Page 94 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2019

Dan Gorrell (lt), David “T” Tschirhart (ctr) and Harmonica Mike Handler (rt) jamming on “Pajama Night.” Photo by Hollie Alcocer

I always bring up a nationally known artist to start the “As one of the musicians who attends the Pro-Am Jams on
first set. I’ve had the opportunity to perform with some of the the Blues Cruises, I’m always amazed by the diversity and
best blues artists in the world. The cool thing is that there depth of the players on stage. Musicians, mostly seasoned
are national artists as well as regional artists on board, and band members or leaders in their own right, come out and
the Jamarama is a chance for everybody to get together and join in the fun – usually with total strangers – and it always
make music as well as memories. (well, almost always) works. Plus, we get the benefit of having
The Jamarama usually runs three to four hours. I recall a hosts like Randy Oxford, LA Smith, Billy Price and Michele
few years ago when we had a 10-hour jam as pro artists kept Lundeen sit in and make it real for all of us. I, myself, have
coming in and out. One night, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks written songs and played them at the Jams and made real
and most of their band played intermittently all the way to friends amongst the players. There’s a great listening vibe in
daybreak. I will never forget that. the room and positive feeling between the players and the
Due to some of my LRBC connections at the Jamarama, I’ve audience – many cruisers say the Jams are their favorite part
had the opportunity to connect with many artists and produce of their musical day. So, play on, jammers!”
the music and staging of the Baja Blues Fest.” ⎯ Harmonica Mike Handler, Blues Revue Band/Santa Fe, NM
⎯ Tom Stewart, Backwater Blues Band/San Diego, CA
“On my very first cruise, I was playing my bass in the Crow’s
“First, it’s an honor to be able to host a Jamarama. Most Nest, when it was time to switch drummers. The new drummer
of the jammers have been in bands or are in one now. It’s was Harold Brown of The Lowrider Band, whose playing
great to play with people from all over the world and see the I’ve admired since the early ‘70s. We shook hands, both
different influences they bring to the Jam. It’s also wonderful to admitting we were not really blues players, and proceeded
turn around and see one of the pros sitting in and being able to put a funk groove to everything we played. Afterwards,
to play with them. Of course, there is always one person who Harold invited my wife Sue and I to share a dinner table with
thinks they should be booked as the talent, and has to show him. There have been many musical encounters like this on
off. Seeing the young ones jamming is always fun to watch, two subsequent cruises. The late-night Jams are particularly
too. So much talent and so much fun!” magical… Bring your instrument! You will play!” ⎯ David “T”
⎯ Mike “Hurricane” Hoover/Baja, MX Tschirhart/Sterling Heights, MI www.davidtmusicandstuff.com

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