1 Topic by cathysiler (edited by cathysiler 2008-01-23 11:49:38)

  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Topic: Blues Cruise Review

I think my brain is clear enough to attempt this....The Ship: Holland America ms Westerdam..a 5 star ship..Next year will be on a bigger ship with rumors of even higher caliber acts, if possible! You want for NOTHING...the food is constant and excellent. The usuals are available..spa, gym, casino,stores..none of which were important to me. There were 5 venues..The Crow's nest at the very top Fore end of the ship..This is where the Pro-Am Jams take place. Many paid passengers are musicians, they sign up to play and never know who will be sitting in..Only went 2x..1x for Michael Burks and 1x to check the jam...The Piano Bar..a very popular place hosted bt David Maxwell and Mitch Woods..Jams until 6am often with Tab Benoit on drums..but I didn't go to any of those, not my "thing"...Next there is 2 theaters, excellent seats, dance floors and acoustics..saw lots of shows there, and they would feed them into your cabin's t.v.. They were also the sites for panel discussions, workshops and special events. Finally, there's the top deck of the aft part of the ship. This is where a huge concert stage is built and all night jams took place..It's the place I call "home" for most of the time. The "food-a-rama" as I call it is right there. Anything your heart desires! Back to the inroom t.v...They pipe music and show pix of previous cruises..Glad to say our boy J.B. was freq. played..SMILE! I'm going to write about the shows next. Warning..While you can do pretty much anything you like and many do, I really went for the music and the only kissing I did was Hubert Sumlin and other beloved musicians...Sorry to ruin my reputation! lol

  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: Blues Cruise Review

Sat pm in Ft. Lauderdale..Went to see Albert Castiglia instead of the "official" pre-cruise party. He is another of my favorites, has a new CD coming out soon and is a wonderful person and performer. Sunday a.m. board the ship..Departed at 4:30..some rain which forced Papa Mali's show indoors. Charlie Musslewhite then played as we sailed away! Next on the pool deck was my favorite "new" band. Terrance Simien...yes, zydeco, but with a twist. Some Reggae, some blues and a party band for all tastes. My favorite "new" player is his bass man. A YOUNG kid named Taylor Guarisco, who has an air of Budha..always smiling, always happy, and danced thru every song. Terrance's daughter was only 3 doors down from me. I love young'uns, as you know, so this group of teens were my buddies. One night it was her 17th b-day..She had a blast. Next came Room Full of Blues, who sadly lost a member prior to the cruise..4,000 dollars was raised on the cruise for his family. Then came the jam with Ronnie Baker Brooks..yummy...This is the best of all..You get Michael Burks, Tommy Castro, Tab Benoit and any other player that shows up. The bands have as much fun with each other as the cruisers do watching. Went to bed around 3am..very proud of myself.

  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: Blues Cruise Review

Monday..My favorite days are the ones at sea..International waters, NO LAWS, an isolated floating city...heaven...First time cruisers are called virgins..So the 1st day starts with a party for them where they get lei-ed hawaiian style. There's also a returnee party, but I slept in..So, I started on the Lido deck with the Howlin Wolf Tribute..another highlite for me..Eddie Shaw, whose son played a wicked axe!, Henry Gray, Hubert Sumlin, Tail Dragger, Timothy Taylor, Shorty Gilbert and Andy Cornett..I saw this group every chance I had!!!!!....Then it was Jimmy Thackery/Reba Russell for the Jam..Only hung until 2am..(I know I'm OLD) Oh, each day has a theme and passangers may opt to wear costumes and compete..today was Summer of Love..Didn't need a costume, I am from the class of '67..lol Woke up Tues. in San Juan ..I had decided to remain on ship..There was a Gospel Brunch with Irma Thomas...Then Ronnie Baker Brooks on the pool deck. Righteous!!! Then Tommy Castro, one of the regulars and getting better all the time..wicked guitar!  That night was Phantom Blues Band followed by Theodis Ealey with Chuck Willis..Old school rockin! Then it was Michael Burks for the jam..This one I lasted until 5am..Too Good!  Remember, I'm only telling part of the story as acts were happening in all venues. They rotate thru so you will eventually see everyone. Woke up in St. Croix where we got off ship and went to the Paul Joseph Stadium for a Blues Fest! Of course, most of the acts were from the ship but Coco Montoya was the treat of the day. I don't know how he's sounded lately but he kicked butt!!!! Deanna Bogart was there and joined the cruise for the rest of the week. Back onboard the party continues with Harmonica blowoutw/Mark Hummel, Magic Dick and Billy Branch..Roomful of Blues hosted the jam, but I was done in..In bed by 1am....Hips, back all my body aching..dancing, walking..Hot bath felt GOOD!

  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: Blues Cruise Review

Jan 17th..Jane and Shred's B-day..in St. Kitts..I stayed on ship..I don't shop it was a short stop...Went to Sean Carney's BBQ..He won the IBC last year. Really nice guy and excellent player.Then Ruthie Foster, GO GIRL!,  Back for more Howlin Wolf Tribute and Smokin Joe....It was Shemekia Copelands turn to host the jam and she was sh*tfaced! Too funny..sang 1 song and said "I need some help" lol..No problem..there was never a shortage of players..Saw Roxanne Potvin..tiny girl with big talent!..I faded fast....Friday..YEAH..back onsea, party! Started the day with a panel discussion re Blues Societies..Excited to announce a 3rd category to the IBC next year..20 and under..You all know about my obsession with legacy so I'm very excited! Also learned the Handy's are in Mississippi this year and plan to continue to have them in different cities..so don't make plane to go to Memphis for them!..Then I went to a few "repeats", by choice..I should mention that even though I'm not saying it, Tab Benoit and the Wetlands tribute were always part of the jams. He is a pretty boy, yes, but he is a soulful, talented guitar player..(Notice the theme for me..Guitar players!!)..Finally his show was on the pool deck..George Porter, Waylon Tibodeaux, Cyril Neville, Jumpin Johnny Sansone and David Peters..Names from New Orlean's list of royalty...What elese can I say?....Then it was Tommy Castro's turn to host the jam..again, they all showed up to play..It's almost overwhelming......Sat..LAST DAY..crying in my cinnamon ice cream..clothes don't fit from all the chowing down!Went to my "Street Team " meeting (my only other one)..Then Michael Burks on the pool deck..I'm in heaven!..Love him and his band..met his wife, she's funny!...More Tab, then Taj Mahal& the Phantom Blues band..WOW...More Tommy and the final jam inside, which I missed..You have to have your luggage to be checked outside your cabin at 1am..went to shower, pack and, well, fell asleep!!! Woke up freezing in Ft. Lauderdale...

  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: Blues Cruise Review

I know I haven't done this experience justice but I did my best..Here's a list of Bands and performers..Taj Mahal & Phantom Blues Band, Irma Thomas, Tab Benoit and the Voice of the Wetlands, Roomful of Blues, Charlie Musselwhite, Tommy Castro Band, Shemekia Copeland, Mark Hummel's Harmonica Blowout, Theodis Ealey, Jimmy Thackery/Reba Russell, Terrance Simien, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Howlin Wolf Tribute Show, Smokin Joe Kubek w/B'nois King, Michael Burks, Ruthie Foster, Paul Oscher, Papa Mali, Sean Carney, Special Guests.Rosie Ldet, Morris Ledet, Billy Gibson, Harper (australian), Chick Willis (the stoopdown man)...Piano Bar Hosts..David Maxwell and Mitch Woods...Surprise Guests..Roxanne Potvin, Buddy Flett, Kal David, Deanna Bogart, Jellybean Johnson, Leon Blue (ancient but hitting on the ladies all the time!), Emcees..Jimmy Lynch and Scrap Iron, Commemorative artist Jamie Hayes and filmaker Robert Mugge........Not too shabby and explains why I say it's almost more than you can absorb!...Will I go again next January?..Planning on it!!! It's not cheap, but I think if you added the cost of seeing these acts on land, one at a time, and , include travel, meals, tickets etc...You can't beat it!  Like I said in the first post....there are piano bar people, Crow's nest people and Lido deckers like me...If you don't have a great time, it's your fault! Cathy

  • From: Charlotte
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 2,350

Re: Blues Cruise Review

Cathy you need a vacation from your vacation!   That is some lineup.  Non-stop party, music, food and great scenery.  Thanks for posting and sharing your experience...

Music is good for the Soul...
  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: Blues Cruise Review

THANK YOU CATHY!  It's good to have you back.

Much Love Jeff

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

bigjeffjones's Website

  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
  • Registered: 2006-04-24
  • Posts: 302

Re: Blues Cruise Review

WOW Cathy!!!  Welcome home.  I am exhausted just from reading your posts.  Sounds like it was a blast and a action packed cruise filled to the brim with incredible blues music??  Yeah, I too think you might need a vacation from your cruise.  Take care.

                               Barbara....

  • From: Wheeling, IL
  • Registered: 2006-12-07
  • Posts: 618

Re: Blues Cruise Review

Damn, girl! How did you pack so much into three short days? I got exhausted just reading all of it. Sounds like you had the trip of a lifetime. Got any pictures to share?

I'm just saying.
  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 3,742

Re: Blues Cruise Review

My god sis!!..you must have been taking some serious notes...I never would have remembered all that...thanks, those reviews were outstanding!

Dave

  • Registered: 2007-01-29
  • Posts: 569

Re: Blues Cruise Review

Wow Cathy, sounds like you had a great time! Those jams sound like fun!!

Mary

LOL-ler-tastic.