Trying to Wrap My Head Around the Jam Cruise 15 Schedule
I am a Jam Cruise virgin. And I am looking at the schedule. And I am trying to understand how I won’t simply explode when there are four amazing bands performing — at the same time. In theory, I suppose, you could see five minutes of everything, all while getting a great workout, but that seems rather, well, impractical.
I get it: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. But it looks so tempting to wear myself to a frazzle in the first 36 hours on the Norwegian Pearl. I have been instructed that is definitely NOT recommended. But let’s take a wee glance at the schedule for Jam Cruise 15, January 20-25.
In addition to the stages on Pool Deck, Stardust Theater, Spinnaker Lounge and Crystal Atrium, there are two locations referred to as “elsewhere around the ship:” Bar City and Bliss Ultra Lounge. “Gotta put on my travelin’ shoes!”
FRIDAY
The cruise leaves port at 4 PM. First band to hit the stage? Turkuaz! My friend Pat says, “Friends don’t let friends miss Turkuaz!” Then you have Todd Stoops at the piano, followed by full-on madness including The Revivalists, The Soul Rebels, moe., Kamasi Washington, Break Science, Lebo & Friends, Beats Antique (Live), Cris Jacobs and DJ Soul Sister.
The Motet’s Gabe Mervine hosts the Jazz Lounge, and DJ Williams (KDTU) hosts the Jam Room. And I am really excited to see first-timers Big Something get to make a ton of new fans with their excellent blend of funky rock and much more.
SATURDAY
The Pool Deck comes alive at noon with Brothers Comatose, and the day just builds from there, with Kamasi Washington up again. Joey Porter takes his turn at Bar City on the piano (think I’m going to love that room). The lineup includes Twiddle, JoJo’s Mardi Gras Band, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Dopapod, Percy Hill, Neville Jacobs, Benevento Russo Duo, The Suffers, Nathan Moore, Manic Focus, magicgravy and Lettuce. Excited to see The Hip Abduction on board. Kamasi runs the Jazz Lounge while Steve Kimock commandeers the Jam Room.
SUNDAY
Those who are awake will disembark for Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Once back on board, The Motet will absolutely get the party started on the Pool Deck. Ivan Neville is in Bar City. The schedule is jammed with The Original Meters (oh, boy, oh, boy), Electric Beethoven, Galactic, GRiZ, Twiddle, David Shaw, Love Canon, Frequinox, Shook Twins, Deitch DJ set and Turkuaz. Steve Berlin is your Jazz Lounge Host, with Ed Williams in the Jam Room.
MONDAY
Same morning routine as Sunday, except this time the port is Grand Cayman Island. The Soul Rebels get first dibs on the Pool Deck, and after that all hell breaks loose: JoJo’s band, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Lettuce, The Motet, moe., Break Science, Big Something, MOORE, Nate Wilson, Manic Focus and Al Schnier. And smoke this: Stanton Moore at the helm of the Jazz Lounge and George Porter, Jr., directing the Jam Room.
TUESDAY
Back at sea, music starts at noon with Love Canon and The Hip Abduction. How about the Positive Legacy Celebration with Everyone Orchestra and the Nikki Glaspie Super Jam? The Revivalists, GRiZ, Beats Antique (Live), Kimock and Lebo, The Suffers, DJ Soul Sister, Galactic and Percy Hill are part of the insanity. JoJo is at the piano, members of Turkuaz are in the Jazz Lounge, and Borahm Lee runs the Jam Room.
WEDNESDAY
What do you mean I have to get off?
When can I get back on?
Oh.
