Country Bear Musical Jamboree: Get to Know the Bears

After an inspirational hibernation season, Ursus H. Bear set out to create a permanent cultural showplace dedicated to America’s musical heritage. In 1898, Ursus established Grizzly Hall where the honey tycoon-turned-impresario invited tuneful bruins to present zany and captivating performances in a show that quickly became known as a wild and wooly good time!

Years later, Ursus’s grandson Henry took over and now serves as the master of bear-emonies. He even helped develop the current show and co-wrote the opening song with the Five Bear Rugs.

Speaking of the Five Bear Rugs, there’s Zeke and Zeb and Ted and Fred and a bear named Tennessee, and they’re all playing with real ol’ country rhythm.

If you look to the bottom right of the stage, you’ll even see Zeb’s son, Oscar, holding a Big Al plush.

One of the Country Bears’ most veteran performers is the one and only Trixie. After trying everything, she eventually found her niche for performing. Now fans can find her singing away with triplets Bunny, Bubbles and Beulah.

Originally known as The Sun Bonnets, these girls recently turned in their bonnets for Stetsons when they began singing with Trixie around the world, including a sold-out engagement at Royal Ursa Hall.

Not to be outdone by Trixie is The Jewel of the Dakotas, Teddi Barra. Her rise in show biz was meteoric after being discovered in an ice cream parlor.

Wendell, on the other hand, was a frustrated basketball, baseball and football player until Henry invited him to try carrying a tune, and he’s been part of the Country Bears gang ever since. He’s thrilled to finally sing a love song with Teddi, much to the dismay of his old friend Henry.

Ernest the Dude is one of the best-dressed bears guests will see at Grizzly Hall – he brings his entire wardrobe wherever he goes. For those counting, that’s 17 trunks filled with 30 coats, 40 slacks, 60 shirts, 20 hats and a pair and a half of underwear.

Ernest and Trixie aren’t the only actors in the bear band. Terrence, aka Shaker, was once a famous theater star until a fall from the balcony in “Romeo and Juliet” brought the house down – literally.

Ever since that fateful night, he turned in his tights for a guitar and created a signature dance move that he’s used ever since. Don’t worry about Terrence, though. Despite having a face only a Mama Bear could love – and being perpetually single –  he’s ready to launch his film career.

Speaking of starting a new chapter, one bear is ready to enter his next era of singing rockabilly. Of course, I’m referring to none other than the Miami Serenader himself, Romeo McGrowl.

Our resident piano player Gomer also knows a thing or two about rebrands. Having been classically trained since he was a cub, Gomer’s favorite composition before switching to country and western music was “Night on Bear Mountain.”

And of course, what would the Country Bears be without Big Al? There’s music in this bear’s blood, and he’s been playing the guitar since he was a child.

He was even the resident bard and balladeer in the swamp before Disney World was built. Coming off his 25^th Farewell Tour in cities like Paris (Texas), Hollywood (Florida) and London (Ohio), Big Al is a true legend.