News & Press Releases
Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix to perform at Disney’s D23 Expo August 19th
It’s a Musical “Jolly Holiday” as Dick
Van Dyke & The Vantastix
Bring Harmony and Melodic Fun to First Night of Disney’s D23 Expo, August
19-21, 2011
BURBANK,
Calif. (July 29, 2011) – Disney fans attending the first day of Disney’s D23 Expo,
presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, August 19-21 at the Anaheim
Convention Center, will be able to end their day with an unforgettable evening
of harmony provided by Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix. The popular vocal
quartet is comprised of legendary television, Broadway, and film star Dick Van
Dyke and three renowned west coast musicians-Mike Mendyke, Bryan Chadima and Eric
Bradley. The group will appear in concert on Stage 23 at the D23 Expo on
Friday, August 19, 2011, at 8:15 p.m.
Songs
from Van Dyke’s varied entertainment career in addition to many well-known
Disney hits and timeless pop standards will be performed by Van Dyke and The
Vantastix in a show rich in humor, pure entertainment and sing-along favorites.
Much of the show’s song roster is based on Put On A
Happy Face,
the group’s inaugural a cappella album, which
features 14 well-known tunes. The CD will be available for
purchase in the D23 Expo Treasure Trove store.
Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix is the result of a
chance meeting of Van Dyke and Mendyke at a Malibu coffee shop in September
2000. With the addition of Chadima and Bradley, the group started “just
for fun,” gathering weekly for pizza and singing around Van Dyke’s piano,
and soon built up an impressive repertoire of children’s songs and standards.
After their first casual performance during the wrap
party for Van Dyke’s long-running mystery TV series Diagnosis Murder, the group began to get requests to appear at
charity events and benefits. They have performed at the City of Hope Hospital; the
Beverly Hilton for the Society of Singers Concert honoring Dame Julie Andrews;
the Hollywood Bowl as part of an evening of TV theme songs; and at the awarding
of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Rose Marie, who appeared with Van
Dyke on The Dick Van Dyke Show.
There have also been television appearances at the TV Land Awards, Larry King Live, and a
performance of the National Anthem for the NBA Playoffs and more. The group
continues to perform at benefits in the greater Los Angeles area.
“Hard work and planning are important if one wants to
get ahead in life,” Van Dyke says. “More important is leaving one’s self open
to the twists and turns, the wonderful surprises that life has to offer. If you
can’t bend with the wind, go with the flow, you’re gonna miss some great
adventures. These three guys walked into my life from out of nowhere and turned
my Golden Years into pure platinum. We always have
a great time performing together, and we’re looking forward to appearing at the
D23 Expo.”
Dick Van Dyke – Van Dyke
began his remarkable career more than 50 years ago in a record-pantomime act
called The Merry Mutes. He then
went on to host several TV shows before starring on Broadway in Bye Bye
Birdie, for which he received a Tony Award®. The classic sitcom The
Dick Van Dyke Show came next, then the screen version of Birdie,
followed by the classic Disney film musical Mary Poppins, the equally
adored movie musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the recent hit Night at the Museum, and a host of other
wonderfully entertaining films. Winner of five Emmy Awards®, Van
Dyke completed nine seasons of the TV series Diagnosis Murder.
Bryan Chadima – Bryan
Chadima is a writer, musical director, arranger, and singer. He was born in
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and graduated from Western Michigan University. He has
toured nationally and recorded albums with numerous vocal groups and shows
including Blind Man’s Bluff, Gold Company, Vox Lumiere,
and The Three Waiters. His musical directing credits include Klub
Kokomo and Baby It’s You. Chadima arranges most of the material
performed by the Vantastix.
Eric Bradley – Bradley’s
road to Los Angeles began in Connecticut where he grew up then at the
University of Miami, where he studied music, film, and television, and then to
Chicago, where he started his career as a vocalist and voice-over actor.
Bradley now enjoys a career as a studio singer in LA. His film and TV credits
include The Simpsons Movie, Spiderman 3, Blades of Glory, King
Kong, Superman Returns, The Polar Express, Enchanted, I
Am Legend, How I Met Your Mother, Family Guy, and the Oscars
telecast. He also sings with jazz sensation Sixth Wave, the 2001 National Harmony
Sweepstakes Champions.
Mike Mendyke – An MIT
graduate and former NASA engineer with degrees in aerospace engineering and
music, Mendyke believes every vocal group should include at least one rocket
scientist. After eight years in the defense industry, he began recording albums
and touring the U.S. and Japan with the vocal group Five O’Clock Shadow.
A longtime advocate of vocal music, Mendyke is a past board member and former
treasurer for The Contemporary A Cappella Society. Mendyke also runs an online
marketing business, as well as music distribution services.
Tickets to the D23 Expo are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences
and entertainment at the D23 Expo,
including the Disney Legends Ceremony, and can be purchased for single days or
for the full three days of festivities. Admission is $47 for a one-day adult
ticket and $37 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $136 for adults and
$106 for children. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will receive a
discount for up to four admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 Expo for themselves and their
guests.
About D23 Expo 2011
The D23 Expo-The Ultimate Disney Event for Fans and
Families-brings the entire world of
Disney under one roof at the Anaheim Convention Center,
providing guests with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, and
theme parks.
About D23
D23 is the
official fan club for The Walt Disney Company – the first-ever in its 88-year
history. The name “D23” pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in
1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. The club gives
its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them
in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney
twenty-three; a rich website at www.Disney.com/D23; a
collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection; and special events for
D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the bi-annual D23 Expo.
Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney
World Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and
events, follow us “DisneyD23” on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.
News & Press Releases
New Updates and Exclusive Content from Jim Hill Media: Disney, Universal, and More
Boy oh boy, do I have some exciting news to share with all of you.
If you’ve been following our journey at Jim Hill Media, you know we’re all about peeling back the curtain to reveal behind the scenes insights, news, and history that surround the world of entertainment and theme parks.
And today, I’ve got a treasure trove of updates to share. So, grab your popcorn, and let’s get into it.
A New Chapter on Patreon
As many of you know, we recently made the big leap over to Patreon, and let me tell you, it’s been quite a rollercoaster ride. This move was driven by your requests for more exclusive content (and the easy to use RSS feed and app is a BIG bonus).
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support. Your enthusiasm and engagement have been the driving force behind our passion for delivering the best of Disney and Universal content.
Moving to Patreon has opened new avenues for us to connect more deeply with our listeners, offering exciting perks and benefits that allow us to tailor our content more closely to your interests and preferences. It’s been an incredible journey of crafting special content, such as the launch of our video podcast series, [Disney Unpacked].
[Disney Unpacked] – A Video Podcast Series Like No Other
Imagine sitting down for a chat with a Disney Imagineer who’s helped shape your Disney experiences for over three decades. That’s what we’re bringing to the table with [Disney Unpacked]. Alongside the legendary Jim Shull and my partner in crime Len Testa, we explore Disney’s storytelling, sharing how beloved rides and attractions were created, through the eyes of an Imagineer like Jim Shull who personally contributed to these projects.
It’s a rare opportunity to host a video show with Jim Shull, a Disney Imagineer who’s worked on projects like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Toontown for over 33 years. If you’re curious about Jim and his work, check out our “Meet Jim Shull” video.
But that’s not all – as a patron, you’ll gain access to even more exclusive content. Our “Carry On” podcast, where Jim Shull and I explore stories that didn’t quite make it into the main episodes, offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind [Disney Unpacked]. Plus, our regular Q&A sessions give you the chance to get answers to all your burning questions about the show.
Beyond the Podcast: Photos and Artifacts from an Imagineers Personal Collection
And if that wasn’t exciting enough, let me introduce you to our brand-new monthly video show, “Picture This.” Hosted by yours truly alongside Jim Shull and moderated by Lauren Hersey, “Picture This” offers a behind-the-scenes look at Jim Shull’s personal collection of over 60,000 photos and artifacts from his 33-year career at Disney. From rare behind-the-scenes shots to exclusive glimpses of Disney history, this show is a must-watch for any serious Disney fan.
The History of the Pixar Place Hotel
Recently, it was announced that Disneyland’s Paradise Pier hotel would be reopening as the Pixar Place Hotel.
Curious about the backstory behind this decision? Join Jim Shull and me as we delve into the history of the Pixar Place hotel. Explore its fascinating origins and gain insights into the inspirations drawn from Jim’s leadership on the Toy Story Hotel project at Shanghai Disney.
This YouTube documentary-style video offers a look into the creative process behind one of Disney’s iconic hotel projects.
Debut of “I Want That Too” Video Podcast
Introducing our newest podcast addition, “I Want That Too,” where Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the fascinating world of Disney products. From toys and collectibles to apparel and home goods, we’re here to unpack it all.
But we’re not just about the merchandise – join us as we explore the rich history and untold stories behind your favorite Disney goodies. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your Disney journey, there’s something for everyone on “I Want That Too.”
This show drops bi-weekly as a Podcast and a Video over on the Jim Hill Media YouTube Channel.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today.
Welcoming Universal Fans with “Epic Universal” Podcast
And for all you Universal enthusiasts (or Universal Curious) out there, we’ve got you covered too! Introducing “Epic Universal,” a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Eric Hersey and yours truly.
Join us as we dive into the latest news, interviews, and trip planning tips from the Universal universe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about what’s happening at Universal Studios, we invite you to join the conversation and stay updated with “Epic Universal.”
A Look Ahead: The Future of Jim Hill Media
Phew! It’s been an exhilarating few months at Jim Hill Media, with our Patreon move and new show launches, all dedicated to bringing you top-notch theme park news, insights, and history. Your support and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our efforts, and we’re incredibly thankful for it.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the future, with more content and partnerships on the horizon. Whether you’re into Disney, Universal, Marvel, or Merch, we invite you to stay engaged and subscribe for more updates.
A huge thank you for being part of our journey.
News & Press Releases
Disney Will Bring D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to Anaheim, California in August 2024
Expanded Disney Fan Experience Will Feature New and Exciting Events Across Multiple Locations, Including a D23 Takeover of the Happiest Place On Earth, Evening Entertainment at the Honda Center, D23 Day at Angel Stadium, and Much More
Fan Favorites Including Exhibits, Panels, Shows, and Shopping Will Dazzle Disney Enthusiasts at the Anaheim Convention Center
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a one-of-a-kind fan experience like never before with spectacular shows, new venues, and multiple days of entertainment that will bring together the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more!
Highlightswill include:
- Sunday, August 4: D23 Day at Angel Stadium, where D23 fans are invited to attend the Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Mets game.
- Thursday, August 8: D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort.
- Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11: Shopping, exhibits, panels, and presentations will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center during the day, with the fun extending into the evening at the Honda Center, the bigger home to marquee shows.
Tickets for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will go on sale in Spring 2024, with ticketing options to be announced later for access to the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Admission for D23 Day at Angel Stadium and the D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort will be available as separate ticketed events. Additional details for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will be announced in early 2024.
You can get updates by staying connected to D23 via social media (@DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X), D23.com, and our weekly D23 FanFare email (sign up for free as a D23 General Member at JoinD23.com).
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 100-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic year-round through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the latest news and stories on D23.com; member-exclusive offers and discounts; the popular D23 Inside Disney podcast; and special experiences for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99/year), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99/year), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.
News & Press Releases
Star Wars Spoof: Space Robots in Outer Space Ep X: Battle for the Halcyon: The Last Starcruiser
Sure, Star Wars is cool and all. But let’s not forget about that other multi-part sci-fi cinematic spectacular, “Space Robots in Outer Space.” In fact, Hank Lonely (Hollywood’s ultimate hyphenate — actor / producer / director / writer / guy who makes sure the Porto Potties are kept squeaky-clean) just announced that there’ll soon be a 10th installment of this … Well, not exactly beloved. How about we say “admired from afar” instead? … series coming to a theater near you. In fact, here’s the highly anticipated teaser trailer for that project. Which is supposed to be titled “Space Robots in Outer Space X — Battle for the Halycon: The Last Starcruiser.”
Okay. Now the real story … In honor of Star Wars Day (i.e., May 4th. As in “May the Fourth Be With You”), Len Testa and I are sharing something that we produced with the help of all the nice folks who joined us last month aboard the Halycon.
We turned the Galactic Starcruiser as well as Black Spire Outpost into the backdrop for an affectionate send-up of all things Stars Wars. We hope that you (more importantly, the legal team at Lucasfilm) take this faux trailer in the spirit with which it was intended. Special thanks to Aaron Adams for so skillfully stitching all of this footage together. Also thanks to the team at Storybook Destinations, Touring Plans and the talented cast & crew aboard the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” for making this “Disney Dish” fan event so memorable.
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