Which Pixar short film played theatrically before Cars in 2006?

One Man Band played theatrically before Pixar's Cars in 2006. The short follows two competing street musicians who try to win a young girl's coin through an escalating musical duel.

Directed by Mark Andrews and Andrew Jimenez, One Man Band uses visual comedy and instrumental performance instead of spoken dialogue. Its story centers on the girl Tippy, who ultimately surprises both musicians with her own choice.

The short was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. Pixar's practice of pairing a short with each theatrical feature helped introduce audiences to experimental characters and storytelling before the main movie began.