Page 92 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2019

A View from the Crow’s Nest

By Michele Lundeen Randy Oxford (trombone)
hosting Jamarama.
Photo by Kathy Rankin Photography

You never know who just might pop into a jam. This is
especially true at the Crow’s Nest Pro-Am Jamarama on the me a Pro-Am Jam host position on the 2007 October cruise.
Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise (LRBC). Many passengers Since then, I have stayed-the-course for the past 12 years and
are also musicians that sail each year to enjoy all the varied continue to host Jams and perform on LRBCs.
shows featuring their favorite artists, as well as for the All passengers are welcome to get on stage in the
opportunity to jam in the Crow’s Nest with a variety of other Crow’s Nest and take part in the Jams, regardless of their
like-minded players. There’s a chance to make magic, have level of musicianship. Many of the hired pros on the LRBC
fun, network and just plain strut your stuff. There’s also room to also participate, which creates a unique opportunity for both
dance, hang out and enjoy libations at the Crow’s Nest bar. amateurs and pros alike.
I was honored to be a host for the October 2018 LRBC The talent of the passengers on board never ceases
Crow’s Nest Jamarama where I met many wonderful and to amaze. I love hosting these Jams because I am always
talented folks – both players, some who were in the bands on surprised and blown away by moments that no one saw
board (even the cool B.B. King house band that was off-duty coming. It’s a kind of magic that you can never predict or
that week), and cruisers, who came to enjoy the unpredictable plan for. The Crow’s Nest also has an amazing panoramic
interactions that can materialize. For an audience member, I view of the ocean from the 12th deck that makes it even more
imagine it’s like having a backstage pass. Not only are there of a unique stage experience. Magic is in the air out at sea.
talented cruisers ready to jam, but pros also show up, which Bring your instruments with you when you sail on the LRBC,
adds to the excitement and ups the ante. and get ready to jam, or just sit back and enjoy the amazing
I reached out to a few Jamamara hosts and players to get shows and a life changing experience.” ⎯ Randy Oxford,
their take on the view from the Crow’s Nest. LRBC Jam Host/Performer www.oxfordentertainment.com
“My first experience on the LRBC was the 2006 inaugural “I’m a professional drummer and I own a graphics
West Coast Blues Cruise. I was on board as a passenger business. I connected with Roger Naber before his first West
and brought my trombone with me. I proceeded to jam with Coast Blues Cruise and did some graphics and banners for
everyone and anyone throughout the ship for the entire cruise the stages and backdrops. Roger has alternated cruisers and
and it changed my life. Soon after this first experience of professional artists on the LRBCs to host Jamarama. After that
bluesin’ on the high seas, LRBC CEO Roger Naber offered first year, Roger asked me to be a Jam host.

90 Blues Festival Guide 2019