Page 58 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2012

The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise

Blues Cruisers of the

Next Generation

Multi-talented Cedric Burnside carries on the
Burnside family musical legacy
Ruthie Foster and band get the crowd going on deck Photo by Marilyn Stringer Photo by Marilyn Stringer
by irene Weaver
Featuring the revelry of new and old friends, delicious food,
beautiful amenities and amazing music, the Legendary Rhythm and
Blues Cruise is, well, legendary. Based on the west coast, I was
fortunate enough to catch the LRBC’s last trip departing from San
Diego to the Mexican Riviera, October 2011, as next year’s trip will
embark from Florida and boogie through the Caribbean. As a virgin
blues cruiser I was overwhelmed with the opportunities available on
board Holland America’s ms Zaandam.
Harmonizing the spectaculars of a festival, the luxury of a
cruise, the adventure of foreign lands and the community of spirited
bluesers, the LRBC creates a unique and special experience to thrill
any blues fan. Love that gritty blues jam sound? Stay awake ‘til
dawn and rock out as the musician gods onboard collaborate in the
LRBC’s Pro Jam sessions, mixing styles and band members to create
sounds that will blow your mind. Or wake up at dawn to catch the
end of the jam session, drink a cup of coffee as you befriend Taj
Mahal at the buffet, then swing into the fi tness center for a yoga
class or treadmill run. Prefer a concert setting? Loosen up in the
plush seats of the Mondriaan Show Lounge while drinking a cocktail
Girls With Guitars, Cassie Taylor, Samantha Fish, Dani Wilde and savoring the experience. Love to celebrate the festivities? Dress
Photo by Marilyn Stringer up for each night’s costume theme like Mardi Gras and join in the

58 Blues Festival Guide 2012