Warren Sauer – Walt Disney World – Rosie O’Grady’s
I started playing drums and percussion at Walt Disney World in 1981. My first gig was playing with the World Band as percussionist in a Christmas Holiday Show. There were usually 2 drummers---7 days a week for that gig.
(Dave Trigg - Jim Cheek - Harvey Lang - Warren Sauer)
Visitors and guest only see above ground. The heart of the operation for The Magic Kingdom is underground. Walking into the tunnel entrance for the first time was very surreal. The employee cafeteria was the first location on the right. Continue to walk straight and the band room musician’s area was next. It was easy to get lost as a newbie WDW employee. I had a tour when I was hired. It was quite weird.
I don’t remember any formal introduction to anyone in charge…during my first days. The musicians were all hanging out in the band-break rooms. Most were all older than me. Many were Road Dogs from Ghost Bands and other professional organizations of some variety.
I knew some of them from civilian gigs in Central Florida. I knew Bubba Kolb, Harvey Lang and Warren Sauer from various gigs they played at hotels and lounges. I subbed for Harvey once at a Holiday Inn gig. I met Bubba and drummer Joe Derrico at a hotel gig. Most all of those first meetings were in the early 70s…when Disney opened in 1971.
Warren was friendly and made me feel comfortable…amongst the underground storm. In those early days---there was another park venue called Circus World. Musicians from Circus World and Walt Disney World doubled down on playing those gigs.
In 1974, Rosie O’Grady’s opened at Church Street Station. Warren was the drummer on that gig for 16 years. I recently saw a live stream event with Warren playing in the Bill Allred Classic Jazz Band. Warren sounded fantastic.