, and gospel beginning with his 2007 self-titled debut set. Haywood also issued a couple of Christmas singles, “Mary, Did You Know?” and “Hark the Herald Angles Sing.” A dynamic concert performer, Haywood has performed with or been on marquees featuring contemporary jazz, classic R&B, soul, and gospel greats Chieli Minucci, Elan Trotman, Will Donato, JJ Sansaverino, Melissa Morgan, Melba Moore; Ray, Goodman & Brown; The Intruders and Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Review, Kirk Franklin, Sounds of Blackness, and Noel Pointer.

John Smith & DA'JA 'Make Me Feel Good'

DETROIT, Mich. - Some lines from movies resonate on a deeper level. As multi-instrumentalist John Smith watched Halle Berry’s Academy Award-winning performance in “Monster’s Ball,” her character said something so simple, yet it had a profound impact on him, inspiring the title of his band DA’JA’s new single, “Make Me Feel Good.” The DA’JA Entertainment contemporary jazz release written and produced by Smith is currently collecting radio playlist adds as it hits streaming and retail platforms including Spotify, iTunes, and Apple Music.

“When Halle’s character leaned in and said, ‘Make me feel good,’ it was simple, but something about the way she delivered the line hit me. It felt raw like she was asking for more than just a moment. She was asking for connection, to be truly understood. That line stayed with me. It captured a feeling of vulnerability and desire, this universal need we all have to feel alive, wanted, and seen. Whether it’s being close to someone, feeling free, or breaking away from everything that holds us back. That’s where the song came from. It’s more than just words; it’s a request, a plea for something real and unforgettable,” said the Detroit-based Smith about the latest single from DA’JA’s “Life After Life” album, which dropped last year.

A cool electric jazz guitar lead speaks evocatively on “Make Me Feel Good.” The downtempo R&B/contemporary jazz groove is carved by bassist Rob Skinner and drummer Jeff Canady while the melodic backdrop is draped by Moe Whitsett’s understated keyboards and warmed by Dennis Lee’s horns.

Smith’s mission is to use music to unite and unify, bridging generations, races, and the cultural divide. Inspired by the death of GRAMMY-winning crossover superstar Selena, he crafted an alchemy of jazz, funk, R&B, and Latin music that he branded Latin Funk. DA’JA’s first album release, “Straight Up John Smith,” dropped in 2002. The band’s fourth collection, “Life After Life,” has spawned seven singles: “Life After Life,” “Takin It Easy,” “Paradise (Full Mix),” “After Five,” “Magical,” “True Love (Acoustic),” and now, “Make Me Feel Good.”

Nominated for Instrumental & Jazz Artist of the Year at the Los Angeles Music Awards, John Smith & DA’JA have played popular Detroit-area venues and festivals at which they shared the stage with Anita Baker, Martha Reeves, Force MDs, and The Time.

In its touring configuration, Smith anchors the DA’JA band septet from the drum throne and is flanked by Derrick Bow (bass), Rodney Walker (guitar), Eddie Payne (keyboards), Neyo Jones (percussion), Terrell Williams (trumpet), and Moe Garcias (horns).

For more information, visit https://dajaent.net.