This band, more often known simply as Finzel's Arcadia Orchestra, was from Detroit and was associated with that city's Arcadia Ballroom. Finzel's band, the membership of which is at least partially a mystery, played regularly at that popular dance venue between 1923 and 1925. The Finzel outfit was one of many similar large bands during this era that were pressed into service creating competing recorded versions of whatever new songs were popular. One of the earliest appearances of a group credited as Finzel's Arcadia Orchestra of Detroit on disc was in 1921, doing a song titled "I'm on My Way to New Orleans" that had already been a smash for artists such as Jimmy Durante and Sugarfoot Gaffney. As was typical music business practice in those days, Finzel's recording of the song was created with the Detroit market in mind, while a similar arrangement cut by one of bandleader's Rudy Wiedoeft's outfits was stocked in St. Louis shops. A raucous version of "The Animal Fair" featuring great sound effects is the most illustrious Finzel recording, followed closely by "I'm Going to Wander (Back Over Yonder)." Finzel sidemen who have been identified include soprano and alto saxophonist Louis Gambel, pianist Justin Ring, who is playing the piano solo on this side. This great instrumental performance was recorded in 1922.
