(SAN DIEGO, CA) – The afternoon after a packed sendoff party in the port town San Diego, Legendary Rhythm & Blues cruisers boarded the beautiful Holland ms Eurodam and prepared to set sail for the Mexican Riviera. The fun for us starts even in line seeing blues friends and artists and the anticipation of the music and adventure filled week ahead. Not only is there a stellar “wish list” lineup of artists, but there are also silent auctions, raffles, and more plus theme nights for those that want to participate. The first night was Hometown Blues where cruisers were encouraged to sport their favorite blues society, festival or blues club gear. It’s fun to see the various locations represented. The second day we were Bluesin’ At Sea and the Returnee and Virgin parties were a huge highlight in the AM.
By nightfall the theme was Blue Night and many showed off of variety of blue colored coloring and accessories, festive wigs and even blue toenails! This night our e-Guide editor Michele Lundeen was the Jamarama Host in the Crow’s Nest. The jam kicked off with Michele (aka the Queen of Steam) on vocals, Tom Stewart on drums, and the amazing Nick Schnebelen on guitar, jammers Erik Hoyer on keys, David followed by the B.B. King Blues Allstars, the amazing Eurodam house band that is off this week. Many other jammers played including bassist Ben White from the Boneshakers Band, keyboard man Mo Beeks (onboard with Debbie Davies), Aaron Chapman and more. Tuesday we arrived in Cabo San Lucas and two of our BFG staff (Kaati and Heather) headed off to swim with the dolphins. There are blues concerts shoreside in the afternoon. Music starts back up onboard at 4:30pm and tonite’s theme is Legendary Gear. We had a fun dinner in the dining room with Billy Branch and his wife Rosa, Mitch Woods, Marion Jacobs (Little Walter’s daughter) and her friend Elizabeth. Weds we arrived in Loreto and headed to shore to explore and catch some onshore blues. We shopped and relaxed in this quaint town and had lunch at a sidewalk cafe before dancing to Billy Branch & Sons band. We’re dressing up for the Halloween hoopla and parade this night and it’s sure to be wild!
La Paz is our next stop on Thurs Nov 1 where we’ll take the tinder to explore onshore some more before returning to the ship for a full evening of music plus an All Saints & Sinners Day (parade). By Friday we’ll be Bluesin’ At Sea again with music all day and night and the theme is Día de los Muertos! Michele will be hosting another jam (costume) and we’re anxious to see who pops in! Saturday we’re still at sea and it’s Toga Night!! Lots of warriors and goddesses no doubt!
By Sunday we’re back at port in San Diego carrying a boatload of memories of friends, music, camaraderie, and of exploring exotic locations… oh, and food!
A Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise is like no other and should be on every blues lover’s bucket list.
