The Wait is Over! Jam Cruise 19 Announces Highly-Anticipated Lineup
[Feature Photo Credit: Josh Timmermans, Jam Cruise 2020]
Like an earthquake, the seismic waves of joy emitted by jam fans everywhere seconds after Jam Cruise 19 announced its long-awaited lineup could be felt around the world. Headlined by fusion jam masters Umphrey’s McGee, the billing embodies the very meaning of Jam with a mix of genre stalwarts, Jam Cruise regulars, rising stars, and one-of-a-kind collaborations that only Jam Cruise can produce. With more than 40 acts on the lineup, the best party on the high seas is set to sail out of Miami, FL February 6-12.
Joining Umphrey’s McGee will be iconic British funk fusion band Cymande and Vulfpeck offshoot The Fearless Flyers, made up of Vulpeck bassist Joe Dart, frequent Vulpeck collaborator Cory Wong, Grammy-nominated drummer Nate Smith, and Snarky Puppy guitarist Mark Lettieri. And this is just the start. Also sharing top spots are Oteil & Friends featuring Steve Kimock, Eric Krasno, Jason Crosby, Jennifer Hartswick and Johnny Kimock; The Word featuring John Medeski, Robert Randolph, Luther Dickinson, Cody Dickinson, Rayfield and “RayRay” Holloman; and the Super Jam, hosted by Dave Watts, drummer and founder of The Motet.
Further down the bill, more monumental collaborations are in store including bass legend and member of The Meters George Porter Jr. and Dumpstaphunk playing The Meters and the Allman Brothers-inspired alliance Trouble No More featuring Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, Daniel Donato, Dylan Niederauer, Jack Ryan, Nikki Glaspie, Lamar Williams Jr., Peter Levin, and Roosevelt Collier. Plus, this being Jam Cruise, there is no telling what impromptu jams might arise at any given moment.
Many household names and rising stars from the worlds of jam, funk, soul, R&B, and livetronica will also be there to thrill Jam Cruisers, as attendees are called, with the unexpected. Jam Cruise regulars Galactic featuring Anjelika ‘Jelly’ Joseph, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, and Lettuce will be back along with up-and-comers Andy Frasco & The U.N., Neal Francis, SunSquabi, Polyrhythmics, Butcher Brown, The Sweet Lillies, Doom Flamingo, and Dogs In A Pile, among many others.
Giving fans more of what they love, Jam Cruise has been expanded from its usual five nights to six with stops in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and two days at private island Ocean Cay in the Bahamas. Music and activities specially curated for attendees go literally around the clock aboard the luxurious MSC Divina, a favorite ship chartered by Jam Cruise producers Cloud 9 Adventures, a Florida-based destination events company.
Jam Cruise stands apart from most festival experiences in that there is very little separation between artists and fans. With eight unique stages to explore, attendees can take advantage of unique offerings such as Masters Camp at Sea classes led by renowned musicians and other artist-hosted activities. Cruiser favorites Brews at Sea and Chefs at Sea will return, showcasing a variety of breweries and guest chefs from around the country. Wellness at Sea provides an opportunity for Cruisers to engage in daily yoga, zen workshops, and mindfulness classes. Ah, yes. Let’s not forget theme nights, both official and unofficial, where costumed Jam Cruisers can let their inner children run free. [Ed. note: Free? Hog wild, more like!]
What’s more, fans can take part in service projects staged by Positive Legacy, a non-profit organization integrating music and service into the Jam Cruise experience. Positive Legacy initiatives work to positively impact the environment, offset the carbon footprint of traveling, and support the local communities who welcome Jam Cruise to their shores. With an annual Day of Service while in port and onboard activities, Positive Legacy is able to raise funds to further their charitable efforts.
Now in its 19th year, Jam Cruise was put on hold after its last sailing in 2020 in an abundance of caution due to the unpredictability of the Covid-19 pandemic. By the time Jam Cruise 19 takes place, it will be three long years since Jam Cruisers last gathered together on the ship. Many make the experience a destination event year after year and put deposits down back in 2020 to hold their place on Jam Cruise 19. The cruise has sold out in years past and is expected to do so again. So, those who haven’t pre-booked should jump on any packages that become available to the general public on May 12 at 11 a.m. ET. For more information and how to book, click on the links below.
Jam Cruise 19
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