Jam Cruise Schedule: Dos, Don’ts & Suggestions
We’re less than two weeks and change from hopping on Jam Cruise 22. We want to share some notes for brand-new cruisers, those relatively new, and frankly anyone else interested in our rantings and ravings. Here goes.
First and foremost, this is most definitely a marathon and not a sprint. Pace yourself so that you enjoy each and every day. You will NOT be able to see every show; we know; we’ve tried. You need to devise a plan for YOU. Each of us will have our own plans.
There are four main stages (Pool Deck, Pantheon Theater, Black & White Lounge, and Atrium) and four smaller stages (Brews at Sea, Garden Pool Deck, Galaxy Disco, and Golden Jazz Lounge/Pickin’ Lounge. And The Spot. Ask veterans to show you that late-night hang.
“Conflicts? I’ve had a few….” We all have them, different ones. Given that most performers have two sets on board, you should be able to work out most of them.
New Year’s Eve marked the last show of The New Mastersounds’ Ta-Ta for Now U.S. Tour. You have the opportunity to hear them… twice!
GEOLEO means George Porter Jr. and Leo Nocentelli of The Meters, joined by Ivan Neville and Stanton Moore.
Everyone Orchestra is a collective built by band director Matt Butler drawing from all the musicians on board for a special performance on Day 4 this year. Always spectacular!
This year’s superjam will be lead by vocalist Sammi Garett and guitarist and keyboard master Craig Brodhead of Cool Cool Cool. They have been integral parts of the last several superjams and numerous other sit-ins. Their bandmates Greg Sanderson and Chris Brouwers and former mate Josh Schwartz are also on board; you know them as The Horn Section.
Don’t care about the undercard? Want to just see the big names? You can do that, but it is really not recommended. There is so much glittering treasure on every stage throughout the ship. Try some new things along with your old standbys and bands you’ve always wanted to see.
With that, here is a guideline to a dozen bands and performers who may not be familiar to you, most on their first cruise.
BALTHVS
This psychedelic funk trio from Colombia has been performing for six years. They were stunning at Suwannee Hulaween in October.
Chalk Dinosaur
This Pittsburgh band dials up some superb live electronic music.
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
This young killer blues player straight outta Clarksdale has already taken the blues world by storm as a fine guitar player and storyteller.
Diggin Dirt
Brilliant band from Northern California tore it up several years ago on the boat, and they are bringing back their deep R&B, funk, rock, and reggae.
Fireside Collective
Asheville is donating this eclectic newgrass jam band for us to enjoy!
Flying Mojito Bros
Great DJ duo delivers disco desert and outlaw house. Now there’s a combo!
Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge
18-year-old guitar slinger and singer and her band rock out hard! They were impressive at Hulaween.
Grateful at Sea
We interpret this as a project for Lebo (Dan Lebowitz of A.L.O.), who also has a solo show and the much-anticipated Lebo’s Yacht Rock set.
High Fade
This Scottish band is a “high-energy funk rock band,” and they kicked ass at Hulaween.
Kendall Street Company
Looking forward to seeing this Charlottesville “genre-fluid eclectic rock ensemble.”
Lachy Doley
The Australian wildman abuses his Hammond B3 and his WHAMMY clavinet. He only has three other U.S. shows this year, on either side of JC.
Parlor Greens
This will take some ’splainin’.
Adam Scone is a brilliant Hammond B3 with a resume a mile thick, including Sugarman 3, Lou Donaldson, Lee Fields, JJ Grey & Mofro, and numerous others. He leads his own excellent Scone Cash Players organ trio.
Drummer Tim Carman also has deep experience, from GA-20 and Canyon Lights to the Tim Carman Trio and now Parlor Greens.
Jimmy James is an extraordinary guitarist who blew us down with the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio and then True Loves. He is a true monster. You’ll see… and hear.
See you all on the 7th!
