Page 69 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2013

s there such
I a thing as
“too much fun?”
Not when it
comes to hitching
your sails to the
wonderment of
the Legendary
Rhythm and Blues Cruise. I just sailed on
my ninth blues cruise in January 2013.
Sounds like a lot of `em but believe me
when I say, there are many who have been “Aussie Day” at the “Sunrise Party” with Australian
on more. blues cruisers Alan and Linda Crumlin and Archie (far

rt) along with Jim Campbell
Words cannot adequately describe Photo by Marsha Fabiano
what it’s like to spend seven days sailing
aboard this music festival. In preparation We did a special memorial at the Sunrise
for this adventure we commune on social Party for Michael, who was a favorite
media, plan costumes, parties and other among the cruisers since he sailed with
craziness. Aside from the incredible us several times. We made buttons in
music which kicks off around 10am his honor, sold them and gave Bobbie
and continues until the sun comes up, the proceeds. The party, hosted by Tab
as a repeat offender, the blues cruise Benoit, was dedicated to Michael but
experience is almost like a summer camp also was combined with Australia Day as
reunion. People from all over the world we had several Aussies on board. It was
amass to spend a fun-filled, music-filled quite a celebration up in the Crows Nest.
week together, over and over and over Returnees have a habit of telling the
again, year after year – sometimes two “Virgins,” or first-time cruisers, that this
times a year if you’re lucky. It’s a cruise experience will change their lives – and it
like no other. People ask, “What islands most certainly does. The people you meet,
do you go to?” to which I often answer, the friends you make, the places you see,
“I don’t know,” or, “who cares?” – it’s the experiences you have and the music
about the music. But we do stop at some you witness – well it’s all just too much fun!
wonderful ports where cruisers can either
enjoy more music or partake in a multitude Wendy Schumer currently resides in Portland,
of excursions. Oregon. She’s enjoying a second term as Vice
This cruise was a special one for President of the Cascade Blues Association.
several reasons, one of which was having She’s blessed to have been on nine, almost
Michael Burks widow, Bobbie, onboard. consecutive, LRBC cruises.

Sunrise Party” shenanigans with Tab Benoit in the Crows Nest Photo by Marsha Fabiano

Blues Festival Guide 2013 67